The new Ferrari 458 Italia Challenge, that is destined to race in the one-make 2011 Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli series, was revealed this week during an annual dealer meeting in Maranello, Italy. These first unofficial photos of the 458 Italia Challenge are courtesy of the always well-connected crew at Teamspeed.com.
Based on the road-going 458 Italia, the Challenge has received a number of competition-spec modifications to adapt it for track use.
Although the car’s 4,5-litre V8 makes do with the standard power output of 420 kW at 9 000 r/min, Ferrari’s engineers have recalibrated the dual-clutch F1-derived gearbox, as well as its ratios, to improve torque at lower revs.
The new 458 Italia Challenge also benefits from a modified suspension set-up with solid aluminium bushings, stiffer springs, single-rate dampers and a 30 mm reduced ride height. The Italis Challenge rides on new centre-nut 19-inch racing wheels shod in Pirelli slicks.
The 458 Italia Challenge is also equipped with the new Brembo CCM2 brakes first seen on the 599XX experimental prototype. The brakes are linked to an ABS system featuring two configurations – low grip and high performance for dry surfaces.
The 458 Challenge keeps the E-Diff electronic differential and F1-Trac traction control system employed on the road-going version of the 458 Italia.
Ferrari say that significant work has gone into reducing the car’s weight. No figures were released, but the 458’s body panels are made from lightweight materials such as carbon fibre and Lexan, while their thickness has also been reduced.
Ferrari claim the changes helped shave two seconds from the standard car’s laptime of the Fiorano test track at 1m16.5s.
Related posts:
