New Ferrari Challenge racer launched
The new Ferrari 458 Challenge will run alongside the F430 Challenge in the Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli in the 2011 season. Based on the latest 458 Italia road car, this is the fifth model to be used by Ferrari in its one-make championship, which, next year, will be extended to include a new Asia-Pacific series.
The 458 Challenge introduces a number of modifications to adapt it for competition use. The direct-injection, 4,497cc is unchanged save for revised gear ratios and calibration of its dual-clutch gearbox for higher torque at lower revs. The race car also gets the road-going E-Diff electronic differential and F1-Trac traction control system (see PMW, March-May 2008), the first Ferrari track-only GT to do so.
Thinner body panels and lightweight materials, such as carbon fiber and Lexan, have reduced the car’s weight. Chassis changes include solid aluminum bushings, stiffer springs, single-rate dampers, center-lock 19in racing rims, larger dimension Pirelli slicks, and a 30mm-lower ride height all round. 458 Challenge also gets the new-generation Brembo CCM2 brakes from the 599XX.
In the course of the car’s development, engineers managed to improve its lap time at Fiorano by two seconds over that of its predecessor, resulting in a new record of just 1min 16.5sec. The new machine also generates up to 1.6g of lateral grip.
Whiting inspects Korea International Circuit
Classic NASCAR races now available via iTunes download
Cost-capped LMP2 design from Lola
Pirelli presents plans to handle F1 contract
Xtrac gears up for new IndyCar
SEARCH THE SITE
Fiat 500 racing has reached the UK in the form of the Trofeo Abarth 500 Great Britain
Click here to read more
PMW track-tests the driver training and race license testing services offered by Brands Hatch
Click here to read more
How GM and Pratt & Miller turned the Corvette ZR1 into a GT2 race car
Click here to read more
We are building a list of leading suppliers covering all aspects of the professional motorsport industry. Want to see your company included? Contact v.lesishin@ukipme.com for more details.
Do you have an opinion you'd like to share with the professional motorsport community? We'd like to hear your views and opinions on the leading issues shaping the industry. Share your comments by sending up to 500 words to g.heeps@ukipme.com
To send us your recruitment advertising or to receive information on placing a banner please email v.lesishin@ukipme.com