Ferrari Challenge will be celebrating its 25th Anniversary next year, and at the same time releasing its first turbocharged race car, the 488 Challenge.
The new 488 Challenge uses the road car’s twin turbo 3.9-litre V8 engine, which recently won the overall 2016 International Engine of the Year Award, and a closer-ratio version of the F1 DCT transmission. The new car is considerably faster than its predecessor, the 458 Challenge, thanks to its higher power figures and lighter weight; its engine alone is an impressive 53 pounds lighter. This 488 Challenge is also the very first Challenge racer to use Ferrari’s Side Slip Control system (SSC) to maximise traction when working in tandem with the advanced traction control systems. Externally, the front radiator is now mounted at a far more inclined angle, canard wings and skirts adorn both sides while a huge rear wing is also added, ensuring stability at high speed. The overall aerodynamic efficiency has been increased by 7% when compared to the outgoing 458 Challenge EVO.
We can only assume that this incredible 488 Challenge, which recently set a record of 1m15.5s at Ferrari’s Fiorano test track, will have a considerable impact for both Ferrari and international motorsport over the next few years.
