The Ferrari 458 Challenge has made its world premiere debut in Maranello, Italy during the brand's annual dealer conference. The new track-only version is due to compete with the F430 in the Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli for the 2011 season.

The 458 Challenge is a lighter and faster version of the mid-engined 458 Italia road car, with a number of upgrades to prepare it for competition use. The direct-injection 4,497cc V8 engine is carried over from the road version and produces 562bhp at 9,000rpm. Modifications to the gear ratios and its dual-clutch F1 gearbox are said by Ferrari to offer increased torque at lower revs. The 458 Challenge is also equipped with the E-Diff electronic differential already employed on the road-going version and can generate up to 1.6G of lateral grip while cornering.

Weight has been reduced through the use of thinner body panels and lightweight materials - carbon fibre and Lexan. The new 458 Challenge also benefits from a unique suspension set-up with solid aluminium bushings, stiffer springs, single-rate dampers, centre-nut 19-inch racing rims, larger dimension Pirelli tyres and a 30mm lower ride height. Brembo CCM2 brakes are integrated with the car's ABS system for increased braking performance.

Click here for our First Drive of the Ferrari 458 Italia.