First Look: Ferrari rolls out new 458 Italia Grand Am racer

First Impression

Ferrari has finally revealed that car which they would be taking to the Grand Am in North America. The car is based on Ferrari's European 458 Italia GT3 racecar, now being called 458 Italia Grand Am. It has been designed in partnership with Michelotto Automobili. The car has been designed to be fully compliant with American standards and requirements. The vehicle is now all set to take part in the Rolex Sports Car Series GT Class. There, it will race against the likes of Porsche 911 GT3 and others. Currently, the vehicle is being tested on Ferrari's Fiorano Circuit near the Italian town of Maranello.

Ferrari 458 Italia Grand Am

The Powertrain

The American 458 Italia Grand Am has a more powerful engine fitted underneath compared to its European counterpart. It is powered by a more powerful V8 engine that delivers up to 500 HP at maximum 8000 rpm. The engine is also fitted with a 48mm restrictor plate and a rev limiter.

The Exterior & Interior

The car is aerodynamically less efficient than its European counterpart. The suspension system has also been modified to meet American standards. The brakes of the car have been modified to compensate for the absence of ABS and traction control. Like all cars participating in the Grand Am, the 458 Italia Grand Am has also been fitted with hard-compound racing rubber from Continental. For enhanced lateral safety, a roll-over bar has been fitted to the body of the vehicle.

What’s New?

The 458 Italia Grand Am has many new features in it compared to its European cousin. It has a new and improved engine but its power has been reduced and suspension and braking systems has been modified to meet US standards. Even the tires it uses are different from the ones fitted on the 458 Italia GT3.

Picture Gallery

Ferrari 458 Italia Grand Am

Developed in conjunction with Michelotto Automobili, the Grand Am is based on the GT3.

What’s Refreshing?

The look of the car is extremely sporty and classy at the same time. The design incorporates many advanced design concepts that have become the hallmark of modern racing vehicles. One can see that the vehicle has been designed as a high-speed racecar. For racing purpose, the vehicle has a pretty unique racing kit which includes a stronger suspension system, a strengthened roll-cage, improved brakes, a huge rear wing and modified track specific body components.

Price and availability

The company is still mum on the issue of price of the 458 Italia Grand Am. No information is currently available on the pricing and availability of the vehicle.