Paul Loussia (Bumboola)
New member
Username: Bumboola
Post Number: 49
Registered: 3-2003
| | Posted on Sunday, May 25, 2003 - 5:11 pm: | |
Ever wondered how Formula One star Michael Schumacher must feel as he sits out the final seconds before the start of a grand prix? Pinned into a bucket seat by a racing harness, surrounded by carbon fibre, with the prancing horse emblem of the world's most famous supercar maker in front of him. This is the stuff of dreams for every enthusiast. And here is a way for mere mortals to achieve it - or at least those with �133,025 to spend!
Indeed, Schuey played a role in the development of Ferrari's new Challenge Stradale, just as he did with the awesome Enzo. This model is more affordable, and is the Italian legend's answer to race-inspired sports cars such as the Porsche 911 GT3. It's also lighter, and more powerful and exclusive than the 360 Modena on which it's based, with only 400 being built each year.
Immediately distinguished by stylish lightweight wheels, a low ride height and hand-painted racing stripe along the body - itself a �3,645 extra - the newcomer is aimed at customers who are prepared to sacrifice luxury for outright performance. You can even order it in Ferrari's F1 racing red - Rossa Scuderia - the first time the shade has been offered on a road-going car.
Delivering 420bhp from its 3.5-litre engine, the Challenge Stradale sprints from 0-60mph in four seconds and has a top speed of 186mph. Impressively, the unit is the most powerful normally aspirated V8 the company has ever built, producing 117bhp per litre. If you want to make the most of it, a special "launch control" system has been fitted, which dials 8,000rpm into the engine before dropping the semi-auto's clutch and racing away.
The titanium suspension is 20 per cent stiffer than the standard version's, and there are aerodynamic modifications to the carbon composite floorpan to improve stability at speed. Owners can even have racing-type plastic windows with sliding air vents, similar to those fitted to the legendary F40.
Clearly, the new car is much more than a modified 360 Modena. The two machines look alike, but most similarities end there. On the road, the gulf that exists between the two Ferraris grows. The first thing you notice is the urgency with which the Stradale responds to driver inputs. The steering is razor sharp, while the lightest of touches on the throttle launches you forward. Squeeze the steering wheel gearshift paddle, and the next gear slams in.
The uprated brake system - using carbon ceramic discs and pads for the first time on an eight-cylinder Ferrari - is sensational. It offers an unrivalled blend of stopping power and feel.
But it's the engine and suspension set-up which proves most incredible. With a revised induction and exhaust, plus an 8,500rpm rev limit, the mid-mounted V8 produces one of the most haunting notes on a road car. Power delivery grows smoothly to a crescendo as you head towards the unit's red line, forcing the car ever faster.
As you would expect, the suspension is very firm, and there's little body roll when cornering. There's a massive amount of grip, too, and although it's possible to oversteer, the handling balance is remarkably neutral. Driven hard, the Stradale is one of the few supercars that flatters rather than intimidates.
And this Ferrari is no bone shaker, either, as it rides far better than it has a right to. The lightweight springs effortlessly absorb the effects of ruts and cracks, while changes in camber don't tug at the steering, and the car refuses to follow tramlines on worn tarmac. The package is equally impressive in town. Although you'll need to drive as smoothly as possible, at lower speeds it proves surprisingly user-friendly.
Revisions to the gearbox software have removed some criticisms of the standard F1-style shift. Changes are now slicker and swifter, while three-point turns are no longer accompanied by the stench of burned clutch. Overall, the Stradale is the kind of car we think Schumacher would be pleased to own - short on compromise, but versatile enough to be well mannered at low speeds. It's not as effortless as the seamlessly engineered Porsche 911 GT3, but the Stradale makes up for its rough edges with bags of personality.
images at
http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/
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