Ferrari has introduced Evo versions of both the 488 Challenge and 488 GT3 race cars at the recent Finali Mondiali event held at the Mugello Circuit in Tuscany, Italy. For customers who want the new components and improvements that come with the Evo models, they are available as upgrade kits for existing cars.
Starting with the more accessible 488 Challenge Evo first, the new car boasts an increase of 30% in aerodynamic efficiency compared to a regular 488 Challenge. Revisions include a tweaked front overhang, lengthened radiator grille intakes, a new splitter, more side canards and additional vents, resulting in improved airflow and 50% more overall downforce.
Another major improvement is the ability to modify the front downforce independently of the rear, allowing the driver to set up their preferred vehicle balance without having to change the ride height. This allows for a wide range of configurations from high to low downforce setups depending on the circuit’s characteristics and weather conditions.
The braking system also gains a new front disc design and larger rear discs for a significant reduction in brake wear to ensure consistent performance, while new Pirelli tyres – 275/675 front and 315/705 rear – are part of the Evo upgrade.
Inside, there’s a new steering wheel developed with experience gained from the FXX-K Evo and 488 GTE that offers better ergonomics, and the on-wheel manettino switch controls a new ABS management strategy that offers four different modes. Feedback from participants also resulted in the fitment of a rearview camera to better rear visibility.
As for the 488 GT3 Evo, engineers also focused on improving aerodynamics by conducting over 18,000 hours of calculations and CFD simulations. The end result is a new bumper with a smaller frontal section under the headlamps as well as a pair of flics to generate more downforce. Elsewhere, the vents on the front wings are now larger, the front section of the doors are more tapered, and the rear vents have been reworked.
More significant changes are found beneath the vehicle’s skin, as the 488 GT3 Evo gets a slightly longer wheelbase like the 488 GTE to reduce tyre wear and also make it easier to convert the race car from GT3 to GTE. The twin-turbo V8 is carried over, but there’s a new engine management system for better reliability and more precise torque delivery.
The engineers also reduced the car’s weight by fitting a new seat that is not only more rigid and robust, but also 2.4 kg lighter. The seat was developed by Ferrari with Sabelt and is compatible for both GT3 and GTE classes, with belts and buckle that meet the required specifications. With less weight, additional ballast used to attain the minimum weight imposed by the Balance of Performance can placed where necessary, lowering the car’s centre of gravity.
Teams can also order an additional 24H/Endurance package should they want to partake in such races, which includes a front bumper with additional headlights, quick-fill couplings for engine oil and coolant, a carbon-fibre clutch, brake calipers adopted from the GTE and steel wheel nuts. Optional features include sensors for the coolant level and refuelling completion with warning lights, and Le Mans-type, 4,500-lumen LED headlamps.
Ferrari 488 Challenge Evo
Ferrari 488 GT3 Evo
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