Back in March, Ferrari teased its forthcoming FIA Cup Grand Touring Cars Championship race car, and while that reveal provided a surprising amount of info on the marque’s next GT3 class racer, the Prancing Horse has now fully revealed its newest factory-built race car with the Ferrari 296 GT3.
Successor to the 488 GT3 EVO, the 296 GT3 is based on Ferrari’s existing 296 GTB supercar and features an all-new V6 engine platform. Mated to an all-new, paddle-shifted, single-disc clutch, six-speed Xtrac gearbox that was designed specifically for the 296 GT3, this 3.0-liter V6 packs a pair of 123-kW (165-hp) YASA MGU-K Axial flux electric motors that the engine’s twin turbochargers spooled up and help it to achieve some 600hp and 525ft-lbs of torque. The Ferrari’s immense power is also kept in check via a state-of-the-art electronics package that’s run through a Bosch Motorsport MS7 control unit.
The most noticeable difference between the GTB and GT3 versions of the 296 is undoubtedly the latter model’s bodywork. Crafted entirely from carbon fiber, the bodywork on the car has been supplemented via a state-of-the-art aero kit with a massive front splitter, ultra-pronounced side skirts, a huge rear diffuser, an extended rear wing, LM-style mirrors, vented flared front fenders, and rear fender flares with an intake port that channels cool air to the brakes and gearbox. As a track-only race car, the 296 GT3’s frame has also been reinforced and optimized for the track, gaining an aluminum roof and a cutting-edge double wishbone suspension setup. Other highlights include custom Rotiform wheels, race-grade brakes, and a gutted FIA-spec interior with a full roll cage, Lexan windows, a carbon fiber GT3-style multifunction steering wheel, an adjustable pedal set, and Sabelt race seats, harnesses, and window nets.
The Ferrari 296 GT3 is already in production, being built by racing specialist Oreca in Signes, France. The Gt3 class racer is currently undergoing on-track testing and will make its official competition debut next year in the 2023 FIA Cup Grand Touring Cars Championship.
