Ferrari presents the 488 GT3 Evo 2020 and 488 Challenge Evo

The new version of the 488 GT3, which will compete in the main international GT championships in 2020, has just been unveiled at the Ferrari Finali Mondiali at Mugello.

The new Evo package is the result of Ferrari’s desire to further refine certain aspects of one of the most successful cars in the marque’s history. This has been achieved using innovative concepts derived from its track experience and feedback from the teams competing with the 488 GT3. Aerodynamics, vehicle dynamics, ergonomics, safety and reliability were the main focuses of development, all, of course, in compliance with the strict power and aerodynamic efficiency performance limits imposed by FIA regulations.

The 488 GT3’s vehicle dynamics have been key in its success, and this area has been further improved in the new 488 GT3 Evo 2020. The wheelbase is longer, as in the 488 GTE, to optimise tyre use, reduce tyre wear and facilitate the conversion from GT3 to GTE. The engineers also focused on reducing the car's weight with the result that more ballast can be used to attain the minimum weight imposed by the Balance of Performance, thus lowering the centre of gravity. 

No performance upgrades have been made to the engine, a twin-turbo V8 with a 90-degree angle between the cylinder banks, nor have any components been modified. However, it does benefit from a new engine management system which improves reliability and guarantees smoother, more precise torque delivery. In addition all the vehicle dynamic controls, including the traction control and ABS, have been optimised.

The additional 24H/Endurance package is specifically designed for clients interested in that particular type of racing. The new components and improvements introduced in the 2020 version of the 488 GT3 Evo are also available as upgrade kits for existing cars.

Also The new 488 Challenge Evo has made its debut during the Ferrari Finali Mondiali underway at the Mugello Circuit. Three years after the presentation of the 488 Challenge during the Finali at Daytona, the Prancing Horse has developed a kit that increases the car’s overall performance and its consistency in race conditions, and also improves the handling. The aim of the Evo package is to maximise the synergy between aerodynamics and vehicle dynamics - that is, the interaction between tyres, balance of downforce and electronic controls.

The 488 Challenge Evo introduces a first for the Prancing Horse's one-make series: the option to modify the front downforce independently of the rear, so that the driver can set up the balance without having to change the ride height. The driver can select different configurations ranging from high downforce to low downforce before each race, depending on the circuit's characteristics and the weather conditions.

These developments ensure an increase of more than 20 percentage points in the downforce over the front axle compared to the 488 Challenge.

New Pirelli tyres have also been introduced. During nigh-on seven months of development, the new tyre was tested not only in the laboratory but also on the new car at various European circuits, including Vallelunga, Mugello, Le Castellet and Silverstone.

The new components and improvements introduced with the 488 Challenge Evo are also available as upgrade kits for existing cars.