Press release
165KB
october 30, 2023 - Ferrari
Ferrari | 296 Challenge: wraps are off the new Ferrari Challenge contender
Ferrari has unveiled the 296 Challenge, which will make its debut in the 2024 season of the Ferrari Challenge, at the Mugello Circuit during the Finali Mondiali. The new car is the ninth model fielded by Ferrari in the history of its single-make championship, which is now in its 32nd season.
The car represents a tangible step forward for the company’s single-make series: the progressive improvement in quality and competitiveness of the drivers taking part worldwide meant that the 296 Challenge development team were able to make even more radical modifications to the original model than would have been the case in the past, making full use of Ferrari’s unparalleled experience in the motorsport world. Although still very much in the tradition of the cars Ferrari has developed over the years for gentlemen drivers, the 296 Challenge draws more on the experience built up with its racing counterpart, the 296 GT3, than previous models, thus also targeting drivers with ambitions for a future in GT racing.
The philosophy underpinning the 296 Challenge demanded an evolution of the concept behind the Ferrari Challenge competition model. It represents a further step on from a production-derived car with relatively modest modifications, to a car with a number of important revisions to optimise its track use. This paradigm shift allowed the design team to create a model that is, in certain respects, extreme and that significantly raises the bar in terms of overall performance, as well as in its consistency and repeatability throughout test sessions or races.
The 296 Challenge is the very first car in the single-make series to sport a V6 engine - all of the previous models used in the series were powered by V8 engines. The biggest change over the 296 GTB, in line with the development of the 296 GT3, is that the hybrid powertrain was removed to reduce weight, while the power output was increased to 700 cv, resulting in a record specific power output for the segment - 234 cv/l. In terms of aerodynamics, the Challenge car adopts solutions derived from the 296 GT3 which have been developed to new extremes, yielding unprecedented downforce figures.
These were achieved with contributions from the S-Duct, which draws air into the central radiator and then channels it out through a vent on the bonnet, the swan-neck rear wing layout (another element that harks back to the development of the 296 GT3), and a series of devices that maximise the stability of the downforce generated in different trim conditions.
The braking system was also completely redesigned with the first-ever adoption of new CCM-R PLUS discs, which use technology derived from the most extreme track applications. The introduction of this innovation together with the circuit-specific evolution of the ABS EVO Track used on the 296 GTB, has delivered previously unimaginable braking performance and repeatability. New Pirelli tyres specifically developed for the model also contribute to this achievement. The 296 Challenge is 2” faster around Mugello than the previous model, the 488 Challenge Evo, which was presented at the 2019 Finali Mondiali at Mugello and debuted in the 2020 season. Significantly, the 296 Challenge can also deliver that performance consistently throughout an entire race.
POWERTRAIN
At the very start of the development process, it was decided to remove the hybrid elements from the V6 powertrain as per the 296 GT3. The electric motor and high voltage battery were eliminated and power output of the twin-turbo V6 was boosted to 700 cv. This approach helped limit the car’s weight and the complexity of the overall unit, both fundamental factors for track applications.
The new architecture led to the development of a more linear exhaust line located in the upper part of the engine compartment. The shape of the exhaust reduces back pressure by 30% and provides a significant contribution to the increase in power. The Gasoline Particulate Filter (GPF) used on the road car has been removed, but the highly permeable catalytic converter normally used in racing remains.
Compared to the road-going engine, the Challenge specification sees a number of modifications to capitalise on the lower back pressure. The maximum speed of the turbos has been increased by 10% to 180,000 rpm, increasing the turbo boost pressure by the same amount, and the spark advance has been anticipated, providing a slight increase in pressure in the combustion chamber. The result is a 37 cv increase in power compared to the road-going 296 GTB and GTS, with the same maximum torque output, slightly lower in the rev range.
The increase in the V6’s power output required additional thermal protection in the engine bay with specific turbo insulation. Removing the hybrid elements also led to the introduction of an air-con compressor and a 12-volt starter motor, both driven by the crankshaft via a dedicated belt, fulfilling the dual function of starting the engine and charging the 12V electrical system.
Thanks to its new 234 cv/l specific power output, the 296 Challenge’s ICE sets a new record for a road-derived Ferrari and demonstrates just how central technology transfer – from road to race, and race to road - is to Ferrari in order to constantly develop its products.
Further information in the press release to download
FERRARI 296 CHALLENGE DETAIL FRONT HIGH
8256x5504, 6MB
FERRARI 296 CHALLENGE DETAIL REAR ENGINE
8256x5504, 4MB
FERRARI 296 CHALLENGE DETAIL WHEEL
8256x5504, 3MB
FERRARI 296 CHALLENGE DETAIL WING 2
8256x5504, 2MB
FERRARI 296 CHALLENGE FRONT 34 HIGH
8256x5492, 5MB
FERRARI 296 CHALLENGE FRONT 34 LEFT
8256x5504, 4MB
FERRARI 296 CHALLENGE FRONT 34 RIGHT
8256x5504, 4MB
FERRARI 296 CHALLENGE FRONT 78
8256x5504, 5MB
FERRARI 296 CHALLENGE FRONT LOW
8256x5504, 4MB
FERRARI 296 CHALLENGE INTERIOR 01
3413x1920, 9MB
FERRARI 296 CHALLENGE INTERIOR 02
3413x1920, 9MB
FERRARI 296 CHALLENGE REAR 34 HIGH
8256x5504, 4MB
FERRARI 296 CHALLENGE REAR 34
8256x5504, 4MB
FERRARI 296 CHALLENGE REAR 78
8256x5504, 6MB
FERRARI 296 CHALLENGE REAR HIGH
8256x5504, 7MB
FERRARI 296 CHALLENGE REAR LOW
8256x5504, 6MB
FERRARI 296 CHALLENGE SIDE
8256x5504, 5MB
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