The 2012 Ferrari 458 Italia Grand Am is a sports car that is a modified version of the Ferrari 458 GT3 and it was first tested at the Fiorano Circuit. The car has been powered by a 4,497 cc V8 engine that is capable of producing about 550 hp at 8000 rpm along with a traditional 6-speed manual transmission. It also has a new rollcage that gives a greater lateral protection for the car race car has been modified because of strict safety regulations, but it lacks ABS and traction control. This model has been specially developed to match the American regulations and it is also different to the European car. The 2012 Ferrari 458 Italia Grand Am is available with 48 mm restrictor and its significant modifications include braking system. The car also has tires from Continental that features a very hard compound to conform with the series regulations. This model was able to complete a good number of trouble-free laps during the testing and it has been specially made to participate in the 2012 American championship. The 2012 Ferrari 458 Italia Grand Am will be driven by two endurance race veterans, Rui Aguas and Robert Kauffman, Daytona 500 winner Michael Waltrip and North American Rally Champion, Travis Pastrana. The car weighs about 2,740 lb which helps to produces less downforce when compared to the standard GT3 model. The car was also awarded as the Best Driver’s Car in 2011 by Motor Trend.
