The Prancing Horse Unchained: A First Drive of the Ferrari 296 GTS and the Dawn of a New Racing Era
For decades, the crimson badge of Ferrari has represented the pinnacle of automotive engineering, a symbol of raw power, bespoke craftsmanship, and an unwavering dedication to the sport of racing. Millions dream of the sound of that naturally aspirated V12 or the precision of its legendary gearbox, but few are afforded the opportunity to actually experience the artistry of taming a Prancing Horse. As a journalist with over a decade spent scrutinizing the extremes of the automotive world, I have sampled countless performance machines, yet a visceral gap remained in my experience—the act of actually driving a Ferrari. This realization hit me with surprising clarity the moment I slid into the cockpit of the 296 GTS, its Rosso Imola hue a fitting shade for such a momentous occasion. The drive from Adelaide to The Bend Motorsport Park was more than just a test drive; it was a pilgrimage. This was not just another review; it was my first baptism by fire in the scarlet heart of Maranello.
The Weight of the Crown: First Impressions in the 296 GTS
The weight of that realization only magnified the significance of the moment. I found myself savoring the tactile experience with a reverence that few automobiles warrant. The heavy, intricate key, a piece of engineering in itself, felt substantial in my hand, promising an experience far removed from the convenience of a push-button start. The low-slung seating position, so characteristic of these supercars, places the driver almost parallel to the road, blurring the lines between the driver and the tarmac below. My gaze swept across the cockpit, noting the aggressive contours of the steering wheel—a direct instrument of control that whispers performance and demands precision.
Ergonomics, however, are secondary in a machine of this caliber. Storage is a precious commodity. Where does one place a bottle of water? Where is the space for a spare jacket? In a two-seater Ferrari, such considerations are irrelevant. The philosophy is pure: you have the steering wheel, the pedals, and the engine. Yet, even in this primal environment, there is an element of advanced technology that belies its aggressive exterior. The 296 GTS offers a feature called “Qualifying Mode”—a nod to its racing heritage that effectively allows the car to be tamed for the road. What more could one possibly want?
Bridging the Asphalt Divide: Motorsport DNA Meets Road Manners
The deep-seated ties to motorsport that define Ferrari, and the 296 in particular, were central to our journey through the South Australian countryside. Our primary objective was to attend the official launch of the Ferrari Challenge Australasia racing series, an event set to commence in 2025. The opportunity to unleash the road-going 296 on the winding roads leading to the circuit was merely a fortunate bonus—a chance to sample the technology that feeds the race car.
Modern supercars have reached a point where the brutal characteristics that once defined them—aggressive engine tuning, heavy clutches, and unforgiving gearboxes—have been tamed by advanced technology. The 296 GTS embodies this transformation. Equipped with a hybrid system that provides a surge of instant torque, the car can be driven in traffic under full electric power. When the throttle is pressed, the twin-turbo V6 awakens with a seamless surge of power. The delivery of the internal combustion engine (ICE) is as smooth as silk; in fact, the transition is so refined that one might not even realize the switch had occurred, save for the accompanying symphony of the engine. This automatic switch from electric to ICE is an impressive party trick, though I found myself using it only once or twice. I did not embark on this journey to experience a quiet, smooth ride; I came seeking the soul of a Ferrari.
With traffic cleared, the focus shifted to the intoxicating experience of the twin-turbo V6—enjoyed in responsible bursts, of course. This provided a glimpse into what a peak output of 830 horsepower, delivered through the combined effort of the ICE and hybrid systems in Qualifying Mode, actually feels like.
The Thrill of the Horse: Understanding Power Delivery and Handling
Spoiler alert: it is an exhilarating experience. The powerband is incredibly broad, offering sustained acceleration that continues to surprise. Even when backing off the throttle, the surge of power is noticeable, as the turbochargers continue to spool. For enthusiasts who appreciate the aggressive howl and raw shove of a turbo engine, the 296 GTS is a revelation.
Thankfully, the compromises made for road use are subtle and limited to low-speed driving. Once out on faster, bumpier roads, there is no mistaking the fact that you are driving a Ferrari. Every nuance of the road surface is transmitted to the driver through the chassis and suspension. For a purist with a racing background, this unfiltered connection to the road is an incredible experience.
