Powered by a 4,497 cc Direct Injection V8 Engine with 570 hp / 9,000rpm

This new "458 Challenge" is a model based on the "458 Italia," with numerous modifications to make it race-ready. It will soon compete as a rival to the "F430 Challenge" in Ferrari's one-make championship, the Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli.

The engine is a 4,497 cc direct-injection V8, the same as in the "458 Italia." The maximum output remains unchanged at 570 hp / 9,000rpm. However, the gear ratios and the dual-clutch F1 gearbox settings have been revised to deliver torque more effectively from lower RPMs.

The "458 Challenge" also features the E-Diff electronic differential, a first for a Ferrari race car, although it is already available on the road-going version. Furthermore, through thorough revisions to both the exterior and interior, including reducing the thickness of body panels and employing lightweight materials such as carbon fiber and Lexan, the vehicle's weight has been successfully reduced.

Equipped with F1-Trac Traction Control System

The suspension has been specially tuned with rigid aluminum bushings, firmer springs, and fixed-damping dampers. It is also equipped with dedicated 19-inch center-nut racing wheels and Pirelli slick tires. The ride height has been lowered by 30mm.

This new model is fitted with Brembo's latest generation CCM2 brakes (carbon-ceramic material), first introduced on Ferrari's ultimate experimental vehicle, the "599XX." The ABS system offers two settings: one for low-grip conditions and another for high-performance on dry surfaces.

This new model also incorporates the F1-Trac traction control system, a first for a Ferrari Challenge car. This system detects grip levels to ensure maximum road holding at all times. By adopting control logic and programs derived from F1 and GT championships, it offers settings for both wet and dry circuit conditions.

The F1-Trac traction control system is fully integrated with the E-Diff, maximizing the "458 Challenge's" corner exit speed.

A New Course Record of 1:16.05 Set

Furthermore, the settings for the ABS, F1-Trac, and E-Diff can be selected using the Manettino switch on the steering wheel. This is also a first for Ferrari's Challenge series. The driver can easily select wet or dry settings, or disengage F1-Trac for high-grip conditions by selecting CT-OFF.

During its development, the car successfully reduced the lap time of its predecessor by two seconds on the Fiorano Circuit, setting a new course record of 1:16.05. It also achieved an astonishing maximum lateral grip of 1.6G.

The Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli, the one-make championship where the new "458 Challenge" berlinetta will compete, is scheduled to launch an Asia-Pacific series next year.