2011 Ferrari 458 Italia GT2

The Ferrari 458 Italia GT2, introduced in 2011, was Ferrari’s weapon in the highly competitive world of endurance racing, particularly in the GTE Pro class. Based on the road-going Ferrari 458 Italia, the GT2 variant was thoroughly adapted for racing, shedding much of its luxury features in favor of performance-enhancing upgrades. Unlike its road counterpart, the GT2 was stripped of its complex electronic systems like ABS and traction control, focusing purely on driver skill and mechanical grip. The naturally aspirated 4.5-liter V8 engine was detuned slightly from the road car’s specification to meet racing regulations but was still formidable. The engine was coupled with a six-speed sequential gearbox designed for the rigors of endurance racing. 

The 458 Italia GT2 featured extensive use of lightweight materials, including carbon fiber for the body panels, and a significantly revised aerodynamics package. The aggressive design incorporated a prominent front splitter, wider rear wing, and larger air intakes to improve cooling and downforce. The chassis was a modified aluminum structure, maintaining Ferrari’s signature mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout, providing a well-balanced handling characteristic crucial for long-distance races.