Ferrari has presented the car that will represent the Italian automaker in the 24 hours of Spa, in Belgium. The presentation was in the paddock of Spa-Francorchamps and has been named 296 GT3. The images that the company has shown display that this model has a lot similarities with another Ferrari race car, the 296 GTB.
In the same images, we can see the pictures of the front of the car show off two layers of louvers set above the already aggressive front splitter, making the car an incredible aero machine. Ferrari has said that it produces 20 percent greater downforce than the 488 GT3, and claims “the 296 GT3 lives in symbiosis with the air around it, exploiting it to maximize grip and handling, benefiting gentleman drivers and professionals alike”.
From the roadgoing mode, the Italian brand has had to include a new electric engine to meet technical regulations in the GT championship, reducing the power from 819 horsepower to 600 horsepower. To lower the center of gravity, the engine of this model is positioned farther forward and lower, in a 120-degree configuration with the turbos inside the V.
The Ferrari’s engineers has fabricated a unique gearbox for the GT3, now using a single disc clutch and six gears in a sequential pattern, making that the clutch is controlled on the steering wheel rather than with a foot pedal. And has made more modification from the road mode, it has the same chassis but with a new aluminum frame, the wheelbase has been increased from 102.4 to 104.7 inches, and the braking system is 400 mm for the front.
Ferrari has said “Ferrari’s engineers focused on speeding up track operations on the car during the race and pre-race . . . it is easier to modify the 296 GT3’s setup than the previous model due to more accessible mechanical and elastic components”. They have claimed too that this car has been developed for two main reasons: first and foremost, for “extreme use” typical of pro classes, but also for customers who are more focused on enjoying their car.
Adrian Delgado
