2011 Ferrari 458 Challenge

The Ferrari 458 Challenge design provides further evidence of the complete departure from the past that this new car hails. The Ferrari 458 Challenge has a compact, aerodynamic shape, underscoring the concepts of simplicity, efficiency and lightness that inspired the project. As with every Ferrari, the car's styling has been very heavily influenced by the requirements for aerodynamic efficiency, as can be seen from the downforce of 140 kg at 200km/h generated by the new model. The front features a single opening for the front grille and side air intakes, with aerodynamic sections and profiles designed to direct air to the coolant radiators and the new flat underbody. The nose also sports small aeroelastic winglets which generate downforce and, as speed rises, deform to reduce the section of the radiator inlets and cut drag.


2011 Ferrari 458 Challenge

2011 Ferrari 458 Challenge

2011 Ferrari 458 Challenge

2011 Ferrari 458 Challenge

2011 Ferrari 458 Challenge

2011 Ferrari 458 Challenge

2011 Ferrari 458 Challenge

The Ferrari 458 Challenge has a specific suspension set-up with solid aluminium bushings, single-rate dampers, stiffer springs, centre-nut 19" racing rims, larger dimension Pirelli slicks and a ride height lowered by 30mm all round. It is also equipped with the new generation Brembo CCM2 brakes which debuted on the 599XX, Ferrari's extreme experimental laboratory car, and which are integrated with an ABS system that features two configurations - low grip and high performance for dry surfaces.

The direct injection 4497 cc V8 remains strictly in production tune, with an output of 570 hp at 9,000 rpm. That said, modifications have been made to the gear ratios and calibration of its dual-clutch F1 gearbox to guarantee higher torque at lower revs. The Ferrari 458 Challenge is also equipped with the E-Diff electronic differential already employed on the road-going version, a first for Ferrari's track-only cars.