The Ferrari F430 has already been hailed as one of the most sublime high-performance drives out there. A new Ferrari model will be revealed at Frankfurt, and a hard-edged Challenge Stradale version looks likely to make an appearance.
Ferrari plans to release a new model based on the F430 at the Frankfurt show in September. In a statement to , Fiat chairman Luca Cordero di Montezemolo said that the development of this new model had utilized “key research” into Formula 1 technology.
This new model is likely to be the eagerly anticipated F430 Challenge Stradale – a high-powered lightweight version of the current car – that has recently been spotted cruising around Modena and Maranello in prototype form.
In Ferrari parlance, Stradale roughly equates to less weight and more power. The F430 CS is rumored to have shed about 100 kg – much of it in the shape of sound deadening materials, “unnecessary luxuries” such as the sound system and air conditioning unit and interior trim. The race-going F430 Challenge (upon which the F430 CS will be based) features Lexan windows as a further weight-reducing measure – it’s doubtful such a feature will make its way across to the Challenge Stradale.
As the pictures show, carbon-fiber will be extensively used in the architecture of what looks like a very spartan but purposeful cabin. It has also been suggested that the F430 CS will roll on special Magnesium composite alloys, which should also bring down the kerb weight of this race-focused car.
Power has reportedly been increased by an additional 22 kW, resulting in a peak power output of 392 Kw at 8 500 r/min and 475 N.m of torque at 5 750 r/min. The company’s F1 semi-automatic gearbox will most likely feature on this model and will undergo a number of modifications such as taller gearing and quicker shifts to suit the track day nature of the new car.
If the running gear modifications of the F430 Challenge are anything to go by, the F430 CS will probably lose the adjustable suspension setup of it’s stock sibling in favour of a harder, more one-dimensional track setup. The Challenge utilizes a mechanical limited-slip rear differential, which will possibly feature on the F430 CS. It also looks as though the two cars will share the same high-mounted exhaust pipe configuration and wealth of downforce-inducing diffuser bits at the rear.
There is no word yet on price and launch date, but any modification to a performance car as sublime as the F430 will no doubt be met with immense enthusiasm.