by Hans Lehmann/Hidden Image (2007-05-02)

Here are latest photos of the upcoming Ferrari F 430 Challenge Stradale. They were taken in the south ofEurope during off-road testing on a remote gravel road in the countryside. The two super sports cars were taken to the extreme in this long-term test in the dust.

The sports car is Ferrari's answer to Porsche's RS-models, and both of them use almost the same recipe. While Porsche makes the RS models lighter but keep the same horsepower as the base GT3, Ferrari gives the CS not just a lighter body but also some more power.

The standard F430 delivers 490 bhp and the Stradale is believed to have at least 520 bhp and to weigh about 220 pounds less. The biggest visible changes are the exhaust pipes that are moved up a bit. Due to safety regulations around the world, the door windows are not made of plastic anymore like on the 360 CS and the wheels have 5 normal bolts instead of one center bolt like on the Challenge cars.

The inside of the doors is completely made of carbon to keep the weight down. Another lightweight trick is magnesium sport wheels and the carbon grille in the back that also helps to better cool the engine. It looks like the brakes are upgraded with bigger discs, the soft Pirelli PZero give the car enormous grip, and the interior is completed with deep sport seats.