The following article is written in the official language of the United States.
Ferrari 296 GTS: An Expert’s First Drive Behind the Wheel of a Prancing Horse
Mastering the Prancing Horse on the Road to The Bend Motorsport Park
For enthusiasts and connoisseurs, the Ferrari 296 GTS is more than just a car; it’s a tangible piece of automotive engineering, a symbol of Italian performance artistry. When you are granted the rare opportunity to drive one, particularly as a first-time experience, the occasion transcends the ordinary. This is not merely an exercise in driving; it is an immersion into a legacy of speed, precision, and breathtaking aesthetics. In this exclusive first-hand account, we delve into the electrifying experience of navigating the iconic Rosso Imola red 296 GTS on the road, and the exciting revelation of Ferrari’s new motorsport endeavor, the Ferrari Challenge Australasia.
The allure of Ferrari is undeniable, woven deeply into the fabric of motorsport history. These machines have a way of intimidating and inspiring in equal measure. As I slid into the low-slung driver’s seat of the 296 GTS—a masterpiece in Rosso Imola red—I found myself pondering the question that often accompanies this automotive pilgrimage: “Have you driven a Ferrari before?” The realization dawned on me that despite countless experiences in Ferrari cabins and on the sidelines of legendary racetracks, I had never actually sat behind the wheel of a Prancing Horse. This revelation transformed the drive from Adelaide to The Bend Motorsport Park into a truly extraordinary experience.
The Sensation of Italian Engineering: A Deep Dive into the Ferrari 296 GTS
For a motoring journalist with a decade of industry experience, the thrill of a first Ferrari drive is a moment to savor. It’s not every day that you get to pilot a hybrid supercar that boasts the staggering power output of 830 horsepower. This specific drive was significant, representing not just my maiden voyage behind the wheel of a Ferrari, but also serving as the prelude to the official launch of the Ferrari Challenge Australasia, scheduled to commence in 2025.
The sheer tactile experience of driving a Ferrari begins long before the ignition is turned. The weight and texture of the key, the aggressively low seating position, and the symphony of the steering wheel—all these elements conspire to remind you that you are operating a machine that is fundamentally different from anything else on the road. The interior design of the 296 GTS is a masterclass in balancing performance and luxury. The cabin is driver-centric, with controls intuitively placed and ergonomically designed. However, like many supercars, practicality takes a back seat. Finding a convenient spot for a water bottle is a challenge, and passengers carrying anything more substantial than a small backpack might find themselves at a disadvantage. But in a Ferrari, practicality is rarely the priority. The machine is designed for exhilarating performance, and with features like qualifying mode, the car is engineered to deliver maximum output when the driver demands it.
The Hybrid Heartbeat: Performance on the Open Road
Modern supercars, particularly hybrids like the 296 GTS, represent a paradigm shift in automotive engineering. The raw, often brutal performance that defined earlier generations has been refined and tempered by cutting-edge technology. The 296 GTS is a prime example of this evolution. Its hybrid system allows for smooth, silent driving in traffic, with the power of the V6 ICE only kicking in when the throttle is engaged. For many purists, this transition from electric silence to roaring V6 can be jarring. But for those seeking a refined yet explosive driving experience, the automatic switch from electric to ICE is a remarkable party trick. While I didn’t necessarily purchase a Ferrari for a quiet ride, the ability to cruise through traffic under full electric power is a testament to the car’s versatility.
The heart of the Ferrari 296 GTS is the twin-turbo V6 engine, paired with a hybrid electric system. This combination delivers a total output of 830 horsepower in qualifying mode. Driving in qualifying mode is an experience in itself, offering a glimpse into the staggering power of the vehicle. However, with traffic cleared, the focus shifted to enjoying the twin-turbo V6 in short, responsible bursts. The auditory experience of the turbocharging system is phenomenal, producing a unique symphony that enhances the thrill of driving the car. Even backing off the throttle is an event, thanks to the full turbo experience being delivered. If you appreciate aggressive turbo noise, the 296 GTS does not disappoint.
