Ready for Launch

The F430 Challenge is getting ready for the streets of the world. The Challenge Stradale is Ferrari’s answer to Porsche’s RS-models, and both of them use almost the same recipe. While Porsche makes the RS-models lighter but keep the same horsepower as the base GT3, Ferrari gives the CS not just a lighter body but also some more power .

The standard F430 delivers 490 bhp and the Stradale is believed to give away at least 520 bhp and about 100 kg less weight. The biggest visible change are the exhaust pipes that got moved up a bit and are producing a lot of great music to all Ferrari fans out there. Could be that Ferrari is recording the sound to sell it as a CD for all those who can’t afford to buy the car? Not really, but it’s not such a bad idea. The microphone that is visible at the exhaust pipes on the photos does help Ferrari at least to make it as loud as legal.

Due to safety regulations around the world the door windows are not made of plastic anymore like on the 360 CS and the wheels have 5 normal lug bolts instead of one center bolt like on the Challenge cars.

The inside of the doors is completely made of carbon to keep the weight down. Other light weight tricks include magnesium sport wheels and the carbon grille in the back that also helps to enhance engine cooling. It looks like the brakes are upgraded with bigger discs, the soft Pirelli P-Zero tires give the car enormous grip, and the interior is completed with deep sport seats. Expect the Challenge Stradale to hit the roads in the beginning of 2007.