One word of caution, however: when manufacturers describe steering as “direct,” they mean it in the most literal sense. While it feels intuitive and manageable on the open road, a sudden swerve to avoid a pothole on the highway can have dramatic consequences. The steering is remarkably responsive, and a slight input can lead to a significant change in direction. This is a machine that demands respect and precision.
A New Breed of Racing: The Ferrari Challenge Australasia
The experience of driving a Ferrari is all about immersion, and this philosophy is clearly reflected in the Ferrari Challenge Australasia series. The Challenge is an extension of the Club Challenge program, which has been running in Australia since 2022. Club Challenge offers customers the opportunity to purchase a Challenge race car—historically, primarily the 488 Evo model—and participate in track days with professional coaching and technical support, along with the level of hospitality expected by Ferrari customers.
Like in other global regions, such as Europe, North America, the UK, and Japan, Australia now has the next step in Ferrari’s “clienti” program—a dedicated one-make racing series. Instead of targeting existing professional racing drivers, as seen in categories like GT World Challenge Australia or Carrera Cup, Ferrari aims to cultivate new talent.
The primary draw is the brand new 296 Challenge, which is, as expected, stunning. As the third generation of Challenge cars, following the 458 and 488, the focus is on refinement. For example, the previous V8-powered versions suffered from understeer, a common characteristic of cars designed for amateur drivers. However, thanks to an s-duct at the front and swan-neck mounts on the rear wing, Ferrari has managed to increase overall downforce and shift the balance further forward, without compromising the grip of the rear wheels and making the car too difficult to drive.
The Engineering Advantage: Balancing Power and Usability
A new braking package offers a much wider operating window, ensuring consistent performance throughout a race. Additionally, the removal of the hybrid system freed up space for a significantly better air conditioning unit, improving driver comfort.
While the first V6-powered Challenge car lacks the hybrid assistance of its road counterpart, it still produces 700 horsepower through a revised exhaust and engine tuning—more than 30 horsepower ahead of the isolated ICE output of the road car. The result is a race car that is significantly quicker than the 488 Challenge. The older model remains eligible for Ferrari Challenge Australasia, but will compete in a separate class due to the performance deficit.
The Ferrari Challenge is entirely aligned with the dealer network. Customers interested in racing purchase a new 296 Challenge from their trusted Ferrari dealer. The dealership then aligns with a Ferrari-approved team, which works closely with AF Corse from Italy and Motokinetic here in Australia.
A Premium Experience: High-End Hospitality and Support
You can take your 296 Challenge home with you, but when it comes to racing, the service is comprehensive. Your dealer-aligned team, under the guidance of the Italian and local partners, will manage the car for you, provide you with an engineer and mechanics, and offer driver coaching.
Furthermore, you will have access to top-tier amenities and dining during your track days. From what we witnessed at The Bend, it will be a premium experience. The attention to detail extends beyond the car to the entire environment, ensuring that customers receive the exclusive treatment expected from the Ferrari brand.
The Unspoken Investment: Cost and Strategy in Ferrari Challenge
What does it cost? Ferrari remains tight-lipped about pricing. They will only reveal figures if they believe a potential buyer is genuinely interested in purchasing a car and competing in the series.
Interestingly, the race car itself is less expensive than its road-going counterpart, as it does not incur the same taxes as a vehicle intended for road registration. However, that does not mean it is affordable. The rumored budgets for a season are not for the faint-hearted.
The cost of both the car and the racing program means the series targets amateur drivers rather than professionals like those in Carrera Cup. Ferrari expects between 18 and 20 cars on the grid next year and indicates that most of those spots are already filled.
The five-round calendar is impressive. The inaugural event is a support category at the Bathurst 12 Hour, followed by participation in the new SRO series at Phillip Island, Sydney Motorsport Park, and The Bend. Another Sydney Motorsport Park event will be hosted by Ferrari itself.
A Test of Faith: Should You Buy, Wait, or Invest in a Ferrari?
For the average consumer, the idea of owning a Ferrari is a distant fantasy. However, for those who can afford it, the decision to buy a Ferrari, particularly one that competes in the Ferrari Challenge, is a serious financial commitment. Unlike a traditional investment,
