Ferrari 296 GT Modificata brings 537kW to track days
Words: Kyle Cassidy
Ferrari has revealed a new track-only machine for customers who want GT3 performance without having to enter an actual race.
Called the 296 GT Modificata, the limited-production two-seater combines lessons from the 296 GT3 Evo racing car with technology developed for Ferrari’s other customer-track programmes. With no racing category or Balance of Performance regulations to satisfy, Ferrari has been free to turn up the wick.
The result is a claimed Fiorano lap time three seconds quicker than that of the 296 GT3 Evo.
Power comes from a rear-mid-mounted 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged V6 producing 537kW at 7500rpm and 800Nm at 5000rpm. That represents an increase of 96kW over the regulation-restricted GT3 Evo and gives the Modificata a specific output of 179kW per litre.
The 120-degree V6 retains the basic architecture of the GT3 Evo engine, but gains changes to its cranktrain, camshafts, intake, intercoolers and turbochargers. Ferrari has also increased the fuel system’s capacity and developed a new exhaust.
A six-speed sequential gearbox replaces the dual-clutch transmission found in the road-going 296 GTB. It uses a carbon clutch and revised ratios selected to suit the engine’s new power delivery.
Aerodynamics have also been substantially reworked. The front gains a new bonnet, larger cooling aperture and a slotted splitter intended to improve underbody airflow and generate more downforce.
At the rear is a redesigned wing featuring a central mounting pylon, 5mm Gurney flap and endplates inspired by Ferrari’s Le Mans-winning 499P prototype. The changes are intended to retain the correct aerodynamic balance as speeds rise.
The braking system is based on the hardware used by the 296 GT3 Evo and two-seat 296 GT3 Biposto. It incorporates new ventilated steel front discs measuring 400mm in diameter, additional cooling intakes and recalibrated ducting. Rear discs measure 332mm.
An adjustable ABS system is fitted to make the car more approachable for drivers with varying levels of experience, including during extended track sessions.
Unlike a single-seat competition car, the Modificata has room for an instructor or particularly brave passenger. Both occupants receive racing harnesses, while the passenger gets a dedicated footrest and an integrated intercom allows conversation through helmets.
Its dry weight is listed at 1330kg, with a 120-litre fuel tank. The car rides on 18-inch racing wheels wearing 325mm-wide tyres at both ends.
Standard equipment includes an extensive data-acquisition package, brake-temperature and damper-position sensors, a premium video-recording system, reversing camera and infrared tyre-pressure and temperature monitoring. A rear radar system that warns of faster approaching vehicles is optional.
The 296 GT Modificata cannot be registered for road use and isn’t intended for conventional competition. Instead, it has been created for Ferrari’s Club Competizioni GT, which gives owners access to organised non-competitive events at selected international circuits.
Buying the car includes entry to two years, or 12 rounds, of the programme. The 2027 calendar visits Jerez, Misano, Fuji, Indianapolis, Paul Ricard and Spa-Francorchamps before concluding at Ferrari’s Finali Mondiali.
No price has been announced, nor has Ferrari confirmed whether any examples will be allocated to New Zealand. With Fuji included on the calendar, however, Australasian buyers at least have one circuit reasonably close to home.
The new model succeeds the 488 GT Modificata introduced in 2020 and sits alongside the 499P Modificata in Ferrari’s growing collection of unrestricted customer track cars.
