On August 1, Ferrari officially released its latest model built for GT racing - the 296 GT3. The new car will continue to use a mid-rear 6-cylinder engine layout, while the chassis and dynamic performance have been completely redesigned, with downforce significantly improved compared to the 488 GT3. The new car will be officially unveiled at the 2023 Daytona 24 Hours.
In terms of appearance, the new car adds aerodynamic devices and track version configurations to the mass-produced model. By reducing the sensitivity to chassis height and redesigning the aerodynamic configuration on the basis of meeting certification requirements, the handling performance and driving maneuverability of the new car are improved. After styling optimization work, the downforce of the new car has increased by 20% compared with the previous model.
From the body to the rear wing attachment, the geometry of all components has been carefully designed under different operating conditions and aerodynamic interactions to further optimize the model's performance and ensure that the car can perform well in different racing scenarios, even against other cars. Stable driving performance can also be achieved in close-range racing situations. From the front splitter to the rear exhaust fan equipped with a complex three-dimensional diffuser, the Ferrari 296 GT3 significantly reduces wind resistance with its optimized overall design.
Compared with the road sports car version, the Ferrari 296 GT3 has a longer wheelbase as permitted by regulations. The suspension design of the model is different from that of the Ferrari 488 GT3, with exclusive kinematic characteristics and structural characteristics. Double wishbones in the front and rear suspension ensure grip even at high speeds while keeping tire pressures as low as possible, helping to extend the life of the tires and improve their performance and reliability. The suspension, like the anti-roll bars, has the widest possible range of settings to give the rider the ideal setup. The braking system has also been completely upgraded, equipped with newly designed brake calipers and brake discs (the front brake disc size is 400 mm). As a partner of Ferrari, Rotiform has developed a new forged wheel specifically for the Ferrari 296 GT3. The new Rotiform design will become the exclusive wheel hub for all original Ferrari 296 GT3 professional racing cars.
While adhering to the design essence of the Ferrari 488 GT3, the Ferrari 296 GT3 is also equipped with a new aluminum chassis. The new car's chassis is extremely lightweight, allowing for better and more efficient cabin weight management. Thanks to complex simulation tests and innovative technology and research on alloys and materials, the safety architecture of the racing car has been carefully designed.
In terms of interior, compared with the Ferrari 488 GT3, the Ferrari 296 GT3 has a completely new cockpit. Many controls and function buttons have been moved to a new steering wheel inspired by F1 single-seater racing cars. At the same time, the Sabelt seat positionEnsures clear vision day or night. The cockpit of the Ferrari 296 GT3 brings a new and upgraded comfort experience to drivers of different body shapes and heights. Drivers can find their own comfortable sitting position through adjustable pedals and steering wheels. The air conditioning system and airflow within the cabin provide adequate ventilation in any environment.
The launch of the Ferrari 296 GT3 heralds the return of the 6-cylinder engine Ferrari racing car to the track. However, in order to comply with technical regulations, the new car is not equipped with the electric motor unit installed in the 296 GTB. However, the 120° V-shaped design, equal ignition spacing, and turbochargers arranged inside the V-shaped structure of the Ferrari 296 GTB road sports car have all been introduced into the new car's V6 internal combustion engine. As the core of Ferrari's design, the engine is located further forward and lower in this racing car than in road sports cars. Compared with the Ferrari 488 GT3, the torsional rigidity of the new car has been increased by about 10%.
The engine becomes lighter and more compact due to the elimination of external air headers and external brackets. Due to the reduction in volume, the fluid dynamics in the cylinder are further optimized and the air intake efficiency is improved. Ferrari has tuned the engine's in-cylinder fluid dynamics and specific components developed for the track version of the powertrain to ensure the car's performance, reliability and driving control in both "sprint" and "endurance" competitions.
Ferrari has developed a new gearbox specifically for the new car, using a single-disc clutch with six gears and a transverse layout to achieve better aerodynamic performance and weight distribution. The electronically driven clutch can be controlled from the steering wheel, eliminating the need for mechanical manipulation using foot pedals. In addition, the new car is also equipped with an electronic shifting mechanism. Thanks to the miniaturization of components and the use of high-quality materials, the Xtrac transmission is able to reduce weight as much as possible, ensuring even more outstanding performance.
For the design of the Ferrari 296 GT3, Ferrari engineers focused on improving the speed tracking of the car during the race and in preparation for the race. The Ferrari 296 GT3 is equipped with more controllable and flexible mechanical components, making it easier to change settings than previous models. Inspections related to the engine or main auxiliary systems are also made easier, thus reducing the time spent on intervention operations. Thanks to the use of a series of equipment and solutions, the front and rear parts of the car have suffered any losses that affect aerodynamics or performance. Replacement can be completed in seconds, ensuring the car is back on the track quickly.
According to the "Hot List" data of Bitauto App, Ferrari 296 has an average daily attention of 5214, ranking 19th among competing products of the same level. If you need more data, please check it out on Bitauto App.
Editor: Zhu Yuxiang