Spa-Francorchamps, 27 June
2025 - Three years after its presentation at the 24 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps
in 2022, Ferrari has chosen the same race, the most important on the GT
calendar, to unveil the new 296 GT3 Evo.
The car builds on the
experience gained with the 296 LMGT3 (which will compete in the FIA WEC from
the 2024 season) and the 296 GT3, which, since its debut, has won five titles,
including Drivers' and Team titles in the Pro class of the GT World Challenge
Endurance Cup – the benchmark championship for GT3 cars – as well as victories
at the Nürburgring 24 Hours and the 24 Hours at Daytona. The statistics take
the tally to 140 victories, 405 podiums and 56 pole positions in 343 races.
Client feedback and racing
experience have led to the development of the 296 GT3 Evo, the result of
targeted and concrete actions aimed at creating an even more competitive car in
all conditions, while maintaining the concept of “modularity” that has made the
296 GT3 a true benchmark, especially in terms of ease of maintenance and
set-up.
Engine and gearbox. The V6
combustion engine of the 296 GT3 Evo remains unchanged from the previous
version. It retains the 120° V configuration with the turbochargers positioned
inside the V, which offers significant benefits in terms of compactness and
weight reduction, helping to achieve extremely high levels of power. Versatile,
reliable and high-performing, the engine has always been appreciated for for
its power delivery and torque since its debut.
The engine remains in the
same position as in the 296 GT3, positioned further forward and lower down than
in the road-going version. This location helps to lower the centre of gravity
and improve torsional rigidity. It was also tilted by 2° to allow more space
for the rear diffuser.
As for the gearbox, the 296
GT3 Evo adopts a new gear ratio cascade, optimised after analysing data
collected during the car's two years of use, to favour torque delivery at both
low and high speeds.
Aerodynamics. The 296 GT3
Evo represents the next step in the evolution of the 296 GT3, a winning
platform that already combines extreme aerodynamic performance and ease of load
utilisation on the track. The goal set by Ferrari's engineers was to ensure a
more predictable and stable response from the car in all race situations, while
maintaining the performance of the standard 296 GT3 in terms of vertical load
and efficiency, already pushed to the maximum allowed by the technical
regulations. In engineering terms, the aerodynamics team focused on improving
front vertical load stability when the 296 GT3 Evo is in the slipstream of
another car, and aerodynamic sensitivity, i.e. minimising aerodynamic load
variations.
Almost all of the bodywork
has been evolved. The profiles of the splitter and front floor have been
revised, and the expansion volumes and vortex generators have been optimised.
The appendages on the front bumper have also been modified in search of the best
performance compromise.
A further significant
improvement has come from a thorough and careful review of the rear diffuser,
which has been modified in terms of its expansion volumes and the number of
channels.
The third element to undergo
development was the front wheel arch louvers, developed in synergy with the
front underbody to ensure clean air enters the rear air intakes, both in free
air and in the slipstream of other cars.
For the development of the
296 GT3 Evo, the simulation methodology combining wind tunnel testing with CFD
(Computational Fluid Dynamics) calculations has been further improved, allowing
the simulation of disturbed aerodynamic fields and the rapid testing of many
geometric variations. The performance of the development package was then
validated on the track, both in performance laps and in conditions involving
other cars. The result of the research is summarised in the car's ability to
maintain high aerodynamic performance in traffic and “disturbed” air, which are
very common in endurance racing, stabilising the vertical load in the
slipstream to the benefit of competitiveness and precision even in the most
dynamic and unpredictable contexts.
From an aesthetic and
functional point of view, the 296 GT3 Evo is also recognisable by two air
intakes in the front bonnet, which improve cooling for the brakes and the
cockpit, as well as by the new rear wing, which has undergone significant
changes. The support structure has been redesigned together with the side
panels. The wing is now equipped with a quick adjustment mechanism, introduced
for the first time in the LMGT3, which allows the wing angle to be adjusted
using a simple screw, further improving track performance, already a
distinctive feature of the 296 GT3.
Fluid dynamics. The
development of the evolution package also involved internal aerodynamics, and
in particular the cooling of the front brakes. Thanks to the optimisation of
the ducts that convey air from the bumper to the discs and the introduction of two
dynamic intakes on the bonnet, the overall airflow to the front brakes has
increased by more than 20% compared to the 296 GT3. The steering pump also
benefits from better and more effective cooling thanks to the introduction of
two Naca intakes in the underbody.
LMGT3 experience. The entire
rear wheel arch bodywork is borrowed from the LMGT3, which is distinguished by
a more vertical curvature at the front, making it easier to accommodate the
various types of tyres from different suppliers used in GT championships around
the world. The rear-view mirrors also benefit from this experience and have
been further improved thanks to a series of studies and calculations aimed at
investigating the frequencies and modes of vibration of the exterior mirrors in
the current version. These new parts have been moved inwards, changing their
angle and improving visibility at the same time.
Vehicle dynamics. Both the
front and rear suspension kinematics have been modified with the aim of
reducing loads on the components and improving reliability. At the same time,
the new design ensures a connected dynamic response between the front and rear,
as well as facilitating setup operations in the pits.
Cockpit. Intuitive,
visibility and accessibility are the key principles around which the
development of the 296 GT3's cockpit has been defined, without forgetting
fundamental aspects such as safety and comfort. The 296 GT3 Evo retains these
basic characteristics, but significantly improves the air conditioning system,
which has been enhanced with an additional fan to make it even more effective.
Debut and kit. The 296 GT3
Evo, whose homologation process will be completed once the final aerodynamic
refinements are underway, will make its debut in the 2026 season and will also
be available as an upgrade kit for those competing with the 296 GT3.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
ENGINE
Type F163CE, 6 cyl. V 120°,
4 valves per cylinder, 2992 cm3, GDI Turbo
Bore/stroke: 88 x 82 mm
Maximum power: approx. 600
hp* (447 kW) at 7250 rpm
Maximum torque: approx. 710
Nm* at 5500 rpm
* Subject to BoP
GEARBOX
Transverse sequential
gearbox, 6 speeds
E-clutch, electronic clutch
actuator with steering wheel paddles
Magnesium gearbox with
integrated oil recovery tank
CHASSIS
Wheelbase: 1726 mm front /
1710 mm rear
Width: 2050 mm max (without
mirrors)
Wheelbase: 2660 mm
Dry weight: 1250 kg
Front and rear suspension:
double overlapping triangle, tubular steel suspension arms
5-way adjustable shock
absorbers
Wheels: front 12.5‘ x 18’,
rear 13‘ x 18’
Tyres: front 30/68/18, rear
31/71/18
Brake discs: front Ø 400x36,
rear 332x32
Brake calipers: front 6
pistons, rear 4 pistons
Brake pads: front 30 mm,
rear 26.5 mm