"Ferrari’s latest street-legal race car is the Challenge Stradale, set to debut at the Geneva Auto Show in early March.

The latest product to come out of Maranello promises to pack a punch as the logical progression in the series that includes the 360 Modena and the drop-top Spider. Challenge Stradale is essentially a 360 Challenge with all the comfort and safety features of a Modena, so it can be raced as is if desired.

Challenge Stradale boasts the same 40-valve 3.6-liter V-8 engine, complete with high-tech features such as titanium connecting rods, that produces 400-hp at 8500 rpm and 275 lb-ft of torque at 4750 in the Modena.

But the Challenge Stradale gets an edge via an even lighter and more aerodynamic aluminum body and chassis. Modena weighs in at 3,064 pounds, while the Challenge Stradale tips the scales at just 2,578 pounds. At that weight, Stradale is just a touch heavier than the track version and aims to approach the latter’s sub-4.0-second zero to 60 mph time.

Challenge Stradale completes the package with an F1-style gearbox, enhanced braking performance, and is painted in Rosso Scuderia, the same racing red adorning Ferrari’s F1 cars.

According to reports coming from Maranello, base retail price of the Stradale will start at around $182,000, or roughly 20 percent more than the 360 Modena F1’s $151,000. The Stradale is not intended to be a limited edition but will remain available as a third 360 variation until the new 360 debuts in early 2005."

Originally posted by mysubaruimp
looks a lot like the 360 modena, that is one gorgeous machine