Two Seconds Faster at Fiorano

Ferrari's exhibit at the 35th Bologna Motor Show 2010 focused on its racing activities and circuit programs. The highlight was the "458 Challenge," making its global public debut.

The 458 Challenge is a one-make championship machine based on the "458 Italia." This new "Challenge" model promises exceptional performance, handling, and driving emotion, living up to its name.

The engine is the same 4499cc direct-injection V8 found in the 458 Italia, producing a maximum output of 570 hp at 9000 rpm. However, the gear ratios and calibration of the dual-clutch F1 gearbox have been refined to deliver higher torque from lower revs. Notably, it's the first Ferrari circuit-specific car to feature an E-Diff (electronically controlled differential), also found in the road-going version.

To reduce weight, the body panels are thinner, and lightweight materials like carbon fiber and Lexan are extensively used. The suspension features steel uniball joints, reinforced springs, fixed-damping dampers, center-nut 19-inch racing rims, and large Pirelli slick tires, with the ride height lowered by 50mm compared to the 458 Italia. It also incorporates Brembo's latest CCM2 (Carbon Ceramic Material Brake Disc 2) system, first seen on the 599XX, along with an advanced ABS system.

Integrated Driving Stability from Circuit Technology

Another new system, making its debut on a Ferrari Challenge model, is "F1-Trac." Developed by Ferrari, this system constantly monitors grip levels to ensure maximum road holding. The application is set to handle two extreme conditions expected on a circuit (wet and dry), incorporating control logic and strategies derived from Ferrari's extensive experience in F1 and GT championships. F1-Trac is fully integrated with the E-Diff, guaranteeing optimal stability and acceleration when entering and exiting corners, allowing the car to reach its full potential.

The settings for the ABS/EBD, F1-Trac, and E-Diff are selected via the familiar Manettino on the steering wheel, another first for the Challenge series. Depending on the circuit's grip conditions, drivers can choose from three settings: "OFF" (traction control off), "Position 1," and "Position 2." The latter two settings activate the control systems, enabling a high level of management.

During the development of the 458 Challenge, engineers successfully reduced the lap time of the previous model by two seconds at Fiorano, setting a new record of 1 minute 16.05 seconds. It also achieves remarkable lateral grip, generating an astonishing maximum of 1.6G.

Exhibition of "F60" Commemorating 60 Years of F1 Participation

At the venue where the 458 Challenge was showcased, attendees could also see the F430 GTC from AF Corse, the GT2 class constructor's champion in the 2010 Intercontinental Le Mans Cup. Also on display were the "FXX" and "599XX," circuit-only models developed through collaboration between Ferrari engineers and customer drivers. Dominating the center of the hall was the "F60," the F1 car used by Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro in the 2009 F1 World Championship.

In the Area 48 Competition Arena, the traditional year-end race for drivers in the "Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli," now in its 18th year, took place. Over 16 cars from the Italian and European championships participated in three rounds of racing on December 8th. A highlight of the program was an F1 exhibition by Luca Badoer, who retired after a 13-year career as a test driver for Scuderia Ferrari. He drove the F60, performed pit stop simulations, and bid farewell to the tifosi and enthusiasts gathered at the event.