Ferrari has taken the covers off a new lighter and faster version of its 458, the Challenge. Based on the 458 Italia, the 458 Challenge will take part in the Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli in the 2011 season. The 458 Challenge features the same 4.5-litre V8 engine as the standard car, with the same 562bhp on offer. Changes have been made to the car to prep it for racing, including the gear ratios, which have been rejigged to allow higher torque levels at lower revs. It also gets the electronic differential of the road car, a first for a Ferrari track car. The 458 Challenge is also much lighter than the 458 Italia, thanks to a thinner body shell and the extensive use of carbon fiber and Lexan. Ferrari claims the 458 Challenge will lap its Fiorano test track two seconds faster than the F430 Challenge that it replaces.
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