2018 Ferrari 488 Challenge

The Ferrari Challenge series began in 1992 as a single-make racing series. Since then there have been over 1000 races in three continents. It was a platform for drivers to compete in prototype and international GT championships. Many of the racing alumni's have gone on to win in internationally recognized series such as Grand-Am, IMSA, the FIA World Endurance Championship and even the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

The Ferrari Challenge began with the 348, then evolved to the 355 and 360 Modena, then came the F430, and 458 platforms. The 488 Challenge is the first ever turbo-charged model to race in the series and the most powerful Challenge car ever to compete. The 488 Challenge is powered by a 3.9-liter turbocharged V8 engine derived from the road car series production engine, offering nearly 500 horsepower and was awarded the 2016 International Engine of the Year Award.

The 488 Challenge took a second off the Fiorano lap time of the preceding 458 Challenge EVO for a new record of 1'15.5'. Other modifications over the production 488 GTB V8 included a reduction in overall powertrain weight, specific engine mapping, optimized for racing performance, and shorter gear ratios. The variable torque management system was modified to prompt the driver to shift up at the ideal moment during longitudinal acceleration. The F1 DCT transmission features a new racing shift strategy, allowing the car to go from a standstill to maximum revs in 4th gear in just seconds.

Ferrari's patented Slip Slip Control (SSC) software made it's first-ever appearance on a Challenge car. The vehicle control functions (traction and braking) are governed independently, thanks to the adoption of three manettinos. Two govern the traction control and electronic differential, while the other is dedicated to braking.

The Ferrari 488 Challenge was designed to allow drivers of any skill level to be competitive, despite the race or circuit.

by Daniel Vaughan | Nov 2019