2017 Ferrari 488 Challenge release date, specs news: First turbo car for one-make series' 25th anniversary

Ferrari introduced the 488 Challenge during the Ferrari World Finals at Daytona International Speedway over the weekend. The race car is the sixth model in the lineup and celebrates the 25th anniversary of the one-make racing series.

The Ferrari Challenge was first announced in 1992 and since then, it has become the ideal platform for drivers planning to compete in international championships. Since its creation, the one-make racing series has hosted over 1000 races.

The 488 Challenge will be the first turbocharged model to race Ferrari Challenge. It's also the most powerful car to participate in the racing series ever. It is powered by a 3.9-liter V8 engine that delivers 660 horsepower and 561 pound-feet of torque. Its powertrain has been declared the winner at the 2016 International Engine of the Year Award.

The 488 Challenge is based on the production version of the 488 GTB V8. However, extensive development was done on the engine, aerodynamics and chassis in order to produce high levels of performance on the race track.

In order to optimize the car for racing performance, the F1 dual-clutch seven-speed transmission was given a new racing shift strategy that enables it to go from standstill to maximum revs in fourth gear in just six seconds. The powertrain's weight was also reduced, shaving off 43.3 pounds from the engine and 18.7 pounds from the exhaust system.

In terms of improved aerodynamics, the 488 Challenge's front radiator layout was reworked; the front bumper was redesigned to feature more pronounced splitter and flicks; and the front bonnet now comes with triple vents and integrated flaps. The spoiler and the wing at the rear is also larger.

These changes make the 488 Challenge more efficient compared to its predecessor, the 458 Challenge Evoluzione. According to Ferrari, the former has beaten the latter with a Fiorano lap time of 1:15.5 minutes.

The 488 Challenge will be seen in action at the Ferrari Challenge next year. The first race will be in July 2017.