Ferrari Presented New Ferrari 458 Challenge

The Ferrari engineers have created a competition version of 458 Italia, which they called 458 Challenge. The model is designed specifically for track and is faster with two seconds than his predecessor – F430 Challenge.

The guys from Ferrari revealed the official pictures of 458 Italia, the competition version. The model is called Ferrari 458 Challenge and develops 570 HP at 9000 rpm. The gearbox has been completely recalibrated and the gear ratios were changed to provide as much torque at low rpm. However, Ferrari 458 Challenge is the first competition Ferrari which will use E-Diff electronic differential. The mass of this model was also reduced using thinner body panels, increasing carbon fiber panels and glass replacement with Lexan , but the new value was not announced.

The competition version of 458 Italia receives a new suspension system with aluminum bushing, stronger springs and harder shock absorbers. The ground clearance was reduced by 1.18 inches, and the light alloy wheels of 19 inches using a fixture in one specific point of motorsport. The Brembo braking system uses ceramic discs and carbon elements and is borrowed from 599XX, while the ABS offers two different settings – low grip and high performance for dry areas.

The new Ferrari 458 Challenge is the first Challenge model which using the F1-Trac system. This system has two ways (wet asphalt and dry asphalt) and is fully integrated in E-Diff. All these settings are controlled by Manettino system mounted on the steering wheel. In conditions of good grip, the driver can choose CT-OFF to setting to disable the F1-Trac traction control.

Ferrari 458 Challenge will compete with its predecessor – F430 Challenge in 2010 Ferrari Challenge season. According to the guys from Ferrari, the new model is faster with two seconds than the F430 Challenge on Fiorano circuit and is capable of a lateral acceleration of 1.6 G in cornering.