The Ferrari 458 Italia Grand Am has been revealed at the Italian firm's Fiorano test track before it begins racing in the USA.

Built specifically for competition in the North American GT races, the Grand Am has an engine detuned to 500bhp by a 48mm restrictor on the inlet manifold. There's also a reduced rev limit of 8,000rpm so the car complies with US racing regulations.

Other regulation changes include the removal of the anti-lock braking system and the traction control. The Grand Am also has less efficient aerodynamics than the European GT 458 racer. A full roll cage adds protection, while Continental race tyres are also on the cards.

The Grand Am has widened rear wheelarches and a deeper front splitter. Also, the front winglets of the road car have been removed to allow more cool air into the front.

Ferrari gave the 458 Grand Am its first outing at its own test track in Fiorano and completed 45 laps at the hands of Maurizio Mediani and Jaime Melo. The car now heads to the USA for its test at Daytona, Florida on July 26 - 27. It will then compete in the 2012 American GT championship.