Ferrari Unveils the 458 Challenge for Gentleman Racers

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed)
Jul 22nd 2010 at 2:02PM

Opinion is divided as regards the styling of Ferrari's newest model, the 458 Italia. Regardless of your views vis-a-vis its aesthetic shortcomings, it's hard to argue that the famed marque's just-unveiled Challenge version of the supercar is a real looker. The track-only berlinetta is slated to compete alongside its predecessor the F430 Challenge in the Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli's 2011 season. In order to lower the vehicle's weight and get the most from its 570 hp V8 engine, Ferrari engineers reduced the thickness of the bodyshell panels using carbon fiber and tweaked the gearbox. As with previous Challenge models the 458 version will be available to both gentleman racers and pros with "the time and money to drive the car during race weekends on the world's leading circuits."

Tags: carbon fiber, Ferrari, Ferrari 458 Italia, Pirelli