The final of the 2023 Ferrari Challenge one-make series has now concluded at the Mugello Circuit, marking the end of the Ferrari 488 Challenge driver line-up. Originally launched in 2017 before the Evo's 2020 overhaul, the model has now reached the end of its life, and the new successor to the Ferrari 296 Challenge is set to debut in the 2024 season, as the ninth model in the series' history.
Although based on the 296 GTB road car, it shared several elements with its highly successful sibling, the GT3 race car, making it a promising replacement for the 488 Challenge car.
After making its public debut on the eve of this year's Finali Mondiali event, the 296 Challenge ditches the road car's hybrid assistance for a less complicated pure combustion approach. Unlike the 3.9-liter V8 of its predecessor, it has the same 3-liter 120-degree turbocharged V6 as the GTB road car (and the 296 GT3, for that matter), sending 681bhp and 546 lb-ft to the rear wheels – although that's 20bhp more than the 488 Challenge Evo, torque down 14 lb-ft.
Bearing in mind that the GT3 is limited to 592bhp by regulations, the 296 Challenge's pure combustion output of 681bhp is the most of any F163 V6 version – torque remains at 546 lb-ft. The road car is capable of producing 654bhp (although that adds 165bhp from hybrid boost for a total of 819bhp). To achieve these new power figures, Ferrari has increased boost, changed calibration, and reduced exhaust backpressure by 30 percent on the road car thanks to the removal of the Gas Particulate Filter and Tubi Style exhaust.
Ferrari says the model was designed with performance and consistency in mind, implementing similar solutions to those found on the 296 GT3 launched last year – considering the car's incredible success at the Nürburgring 24 Hours, this is no bad thing. Although it does not use a hybrid system in its road cars, the brand also applies the latest technology from its road cars, including the EVO Track ABS to improve braking performance in racing conditions.
The overall design isn't as extreme as the high-downforce, dramatically built GT3, but the Challenge still features plenty of track-specific upgrades to the exterior. A pair of canards, a more aggressive splitter, rear wing, side skirts, and diffuser all contribute to a peak downforce figure of 870kg at 155mph, the highest of any Ferrari Challenge car so far. Unique front and rear bumpers, a ventilated hood, and a mesh rear bumper similar to those found on the 296 GT3 are also present for cooling.
Chassis changes haven't been revealed, but a complete geometry overhaul is evident, with Rotiform wheels tucked further into their arches and significant negative camber relief. Each car will also be equipped with a set of new 19-inch Pirelli tires developed specifically for the Challenge model. In addition to the ABS EVO Track system, the new CCM-R PLUS disc brakes are also said to improve braking performance and consistency for long stints on the track.
With standard glass, unnecessary interior gubbins, and the hybrid system removed, the weight now stands at 1,330kg (dry), 140kg less than the road car. Not only that, Ferrari also had to add more cooling solutions and a 12V starter motor to the pure combustion Challenge.
The new Ferrari 296 Challenge will hit the track next year in the European and North American series and will cost each driver €318k plus VAT and racing fees.
