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Ferrari has displayed its latest in a long line of mid-engined V8 one-make race cars with the unveiling of the new 488 Challenge. The Ferrari Challenge series, which is essentially one-make racing for well-to-do Ferrari clients who fancy themselves as a middle aged Nico Rosberg, is celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2017 and the 488 is the seventh model in the line,
The Challenge series has so far held more than 1,000 races and seen 1,000 drivers in its cars, some of whom have actually gone on to compete in big-league sports car events around the world, including Le Mans and the Daytona 24hrs - which makes it perfect that the Daytona Raceway was the location for the reveal of the new 488.
The 488 is the most powerful Challenge car ever, with 670hp from its 3.8-litre turbo V8 engine, and it's a second quicker around Ferrari's own Fiorano test track than the old 458 Challenge.
The engine has been remapped from production standard, and the gear ratios in the dual-clutch transmission have been shortened, the gearchange software altered to allow faster sprints from standstill and the whole drivetrain lightened.
The 488 is the first Challenge car to get stability control, and the Slip Slip Control (as its known) is wired into the usual traction control and the electronically controlled differential to help gain maximum traction and balance in any conditions. That means that there are now three 'Manettino' switches on the steering wheel - one to control brake balance, one for the Slip-Slip and one for the E-Diff. According to Ferrari "the combined action of the two regulations provides a greater integration between the driver's expectations and the vehicle's response, especially when referred to the varying conditions met during racing." We think that means it's quicker, indeed Ferrari says that on readings from just one corner (at Monza) acceleration on exit is 11.6 per cent better. Take that, physics!
As for the aero package, the front-mounted radiators have been reclined, and there are more flicks, scoops and vents, especially around the front end, which Ferrari says leads to a seven per cent improvement in overall efficiency at the front, while a new (and bigger) rear wing improves rear end aero efficiency by nine per cent.