conceptcarz.com

2012 Ferrari 458 Italia GT2

Ferrari introduced their F430 GT(C) ahead of the 2006 season and was designed to compete in the GT2 (GTE) class. The V8-powered vehicle was a strong performer, winning all major championships. it was a very popular customer racing car with over 50 examples produced. In fact, it was the most popular racing Ferrari since the 250 GT.

In 2010, Ferrari replaced the F430 road car with the 458 Italia. The competition version was not far behind, with news, pictures and information following a short time later. Michelotto had been tasked with transforming the road car into a contender in the GT2/GTE category.

The Ferrari 458 Italia had a lightweight aluminum space frame chassis which was carried over to the racing car. Many of the mechanical components were modified and upgraded for the grueling demands of racing. The 4.5-liter V8 was de-tuned to comply with racing regulations, and was rated at 470 bhp. The road-going version delivered 570 bhp. The engine was mated to a six-speed sequential gearbox with a conventional gear-lever system.

The completed car was put through its paces in 2010 by the works driver Jamie Melo. Michelotto continued to fine-tune the GT2 contender. The first custom cars was completed just in the time for the official Sebring testing in February of 2011. The following month, the 458 made its official racing debut at Sebring, but unfortunately it was unable to outpace the very strong field. More work, testing, and preparation was needed.

After the teething problems were resolved, the 458 Italia GT2 scored its first class victory just two weeks later at the Le Castellet 6 Hours.


By Daniel Vaughan | Mar 2012

Recent Vehicle Additions

Related Automotive News

A WEEKEND OF MIXED EMOTIONS FOR THE 458 GT

A WEEKEND OF MIXED EMOTIONS FOR THE 458 GT

Maranello, 12 May – There were two sides to Ferraris weekend of GT racing. The happy one was on show in Portimao in Portugal, at the second round of the International GT Open season. One outright victory and a class win were the best results from the...
ROME 6 HOURS – A WIN FOR THE 458 ITALIA

ROME 6 HOURS – A WIN FOR THE 458 ITALIA

Maranello, 25 November – The 458 Italia scooped up another trophy this weekend at the Vallelunga circuit at the final round of the Endurance Champions Cup, the Rome 6 Hours. The end of season classic, the last of four rounds of this national endurance...
Ferrari takes the win in Le Mans 24 Hours

Ferrari takes the win in Le Mans 24 Hours

The AF Corse Ferrari 458 GT2 has won the eightieth Le Mans 24 Hours race, which this year counts towards the new FIA World Endurance Championship, with its crew of Giancarlo Fisichella, Gianmaria Bruni and Toni Vilander. Congratulations for the team...
FIA WEC – Seven Ferraris in the Spa 6 Hours

FIA WEC – Seven Ferraris in the Spa 6 Hours

Maranello, 4 May – After a break of almost two months, the FIA World Endurance Championship is back in action this weekend at one of the sports most iconic venues, the Spa-Francorchamps circuit, which is also home to the Belgian round of the...
ERIC VIGOUROUX AND ‘BALLISTIC' BJ BALDWIN WITH NEW EVR PROTO VX-101 RALLY RAID CONCEPT IN LE DAKAR 2014

ERIC VIGOUROUX AND ‘BALLISTIC' BJ BALDWIN WITH NEW EVR PROTO VX-101 RALLY RAID CONCEPT IN LE DAKAR 2014

Experienced and spectacular desert raid drivers team up for victory in 2WD category Totally new rally pickup truck with powerful V8 engine EVR and Jefferies Racing have joined forces High potential for top team APPLE VALLEY, USA, November 8,...
GLOBAL RALLYCROSS ANNOUNCES GRC LITES INAUGURAL 2013 SCHEDULE

GLOBAL RALLYCROSS ANNOUNCES GRC LITES INAUGURAL 2013 SCHEDULE

Los Angeles, Calif. (June 14, 2013) – Global Rallycross is pleased to announce the inaugural season of GRC Lites, with a six race schedule that will see the new series visit some of the greatest race tracks in America. GRC Lites, the companion...
Norra 'Forges The Future' This Week Via First All-Electric Off-Road Race Car To Challenge The Legendary Baja Penninsula

Norra 'Forges The Future' This Week Via First All-Electric Off-Road Race Car To Challenge The Legendary Baja Penninsula

Since 1967, the National Off Road Racing Associations (NORRA) Mexican 1000 has been asignificant environment for creativity and innovation in off-road motorsports. Thanks to the technical and industry credibility of hot rod pioneer and NORRA executive...
Citroen Shifts Into Racing Gear For 2012 Goodwood Festival Of Speed

Citroen Shifts Into Racing Gear For 2012 Goodwood Festival Of Speed

New Citroën Racing driver, Thierry Neuville, will be putting DS3 WRC through its paces on the hill climb %26 Forest Rally Stage Hot blooded 256bhp DS4 Racing concept making its UK premiere on the Citroën stand New Citroën DS5 taking part in the Mo...
Monaco Association Against Muscular Dystrophy

Monaco Association Against Muscular Dystrophy

Blancpain, classicdriver.com and RM Auctions are delighted to announce the offering of the 2011 Lamborghini Gallardo LP600 GT3 Racing Car, chassis 09825, at RMs upcoming Monaco sale, May 12 at the Grimaldi Forum. Offered by luxury Swiss watch...