Ferrari Challenge Stradale (2003-2004): Modern Ferrari Specials Inspired by Race Car
Image Above By Axion23 - Ferrari 360 Challenge, CC BY 2.0, Source
The Ferrari Challenge Stradale is a high-performance version of the revolutionary Ferrari 360. It aims to create a race car driving experience on the road. Ferrari took inspiration from the 360 Modena Challenge to create this special machine.
The 360 Modena Challenge is a true non-legal road race car built for Ferrari's racing series, 'Ferrari Challenge'. Only around 1288 units of Challenge Stradale are being built throughout its production.
1. Engine & Gearbox
The Challenge Stradale uses the same 3.6-litre naturally aspirated V8 engine from 360 Modena that revs up to 8650 rpm. The engine produces 425 hp at 8500 rpm and 373 Nm (275 lb-ft) of torque at 4750 rpm. It has an increase of 25 hp but a similar torque figure as the 360.
The engine in this car is only mated with an F1 gearbox, which is an automated manual gearbox. Ferrari claims the gearbox in Challenge Stradale shifts more quickly than the standard 360. It would be nice if the three-pedal option were there. However, since track performance is more crucial for this car, a faster F1 gearbox is the way to go.
2. Performance
This legend performs a 0-60 mph sprint in 3.8 seconds (0-100 km/h in 4.1 seconds). Continue accelerating, and it can reach 186 mph (300 km/h) top speed. The Challenge Stradale can do it in 12.1 seconds for a quarter-mile run.
3. Interior
Firstly, you will be welcomed by a carbon fibre door panel containing only a door handle and door pull. It is a very positive first impression of its interior. The carbon fibre material is also visible on the centre console with a unique design and functionalities.
It has the first-ever launch control button and a turn-off traction control button (ASR with a diagonal strikethrough). Behind that is a relocated reverse gear selector. There is a race mode button within that vicinity. By default, the CS will be in Sport mode. A start engine button is noticeable instead of the traditional key twist to start the engine in standard 360.
Note that for the button to work, you need to insert the key first and twist it. In case you are unaware of driving a special Ferrari, there is a 'Challenge Stradale' plaque on the centre console. The air conditioning controls and vent dials are carbon fibre trim, with either Alcantara or leather-wrapped dashboard and seats.
Of course, those bucket seats have two holes each to put in the racing seat belts. However, the Alcantara does not extend to the headlining; instead, mesh is used.
The absence of floor mats and carpeting highlights the car's track-focused theme, emphasizing its raw and no-compromise nature. So much so that even the welded joints around the floor are visible. The roll cage is standard with this car, optional for standard 360. Lastly, the pedals are made from aluminium.
4. Safety
Challenge Stradale's safety features include ABS, driver and passenger airbags, and seatbelt pretensioners. The engine's refusal to start without the matching key is an important yet underrated feature.
5. Exterior
By Damian B Oh - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, Source
The main highlight of this car is how low to the ground it is, which mimics a race car look. Love it. Just make sure to plan your journey very well. At the front, this car has sharper lines on the lightweight front bumper compared to standard 360. Moving to the side, it has more prominent side skirts than the Modena to make the car look lower to the ground.
Plus, the side mirrors are in carbon fibre. The Ferrari shields on both front fenders are standard with this car. The Challenge Stradale is equipped with 19-inch wheels made by BBS, which a group of people called Challenge wheels. The wheels are wrapped with Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires; 225/35ZR19 sections at the front and 285/35ZR19 sections at the back.
By Alexandre Prévot from Nancy, France - Ferrari 360 Challenge Stradale Uploaded by High Contrast, CC BY-SA 2.0, Source
Customers can choose to have plexiglass windows, but normal roll-down windows are standard for this car. As for the rear section, an integrated ducktail spoiler looks more pronounced in the CS than in the standard car. Another change from standard 360 is the horizontal mesh grille with the 'Challenge Stradale' badge. It is an option for standard car but excludes the 'Challenge Stradale' badge.
Personally, it looks better with the mesh grille on the standard 360 compared to the body-coloured panel. The rear glass frame is trimmed in carbon fibre with several ventilation holes. A more aggressive rear diffuser can be seen in this car. Lastly, an optional but iconic stripe in the middle of the car, running from front to back.
6. Mechanicals
Let's highlight the lightweight attributes of this car. The Challenge Stradale chassis is made from aluminium. This rear-wheel drive car is equipped with carbon ceramic brakes, the same type found in the Ferrari Enzo. Front brakes have 6-piston callipers each, and 4-piston callipers each for the rear brakes.
