[Shawn Schroer]

Oh my, can't wait to hear this one in action and see the specs...Ferrari is sure blitzkrieging the public this year...!

[atomic80]

I honestly am surprised that Ferrari didn't make any modifications to the body style. The original design must really have been optimized for aerodynamics to begin with. Thanks for sharing these, DJ!

[McRae]

Holy Freakin Hell!!! Amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[ptphotography]

I can't wait to go and see these things ripping up Sebring

[Stephan]

Quote:

Originally Posted by atomic80 »

I honestly am surprised that Ferrari didn't make any modifications to the body style. The original design must really have been optimized for aerodynamics to begin with. Thanks for sharing these, DJ!

The 360 Challenge and F430 Challenge didn't have any either, they were virtually identical to stock. The main change the F430 Challenge had was the rear bumper/exhaust change which was then later seen on the Scuderia

Looks good so far but im interested in seeing which wheels they are using!

[mtechnik]

Looks pretty cool. Looking forward to more. I'm also anxious to see the ALMS GT2 version.

Thanks for the pics, DJ!

[atomic80]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stephan »

The 360 Challenge and F430 Challenge didn't have any either, they were virtually identical to stock. The main change the F430 Challenge had was the rear bumper/exhaust change which was then later seen on the Scuderia

Looks good so far but im interested in seeing which wheels they are using!

And here we are again...the main change visually being the exhaust system on the 458 version also. It makes sense though..

[Fuel&Fire]

So does this mean the "Scud" version of the 458 will have 2 tailpipes?

[DJ]

Official info leaked it seems from member "Dinhossauro" on fchat:
"The new 458 Challenge is a mix of stock 458 Italia and new competition-spec upgrades. The 4.5-litre V8 is road-car legal and develops the same 562bhp at a neck-tingling 9000rpm, but it'll soar to that epic redline more frequently thanks to shorter gearing.

The twin-clutch gearbox is recalibrated to ensure more torque at lower revs, too. But amateur race hands be relieved: the E-DIff electronics remain on hand to curb the worst tail slides on track.

So what makes the Ferrari 458 Challenge a racer?

One of the chief differences between the 458 Italia road car and this Challenge racer is a diet, says Ferrari, although it has yet to issue a kerb weight. The bodyshell panels are thinner in most places and much of the glasswork is replaced by Lexan plastic.

The Challenge should corner on the obligatory tramlines, thanks to a thorough overhaul of the already-not-at-all-shabby suspension. Out go the rubber bushes replaced by solid aluminium bushing; the springs are stiffer and dampers recalibrated; the ride is dropped 30mm all round; and Pirelli slicks are fitted to the new quick-release 19in rims.

Brembo's latest CCM2 brakes from the 599XX are donated to the 458 Challenge to wipe off all that speed. And to help you pile the clicks back on, an upgraded F1-Trac traction control system is added with dry and wet settings to put the ponies to the track. Yet more settings on the manettino steering wheel switch to befuddle the driver mid-corner...

Cue obligatory laptime around Fiorano...

Ah yes. Since you asked the 458 Challenge puts in a 1min 16.5sec lap, generating up to 1.6g in the fastest corners. That's two seconds a lap faster than the previous Challenge racer, says Ferrari. To put that in context, even the Enzo lapped in 1min 24.9sec in 2002.

Should be enough to get the professional and gentlemen racers reaching for their chequebooks. Which will need lots of spaces for zeros, as the 458 Challenge is likely to far outstrip the Italia's £169,546 price tag. The 430 Challenge cost around £185,000 (including the first year's race entry fee) compared to the F430's £145,000 price tag."

[McRae]

wish it had a challenge grill