The Ferrari 458 Challenge: A Closer Look At This Sports Car’s Performance, Technical Data, Features, Rivals Comparison, History, Used Prices

from classic to modern

CAR

The Ferrari Challenge sports car was a single-make racer aimed specifically at the amateur driver. The idea was born in Europe in 1993, but it soon spread to the United States.

In 1994, Ferrari introduced the 348 Factory Challenge, which was based on the 348 TB and the TS.

This was later replaced by: the 355 Challenge in 1996, the 360 ​​Challenge Stradale in 1999 and the F430 Challenge in 2005.

To round out this successful runner series, the 458 Challenge was introduced in 2010, specifically targeting the track, and continued from where the track runner 360 Modena Challenge left off in 1999.

Based on the 458 Italia, the weight was drastically reduced by using thinner gauge body panels, which consisted of carbon fiber, and replacing the window glass and windshield with Plexiglass.

The cockpit was converted to a racing cockpit and the car received a racing exhaust, tow hooks, and an air jack.

Suspension-wise, it was outfitted with stiffer springs, 19-inch center-lock racing wheels, enlarged Pirelli slicks, while the ride height was lowered by almost 1.5 inches.

The latest Brembo disc brakes were installed, including improved pads to facilitate heat dispersal and help reduce stopping distances, and were linked to the ABS system.

The 458 Challenge was the first track racer to incorporate E-Diff, the electronic limited slip differential, and F1-Trac, Ferrari’s internal traction control system, which achieved the level of grip to ensure optimum grip on the road. road.

Both the E-Diff and F1-Trac systems were integrated to ensure that when exiting a curve, the driver could generate maximum acceleration.

As with the 458 Italia, the Manettino switch on the steering wheel was used to choose the proper settings for E-Diff, F1-Trac and ABS, and it was the first time it had been installed on a Challenge racer.

This allowed the driver to use wet or dry mode.

Also, with road conditions offering high grip characteristics, the F1-Trac could be turned off to deactivate that part of the system.

THE MOTOR

The 458 Challenge retained the 4.5-liter V8 mid-engine fitted to a seven-speed Getrag sequential gearbox, as used in the 458 Italia, and developed the same 570 bhp at 9000 rpm (the red line), and 398 ft / ft. lbs of torque at 6000 rpm.

However, for use in competitions, the gear ratios were revised to ensure that torque was increased further down the rev band. Technical data:

COMPETENCE

Typical competitors for the Ferrari 458 Challenge included the following sports cars: Porsche 997 GT2 and Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4. Ferrari performance:

SPORTS CARS FOR SALE

An excellent example of a Ferrari 458 Challenge sold at auction with a price tag of $ 225,000.

This marks the end of my Ferrari 458 Challenge Sports Car Review.