Ferrari introduced the 296 GT3 in July 2022 as the successor to the renowned 488 GT3 EVO. The car made its real-world debut at the 2023 24 Hours of Daytona and has since become a key competitor in GT3 racing worldwide. The 296 GT3 represents Ferrari’s return from a V8-powered to a V6-powered GT3 car.
The Ferrari 296 GT3 in Le Mans Ultimate is a well-rounded choice for intermediate sim racers. Ferrari is easier to drive and get used to than the Porsche, but it is not as planted as a front-engine BMW. Whether you are an endurance racer or a sprint specialist, this car provides a balance of precision and power that is hard to ignore.
For a practical demo of the Ferrari 296 GT3, check out this lap guide at its home circuit, Monza, by Gregor Schill on the Coach Dave Academy YouTube channel:
Car Specifications & Key Features
The Ferrari 296 GT3 is built around a 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged V6 engine, replacing the 3.9-litre V8 used in the Ferrari 488 GT3 EVO. Despite the downsizing, the power output remains close to 600 horsepower, similar to other GT3 cars. Ferrari reaches a top speed of approximately 280 km/h and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in about 3.2 seconds.
The 296 GT3 is a further evolution of the 488 GT3 EVO. The new car generates 20% more downforce, which results in better stability and grip. The car’s chassis has been re-engineered to accommodate its new powertrain, and the weight distribution has been finely tuned close to a 50/50 balance.
The Ferrari 296 GT3 in Le Mans Ultimate is a realistic representation of the real car. If you want to experience what it’s like to drive a Ferrari 296 GT3 as close to real life as possible – especially audio and tyre physics – Le Mans Ultimate is well worth a try. If nothing else, the sound alone makes it an incredible experience.
Handling & Performance on Track
The Ferrari 296 GT3 delivers a well-balanced performance as a mid-engine car. It maintains stability through most corners and provides a strong mechanical grip. Baseline setups offer good drivability, but fine-tuning can be required to optimise performance for specific tracks, conditions and personal preferences.
The biggest quirk of this car in Le Mans Ultimate is instability in high-speed corners. The rear can suddenly snap, especially if the balance is shifted forward with low rear wing or ride heights. This behaviour is especially pronounced in wet conditions and dirty air – beware when you follow another car in Raidillon at Spa!
In other aspects, Ferrari is quite tame. At the turn-in phase, the car is responsive and has no intrinsic understeer of front-engine GT3s. You can further fine-tune it with bump and rebound dampers. Mid-corner rotation and weight transfer in low-speed corners are good and can be further adjusted with anti-roll bars and suspension springs.
Ferrari offers engine electronics that are on par with other GT3s to maximise performance during the corner exit. For example, you can adjust differential preload and two stages of traction control separately.
When working on the setup, remember that LMGT3 cars in Le Mans Ultimate have less downforce and significantly reduced power compared to other GT3 cars in other series. One major difference is in electronic settings – LMGT3 cars run much lower traction control due to the reduced power output.
Overall, the Ferrari 296 GT3 is surprisingly tricky to set up, because it is easy to upset the neutral balance and make the car less consistent and predictable.
Best Tracks for Ferrari 296 LMGT3 in Le Mans Ultimate
Performance relative to other cars always depends on the ever-changing balance of performance rules. As a general guideline, Ferrari is strong on tracks with lots of flowing medium-speed corners (Fuji, Bahrain GP and Outer layouts).
In the real World Endurance Championship, Ferrari made a late charge at the end of the 2024 season and won two race victories. The #54 AF Corse Ferrari 296 GT3 won the LMGT3 category in the 6 Hours of Fuji in September 2024, and the #55 AF Corse Ferrari 296 LMGT3 won the next round, the 8 Hours of Bahrain in November 2024.
LMU Ferrari Setup Recommendations for Optimal Performance
Unlock the full potential of your LMGT3 car with Coach Dave Academy’s expertly crafted setups in Le Mans Ultimate – professionally tuned with in-depth knowledge of Le Mans Ultimate’s latest physics to deliver optimal performance in every race.
Gain seconds in lap time with our incredible Le Mans Ultimate setups developed by professional sim racers and qualified engineers.
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How It Compares to Other Cars in the Class
The Ferrari 296 LMGT3 is a great middle-of-the-road choice. It is trickier to drive than the front-engined BMW M4 GT3 and Ford Mustang GT3 but easier than the Porsche 911 GT3. Rotation, acceleration and tyre wear are all competitive, not the best and not the worst in the class. The top speed with a similar setup is better than in the Porsche 911 GT3 but worse than in the Ford Mustang GT3 and McLaren 720S GT3.
This car is ideal for drivers who prefer a neutral handling vehicle without too much character. It is also well-suited for endurance racing, offering consistent lap times and efficient tyre management.
Final Verdict: Is the Ferrari 296 LMGT3 the Right Choice for You?
Whether in dry or wet conditions, the Ferrari 296 LMGT3 maintains strong performance across most tracks in the Le Mans Ultimate and offers an exciting yet approachable driving experience. If you want to make a switch to mid-engine GT3s or just try them out in a few races, the Ferrari 296 is a great choice for both sprint and endurance races.
| Pros | Cons |
| Neutral balance and predictable handling are accessible for many drivers. | Unstable in high-speed corners, especially in dirty air. |
| Moderate and balanced tyre wear, the car is competitive over full stints. | Difficult to fine-tune the car to specific preferences with the setup. |
| Easy to switch to other mid-engine cars that are available in Le Mans Ultimate. |
Wrapping Up
The Ferrari 296 GT3 has quickly established itself as a fan-favourite in Le Mans Ultimate. Have you taken it for a spin? It’s Coach Dave’s favourite car in Le Mans Ultimate, being a Ferrari factory driver himself of course.
If the Ferrari 296 GT3 is not quite right for you we have more Le Mans Ultimate car guides. Check out our other reviews here:
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