Ferrari has pulled the wraps off the new Ferrari Challenge at the 2023 Ferrari Finali Mondiali. The new 296 Challenge is the first-ever model in the Challenge series with a 6-cylinder engine. The 296 Challenge is based on the 296 GTB and carries substantial power, aero and vehicle dynamics modifications.
The Ferrari 296 Challenge is the ninth model to be launched in the history of Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli and the first one with a 6-cylinder engine. Powering the 296 Challenge is the heavily modified iteration of the 296 GTB’s 2996cc 6-cylinder engine, barring the hybrid assistance.
By removing the hybrid system, Ferrari managed to shed its weight by 140kg. The engine puts out 700PS, extracting 234PS/litre which is a new record for its segment. The engine makes 37PS more power than the 296 GTB thanks to modifications such as 10% higher turbo speed, increased boost pressure and a more linear exhaust design, which reduces the back pressure by 30%. Ferrari has also removed the gasoline particulate filter (GPF) from the 296 Challenge while retaining the highly-permeable catalytic converter.
In terms of aerodynamics, the Ferrari 296 Challenge borrows its aero elements from the 296 GT3. Ferrari claims that the 296 Challenge offers unprecedented downforce that has been made possible thanks to an S-Duct which channels air to the radiator and a swan-neck rear wing. At 250kmph, the 296 Challenge can produce 870kg of downforce, which is an 18% increase over the 488 Challenge Evo.
Braking duties are handled by new CCM-R PLUS discs comprising 408mm discs at the front and 390mm at the rear, which use technology derived from the most extreme track applications. Ferrari claims that the new disc brakes offer a 100% increase in durability and a 3 times improvement in thermal conductivity.
The Ferrari 296 Challenge also runs on exclusive tyres, developed by Perreri after a year of development. The specially designed tyres offer better turn-in grip, lower wear and greater consistency over the course of a race. As a combined result, the new 296 Challenge is 2 seconds faster around the Mugello circuit than the previous 488 Challenge Evo racecar.
Like the rest of their specially-made racecars, Ferrari offers a couple of optional equipment with the 296 Challenge as well. These options include a passenger seat, should the driver wish to give a friend a thrilling shotgun experience at the race track and exhaust silencers for tracks with noise level restrictions.