Ferrari reveals 488 Challenge

Italy's most famous car-maker presented its latest race car at the Ferrari World Finals event in Daytona on Sunday (December 4), and we reckon the new 488 Challenge is to die for.

Replacing the 458 Challenge EVO as the vehicle of choice for well-heeled Ferrari customers taking part in the Prancing Horse's international one-make series, the 488 Challenge is the sixth model to participate in the Challenge cup.

Compared to the production 488 GTB super-coupe on which it's based, the racer is powered by a tweaked version of the same turbocharged 3.9-litre V8, making it both the most powerful and the first turbo Challenge car from Ferrari.

Powertrain mods include specific race-optimised mapping and shorter gear ratios that Ferrari claims provide an 11.6 per cent increase in acceleration out of turns over the naturally-aspirated 458 Challenge EVO.

The F1 DCT transmission features a new racing shift strategy which is said to accelerate the car from a standstill to maximum revs in fourth gear in just six seconds, while further upgrades include weight reductions for the engine (-19.7kg) and exhaust (-8.5kg).

Ferrari’s patented Slip Slip Angle Control software makes its first ever appearance on a Challenge car, improving the longitudinal acceleration through bends by a claimed 4.2 per cent, and there are changes to the manettino function regulating the electronic vehicle dynamic controls.

Aerodynamic upgrades are similarly extensive and incorporate a reworked radiator layout. Inverting the rake so they are now inclined towards the rear, Ferrari Styling Centre improved the air flow over the radiators while reducing drag.

The new layout required new lower vents ahead of the wheels, as part of a redesigned front bumper with more pronounced splitter and flicks to increase downforce. Ferrari says there's a seven per cent improvement in efficiency compared to the 458 Challenge EVO.

The front bonnet is all-new with triple vents and integrated flaps to direct hot airflow rearwards from the radiators. To increase highs-peed stability, the 488 Challenge features a bigger rear wing with an air foil similar to that used on the 2016 FIA World Endurance Championship-winning 488 GTE.

This alone is claimed to increase efficiency by nine per cent compared to the 458 Challenge EVO, while the intakes on the rear flanks now take cooling air to the rear brakes and the engine air intakes are now positioned laterally under the rear spoiler.

Ferrari says the engine and aero upgrades make the 488 Challenge a second quicker than the 458 Challenge around its Fiorano test track, with a new record of 1:15.5.

The Ferrari Challenge, which celebrates its 25th anniversary next year, has hosted more than 1000 races and 1000 drivers over three series on three continents since 1992.

Billed as an ideal platform for drivers looking to compete in international GT and prototype championships, a number of its competitors have gone on to win in Grand-Am, IMSA, the FIA World Endurance Championship, ELMS an even the 24 Hours of Le Mans.