Although a GT2 version of Ferrari's smallest supercar tends to be as predictable as gridlock following two inches of snow, it's always nice to see it when it arrives.
And this Ferrari 458 GT2, spotted testing recently at the firm's Fiorano test track, is a pretty mouthwatering prospect.
As a racer the 458 GT2 will have a lot to live up to, however. Its GT2 predecessors, the 360 GTC and the 430 GT2, were pretty successful endurance racers, with a string of sports car race victories (including Le Mans class wins) under their collective belts.
Still, if it goes as well as it looks, we reckon the 458 GT0 will have no trouble at all.
Ferrari hasn't released technical details of the car as yet, but we do know that power will be down on the road car's 552bhp output at around 470bhp, courtesy of mandatory air restrictors. That's also around 30bhp less than the 4.0-litre engine in the F430 GT2. The 458 does save around 240kg of kerb weight on the road car, however, at an estimated 1245kg.
As I said in the other thread it's unusual to have such a big difference from the production body shape, the 360 and 430 weren't as radical, have the rules changed for the FIA GT series?
Edit: maybe not as different as I first thought, the 458 looks sectioned compared to the 430.
Edited by stephen300o on Wednesday 15th December 12:05
Even if it was rubbish on track, which it most definitley wont be, that is THE BEST LOOKING GT RACER IN THE WORLD... PERIOD!!! stunning just stunning....
As I said in the other thread it's unusual to have such a big difference from the production body shape, the 360 and 430 weren't as radical, have the rules changed for the FIA GT series?
Edit: maybe not as different as I first thought, the 458 looks sectioned compared to the 430.
Edited by stephen300o on Wednesday 15th December 12:05
As I said in the other thread it's unusual to have such a big difference from the production body shape, the 360 and 430 weren't as radical, have the rules changed for the FIA GT series?
Edit: maybe not as different as I first thought, the 458 looks sectioned compared to the 430.
Edited by stephen300o on Wednesday 15th December 12:05
What FIA GT series?!
I meant the LeMans series, but I guess the'll make an appearance in Stéphane Ratel's series too.
am i the only one who thinks that it's ugly compared to the road-goer? i just think the road car is absolutely stunning, but that is just a bit....messy in places, especially the bonnet
am i the only one who thinks that it's ugly compared to the road-goer? i just think the road car is absolutely stunning, but that is just a bit....messy in places, especially the bonnet
No don't worry your not the only one wrong.
See, I knew they'd be another wrong any minute.
Edited by stephen300o on Wednesday 15th December 12:48
Even if it was rubbish on track, which it most definitley wont be, that is THE BEST LOOKING GT RACER IN THE WORLD... PERIOD!!! stunning just stunning....
Should've gone to Specsavers.........
That is possibly the ugliest look race car ever! Those rear bulges are just crass and for me also look very illegal i.e. they've widened the track of the car or fitted wider wheels which are both not allowed under the GT2 rules.
Article 3 of the FIA GT2 specifications say
All bodywork dimension and shape must remain original
Back to the drawing board please Ferrari!
Just look how far inboard the rear lights are on the race car compared with the road car!
Edited by vetteheadracer on Wednesday 15th December 12:56
Are you sure about the widening the track/wider rears rule? I'm pretty sure the GT3 RS road car doesn't have the same track as the car in this photo but that's definitely a legal race car. Also, the latest 911 RSR that Porsche has just released now uses 12 inch front wheels up from 11 inches on the older car, so they've definitely changed wheel size and track (assuming offset is the same) and that again is perfectly legal.
As I said in the other thread it's unusual to have such a big difference from the production body shape, the 360 and 430 weren't as radical, have the rules changed for the FIA GT series?
Edit: maybe not as different as I first thought, the 458 looks sectioned compared to the 430.
Edited by stephen300o on Wednesday 15th December 12:05
What FIA GT series?!
I meant the LeMans series, but I guess the'll make an appearance in Stéphane Ratel's series too.
No they won't as this is a GT2 spec car not GT1, it will race in the ALMS, ILMC and at Le Mans
Are you sure about the widening the track/wider rears rule? I'm pretty sure the GT3 RS road car doesn't have the same track as the car in this photo but that's definitely a legal race car. Also, the latest 911 RSR that Porsche has just released now uses 12 inch front wheels up from 11 inches on the older car, so they've definitely changed wheel size and track (assuming offset is the same) and that again is perfectly legal.
The ALMS GT2 rules state:
ART. 3 - BODYWORK 3.1 Conformity: Dimensions (length, width, overhangs, wheelbase, cockpit, glass areas, etc.) and the general look of the bodywork shall be maintained identical to those of the car available on the market as described in the ACO Homologation form, save modifications permitted by the regulations.
it then goes on to say
3.3.7 Wheel housing / Wheel arches: a/ The external cut out and inside housing of the wheel arches may be modified to accommodate larger wheels; b/ In relation to the ACO homologated car, no panel or element may be removed above the wheel centre line level ; c/ The wheel housings shall always be closed by means of panels at least down to the wheel centre line level. According to Art. 3.4.1 below, the lower part of the front and rear bumpers may be modified with no diffuser at the rear. Diagrams needed for ACO approval. 3.3.8 Maximum width: Across the front and rear wheel arches, the width of the bodywork (ACO Homologation form) may be increased by 10 cm: a/ The modification shall retain the original appearance of the fenders as much as possible ; b/ Overall width (rear view mirrors excluded) cannot exceeds 200 cm ;
That Ferrari's bodywork is a lot more than 10cm wider than standard.
