Ferrari 488 Challenge race car revealed in Daytona
Ferrari have revealed the all new Ferrari 488 Challenge at the Ferrari World Finals event at the Daytona International Speedway. Ferrari have
By Rahul Kapoor
Ferrari have revealed the all new racecar based on their current production 488BTG sports car. At the Daytona International Speedway, Ferrari revealed the all new 488 Challenge which is the sixth model to participate in the one-make international racing series for clients which now celebrates its 25th anniversary.
The 488 Challenge is the first turbo charged model to race in the series as it features the same 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8 that produces 670hp. Working in cohesion with the aerodynamic and updated to the chassis from the standard vehicle, the 488 Challenge is a whole second quicker around Ferrari’s Fiorano test track that the predeceasing 548 Challenge EVO. The 488 Challenge now holds a record of a 1 minute 15.5 second lap time.
Though the engine produces the same amount of power as the standard 488GTB, the 488 Challenge features a specific remapping tuned to deliver better performance ideal for racing conditions. In addition to shorter ratios, the F1 DCT transmission now has a racing shift strategy that allows the car to rev to the max from a standstill in fourth gear in just six seconds. Ferrari have also shaved some weight fro the engine powertrain as well adding to the weight reduction of the car.
The Challenge also features a Ferrari’s Slip Slip Control software, working with the traction control and the electronic differential. The driving dynamics of the vehicle can also be tailored to the driver’s need even further as the traction and braking settings can now be adjusted independently. Ferrari have equipped the 488 Challenge with three “manettinos” … simply known as ‘knobs’. One of which on the centre console controls the ABS, while the other two on the steering wheel (TC1 and TC2) allows adjustments in terms of ‘when’ the system is to intervene under acceleration and ‘how’ much should be the intensity of torque reduction when the system senses wheel spin, respectively.
The exterior has been reworked completely, but the designers of the car have tried to maintain the general looks and aesthetics of the vehicle, as the engineers worked closely with the design department. The front radiator layout has been reworked and new vents at the bottom of the bumper in front of the wheels to achieve less drag and better air-flow.
The front bumper itself has been redesigned and gets a pronounced front splitter and flicks for better downforce and balance. The bonnet is all new with triple air vents and integrated flaps, the rear wing as also larger than before, similar to the air foil profile found in WEC championship-winning 488 GTE car.
The intakes on the rear flanks now take cooling air to the rear brakes, optimising downforce, while the engine air intakes are now positioned laterally under the rear spoiler, taking advantage of the high pressure generated in this area.