For the purist, the Ferrari 296 GTS retains a raw edge that is often sanitized in modern supercars. On faster, bumpier roads, the driver is left under no illusion that they are driving a Ferrari. You feel every ripple of the road, every subtle change in the surface. This connection to the road is exhilarating, especially for someone with a racing background. However, the steering is exceptionally direct. While this provides an unmatched sense of precision on open roads, drivers must exercise caution when avoiding potholes on the highway. A slight turn of the wheel can result in a swift lane change, a reminder of the car’s razor-sharp responsiveness.
The Future of Motorsport: Ferrari Challenge Australasia
The 296 GTS drive was also a significant moment for the Ferrari Challenge Australasia racing series, which is scheduled to kick off in 2025. Ferrari Challenge represents the next step in the brand’s premium customer program, following the success of the Club Challenge program established in 2022. The program provides customers with the opportunity to purchase a Challenge race car—historically, mostly the 488 Evo model—and engage in track days with professional coaching and technical support, alongside the exceptional hospitality that Ferrari customers expect.
Ferrari Challenge Australasia is part of a global initiative that includes established programs in Europe, North America, the UK, and Japan. Unlike traditional racing series such as GT World Challenge Australia or Carrera Cup, which target professional drivers, Ferrari aims to bring new drivers into the sport. The motivation for new drivers is the availability of the stunning 296 Challenge race car. As the third generation of Challenge car, following the 458 and 488, the 296 Challenge represents the culmination of years of refinement.
Engineering Excellence in Ferrari Challenge
The previous V8-powered versions of the Challenge car suffered from understeer, a common characteristic in cars designed for amateur drivers. However, Ferrari has implemented significant technical improvements in the 296 Challenge to address this issue. The car features an s-duct at the front and swan neck mounts on the rear wing. These aerodynamic advancements increase overall downforce and shift the balance more towards the front, without compromising rear grip or making the car too difficult to drive. This engineering prowess is a hallmark of the Ferrari brand, ensuring that even amateur drivers can extract maximum performance from the car.
A new braking package has been introduced, offering a much wider operating window. Furthermore, the removal of the hybrid system from the 296 Challenge made room for a highly efficient air conditioning unit, significantly improving driver comfort. The Ferrari 296 GTB Hot Lap with David Russell was a spectacular preview of the car’s track capabilities, but the Challenge series offers a true extension of the race car’s potential.
While the 296 Challenge is the first V6-powered model in the series, it benefits from revisions to the exhaust and other tuning elements, producing a staggering 700 horsepower. This is more than 30 horsepower higher than the isolated ICE horsepower from the road car. The result is a race car that is significantly quicker than the 488 Challenge. The older model will remain eligible for Ferrari Challenge Australasia, competing in a separate class due to the performance differential.
The Ferrari Ecosystem: Sales, Support, and Partnership
The entire Ferrari Challenge series is dealership aligned. Customers who wish to compete purchase a new 296 Challenge from their trusted Ferrari dealer. The dealership then aligns with a Ferrari-approved team, which, in turn, works closely with AF Corse from Italy and Motokinetic in Australia. This integrated approach ensures that customers receive comprehensive support, from vehicle preparation to technical and logistical management.
For customers, the Ferrari Challenge experience extends beyond the race track. They have the option to take their 296 Challenge home, but the racing program is a full-service offering. The dealer-aligned team, supported by AF Corse and Motokinetic, runs the car, provides an engineer and mechanics, and offers a driver coach. Customers also gain access to top-notch amenities and food during track days. From the glimpses seen at The Bend, the experience is designed to be premium, aligning with the Ferrari customer experience.
The exact cost of the Ferrari Challenge is not publicly disclosed. Ferrari provides pricing details only to potential buyers, suggesting that the target market is serious about competing. While the race car itself is cheaper than its road-going counterpart—as it is not subject to the same registration taxes—it is still a significant investment. The budgets for a season are considerable, targeting amateur drivers rather than professional racers. Ferrari anticipates 18–20 cars on the grid for the 2025 season and has already secured most of those spots.
The five-round calendar for the Ferrari Challenge Australasia is impressive. The series kicks off as a support category at the prestigious Bathurst 12 Hour, then joins the new SRO series at Phillip Island, Sydney Motorsport Park, and The Bend. Another SMP event will be organized by Ferrari itself. This comprehensive calendar ensures that drivers have ample opportunities to
