Is this the 458 GT Grand AM?

[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zvje6VM4lv8[/ame]

I've recently spotted this fantastic 458 at Imola. I'm sure this is based on the 458 GT3, but I don't understand if this is the Grand AM that is used in America. It looks similar but I have some doubts, anybody has some helpful informations for me?

 

Hi Marco,

The car you have shown is a Ferrari 458 GT3 model, as you suspected.

The 458 Italia GT G-AM, as used in the GRAND-AM Rolex Series in North America, is based on the 458 GT3, thus they look very similar.

The European GT3 and American G-AM versions are fundamentally the same, and in fact can easily be modified to run in either championship. They are built in the same facility, and have a common sequence of serial numbers.

The biggest changes from a full GT3 spec to a G-AM spec, outwardly, is as follows:
-G-AM has a spec / smaller / lower rear wing
-G-AM does NOT run lexan door windows (instead uses mesh window nets)
-G-AM does not allow front 'dive planes'
-G-AM does not allow rear 'dive planes'
-G-AM requires front fender exhausts to be closed (carbon blanking panels used)

Under the skin, the changes are small, but numerous:
-G-AM does not allow Traction Control
-G-AM does not allow ABS
-G-AM is rev-limited to 8,000RPM (vs. 9,000RPM for GT3)
-G-AM uses larger crash structure on roll cage door bars


It would be unlikely that there are any G-AM spec cars in Europe, although not out of the question. As I've said, it wouldn't be too difficult for a team to take what was initially a G-AM car and modify it to come run in a GT3 class...

Hope this helps! See a picture of the AIM Autosport Team FXDD 458 Italia GT G-AM which I drive, below. (s/n 3270)


-Jeff
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great to see you post on here Jeff and good luck this year. We are watching you guys!

 

That's fantastic, thanks for the infos Jeff!

 

Previous month's Forza magazine analyzes 458 GRAND-AM.
By the way it's a really interesting article and mention the differences between GT3 and GRAND-AM cars..

Best

 

Thanks guys, and I'm happy to provide any insight or information as often as I can.

It is a huge honor for us to be racing this very special car. While it has been a big challenge for AIM Autosport Team FXDD to hit the ground running as we have, we have enjoyed great support from the entire Ferrari community at each race so far.

I am hoping to be able to contribute more to FerrariChat in the days and weeks to come. There is also good information and constant updates at the teams facebook page http://www.facebook.com/AIMautosport as well as my perspective and videos / pictures at http://www.facebook.com/jeffsegal.racing


Jeff

 

Jeff, It's great to see you on here and as a photojournalist covering the series, but mostly concentrating on your team, let me say what a pleasure it was documenting you taking your second consecutive win at NJMP. It was an amazing battle in the closing laps as you went from mid-pack to the front in a great drive. As a true Ferrari fan and owner, it's a thrill to see the Prancing Horse and the AIM Autosport Team FXDD team back in a big way in sports car racing, which I personally feel is Ferrari's home and heritage. F-1 is interesting, but cars that look like the ones at dealers and on the street are a huge thrill.
Being lucky enough to have covered the 333 SP's great few seasons in the US it's been too long. Risi's stellar showing in the ALMS series and now Speed Motorsports is fun, but the Grand Am Rolex Series seems to be much more accessible to the average fan . And appears to have a more solid future.
I don't mean to ramble, but I wish you great luck as you fight for the Championship. I am hoping to possibly produce a book or some large scale documentation of the year as I will be shooting as many of the races as I can for the rest of the season. I will make sure I introduce myself at the Glen.
Some of my images from Millville are on my website at
BobCraigPhoto.com

Bob

BTW I talked to your dad at the Reading Concours last week and am glad to see him feeling a bit better. He is quite proud.
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Bob,

First of all those are some amazing shots! I particularly like the shot of the guys on the pit wall celebrating the win-- that's something I wouldn't otherwise get to see, so it's great!

Please be sure to introduce yourself at the next race, we really appreciate the Ferrari owner & fan support. Its great to be able to travel to North America's finest racetracks and get to engage with enthusiasts all over the country. For sure the car is the star of the show, and I feel very fortunate that I get to drive it this year! Every picture I see reminds me of what a cool car it is!!!

We are looking forward to carrying this momentum in the next few races and to waving the Ferrari flag in North American sports car racing this year. Detroit GP this coming weekend-- it'll be fun to try to spoil Chevy's home race! Hopefully everyone tunes in on SPEED Channel!

Jeff

 

Thanks Jeff, It's a great thing for racing in the US.
Unfortunately I won't make the Detroit race due to other commitments. Glad you like the photos. Trying to get images that are different from those that we see everyday. Check out the website if you get a few minutes.

Best of luck.

The car is amazing, but it is you , Emil and the team that puts it on the podium.
I will definitely be watching on the tube( slugging back a couple beers no doubt).

Stay safe
Bob

 

Jeff,
Welcome to the forum.
We are lucky to have a member like you on here giving us insight and sharing your racing experience and knowledge.
Thanks for the really nice hat you signed and gave to my son at Millville. It made his day!
Meet me at that brasserie in Montral on Sunday night and I will buy you guys some drinks.

-Dominic

 

I still haven't got the April Forza Mag.

I wish they would come up with an Ipad App.

 

My four-year old daughter loves this car, we watch the racing here on One-HD early in the morning while the rest of the house is sleeping. I will have to get a scan in for you.