The Ferrari 458 Challenge has made its world premiere debut in Maranello, Italy during the brand's annual dealer conference. The new track-only version is due to compete with the F430 in the Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli for the 2011 season.

The 458 Challenge is a lighter and faster version of the mid-engined 458 Italia road car, with a number of upgrades to prepare it for competition use. The direct-injection 4,497cc V8 engine is carried over from the road version and produces 562bhp at 9,000rpm. Modifications to the gear ratios and its dual-clutch F1 gearbox are said by Ferrari to offer increased torque at lower revs. The 458 Challenge is also equipped with the E-Diff electronic differential already employed on the road-going version and can generate up to 1.6G of lateral grip while cornering.

Weight has been reduced through the use of thinner body panels and lightweight materials - carbon fibre and Lexan. The new 458 Challenge also benefits from a unique suspension set-up with solid aluminium bushings, stiffer springs, single-rate dampers, centre-nut 19-inch racing rims, larger dimension Pirelli tyres and a 30mm lower ride height. Brembo CCM2 brakes are integrated with the car's ABS system for increased braking performance.

Click here for our First Drive of the Ferrari 458 Italia.

Shane Hickey - 16 Jul 2010