Manila: The Ferrari 296 GT3 is seen as Prancing Horse’s entry into the future of GT racing, which has historically produced the strongest customer relationships and the most innovative solutions. The 296 GTB, the latest iteration of the brand’s two-seater mid-rear-engine sports Berlinetta concept, was the core from which the 296 GT3 was born.
key takeaways
What is the power of Ferrari 296 GT3?
The Ferrari 296 GT3 is powered by a 120-degree turbocharged six-cylinder engine that produces 600hp and 710Nm of torque.
Where will the Ferrari 296 GT3 debut?
Ferrari 196 GT3 2023 Daytona will debut in 24 Hours.
Ferrari decided to build the 296 GT3 as an innovative project, both on and off the track, to carry on a winning legacy that dates back to 1949, when 166 MM won the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The needs of the teams, professional drivers and gentlemen drivers that Ferrari has always focused on are being met with the new concept. In line with the new GT3 norms, the car has been completely redesigned in every detail and every angle.
Even though it lacks the electric motor seen in the 296 GTB due to technical requirements, the 296 GT3 represents the six-cylinder Ferrari’s return to the track. The 296 GT3’s V6 combustion engine was modified to a 120-degree V configuration with equal-spaced firing. This, with the placement of the turbo inside the V, is based on its road-going twin. All of these factors contribute significantly to compactness, low center of gravity and low mass as well as the ability to generate extremely high power levels. To benefit from the lower center of gravity and torsional stiffness, which is about 10% higher than the 488 GT3, the engine, which has always been at the core of Ferrari’s designs, was moved further down and down compared to the road version. goes.
The engine is lighter and more compact as a result of the architecture’s effectiveness with firing order, integration of intake manifolds, and engine mounts on the intake sides of the cylinder heads. Volume reduction improves fluid mobility, increasing intake efficiency.
The internal fluid dynamics of the engine and the specific components used for the track version of the power unit were designed and fine-tuned by Ferrari engineers in collaboration with their partners. They sought to offer unmatched reliability, performance and smoothness for both “sprint” and “endurance” events. They made every effort to significantly reduce consumption for this type of competition without compromising performance, demanding more adaptable race strategies and shorter maneuvering times. For example, the alternator is mounted on a gearbox to increase the rigidity and compactness of the unit and to make it easier for technicians.
The 296 GT3 has a new, specially designed gearbox. For better aerodynamics and weight distribution, the designers used a six-geared single-disc clutch unit located crosswise. Gear change is driven electrically, and the clutch is now electronic and controlled from the steering wheel, not mechanical via the foot pedal. The low weight of the Xtrac gearbox, which improved performance, was made possible by reducing components and using higher quality materials.
With the Centro styling, a collaboration between aerodynamicists and designers, Ferrari’s future in GT racing is flowing into shape, which includes volumes of 296 GTB and has been revamped to meet track and performance requirements. This is why the car’s design is still tied to the production model, without aerodynamic elements or features unique to the racing version.
To improve handling and smoothness, Ferrari engineers were able to design an aerodynamic configuration inside the homologation display window by reducing ride height sensitivity. A 20% increase in downforce over the previous generation was achieved due to careful and thorough work on the shapes. From this perspective, the 296 GT3 coexists with the air around it, taking advantage of it to maximize grip and handling for both new and experienced drivers. The designers’ task was to provide an excellent balance of maneuverability and driver confidence gains, while limiting the car’s sensitivity to aerodynamic forces.
From the body to the wing appendages, each component was carefully engineered in a variety of operating conditions and mutual aerodynamic interactions, to maximize performance and make it flexible in various racing conditions. The 296 GT3 stands out because of an attractive design that aims to produce the least amount of drag.
Cabin design prioritizes ease, visibility and accessibility without compromising on important factors such as safety and comfort. Performance in endurance racing is affected by these characteristics, especially for gentleman drivers. The cabin was completely redesigned on the 488 GT3 in response to feedback from factory drivers and customers. The result is a cockpit that enables the driver to quickly and easily find the ideal driving position while keeping the key controls in hand. The redesigned Formula 1 single seater-inspired steering wheel now features multiple controls, while the Sebelt seat position provides the best visibility both during the day and at night. Additionally, it increases comfort for drivers by allowing them to adjust their position in the vehicle with adjustable steering and pedals. The air conditioning system and airflow inside the cabin were designed to provide proper ventilation in all conditions and to help the driver maintain focus at each stage of the race.
The 296 GT3 chassis is completely new and made of aluminum. In addition to being extremely easy and fun to drive, the 296 GT3 can boost performance and repeatability by making quick and safe use of their grip capacity without compromising the integrity of the tires. This is a result of the exceptional lightness of the chassis, which also enables better and more efficient ballast management in the 296 GT3. The protection structure has been carefully designed using the most advanced simulations, state-of-the-art technologies and innovative research in particular alloys and materials.
The 296 GT3 has a longer wheelbase than its road-going version and a different suspension setup than the 488 GT3 with special kinematics and structures. The double wishbone arms of the front and rear suspension were built to provide maximum grip even at high speeds, while reducing stress on the tires for improved tire life, performance and dependability. The suspension, similar to the anti-roll bar, has a wide range of configurations to give drivers the best setup. Additionally, the braking system was improved and revised with new calipers and discs (now 400 mm in front). Rotiform has created a new, forged wheel specially designed for the 296 GT3. As part of the new rotiform design agreement all factory Ferrari 296 GT3s will be the only wheel used for professional level race cars.
Ferrari’s engineers focused on accelerating track operation on the car before and during the race when creating the 296 GT3. From this perspective, the 296 GT3’s setup is easier to adjust than previous models, thanks to more easily accessible mechanical and elastic components. Operations related to checks on the engine or major auxiliary systems were also significantly improved, in order to reduce the time required for maneuvering on the car. The new Ferrari also differs from its competitors in terms of replacement of important parts of the vehicle. Due to the many tools and solutions, the front and rear sections can be switched in a matter of seconds in the event of aerodynamic or performance damage.
The 296 GT3 was designed with wide use in mind, typical of “pro” classes where winning is the ultimate goal, and for gentleman drivers, for whom racing is mostly about having fun. 2020 saw the development of the project, and the first CFD simulation and simulator models implemented. After that, the engine was bench-tuned, chassis stiffness tested, and indoor testing was used to determine the car’s aerodynamic shape in the wind tunnel. In the end, the vehicle passed endurance tests on a 4WD dyno in Maranello. The new Ferrari has traveled thousands of kilometers since its first test at the Fiorano track last April, making it ready for racing, the toughest challenge of all.
Ferrari. photos from
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