The Ferrari World Finals event in Daytona this weekend saw the unveiling of the latest model to join the ranks of Ferrari’s prestigious international Challenge racing series for clients. The 488 Challenge is the sixth model to participate in the one-make series which, in 2017, celebrates its 25th anniversary.
The 488 Challenge is the first ever turbo-charged model to race and is the most powerful Challenge car ever, powered by the 670 hp 3.9-litre V8 derived from the series production engine that took the overall 2016 International Engine of the Year Award.
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With the extensive development of the car’s engine, aerodynamics and chassis, the 488 Challenge is claimed to reach new levels of performance, chopping a second off the Fiorano lap time of the preceding 458 Challenge EVO for a new record of 1’15.5”.
Compared to the production 488 GTB V8, the Challenge’s powertrain features specific engine mapping, optimised for racing performance, and shorter gear ratios. The variable torque management has been modified to prompt the driver to shift up at the ideal moment during longitudinal acceleration, thus making maximum use of the performance characteristics of the turbo engine. The F1 DCT transmission features a new racing shift strategy which enables the car to accelerate from a standstill to maximum revs in 4th gear in just six seconds.
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With regard to vehicle dynamics, Ferrari’s patented Slip Slip Control (SSC) software makes its first ever appearance on a Challenge car. The SSC is integrated in the vehicle electronic dynamic controls and is calibrated, along with the traction control and E-Diff3, to improve turn-in, cornering and acceleration out of corners ensuring that maximum traction is ensured throughout.
To achieve the technical objective of increasing the car’s aero efficiency while respecting the design, the engineers worked closely with the Ferrari Styling Centre. The front radiator layout was reworked, inverting the rake so that they are now inclined towards the rear. This solution is claimed to improve the air flow over the radiators in racing conditions whilst, at the same time, reducing drag.
The front bumper itself has been completely redesigned with a more pronounced splitter and flicks to increase downforce and balance the rear load, for a 7% improvement in efficiency compared to the 458 Challenge EVO.
