On the eve of the Finali Mondiali, which take
place at the Mugello Circuit between October 24 and 30, Ferrari will present
the 296 Challenge, the ninth model in the history of the Ferrari Challenge
Trofeo Pirelli.
Due to debut in the Europe and
North America series in the 2024 season, the 296 Challenge introduces a slew of
new features with respect to the Ferrari 488 Challenge Evo and, in certain
respects, is a revolutionary design.
The new 296 Challenge is the
embodiment of an innovative new philosophy that has seen far-reaching work
carried out on the road car to optimise its specifications for track use. Both
in terms of performance and lap consistency throughout a race, the 296
Challenge rewrites the parameters of the Prancing Horse single-make series,
offering solutions that closely mirror the specifications of the 296 GT3, which
made its debut this season.
Derived from the 296 GTB, the 296
Challenge ushers in substantial modifications on the power unit, aero and
vehicle dynamics fronts, all aimed at guaranteeing maximum performance on the
track. It is the first car in the history of the championship to be powered by
a 120-degree V6: the new model sports the 2992cc twin turbo engine without the
hybrid component, a choice also made for the 296 GT3. The engine unleashes 700
cv with maximum torque of 740 Nm, with the result that the 296 Challenge sets a
new power record for the segment with 234 cv/l.
The 296 Challenge’s aero
package delivers downforce figures unprecedented in the single-make series’
history, ensuring the maximum efficiency in all conditions. In fact, the 296 Challenge
generates in excess of 870 kg of downforce at 250 km/h with the spoiler at its
maximum angle of attack.
The car sees the debut of ABS
EVO Track, a specific adaptation of the innovative system introduced for the
first time on the 296 GTB. With the addition of new CCM-R PLUS brake discs, both
braking performance and consistency are improved. New, specifically-developed Pirelli
19” tyres have also made a substantial contribution to the car’s handling and performance.