The Ferrari 488 GT3 and Challenge Race Cars Evolve At Finali Mondiali

The Ferrari Finali Mondiali event took place at the Mugello circuit this past weekend and amongst the highlights were the introduction of two Evo packages for the existing 488 GT3 and 488 Challenge customer racing cars.

The 488 Challenge Evo arrived three years after the original Challenge car was revealed at the Finali event at Daytona, and the new package promises to further enhance the impressive performance of the car by ‘maximizing the synergy between aerodynamics and vehicle dynamics’. In essence, the Evo upgrades will enhance the interaction between the new Pirelli tires, electronic controls and the 50% increased downforce on offer.

The downforce over the front wheels has been increased to help improve turn-in and reduce understeer out of corners while the front end has been redesigned to be 30% more aerodynamically efficient than before.

Numerous changes to the bodywork help increase cooling to the brakes and radiators while also improving the quality of the airflow over the car. The braking system has been improved too, with new front discs and larger ones at the rear helping reduce wear under racing conditions. Interior changes include a redesigned steering wheel and new rear camera.

The Ferrari 488 GT3 Evo meanwhile will be taking part in the upcoming 2020 GT championships and has also undergone a comprehensive update to ensure it stays competitive. The front-end is now more stable thanks to over 18,000 hours of calculations and CFD simulations, followed by wind tunnel testing. There are numerous detail changes to the aerodynamics on the rest of the car and a new engine management system ensures smoother and more precise torque delivery.

A new seat has been designed which is not only more rigid but also 5.3 pounds lighter than before. This, as well as a number of other changes,  contributes to the lighter overall curb weight of the Evo model, allowing the ballast imposed by the Balance of Performance rules to be more strategically placed to lower the center of gravity.

An additional 24h/Endurance package can be optioned for the GT3 Evo which includes a front bumper with additional headlights, quick-fill couplings for engine oil and coolant, carbon-fiber clutch, brake calipers borrowed from the GTE and steel wheel nuts. There are also further features that can be added such as sensors for the coolant level and refueling completion with warning lights, and Le Mans-type, 4500 lumen LED main headlights.

Existing 488 Challenge and GT3 cars can be enhanced to Evo levels through upgrade kits which should please existing customers and help keep them at the front of the grid in the upcoming racing season.

Images courtesy of Ferrari