New 515kW Ferrari 296 Challenge launched

The first pictures and full details of the all-new Ferrari 296 Challenge racer have been released ahead of its October 23 debut.

Said to be the ninth model to race in the single-make series, the new Ferrari 296 Challenge contender gains redesigned, track-focused aerodynamics and a simplified version of the road-going supercar’s twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 that still manages to muster 515kW.

Headline features include a more pronounced front splitter bolted onto the redesigned bumper, a vented bonnet, lighter Lexan windows, new side skirts, an F1-style rain light, a huge rear wing and 19-inch centre-lock wheels with stickier Pirelli race tyres.

There’s also a set of carbon-ceramic brake discs and adjustable ABS EVO Track electronics that’s thought to incorporate traction control.

The combination of the extra wings, larger diffuser and reshaped body sees the 296 Challenge produce more than 870kg of downforce at 250km/h.

Under the rear bonnet, the Ferrari 296 GTB’s electrified powertrain has been comprehensively revised and simplified for racing, with the electric motors and hybrid battery dumped.

Despite that, the road-going 296 GTB’s twin-turbo 3.0-litre V6 still manages to produce 515kW without the hybrid parts – around 95kW less than before.

The new Ferrari 296 Challenge will make its debut at Italy’s Mugello Circuit on October 24, replacing the old 488 Challenge Evo and racing in both the European and North American Ferrari Challenge series.