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Based on the new Ferrari 296 GTB, the 296 GT3 is meant for the world of motorsports. It will be a successor to the 488 GT3 which has been in commission since 2016. The new racecar will make its debut in the 2023 Daytona 24 Hours. Being a track-only car, it gets rid of many creature comforts in favour of enhancing performance and keeping the driver focused on only one thing, driving.
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Ferrari has always produced some of the most stunning pieces of machinery on four wheels and the 296 GT3 is no exception. While the regular 296 GTB looks great, it is devoid of any drama that will instantly catch the attention of onlookers. The 296 GT3 has plenty of vents, scoops and fins to make it stand out from the crowd. These design changes also have a functional purpose as the 296 GT3 generates 20 per cent more aerodynamic downforce than the 488 GT3.
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At the front, one can see that the headlamp design is similar to that of the road-going car. While the hood of the 296 GTB is largely smooth and undisturbed by any slats or scoops, such is not the case with the 296 GT3. It even gets a couple of vents on top of the wheel arches at the front. There are two fins on either side and the lower edge of the car is basically a large splitter.
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A new addition to the 296 GT3 is the large spoiler at the back which the road-going 296 GTB does not have. Beyond this obvious change, one can also see two round tailpipes sticking out of the back of the vehicle. In the 296 GTB, there is a single exhaust port at the centre but that has been replaced with a light unit and the exhaust pipes are positioned on either side.
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Another change in the 296 GT3, compared to the 296 GTB is the increase in wheelbase. While the 296 GTB has a wheelbase of 2,600mm but the track machine stretches it to 2,660mm. The 296 GT3 rides on newly-designed Rotiform 18-inch forged wheels made specifically for this car. Inside them are the new brake discs, 400mm at the front and 332mm at the rear. The front brakes get a new 6-piston calliper while the rear units get a four-piston calliper.
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The 296 GT3 comes with a mid-rear mounted V6 engine with a turbocharger but no electric motor assistance like the one seen on the road-going model. The engine block has been moved forward and lower to have a lower centre of gravity and improve the torsional rigidity. The 3.0-litre engine can produce a peak power output of about 592bhp and peak torque is around 710Nm. Ferrari has paired a 6-speed gearbox with a single clutch. The clutch actuation and gear changes are electronic. The traditional clutch pedal is replaced by a control on the steering wheel.
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The Ferrari 296 GT3 gets a lightweight aluminium chassis that puts lesser amount of stress on the tyres as well. Even the new suspension setup has been engineered to provide better stability at high speeds while not compromising on tyre life. A lot of thought has gone into making the car last longer in races and reducing the time during repairs and pitstops. Many of the components have been placed in easy to reach locations.
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The cabin of the car has been designed with input from factory drivers and customers. According to the company, it is now easier to find a comfortable seating position and all the necessary controls are well within reach of the driver. One can steer the 296 GT3 with an F1-style steering wheel that has a number of buttons on it. A pair of digital screens on the dashboard present the driver with a whole host of information related to the car, the track and more.
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