Is this the next Ferrari 458 Challenge?

Ferrari 458 Italia Challenge

 The crew at the Axis of Oversteer have managed to get what could be the first images of the upcoming Ferrari 458 Challenge months before the car is meant to be unveiled. Although it’s not 100% sure this is the Ferrari 458 Challenge, the car caught on camera does have various signs that tell it’s story.

The standard coupe’s five-lug wheels have been changed in favor of a single lug units, with each nine-spoke, lightweight hoop framing massive carbon ceramic brakes. The Challenge appears slightly lower than stock and includes some revised aerodynamic tweaks in the form of longer, wider side skirts, a revised fascia and a bonnet sporting a set of hood pins.

Out back and inside, things appear to be slightly rough around the edges, so it’s safe to assume this is just a prototype for the time being. However, the roll cage, plexiglass window, tow hooks and deeply bolstered race seat are all sure to make the cut when the Challenge debuts later this year and which was spied at Italy’s Vallelunga race track.

Ferrari has offered no word on the track-ready version of its latest model, so for now it remains unclear whether the spied car is an official Ferrari project or a privateer racer.

One thing we do know: The launch of the 599 GTO is going on this week in Italy, so it’s likely that journalists are getting a sneak peek at the Challenge between making runs in Ferrari’s Enzo beating GT. That being the case, expect all the details to be revealed shortly.

What do you think about the Ferrari 458 Challenge?

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Source: Axis of Oversteer via autoblog.com, themotorreport.com and zercustoms.com

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