Ferrari isn’t in the business of standing still when it comes to racing, especially in the motorsport world outside of Formula 1. The brand’s GT racing weapon, the 296 GT3, has already carved its name into modern motorsport folklore. But true to Ferrari’s philosophy of continuous evolution, the 296 GT3 Evo has now broken cover — revealed ahead of its competitive debut at the 2026 24 Hours of Daytona.
This isn’t a redesign for the sake of it. It’s an evolution built on 343 races, 140 wins, 405 podiums, and 56 pole positions across just two seasons. And in 2024 alone, it conquered both the 24 Hours of Nürburgring and Daytona, while securing five GT World Challenge Europe Endurance Cup PRO titles. That’s the kind of legacy you don’t take lightly, and the new Evo is here to build on it.
What’s New? The Evo in Detail
Ferrari engineers have worked closely with drivers, private teams, and data from WEC’s new LMGT3 platform to fine-tune every detail of the 296 GT3 Evo. Here’s what’s changed, and why it matters.
The Aero Tweaks
At first glance, the Evo might look familiar but under the skin, the aero package has undergone a deep rework. Refined aerodynamic responsiveness now makes it even more efficient in slipstreams — crucial in multi-class endurance racing where positioning and drafting can mean everything.
Expect it to slice through traffic more cleanly while maintaining better balance at high speed. New front bonnet air intakes have also been added, feeding vital airflow to both the brakes and the cockpit, keeping components cooler and drivers more focused over long stints.
Recalibrated Drivetrain
The Evo retains its heart — a 3.0-litre 120° twin-turbo V6. This was a layout chosen for its compactness, lower center of gravity, and high power-to-weight ratio. It’s still delivering up tp 599hp and 710Nm, though as always, the final output is subject to Balance of Performance (BoP) regulations.
What’s different is the gear ratio cascade. Ferrari has completely re-engineered the gear train using feedback from two seasons of racing, with a focus on improving corner exit, especially out of slower turns. The six-speed transverse sequential gearbox now delivers cleaner and faster power application — crucial for lap time consistency across a 24-hour race.
Cooling & Reliability
Endurance is the name of the game, and to that end, the 296 GT3 Evo features a redesigned water radiator and refined fluid dynamics. These upgrades aim to maintain ideal operating temps across wildly varying race conditions — from the scorching tarmac of the Dubai Autodrome to the cold night air of Spa-Francorchamps.
Cockpit: Comfort Meets Competition
Ferrari knows that endurance racing isn’t just about lap times but also about stamina and the ability to endure long stints behind the wheel while driving at the limit. The cockpit of the 296 GT3 Evo has been refined with driver comfort and usability at its core. Visibility has been improved, ergonomics have been enhanced, and an auxiliary fan has been added to boost air conditioning — a godsend during grueling stints under the sun.
Pit Stop Efficiency: Time is Everything
Already a benchmark in pit stop speed, the 296 GT3 Evo introduces even faster and more efficient systems. In the world of GT racing, a few tenths in the pits can equal position changes on track, and Ferrari is clearly playing the long game.
The 296 GT3 Evo will be displayed to the public at the Ferrari Finali Mondiali in October 2025, before it hits the track competitively in early 2026. Ferrari isn’t leaving current teams behind either — an upgrade kit will be offered to existing 296 GT3 owners, ensuring parity across the paddock and reinforcing the brand’s customer-centric ethos.
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