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2026 Ferrari 296 GTS: Taming the Prancing Horse for the Australian Road
Most drivers dream of the raw thrill of a Ferrari but only a select few ever get the chance to experience it firsthand. After 10 years immersed in the world of luxury automotive and motorsport engineering, I finally got the opportunity to feel what it’s truly like to command a Prancing Horse on public roads. This journey, from the vibrant streets of Adelaide to the high-octane environment of The Bend Motorsport Park, was more than just a test drive; it was a definitive introduction to the Ferrari 296 GTS and a look ahead at the exciting future of the Ferrari Challenge Australasia racing series.
A Defining Moment: My First Ferrari Drive
As I carefully slid into the driver’s seat of the 2026 Ferrari 296 GTS, painted in the stunning and evocative Rosso Imola red, the gravity of the moment hit me. “Have you driven a Ferrari before?” The question surprised me because while I had experienced these automotive masterpieces from the passenger seat, I had never actually driven one. That realization, right at the precipice of this extraordinary drive, allowed me to savour every detail.
It made me appreciate the weight of the heavy, mechanical key – a physical connection to something extraordinary. I noticed the aggressive seating position, how low you sit, almost integrated with the road itself. The steering wheel, often a mere interface for controls in lesser cars, here felt like a visceral extension of the engine, promising power and precision in every turn.
Practicality Meets Performance: Navigating Modern Supercar Life
Even with its staggering capabilities, the Ferrari 296 GTS presents unique challenges for the everyday driver. Space is at a premium; finding a convenient spot for a water bottle is surprisingly difficult, and if you have more than a backpack, you are definitely in trouble. However, this is a two-seater, hybrid supercar where practicality takes a backseat to performance. After all, as the saying goes, this Ferrari features ‘qualifying mode.’ What more could a driver possibly want?
This drive was deeply intertwined with the rich motorsport heritage of Ferrari, and the 296 model in particular is a reflection of this legacy. The primary objective of this excursion was the official launch of the Ferrari Challenge Australasia racing series, which is set to commence in 2025. Getting to unleash the road-going version of the 296 was the perfect prelude to this exciting announcement.
The Hybrid Evolution: Silent Power and Raw Emotion
I say ‘unleash,’ but of course, this was an open-road drive strictly governed by road laws. The beauty of modern supercars is how they mask the harshness that used to make these machines difficult to drive at low speeds. The aggressive engine tuning, stiff clutches, and performance gearboxes that defined earlier generations are all tamed by cutting-edge hybrid technology.
With the 296’s hybrid system, drivers can travel in traffic using full electric power, offering a startling level of refinement. It is only once you apply enough throttle that the twin-turbo V6 engine bursts to life. Even then, the delivery of the ICE is smooth as silk. In fact, without the distinctive Ferrari exhaust note, you would barely know the engine was running. While the automatic switch from electric to ICE is an impressive party trick, it was a sensation I only needed to experience a couple of times. I didn’t buy a Ferrari for a smooth, quiet ride.
Experience the Power: A Performance Showcase
With traffic cleared, the focus shifted to enjoying the pure power of the twin-turbo V6 – in short, responsible bursts, of course. I wanted to get a glimpse of what it feels like to harness the peak output of 830 horsepower, a combined figure from the ICE and hybrid systems when engaged in qualifying mode.
Spoiler alert: it is absolutely exhilarating. Even backing off is a thrill, given the full effect of the turbochargers has been delivered to the driver. If you appreciate aggressive, powerful engine noise, you are in for a treat.
Thankfully, at least from a purist’s perspective, only the low-speed driving experience has been softened. Once you venture onto faster, bumpier roads, the Ferrari 296 GTS makes its true nature known. You feel every nuance of the road, offering an incredible experience for anyone with a racing background who appreciates raw connection to the asphalt.
One critical piece of advice: when they say the steering is direct, it truly is. While it feels manageable on the open road, be incredibly cautious when avoiding potholes on the highway. With this level of responsiveness, it is remarkably easy to accidentally drift into another lane.
The Ferrari Challenge: A New Era of Client Racing
With Ferrari, it is always about the experience. This philosophy is central to the new Ferrari Challenge Australasia as well. The series is an extension of the Club Challenge program that has been successfully running in Australia since 2022.
Club Challenge allows customers to purchase a Challenge race car—most recently the 488 Evo model—and participate in track days with professional coaching and technical support, alongside the level of hospitality that Ferrari customers expect.
Mirroring the successful programs in Europe, North America, the UK, and Japan, Australia will now host the next level of Ferrari’s ‘clienti’ program: a dedicated, one-make racing series. Rather than targeting existing professional racing drivers, like those in GT World Challenge Australia or Carrera Cup, Ferrari aims to attract new talent to the sport.
The incentive is the brand new 296 Challenge race car. As expected from the third generation of Challenge cars, following the 458 and 488, the focus is on refinement and driver-centric performance.
Refined Aerodynamics and Driver Comfort
For example, previous V8-powered versions of the Challenge car suffered from understeer, which is fairly normal for cars built 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 more towards the front of the car. This increases grip without making the car too difficult for amateur drivers to handle.
A new braking package offers a much wider operating window. Additionally, the removal of the hybrid system has freed up space for a very effective air conditioning unit, significantly improving driver comfort during races.
The first V6-powered Challenge car, while lacking the hybrid assistance found in the road car, still produces 700 horsepower through revised exhaust and engine tuning. This is more than 30 horsepower beyond the isolated ICE horsepower of the road-going 296.
Performance Advantage and the Road Ahead
Overall, the 296 Challenge race car is significantly quicker than the 488 Challenge. The older model will remain eligible for Ferrari Challenge Australasia, but will compete in a separate class due to the performance deficit. This ensures fair competition and highlights the cutting-edge performance of the new 296 model.
The entire Ferrari Challenge is aligned with the dealer network. Customers interested in racing purchase a new 296 Challenge from their trusted Ferrari agent. The dealership will then be aligned with a Ferrari-approved racing team, which will work closely with AF Corse from Italy and Motokinetic here in Australia.
You can choose to take your 296 Challenge home, but when it comes to racing, it operates as a full-service experience. Your dealer-aligned team, under the guidance of the Italian and local partners, will run the car for you. They will provide you with an engineer and mechanics, as well as expert driver coaching to help you improve your performance on the track.
A Premium Racing Experience for New Drivers
In addition to the performance support, you will have access to top-notch amenities and catering during your track days. From the glimpse we caught at The Bend, this will be a truly premium experience, reinforcing Ferrari’s commitment to providing exceptional value and service to its customers.
The Price of Prestige: Cost and Investment
What does it cost? Ferrari remains tight-lipped about the specific pricing. They will only disclose the cost and pricing details to those who appear serious about buying one of these cars and taking part in the Ferrari Challenge.
Interestingly, the race car itself is actually cheaper than its road-going counterpart, given it is not subject to the same taxes as a road-registered vehicle. However, this does not mean it is cheap. Current estimates suggest that the budget required for a season of racing is significant.
The overall cost of both the car and the racing program means the series is targeted at amateur drivers rather than professionals, like those in Carrera Cup. Ferrari expects between 18 to 20 cars on the grid next year and reports that most of those spots are already filled, indicating strong early interest in this unique racing opportunity.
The 2026 Ferrari Challenge Australasia Calendar
The Ferrari Challenge calendar is impressive, featuring five rounds that will keep drivers busy throughout the year. The season kicks off as a support category for the Bathurst 12 Hour—one of the most prestigious endurance races in the world.
The series will then join the new SRO series at Phillip Island, Sydney Motorsport Park, and
