Ferrari has presented the imposing 296 GT3, with which it will return for glory at Le Mans

Ferrari has presented the first images of its new vehicle designed to return to the tracks during sports races. This is the Ferrari 296 GT3, which is being developed in collaboration with Oreca, the French competition company, and which will participate in the world endurance championship in the GT3 category. With this new development, the successful 488 GT3 cycle will come to an end, which began in 2016 competing in the GTE category, and which has won no less than 107 titles and 429 victories in more than 700 appearances in various competitions around the world.

The basis of the new Ferrari 296 GT3 is that of the beautiful and futuristic 296 GTB, one of Maranello's hybrid sports sedans. Although due to the specifications of the GT3 championships, it will not be able to have that double propulsion that combines heat engine and electric motor. Ferrari's new race car will be powered only by the 2.9-liter V6 engine, capable of reaching 650 hp thanks to its double turbo, although there are still no official figures or more precise technical specifications from the Italian company.

When comparing the Ferrari 296 GTB to the GT3, the similarity is absolute, with the clear differentiation of an aerodynamic development that makes the race car much more efficient due to the effect of air, something that can also be achieved thanks to the fact that the car does not have to necessarily be used on roads or streets, but only on circuits.

Some of these changes can be seen at the front, which has a new divider, as well as at the rear, with a large spoiler attached to the body by two upper suspension elements, leaving the underside of the main profile free of turbulent air.

But in the car, in addition to DNA 296, there are many reminiscences of a glorious model for Ferrari in its sports vehicle history. The famous 250 LM, crowned with success in the 60s, winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1965, is represented in this new thoroughbred race car.

The development plans for the 296 GT3 include the track in the coming months, it is estimated that by the end of April they will carry out the first tests at Fiorano, Ferrari's historic test track.

Although the debut is scheduled for the start of the 2023 season in the GT3 categories of various championships and in the North American IMSA category, Ferrari has all this first year of racing to evolve and be able to compete in the World Endurance Championship (WEC) only in 2024, when the current one is replaced by the GTE class by the GT3.

Although it is not the main category, this car will be able to try to green the laurels of the Maranello house with sports cars at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2024. Beyond the development of this GT car for customers, Ferrari continues its project to enter the LMDh top category as early as 2023, although its project is for now in the absolute secret.

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