The aerodynamic balance ‘dialogues’ with the E-Diff3 and F1-TCS control systems based on the Side Slip
Control (SSC), which offers new dedicated settings. The SSC concept, which is based on the estimation of
the yaw angle, has been modified in view of the new levels of performance. This has made it possible to
provide the control systems with a common language designed to maximise agility in cornering and traction
on exit.
The proven collaboration between the technical department and the Ferrari Styling Centre resulted in a
comprehensive redesign of the front of the car to ensure an increase of 30% in aerodynamic efficiency
compared to the 488 Challenge. The length of the front overhang has been altered to boost overall downforce
and optimise the balance. The profiles of the radiator grille intakes have been lengthened and, at the centre of
the bumper, a U-shaped intake feeds the front brakes and underlines the 488 Challenge Evo’s sporty
character. In the lower part of the bumper, a large splitter with turning vanes at the ends improves the control
and direction of the airflow from the side vents. The sides of the bumper have been re-proportioned by reducing
the surface volume to allow the adoption of a second side flick, improving the quality of the airflow. The car
thus has 50% more overall downforce than the current 488 Challenge.
On the flank, below the rear-view mirror, there’s a new small wing with endplate designed to divert air flow
towards the intercooler. The rear, on the other hand, includes clear references to the FXX-K. The sides of the
bumper feature an extremely aerodynamic surface with two vents to extract the flows generated inside the
wheelarches. Below the rear spoiler, a new air vent set in the engine air outlet grille increases downforce.
There is also a new nolder on the rear wing that produces an increase in the coefficient of downforce.
The 488 Challenge Evo introduces a first for the Prancing Horse’s one-make series: the option to modify the
front downforce independently of the rear, so that the driver can set up the balance without having to change
the ride height. The driver can select different configurations ranging from high downforce to low downforce
before each race, depending on the circuit’s characteristics and the weather conditions. These developments
ensure an increase of more than 20 percentage points in the downforce over the front axle compared to the
488 Challenge.
The braking system includes a number of innovations that maintain its performance over a race. In particular,
there is a significant reduction in brake wear thanks to the adoption of a new front disc design and larger rear
discs.
New Pirelli tyres – 275/675-19 (front) and 315/705-19 (rear) – have also been introduced. During nigh-on seven
months of development, the new tyre was tested not only in the laboratory but also on the new car at various
European circuits, including Vallelunga, Mugello, Le Castellet and Silverstone. As well as seeking to boost
overall performance, these tyres also ensure greater consistency in lap times during a long run session.
The interior, with its decidedly racing character, features a conceptually different kind of steering wheel,
developed from the experience gained with the FXX-K Evo and the 488 GTE, which triumphed at the 24 Hours
of Le Mans this year. The steering wheel, with integrated paddle shift, significantly improves ergonomics so
the driver can always keep their hands in an ideal position, bringing advantages in terms of visibility and
control of the car’s systems. There is a new ABS management strategy incorporated in the manettino. The
driver can select four different modes, two dry and two wet, which implement a strategy focused on
performance or stability.
A new rear camera derived from the 488 GTE has been introduced in response to feedback from the
participants in the championship’s various series (Europe, North America, Asia Pacific, along with last year’s
addition of a new UK national series). This considerably improves rear visibility.
The new components and improvements introduced with the 488 Challenge Evo are also available as upgrade
kits for existing cars.
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