Ferrari 296 GTS Review & Ferrari Challenge Australasia 2025 Race Launch
For automotive enthusiasts and potential buyers, the 2026 Ferrari 296 GTS embodies the pinnacle of hybrid supercar engineering, offering an exhilarating driving experience that fuses cutting-edge technology with raw performance. This vehicle represents a paradigm shift in Ferrari’s lineup, as the iconic Maranello brand strategically integrates electrification without compromising the visceral thrill synonymous with the Prancing Horse.
For those in the luxury car market in 2026, the Ferrari 296 GTS is more than just a status symbol; it is a statement of technological ambition and motorsport heritage. In this comprehensive review, we delve deep into the intricacies of the 296 GTS, exploring its performance, design, and technological innovations. Furthermore, we examine the new Ferrari Challenge Australasia racing series for 2025, which showcases how Ferrari is extending its “clienti” program to new generations of racing enthusiasts.
First Impressions: Driving the Ferrari 296 GTS
Stepping into a Ferrari is an experience that transcends the mere act of driving; it is an immersion into a world where design, engineering, and passion converge. When I first slid behind the wheel of the Ferrari 296 GTS—painted in the stunning Rosso Imola red—the significance of the moment was palpable. This was my first time driving a Ferrari, a milestone that added an extra layer of anticipation to this journey from Adelaide to The Bend Motorsport Park.
The realization that I was behind the wheel of a Ferrari intensified the appreciation for the smallest details—the heft of the ignition key, the aggressive low-slung seating position, and the tactile feel of the steering wheel that practically vibrates with performance potential. It is a cockpit where every switch and dial is meticulously crafted to enhance the driving experience, creating an environment that feels both exclusive and purpose-built for speed.
Practicality and Ergonomics
While Ferrari is renowned for its track-focused performance, the 296 GTS also offers a surprising level of everyday practicality that makes it suitable for more than just occasional weekend drives. Practical considerations like storage capacity are often overlooked in the supercar segment, but Ferrari has managed to incorporate usability without compromising performance.
The car is a strict two-seater, so large luggage is not an option. However, for daily errands or a weekend getaway, the interior offers a surprising amount of storage for its class. Drivers accustomed to the often- Spartan interiors of traditional supercars will find the 296 GTS surprisingly refined.
One of the standout features of the 296 GTS is its “Qualifying Mode.” While this feature is primarily designed to optimize performance for track use, it also provides an interesting glimpse into the car’s capabilities. The advanced hybrid system allows the car to operate under full electric power, which is a game-changer for navigating city traffic with the ease of a premium electric vehicle.
However, the true essence of the Ferrari experience comes alive when the twin-turbo V6 engine engages. The power delivery is smooth as silk, and the engine’s deep, resonant roar replaces the hum of electric motors. As enthusiasts, we don’t buy Ferraris for quiet commutes; we buy them for the adrenaline rush, and the 296 GTS delivers that in spades.
Understanding the Technology: Hybrid Power Meets V6 Engineering
The Ferrari 296 GTS represents a significant technological leap forward for the brand. By integrating a V6 hybrid system with advanced electric motors, Ferrari has managed to achieve extraordinary performance figures without the excessive weight typically associated with hybrid supercars. This innovative approach provides a unique blend of power, efficiency, and driving dynamics that sets the 296 GTS apart from its predecessors.
The Architecture of Power
At the heart of the 296 GTS is its 2.9-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine. This engine is a marvel of modern engineering, designed to deliver peak performance while remaining relatively compact and efficient. Combined with the electric hybrid system, the 296 GTS can generate an astonishing peak output of 830 horsepower in Qualifying Mode.
This hybridization does more than just boost power; it fundamentally transforms the driving experience. In electric mode, the car glides silently through city streets, offering a smooth and refined ride that is often missing from high-performance vehicles. Once the accelerator is pushed, the V6 roars to life, filling the cabin with the iconic Ferrari sound that enthusiasts crave.
The ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) delivery is remarkably smooth, making it difficult to discern the switch from electric to gasoline power without the auditory cues. While this automatic transition is a technological marvel, most drivers prefer to manually select their driving mode to maximize the sensory experience of the V6 engine.
