SPY SHOTS: Ferrari F430 Challenge Stradale

The streetable version of Ferrari's F430 Challenge is coming soon, judging from a prototype spotted recently on the streets of Maranello. Like the Porsche GT3 RS, the Challenge Stradale is lighter than its unlettered counterpart, but gets a horsepower boost from 490 hp to around 520 hp, according to spies. Weight savings -- amounting to around 220.5 lbs off the F430's 3,196-pound bulk -- will reportedly come by way of carbon-fiber inner doors and rear cooling grille, and magnesium sport wheels. A microphone visible near the exhaust pipes of the prototype is likely measuring decibels to make sure the Ferrari's symphonics are within the legal limit. As if Jonny Law could keep beauty like that all bottled up.

Source: World Car Fans

S4cabriofox - 10/26/2006 9:48:33 PM

+1 Boost

Nice article.

"Weight savings -- amounting to around 220.5 lbs off the F430's 3,196-pound bulk..."

They're saying that like it's heavy! LOL!

I95SPEEDINGTICKETS - 10/26/2006 10:12:51 PM

+1 Boost

Yes but 220lbs is the weight of an average 6 ft Man (Non-American Man: ))
Coupled with the Power Hike it should make for a significant improvement in Performance

smshnick - 10/27/2006 2:49:17 PM

+1 Boost

I'd still rather have a Gallardo, even if it is slower. I think the Gallardo is much cooler looking. Then I'd take a Ford GT, then the F430 in that order.

NARunner - 10/27/2006 11:32:21 PM

0 Boost

If you drove an F430, you might change that order

smshnick - 10/28/2006 8:16:18 PM

+1 Boost

I'm sure the F430 drives better, at least it does according Automobile mag.. but the Gallardo stirs my soul more than the F430. Plus, I always root for the underdog (hence my love for Audi)

S4cabriofox - 10/29/2006 1:37:37 AM

+1 Boost

Yes. I'm sick and tired of the ubiquity that is BMW (Mercedes's popularity and Lexus's staid-ness pose a strong case for second).

The Gallardo is hardly an underdog, though. It commands more attention than an entire F430 parade.

FerrarisR4me - 10/30/2006 3:53:58 AM

+2 Boost

Now this is why I hate Ferrari... just when I thought there was one that I would choose over the rest of them... they come out with a new car- and it's even nicer! Damn you Enzo!