To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Ferrari Challenge series, the new 488 Challenge car has been unveiled. This is the sixth model to comprise the one-make series created by the Italian automaker. Since the series’ were announced back in 1992, there have been over 1,000 races, with over 1,000 racers.
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The new 488 Challenge is set to become the first ever turbocharged Challenge car and the most powerful ever produced. Powering the new race car is a 660 hp 3.9-liter V8 engine derived from the production 488 GTB and 488 Spider. Changes made to the Challenge’s powertrain include specific engine mapping, shorter gear ratios, new racing shift strategy in the F1 DCT transmission and a reduction in overall powertrain weight.
Externally, the 488 Challenge looks completely different than its road-going version. The most noticeable addition has to be the massive rear wing, similar to the one found on the 2016 FIA World Endurance Championship-winning 488 GTE. Up front, there’s a new front bumper that has been completely redesigned, as well as a new front hood with integrated flaps.
When the power and incredible aerodynamics are combined, the 488 Challenge time sees a one second quicker Fiorano lap time than the 458 Challenge EVO at 1’15.5″.
