Frankfurt, Germany, September 12th 2005-The highlights at the Ferrari stand at the 61st Frankfurt Motor Show will be the world preview of the F430 Challenge, the 8-cylinder berlinetta-derived competition car that will be taking part in the Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli from the 2006 season.

Ferrari has also reaffirmed the strong link between its GT and sporting divisions with the new F430 Challenge which is specifically designed to meet the expectations of its sportier clients. 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. As ever, the transfer from Formula 1 is significant, particularly with regard to the braking system which uses carbon-ceramic material (CCM) – a first for a Ferrari sports competition car.

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 19inch 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 To ensure that drivers get the full benefit of the car’s sporty prowess on the track, the E-Diff has been replaced by a mechanical differential and the EBD has been replaced with a mechanical system.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.

2006 FERRARI 430 CHALLENGE – sold for €71,482 The 2006 car offered is presented in red and was bought new by André Cholley. It competed in various Challenge races on legendary circuits before the vendor decided to preserve it, for its aesthetic qualities alone. It therefore remains in excellent condition and has been serviced. Bred for the track, it is ready to return, to events such as the famous Sport et Collection on the Vigeant circuit, where it would be welcomed. Auction Source: 2012 Sport & GTs au Mans Classic by Artcurial

2009 Ferrari F430 Challenge – sold for $162,250 One of the Last F430 Challenge Cars Delivered. Serviced and Sorted by Fall-Line Motorsports and Continental AutoSports. Competitive T1 and STO Entrant in the SCCA 2010 Season. Accident-Free Example with Original Panels. Offered with Logbook, Accessories and Original Components. Consistently Maintained in Race-Ready Condition. Ideal for Ferrari Challenge Series, FCA Events and Track Days. Auction Source: 2011 Pebble Beach Auctions by Gooding & Company

2007 Ferrari F430 Challenge 000150980 – sold for $143,000 With the intention of participating in Ferrari Challenge North America, Mr. Caiola purchased this F430 Challenge in March 2007 through Ferrari of San Francisco. Originally ordered in Rosso Corsa with an optional passenger-seat kit, the F430 Challenge was soon modified for racing under the supervision of Mr. Caiola’s son, Alfred, who planned to drive the car in the various 2007 and 2008 events. Auction Source: 2011 Scottsdale Auction by Gooding & Company