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Ferrari Unveils the 296 GT3 Evo at Spa: Sharpening the Blade for GT Racing

Three years after Ferrari’s dramatic reveal of the 296 GT3 at the iconic 24 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps, the Prancing Horse returns to Belgium’s Ardennes forest with another evolutionary leap — the Ferrari 296 GT3 Evo. The legendary GT endurance race, a mainstay of the global calendar, once again plays host as Ferrari debuts its upgraded GT3 challenger, refined through the crucible of international motorsport.

A Proven Pedigree, Refined

Ferrari didn’t start from scratch. The 296 GT3 Evo is built on a foundation already proven on the world stage. Since its 2022 debut, the 296 GT3 has claimed five major titles, including a dominant run in the GT World Challenge Endurance Cup’s Pro class, while also securing victories at the Nürburgring 24 Hours and the Rolex 24 at Daytona. In just 343 races, it has amassed 140 wins, 405 podiums, and 56 pole positions — a staggering resume that few GT cars in history can match.

This new Evo version is the result of an intensive development process that combines customer feedback, two seasons of competition data, and the technical insights from Ferrari’s LMGT3 program in the FIA World Endurance Championship.

Powertrain: Familiar Heart, Sharper Tools

Under the skin, the 3.0-liter 120° twin-turbo V6 remains untouched — and rightly so. Praised for its compactness, weight balance, and explosive torque delivery, the engine continues to be mounted lower and farther forward than in the road-going 296 GTB, contributing to a lower center of gravity and improved chassis stiffness. The unit is tilted by two degrees to enhance diffuser packaging, a critical element for aero efficiency.

Where evolution takes hold is in the gearbox. Engineers have introduced an optimized gear ratio cascade, fine-tuned for better torque delivery across a broader speed range. The changes reflect two years of racing telemetry, helping to make the Evo more versatile on diverse circuits and conditions.

Aerodynamics: Fighting in the Slipstream

The biggest leap comes in aerodynamics. While the 296 GT3 already maxed out vertical load under current GT3 regulations, Ferrari’s team zeroed in on aerodynamic stability — particularly in traffic. Endurance racing often forces cars to run in dirty air, and the Evo is better equipped to cope.

Key updates include:

  • A revised front splitter and floor, optimized vortex generators, and new bumper appendages.
  • A redesigned rear diffuser, with more efficient channeling and expansion volumes.
  • New front wheel arch louvers, improving rear intake airflow even while drafting.

Ferrari has leaned heavily on CFD simulations and wind tunnel testing, improving its ability to model complex airflow scenarios. The result is a car that holds its aerodynamic balance in the most chaotic racing conditions, offering drivers greater confidence and consistency.

Functional Changes You Can See

Visually, the Evo introduces dual front bonnet intakes, enhancing cockpit and brake cooling — now delivering 20% more airflow to the front discs. Also borrowed from the LMGT3 is a redesigned rear wing, now featuring a quick-adjust system first seen on the WEC car, allowing for tool-less angle changes during setup or in pit lane.

Other key exterior tweaks include:

  • A revised rear wheel arch, adapted to accommodate a wider variety of tire types.
  • Repositioned mirrors, now angled and mounted for better visibility and reduced vibration — a direct result of vibration frequency analysis and CFD studies.

Chassis, Suspension & Driver Focus

Mechanical changes aren’t forgotten. The Evo benefits from new suspension kinematics front and rear, aimed at reducing component loads and improving reliability. The changes also simplify setup work in the pits — a nod to Ferrari’s continued commitment to “modularity” in race operations.

Inside, the driver-centric cockpit retains its core philosophy: intuitive controls, strong ergonomics, and robust safety. However, Ferrari has addressed one key comfort issue: air conditioning performance. A new supplemental fan boosts airflow, crucial for driver stamina in endurance stints.

Future-Proofed for 2026 and Beyond

With homologation pending final aero tweaks, the 296 GT3 Evo will make its racing debut in the 2026 season. Importantly for Ferrari’s global customer base, the Evo will also be offered as a retrofit kit, ensuring current 296 GT3 teams can upgrade without investing in a whole new chassis.

