Ferrari’s Fierce 296 Challenge Stradale Previewed in Street Tests
- Spy photos reveal Ferrari developing a street-legal 296 Challenge variant.
- The Challenge Stradale promises to be the most extreme 296 model yet.
- It may be among the five new Ferrari models slated for release this year.
Amid anticipation for Ferrari’s upcoming electric Luce, enthusiasts have spotted a camouflaged prototype resembling a race car but equipped for public roads. This suggests Ferrari is preparing a high-performance special edition likely based on the 296 Challenge introduced late last year. The presence of a license plate raises questions about the car’s intended street-legal status despite its track-inspired design.
Unlike the track-only 296 Challenge Evo, which features lightweight polycarbonate windows, this prototype appears to retain a more conventional interior setup. The wheels differ from the slick tires found on pure race cars and lack the stripped-down race cabin.
Careful observation reveals front parking sensors and the absence of quick-release hood fasteners. Ferrari has added a distinct front bumper not seen on other 296 variants, while the rear fascia—with its dual exhausts and mesh panels—echoes racing aesthetics more than typical street models. The heavily camouflaged car’s enormous rear wing, clearly borrowed from the race car, is unmistakable.
All evidence points toward this being the 296 Challenge Stradale, likely a more hardcore and focused successor to last year’s Speciale. The powertrain could be a pure V6 setup without hybrid elements, aiming to reduce weight and maximize driving purity.
The 296 Challenge race car weighs just 2,932 pounds (1,330 kg), whereas the 296 Speciale comes in heavier at 3,108 pounds (1,410 kg). A road-going Challenge Stradale would probably fall between these figures, balancing performance with the safety and regulatory requirements of a production vehicle.
The twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 race engine delivers 690 horsepower and 546 lb-ft (740 Nm) of torque. The Speciale version retains the same horsepower but sees a modest torque increase to 557 lb-ft (755 Nm).
If confirmed, the 296 Challenge Stradale’s price would likely exceed $500,000, surpassing the 296 Speciale’s starting price of $475,364 in the U.S. Given its probable rarity and enhanced exclusivity, this model could become a prized collector’s item.
Spy Shots of the Anticipated Ferrari 296 Challenge Stradale
The unveiling of this new model may be imminent. Ferrari plans to launch five new vehicles this year, including the electric Luce, with some speculation that the 296 Challenge Stradale could debut at the Finali Mondiali in November, followed by deliveries starting next year.
While the EV revolution gains momentum, Ferrari’s commitment to combustion engines remains evident. A V6-only 296 Challenge Stradale would likely attract collectors eager for a non-hybrid Ferrari, a rarity in the current market.