A Masterpiece of Aerodynamics
Aerodynamics play a crucial role in the performance of the 296 GTS. The car features an s-duct at the front and swan neck mounts on the rear wing. These features work together to boost overall downforce and shift the balance more towards the front, without sacrificing rear-wheel grip. This results in a car that is both stable at high speeds and easier to handle for amateur drivers.
The result is a supercar that feels nimble and responsive, even during demanding maneuvers. The braking system has been upgraded with a much wider operating window, providing drivers with increased confidence and control. Additionally, the removal of the hybrid system allowed for the installation of a high-performance air conditioning unit, enhancing driver comfort during long drives or track sessions.
Performance Metrics and Driving Dynamics
The power-to-weight ratio of the Ferrari 296 GTS is exceptional, thanks to its lighter V6 engine and hybrid system. The car accelerates with breathtaking speed, making it a formidable competitor on the track. However, the 296 GTS is not just about raw speed; it is about the overall driving experience.
For purists with a racing background, the 296 GTS offers an incredible sense of engagement. The steering is direct and responsive, allowing drivers to feel every nuance of the road. However, this precision demands respect, as a slight turn of the wheel can result in a significant change in direction. When navigating bumps or uneven surfaces, drivers must exercise caution to avoid unintentional lane changes, especially at highway speeds.
Ferrari Challenge Australasia: A New Era of Racing
The deep ties between Ferrari and motorsport are evident in the new Ferrari Challenge Australasia racing series, which launched in 2025. This series represents the next step in Ferrari’s global “clienti” program, expanding the Club Challenge initiative that has been running in Australia since 2022.
The Ferrari Club Challenge Program
The Ferrari Club Challenge provides customers with the opportunity to purchase a Challenge race car and participate in organized track days with professional coaching and technical support. This exclusive program offers the level of hospitality that Ferrari customers expect, blending the excitement of racing with the sophistication of the Ferrari brand.
The New One-Make Racing Series
Ferrari Challenge Australasia is unique because it does not target existing racing drivers in established categories such as GT World Challenge Australia or Carrera Cup. Instead, Ferrari aims to attract new drivers to the market, expanding the reach of the sport and fostering a new generation of Ferrari enthusiasts who want to compete.
The centerpiece of this new series is the brand-new Ferrari 296 Challenge, which is a significant evolution of the previous 458 and 488 Challenge models. This latest iteration represents a refinement of Ferrari’s racing DNA, offering improved performance and drivability.
Technical Specifications of the 296 Challenge
While the road-going 296 GTS is a hybrid, the Challenge race car is a pure V6 model, optimized for maximum performance on the track. Despite the absence of the hybrid system, the revised exhaust and tuning result in a powerful engine that produces 700 horsepower, significantly more than the isolated ICE horsepower of the road car.
The performance deficit between the V6 Challenge car and the older 488 Challenge is substantial, making the newer model significantly faster. The 488 Challenge will remain eligible to compete in the series, but it will participate in a separate class to ensure fair competition.
Cost and Budget Considerations
The cost of participating in Ferrari Challenge Australasia is not disclosed by Ferrari unless potential buyers are seriously considering a purchase. However, it is important to note that the race car itself is cheaper than its road-going counterpart, as it is not subject to the same registration taxes and regulations.
Despite the lower vehicle cost, the overall budget for a season of Ferrari Challenge is not for the faint-hearted. The combination of the vehicle price, racing program expenses, and support costs makes this series targeted at amateur drivers rather than professionals. Ferrari expects 18–20 cars on the grid for the inaugural 2025 season and indicates that most of these slots have already been filled.
The 2025 Race Calendar
The Ferrari Challenge Australasia 2025 calendar features an impressive five-round series. The season begins as a support category at the Bathurst 12 Hour, one of the world’s most iconic endurance races. Following the Bathurst event, the series joins the new SRO series at Phillip Island, Sydney Motorsport Park, and The Bend. A fifth SMP event will be hosted by Ferrari itself.
This calendar provides a prestigious platform for the new racing series, ensuring high visibility and intense competition throughout the season. The series offers a clear pathway for drivers looking to transition from
