Ferrari has unveiled official pictures of the 296 Challenge, a racing car designed for the Ferrari Challenge championships. This machine is derived from the Ferrari 296 and is strictly for the racetrack; it isn't street-legal.
The 296 Challenge boasts enhanced aerodynamics and ditches the electric motor in favor of a gasoline-only powertrain.
With increasingly stringent emissions regulations around the world, creating high-performance vehicles powered solely by traditional engines is getting tougher.
Even top-tier sports car manufacturers like Ferrari have had to incorporate hybrid systems into their models. A prime example is the 296 GTB and its convertible counterpart, the 296 GTS.
However, the 296 Challenge sets itself apart by relying on a pure gasoline V6 engine without any hybrid assistance. Being exclusively a track car, it bypasses road emissions regulations.
As a result, this car is set to compete in the Ferrari Challenge championships.
The exterior of the 296 Challenge showcases an extreme aerodynamic package. It features prominent front vents and fixed airfoils on both sides to significantly boost front-end downforce, enhancing cornering and high-speed stability.
The large front lip has a design resembling fangs, giving the front end a menacing appearance.
On the car's sides, a vibrant red and white racing livery adorned with numerous sponsor logos catches the eye.
The 19-inch lightweight wheels are shod with high-performance Pirelli tires, complemented by carbon ceramic brakes. The ABS system has been specially upgraded for racing applications.
At the rear, the car is equipped with a sizable fixed spoiler, and complex fixed airfoils on both sides, along with a substantial diffuser. Ferrari claims that this setup generates 870 kg of downforce at speeds of 250 km/h.
The interior is designed in a pure racing style. It features a full LCD instrument cluster that can display various racing parameters, a steering wheel adorned with colorful buttons for controlling common racing settings, and neatly arranged knobs for less frequently used functions on the center console.
The car is equipped with racing-specific bucket seats that provide ample lateral support for aggressive cornering.
As for power, the car still employs the same 3.0T V6 engine found in the Ferrari 296, albeit with minor power enhancements. The maximum power output is raised from 663 hp to 690 hp, delivering an impressive 230 hp per liter.
The most significant departure from the regular 296 is the absence of the electric motor, resulting in reduced weight and improved performance.
