The 296 GT3 was developed by Oreca as the successor to the 488 GT3. It is based on the Ferrari 296 GTB (Type F171) production sports car, which was unveiled in 2021 as the company's first six-cylinder road model to carry Ferrari branding rather than the Dino marque. While the road-going version utilizes a plug-in hybrid powertrain that can be driven in electric-only mode for short distances, the GT3 variant was designed specifically for motorsport regulations and debuted at the 2023 24 Hours of Daytona. According to Ferrari's official documentation, the road car's electric-only capability allows for use in urban zero-emission zones.
The chassis is based on a rear mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout. It utilizes a 120-degree bank angle V6 engine, a configuration derived from the F163 BC twin-turbocharged unit found in the production 296 GTB.
In 2025, Ferrari announced an "Evo" version of the 296 GT3 for the 2026 season. This technical update introduced a new gear ratio cascade designed to favor torque delivery at both high and low speeds. Aerodynamic and cooling modifications for the Evo include two air intakes on the hood to improve cooling for the brakes and cockpit, alongside a redesigned rear wing featuring a new support structure and side panels.
The 296 GT3 has secured several high-profile victories in endurance and sprint racing:
Endurance Classics: On 21 May 2023, Frikadelli Racing won the 24 Hours of Nürburgring, setting a new distance record of 162 laps. In January 2024, Risi Competizione took the GTD PRO class victory at the 24 Hours of Daytona. On 16 November 2025, Antonio Fuoco drove a 296 GT3 to victory at the FIA GT World Cup, marking Ferrari's first win in Macau.
FIA WEC: In the 2024 season, Vista AF Corse secured LMGT3 class wins at the 6 Hours of Fuji and the 8 Hours of Bahrain. In 2025, the car took the LMGT3 class victory at the 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps.
GT World Challenge: In 2024, AF Corse won the teams' championship in the Europe Endurance Cup, while Alessandro Pier Guidi and Alessio Rovera won the drivers' title. Sky – Tempesta Racing also secured the Bronze class drivers' and teams' championships. In 2025, the car took the overall victory at Brands Hatch driven by Vincent Abril and Alessio Rovera for AF Corse - Francorchamps Motors, while also securing gold and silver class wins at the event.
Regional Series: Liam Talbot and Chaz Mostert won the 2024 GT World Challenge Australia for Arise Racing, marking only the second time a Ferrari has won the Australian GT Championship since its inception in 1960.
Unveiled in October 2023 following testing at Monza, the 296 Challenge is a dedicated racing variant designed for Ferrari's one-make series. It made its competitive debut in the 2024 Ferrari Challenge.
Announced on 27 June 2025 at the 24 Hours of Spa, the Evo package provides a series of performance and cooling upgrades to the base GT3 chassis. The package made its first competitive appearance at the 2026 24 Hours of Daytona.
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