488 Challenge the latest Challenge racer is based on the 488 GTB, but it actually has more in common with Ferrari’s competition-prepped 488 GT3 and GTE than it does with the road car.

Its 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8’s output of 670hp (493kW) at 8000rpm and 760Nm at 3000rpm might be slightly down on the mental 488 Pista, but the racer has a comprehensive aero package, of which the massive rear wing is obviously the most noticeable element.

The 488 Challenge also rides lower than its road-going siblings, courtesy of bespoke no adjustable springs and dampers, but arguably the biggest game-changers are the slick tyres (275mm wide at the front, 315mm at the rear), which means you brake much later and carry far more corner speed than previous Challenge cars.

Ferrari Challenge dates back to 1993 and was created for owners of the 348 Berlinetta who wanted to have a crack at racing. The series has steadily evolved over the years, and Ferrari has subsequently rolled out Challenge racers based on the 348, 355, 360, 430, 458 and currently the 488.

The Challenge series has mushroomed to the extent there are now three separate championships – Europe, North America and Asia-Pacific – with each of these attracting healthy fields across two categories. Many other race series allow the challenge cars to enter, GT Cup, Britcar Endurance and Ferrari Club Racing series to mention a few.

Pictured above is the SBR Engineering 488 Challenge car which won its class in GT Cup in 2018 and won the Britcar Endurance Championship in 2019.