Ferrari 296 GT3: Evo version revealed, set to debut in 2026

As is tradition, Maranello's GTs receive a mid-life cycle update. Three years after its racing debut, the Ferrari 296 GT3 has been updated with the Evo kit, which will hit the track in 2026. This version features improvements to the aerodynamics, setup, reliability and driveability, to continue the positive experience of the model that debuted in 2023 and which has so far obtained 140 victories, 405 podiums and 56 pole positions in 343 races , with five titles in the bag. Unveiled on the sidelines of the 24 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps, the season's flagship event for GT3 class cars, the Evo has been developed with the characteristics that already make the 296 a successful model in its category in mind, starting with its ease of set-up and repair. The Evo kit will also be made available to customers who already own a 296 GT3: it will not be necessary to purchase a new car, but it will be possible to apply the update to an existing one.
The engine remains the same as the current version: the well-known 2,992 cc six-cylinder with the two turbos positioned inside the 120° V , a configuration that makes the engine more compact and lighter. The gearbox ratio has been changed, optimised to favour the delivery of torque at high and low revs. The greatest developments have taken place on the aerodynamic level, where work has been done to improve the stability of the front vertical load in the wake of another car. The profiles of the splitter and the front bottom have been revised, as have the front appendages. The rear diffuser is also new, with a revised number of channels, as has the system of front wheel arch louvers , to guarantee access of clean air to the rear air intakes. Aesthetically, the Evo stands out for two new air intakes on the front bonnet and for the new rear wing, now equipped with a quick adjustment mechanism with a single screw. Finally, new features have also been introduced inside the cockpit to ensure the comfort of the drivers: the air conditioning system has been revised and has a greater flow rate.
The Ferrari 296 GT3 has inherited the weighty legacy of the 488, capable of scoring over 500 victories in GT3 configuration. In its first three years of activity, it has managed to collect five titles, including the drivers' and teams' titles in the GT World Challenge Europe Endurance Cup last year in the Pro category. Among the important trophies already in the cabinet, we find the victory at the 24 Hours of Nürburgring in 2023 and at the 24 Hours of Daytona in 2024 , to which are also added two second places at the 24 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps in 2024 and at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2025 . The Maranello-based company's tradition in the GT categories is demonstrated by its successes in the World Endurance Championship: since its inception in 2012, seven manufacturers' titles have arrived thanks to the 458 Italia and 488 in GTE configuration, in addition to the drivers' titles in 2013 (Bruni), 2014 (Bruni-Vilander), 2017, 2021 and 2022 (Calado-Pier Guidi) in the GTE Pro class, reserved for professionals, always with the AF Corse team. We must not forget the titles in GTE Am in 2015, 2016, 2019-20 and 2021. Finally, we must remember the 29 class victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans , which are added to the 12 overall: in the GTE Pro era they came in 2012, 2014, 2019 and 2021, while in GTE Am in 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2021. Now the legacy of these categories has been taken up by the Lmgt3, a class where the 296 has so far achieved three victories in the Wec and where the Evo will aim to lengthen the list of successes both in the World Championship and on the Sarthe circuit.
La Gazzetta dello Sport