During the Ferrari World Finals in Mugello, Ferrari Company presented the Ferrari 488 Challenge EVO, an evolution of the 488 Challenge (which debuted three years ago at Daytona) and which aims to raise the bar for performance and handling on the track.
The Ferrari 488 Challenge EVO pursues these objectives by maximising the synergy between aerodynamics and vehicle dynamics, i.e. the interaction between tyres, downforce balance and electronic controls. Performance is guaranteed by the increase in vertical load and the new development of Pirelli tyres; as far as driving pleasure is concerned, it was decided to start with an aerodynamic balance between the axles, which has been moved forward in order to favour the readiness to engage and the reduction of understeer at the exit of bends. Aerodynamic balance “dialogues” with the E-Diff3 and F1-TCS Side Slip Control (SSC) systems, which offer new dedicated calibrations. The SSC control concept, which is based on the trim angle estimator, has been adapted to the new performance levels.
The Aerodynamics have been thoroughly revised, especially in the front part, which has produced a 30% increase in efficiency compared to the 488 Challenge. The length of the front overhang has been changed, increasing the projection of the side air intakes of the bumper, while a third ‘U’ shaped conveyor in a central position completes the aerodynamic equipment together with an important splitter (located in the lower part of the bumper) equipped with two fins at the ends in order to better manage and control the air flowing from the side vents. The hips have been re-proportioned. The total vertical aerodynamic load of the car is thus increased by 50% compared to the current 488 Challenge.
FXX-K derivation solutions and the possibility of modifying the front load independently from the rear load complete the Ferrari 488 Challenge EVO’s characterization, which allows the driver to choose between High Downforce and Low Downforce configurations. The braking system is also new, while the Pirelli tyres are 275/675-19 at the front and 315/705-19 at the back.
The Interior, with its markedly racing character, is characterised by a steering wheel (with integrated gear levers) that is conceptually different, developed on the basis of the experience gained with the FXX-K Evo and the 488 GTE that triumphed at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. A new way of managing ABS through the handle has also been introduced. The driver can select four different modes of intervention: two for dry and two for wet. The new components and improvements introduced with the Ferrari 488 Challenge EVO are also available as upgrade kits for existing cars.
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by Alessandro Colombo
