The Ferrari 458 Italia GT3 – A Closer Look At This Sports Car Including Performance, Technical Data, Features, Rivals Comparison, History, Used Prices

from classic to modern

CAR

The 458 Italia GT2 sports car was launched in 2011 and alongside it, Ferrari launched the 458 Italia GT3 racer which, like its stablemate, was based on the 458 Italia.

Additional weight reduction methods meant that the GT3 was slightly lighter than the GT2.

The aerodynamics of the GT3 were improved with the addition of a different front bumper, enlarged air vents for more efficient engine cooling, very small windows, and alternative side skirts.

The interior received generous use of carbon fiber accessories.

The Ferrari 458 Italia GT3 sports car was designed and developed exclusively with an eye on the track and as such was a world apart from the 458 Italia.

It was not road legal and had a dry weight of only 1214 kg, substantially less than that of the road variant.

It was provided with flared wings around its perimeter, the width of which had been increased by 10 cm. Other additions included:

• Complete roll cage

• Reduce ride height

• Modified exhaust system

• 18-inch road wheels at the front and 19-inch at the rear.

• Very low front splitter

• Very distinctive rear wing whose proportions are almost absurd.

Using the same 4.5-liter V8 powerplant, developed by Michelotto, and fitted with two 43mm air limiters to meet FIA regulations, plus a 13.1: 1 compression ratio, it was capable of develop 550 hp on the 9000 rpm redline, more in line with the 562 hp of the 458 Italia than with the 464 hp of the GT2.

However, modifications to the engine were primarily aimed at producing more torque, rather than an increase in production.

To this end, the GT3 developed 406 ft / lbs of torque at 6000 rpm, compared to the 458 Italia at 398 ft / lbs.

In terms of external appearance, the fact that the 458 Italia GT3 racer was lighter, lower, developed more torque, and had an aggressive rear wing made it a force to be reckoned with.

In a summary of his racing credentials, among his many places earned is that he was a four-time winner of the 24-hour race at Spa.

In fact, the 2011 event featured a lineup of no fewer than seven GT3s. Technical data:

COMPETENCE

Typical competition for the Ferrari 458 Italia GT3 included the following sports cars: Audi R8 GT and Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4. Ferrari performance:

This concludes my Ferrari 458 Italia GT3 sports car review