Source: Ferrari

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Ferrari Unveils the 296 GT3 Evo at Spa: Sharpening the Blade for GT Racing
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Dash Bespoke Introduces Custom Supercar Platform with TR01 Chassis

In the world of supercars, personalization often comes at a premium—if it’s offered at all. Buyers are typically funneled into narrow spec sheets, handed a few trim options, and told to enjoy their six-figure machines just like everyone else. Full customization? That’s a privilege reserved for the ultra-rich and limited to the sacred stables of brands like Ferrari.

But a new British company is aiming to change that.

Enter Dash Bespoke, a fresh offshoot of renowned racing engineering firm Dash, which has been in the motorsport trenches since 2006. Their mission? To give enthusiasts and visionaries a more accessible pathway to creating a truly one-of-a-kind supercar—built virtually from the ground up.

At the heart of Dash Bespoke’s offering is the TR01 platform, a lightweight carbon fiber monocoque chassis first unveiled in 2023. Not only is it ultra-stiff and performance-ready, but it’s also fully Euro NCAP compliant—making it legal for road use in the UK. The chassis accommodates a wide range of powertrains, from electric setups to burly V-8s, and supports everything from road-going supercars to purpose-built race machines.

“The TR01 allows us to create a completely tailored vehicle without starting from scratch every time,” explains Dash CEO Tim Robathan. “Bringing a bespoke or low-volume performance vehicle to life is a monumental undertaking. For many brands and visionaries, the obstacles involved can bring a project to a halt. That’s why we created Dash Bespoke.”

Their first creation will be unveiled to the world at this summer’s Goodwood Festival of Speed. Called the SlipStream, the debut model will feature a mid-mounted V-8 engine from New Zealand’s Hartley Engineering—the same powerplant specialists behind the Nilu27 supercar. The SlipStream also boasts bespoke carbon fiber subframes, light alloy suspension components, and high-performance hydraulic dampers from Nitron.

While Dash hasn’t released pricing, it’s safe to assume the SlipStream won’t be cheap. But with the promise of true customization—beyond what traditional supercar makers are willing to offer—it could very well be a more cost-effective and flexible alternative for those dreaming beyond the showroom catalog.

In a market often defined by exclusivity and restriction, Dash Bespoke is offering something rare: a blank canvas with a high-performance heart. And for the passionate few who want more than just another badge on the hood, that might be the most valuable luxury of all.

Source: Dash Bespoke

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Dash Bespoke Introduces Custom Supercar Platform with TR01 Chassis
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Lewis Hamilton Left in Awe After Test Driving Ferrari’s Blistering New F80

Lewis Hamilton has seen — and driven — it all. But even for the seven-time Formula 1 World Champion, Ferrari’s new F80 road car delivered something extraordinary. After taking the wheel at Ferrari’s private Fiorano test track, the British motorsport legend emerged from the cockpit almost speechless.

“This is the fastest road car I’ve ever driven,” Hamilton said, visibly stunned by the vehicle’s performance. That’s no small statement coming from the man who once set records in the hybrid-powered Mercedes-AMG One on the Nürburgring.

Hamilton, who joined Scuderia Ferrari at the start of the 2025 Formula 1 season, has quickly immersed himself in the culture and legacy of the Prancing Horse. His enthusiasm for the F80 signals more than just a promotional gesture — it reflects a genuine appreciation for the brand’s engineering mastery.

“This is a whole new level,” he added after pushing the F80 to its limits on the demanding Fiorano circuit. Powered by the most potent drivetrain ever placed in a Ferrari road car, the F80 delivers extreme acceleration, cutting-edge aerodynamics, and unmistakable Italian flair.

Joining Hamilton on the day was teammate Charles Leclerc, who also couldn’t hide his admiration. According to sources close to the team, Leclerc is seriously considering purchasing an F80 himself.

Despite its eye-watering performance and limited production, the F80 is already a sold-out success. All 799 units have been spoken for — a testament to Ferrari’s enduring allure. Still, insiders hint that an exception might be made for Hamilton, who has only just begun his journey with the Maranello-based team.

For a driver known for chasing perfection on the track, the F80 seems to have struck a personal chord. As Hamilton’s new chapter with Ferrari unfolds, his growing connection to the brand may be just as thrilling as anything he does on race day.

Source: Ferrari via YouTube