First Turbocharged Engine

The Ferrari Challenge, an international one-make race for customers that Ferrari launched in 1992, has a new, sixth-generation model: the 488 Challenge. It was announced at this year's Ferrari Challenge season finale, the Finali Mondiali.

A significant topic is that this 488 Challenge is the first in the Challenge series' six generations to adopt a turbocharged engine. The base model, theFerrari 488 GTBFerrari 488 GTB, has been optimized for racing with its engine mapping and made lighter. Its 3.9-liter V8 twin-turbo engine produces a maximum output of 670 horsepower, making it the most powerful in the history of Challenge cars.

The transmission is an F1-DCT (dual-clutch), and independent control of traction and brakes is also possible.

The aerodynamics and chassis have also been improved for this dedicated racing machine. The front bumper and bonnet have been completely redesigned to increase downforce and balance rear load. Furthermore, by adopting the same large rear wing with an aero profile as the 488 GTB, aerodynamic efficiency has been improved by 9 percent compared to the previous model, the 458 Challenge EVO.

As a result, it has set a new lap record of 1 minute 15.5 seconds at the Fiorano Circuit, one second faster than the previous model's458 Challenge EVO458 Challenge EVO.

The new 488 Challenge is expected to be seen in the Ferrari Challenge, which will celebrate its 25th anniversary next year, 2017.