The brakes reduce 16 kg (35 lb.) off the car. An increased power compared to the standard 360 contributes to a reworked piston, connecting rod, crankshaft, and lighter exhaust. Plus, carbon fibre air intake and intake manifold. Those modifications help to bring the weight down to 11 kg (25 lb.), including the gearbox.
There is also a carbon fibre trim around the engine bay. Radio delete was an option. Alcantara interior trim option, bumpers and skirts made from Resin Transfer Moulding. Carbon fibre trims around the car are other components that help to reduce weight. Lastly, polycarbonate rear glass and removing interior soundproofing.
Those lightweight options, including plexiglass windows, can reduce the car's weight by up to 120 kg (265 lb) compared to the standard 360. The weight of this car can be reduced up to 1280 kg (2820 lb.). Both steering and throttle pedal response have been improved. This car is equipped with a handling package.
As for the gearbox, Ferrari officially calls it the Electro-hydraulic F1 6-speed. Ferrari claims this gearbox can shift in 150 ms. The Challenge Stradale claims to have 50% more downforce than the standard 360. This car sits on the electronically-adjusted, double wishbones suspension with 20% stiffer titanium springs all around.
By Klaus Nahr from Germany - Autosammlung Steim - Schramberg 094 Ferrari 360 Challenge Stradale Uploaded by High Contrast, CC BY-SA 2.0, Source
8. Price
The Ferrari Challenge Stradale was priced at 240,000 USD when it was new back in 2003. As of 2024, this limited edition Ferrari is still selling for around the same price as when it was first released. It is more apparent if added with inflation. Based on CLASSICS.COM, from February 2023 to February 2024, the car's average price being sold was 221,677 USD.
During that period, the cheapest Challenge Stradale was sold for 185,255 USD, while the most expensive went for 277,000 USD. It seems like a good deal to purchase it now while the price is stable.
9. Maintenance & Care
Ferrari is not the most reliable car brand. That is also true for Challenge Stradale. However, it is far more reliable than the older Ferraris. According to Cars Directory, one of the issues with this car is its carbon ceramic brakes. The brakes can crack due to long exposure to high temperatures.
Therefore, owners need to change the brakes for a new set. An uneven wear to the brake pads is another issue which causes them to be underutilized. Make sure to inspect the brake pads. A minor issue with the brakes is they produce dust, affecting the car's aesthetic. The next issue is the big one, the gearbox.
Problems with shifting gears, emitting a grinding sound, or even worse, the gearbox not working are the reason. Those cases can be caused by low transmission fluid levels, worn clutch components, or electronics issues. The last issue is with the engine's cooling system.
This can be due to an issue with the water pump or thermostat. The cooling system is a wear-and-tear component that requires regular replacement. A coolant flush is recommended to ensure the cooling system works in tip-top condition. Stay alert on the temperature gauge in the car as well.
10. Efficiency
Ferrari Challenge Stradale achieved 9.38 UK mpg (7.81 US mpg / 30.1 L/100 km) in the city. For outside city driving, it achieved 22.24 UK mpg (18.52 US mpg / 12.7 L/100 km). As for combined city with highway driving, you can get 14.79 UK mpg (12.31 US mpg / 19.1 L/100 km). As for CO2 emissions, the Challenge Stradale emits 440 g/km.
An 'entry-level', track-focused, and raw Ferrari that is as rare as a Ferrari F40. It delivers a race car driving feel. Combined into an elegant yet aggressively designed body and a low stance. While a gated manual gearbox would be phenomenal, some appreciate the F1 gearbox's drama.
Which somehow deserves in a car like this. Some people might not consider this Ferrari the best. But to others, it is all about the vibe, legendary F1 history, brand name, and Italian charm. That is the Ferrari Challenge Stradale.
By Alexandre Prévot from Nancy, France - Ferrari 360 Challenge Stradale Uploaded by High Contrast, CC BY-SA 2.0, Source
References:
- Ferrari 360 - Wikipedia
- Ferrari Challenge Stradale (2003) - Ferrari.com
- Ferrari 360 Challenge Stradale Market - CLASSIC.COM
- Ferrari 360 Modena Challenge Market - CLASSIC.COM
- Ferrari Road Car Models and Production Numbers | Ferrari Chat
- Ferrari 360 CS 0-60, quarter mile, specs - accelerationtimes.com
- The 2004 Ferrari 360 Challenge Stradale Is a Truly Special Ferrari - YouTube.com
- 2004 Ferrari Challenge Stradale Safety Features - Autoblog
- 2003 – 2004 Ferrari 360 Challenge Stradale - supercars.net
- Common Issues with Ferrari 360 Sports Car - cars-directory.net
