Ferrari unveils the 458 Challenge Evoluzione

Ferrari has taken the wraps off the new 458 Challenge Evoluzione race car. It is the uprated version of the track-bred 458 Challenge. The car is likely to retain the 458 Challenge's engine with aerodynamic alterations to record faster lap times.

The new 458 Challenge Evoluzione

The Challenge is powered by a 4.5-litre V8 engine that generates 570PS of power and 540Nm of peak torque. This is also the same engine which powers the road-specced 458 Italia. Other differences in weight, gearbox calibration, tuning, etc. are obvious. Transmission option could be the dual-clutch F1 gearbox for pumping higher torque at low revs. Additionally, the car may have the E-Diff electronic differential from the Challenge and the Italia.

The car was first shown to potential customers at Italy's Mugello Circuit. The event was held along with the final race of the 2013 Ferrari Challenge, also at Mugello. Italy's Giosue Rizzuto and Austria's Philipp Baron grabbed this year's championship.

The car was first shown to potential customers at Italy's Mugello Circuit

The major changes in the Evoluzione come in the form of the aerodynamics package. The Evoluzione takes a lot of design cues based on the experience from GT racing. The increased downforce generated by the massive wing at the rear, is balanced at the front by work carried out to the splitter and the floor. Ferrari claims that this allows drivers to make full use of the Evoluzione's dynamics and not only improves lap times but also long distance performance. The Evoluzione also gets a race-class suspension setup to go with the race brake assembly.

The 2014 Ferrari Challenge will compulsorily use the 458 Challenge Evoluzione. Owners of the 458 Challenge will also be able to upgrade their cars to the new spec.

The 2014 Ferrari Challenge will compulsorily use the 458 Challenge Evoluzione

Earlier this year, at the Frankfurt Auto Show, Ferrari also gave a debut to the 458 Speciale. At 2,38,000 Euros, the Speciale got competition-grade bodywork, dynamics, technology and powertrain.  It is the closest you could get to driving a Ferrari F1 car without having to shell out a million euros.