The F430 Challenge retains the same general look and 490 hp engine as the
road-going version. However, it also incorporates a large number of
significant track-oriented modifications and a host of new features not
seen in the car currently used in the series, the 360 Challenge, which
it joins on the track next season and completely replaces in 2007.
An intensive series of development tests held at Fiorano and other
prestigious circuits have honed the F430 Challenge’s talents too. In
fact, it offers a stunning series of features sure to meet with the
approval of its drivers.
The electronic gearbox is also F1-derived and works in exactly the same
way as the one used aboard the Grand Prix car. Thanks to a sinterised
two-plate clutch and specific software, it also offers the same
gear-changing times as the road-going F430 (150 ms) in the much more
extreme track conditions. Fifth and sixth gear ratios have also been
modified with respect to the road-going version as has the final drive
ration order to make the very most of the engine on all
the circuits where the F430 Challenge will race. New 19’’ slick tyres
were also developed specifically by Pirelli and are designed to comply
with the very strict racing regulations that demand endurance whilst
still delivering blistering performance.
The F430 Challenge boasts a kerb weight of just 1,225 kg (excluding
petrol). Weight has been reduced in every area of the car, from the
engineering to the bodywork. Of particular note are the Lexan®
windscreen, the all-carbon fibre intake plenum cover, and the specific
exhaust system. To ensure that drivers get the full benefit of the car’s
sporty prowess on the track, the E-Diff has been replaced by a
mechanical differential and the EBD has been replaced with a mechanical
system. Similarly, the stability and traction control is permanently
disengaged and “race” settings have been maintained on the gearbox and
engine management system, along with the ABS and ASR, thus doing away
with the manettino switch. The ASR can be deactivated by the driver at
will.
The most notable of the other solutions introduced in the new F430
Challenge is the new steering wheel with a quick release mechanism to
make it easier to get into and out of the car. The wheel is also
equipped with buttons for radio contact with the pits, to set the pit
lane speed and interface with the new colour digital instrument panel.
The rear of the car is characterised by a new exhaust system which has
high central tail pipes, and by the modified grille which increases the
extraction of hot air from the rear of the engine bay. The anti-roll
bars, springs and single-rate shocks have all been modified for racing
use too. The centre locking wheels make wheel
changes faster too as does the fact that the car incorporates pneumatic
jacks.
The car seen above is the Bologna Motor Show version.
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