The 488 Challenge was introduced in 2017 as the sixth model to compete in Ferrari’s single-make racing series. The revised Challenge Evo specification debuted in 2019 and was also made available as an upgrade package for earlier 488 Challenge cars. Updates included revised aerodynamics that allow the ability to adjust the front aero load independently of the rear load to help optimize balance. This example left the factory in 2018 as a 488 Challenge unit finished in red…
The 488 Challenge was introduced in 2017 as the sixth model to compete in Ferrari’s single-make racing series. The revised Challenge Evo specification debuted in 2019 and was also made available as an upgrade package for earlier 488 Challenge cars. Updates included revised aerodynamics that allow the ability to adjust the front aero load independently of the rear load to help optimize balance. This example left the factory in 2018 as a 488 Challenge unit finished in red and was fitted with upgraded Evo bodywork under current ownership. The car wears a green, black, and white vinyl wrap with center racing stripes, sponsor logos, and Ferrari Races number decals. The front end sustained damage in September and November 2022, after which damaged components were reportedly replaced. Noted flaws are shown in the gallery and include chips on the front trunk lid and bumper cover.
Center-lock 19″ Motegi Racing wheels wear 275/675 front and 315/705 rear Pirelli P Zero rain tires. The carbon-ceramic Brembo brakes feature six-piston front and four-piston rear calipers. The anti-lock braking and traction-control systems were reworked for the Evo and can be adjusted via dials on the dash and steering wheel, respectively.
The cabin is equipped with a roll cage as well as a single fixed-back bucket seat with a carbon-fiber shell accompanied by a red Sabelt racing harness. Additional equipment includes a safety net, a fire-suppression system, and carbon-fiber door panels as well as a rearview camera connected to a dash-mounted display. The air conditioning system was recharged in October 2021.
The Formula-style steering wheel was redesigned for the Evo and houses LED shift lights and various driver switchgear and controls, which complement those found on the Challenge-specific carbon-fiber center stack. The dashboard is trimmed in Alcantara, and instrumentation includes a configurable digital screen with an odometer that indicates 23k kilometers (~14k miles).
Carbon-fiber ducting occupies a portion of the front trunk.
The replacement twin-turbocharged 3.9-liter Tipo F154 V8 is a lightened version of the powerplant used in the contemporary 488 GTB and was installed by HP-Tech of Hallandale Beach, Florida, in October 2021. In Challenge cars the engine is also equipped with a lightened exhaust system and specially tuned engine management software for a factory-rated output of 661 horsepower and 560 lb-ft of torque.
Power is sent to the rear wheels through a short-ratio seven-speed F1 dual-clutch transaxle that was reportedly replaced under current ownership. The car features Challenge-specific shift programming and an electronic limited-slip differential.
The Carfax report shows one entry from June 2019.