Ferrari 296 GT3 racer debuts with 700 HP, ready for Le Mans 2023

The famed prancing horse marque has unwrapped its next generation GT3 race car, and it is based upon its 296 GTB PHEV sportscar. Replacing the current contender, the Ferrari 488 GT3, Ferrari has set its sights to have this new 296 GT3 compete at next year’s Le Mans 24 Hours too.

Unlike the production car it’s based upon, this GT3 competition version makes do without any of the electrified systems. Instead, the Ferrari 296 GT3 harnesses a 3.0-litre V6 mill brimmed with twin-turbochargers in between its wide 120-degree cylinder banks.

Fun fact: This is Ferrari’s first mid-engined V6 racecar since the famed 246 SP that competed in sportscar racing through the 1960s at the hands of famed drivers such as Phil Hill and Richie Ginther.

Said mill generates 600 HP and 710 NM of twist (before BoP is applied), both driving the rear wheels exclusively through a new 6-speed sequential racing gearbox. Compared to the road car it underpins, this GT3 version’s engine is positioned further forward and lower, which in turn lowers the centre of gravity and increases torsional rigidity by 10%, according to Ferrari.

Like its predecessor the 488 GT3, the 296 GT3 rides on an all-aluminium chassis. Its bodywork, on the other hand, is the most improved component as it offers 20% more downforce than the 488 GT3 it replaces. It also rolls on 18-inch wheels wrapped in 292mm (front) and 320mm (rear) wide race tyres.

As for brakes, the Ferrari 296 GT3 employs massive two 400mm rotors up front plus a pair of 332mm rotors at the rear, all grabbed by six- and four-piston calipers respectively. As for suspension, the 296 GT3 boasts double wishbones on both ends that are brimmed with tubular steel suspension arms, aluminium uprights, as well as a five-level adjustable damping.

Other key features present on board the stripped-out cabin include the all-important roll cage and race harnesses, adjustable pedals, as well as an air conditioning unit – a rather uncommon kit in most racecars.

Altogether, the 296 GT3 tips the scale at just 1,250 KG sans driver and fuel, meaning we can expect it to command serious speeds and agility when raced in the hands of its AF Corse works efforts. Its competition debut is slated to take place at the upcoming Daytona 24 Hours event early next year.

For discerning privateers and gentleman drivers, expect the Ferrari 296 GT3 to command a higher price tag than the outgoing 488 GT3. The latter reportedly carried a starting price tag of US$600,000 – approx. RM2,670,900) when it first became available to said lot.