Big news for Ferrari owner/racers who haul their highly moneyed arses around the world, competing in the Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli. Ferrari unveiled a new Challenge car based on its F430, which replaces the former 360 Challenge. The new racer will debut for the 2006 season of the series and will completely replace the 360 in 2007. The track-ready F430 retains the 490 hp, 4.3-liter V8 of the street model, but employs an F1-derived gearbox with a two-plate clutch, modified fifth and sixth gear ratios and enhanced management software. Curb weight has been reduced by 651 lbs, to 2700 lbs. Modifications from stock include stiffer suspension, a mechanical differential (no E-diff), carbon-ceramic brakes (no EBD), racing exhaust, 19" slicks and racing hubs and Lexan windscreen. Of course, all settings are fused at "race" (no touring allowed).
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Jalopnik Gets Down with the Prancing Horse; Ferrari to Unveil F430 Challenge Racer in Frankfurt [internal]