Inevitably, Ferrari 458 Challenge is born

Ferrari 458 Challenge

The old F430 had a twin doing laps of race tracks around the world. The F430 Challenge was a purpose built, race tuned version of the standard F430. With the F430 dead and its place been taken by the 458, inevitably there had to be a similar race ready 458. Hence, the 458 Challenge was born and was revealed at Bologna Motor Show.

As you’d expect, the 458 Challenge is much quicker round the Fiorano test track than its predecessor, in fact a full 2 secs quicker. The new 458 Challenge laps the Ferrari test track in just 1m 16.5s.

458 Challenge

More importantly, the standard 570 bhp V8 has been left untouched and still the car manages to be faster. This is chiefly due to the weight loss program the 458 has had been put through. The body of the car is now made up of carbon fibre and the thickness of the body panels have also been reduced in a bid to shave of weight.

Gear ratios and calibration of the dual-clutch F1-box have been modified to give higher torque at lower revs. It also gets Ferrari’s E-Diff and ‘F1-Trac’ (traction control system). The Challenge also comes with stiffer springs, single-rate alloy dampers, forged 19in rims, a 50mm lower ride height, Brembo brakes (as on the 599XX) and Pirelli slicks.

News and image courtesy: Topgear