New 'production-derived' record claimed for the 599XX at the Nordschleife
A new 'Ring record for Ferrari
Ferrari has just released its official 'Ring laptime for the 599XX - and is claiming the first ever sub-seven minute time for a 'production-derived' sports car.
We've been expecting an announcement of this kind since March last year when Ferrari announced it would be pitting the car against the classic circuit, and there have been various images of the car on the track over the last few days and weeks.
It's an impressive time without a doubt, but is 'production derived' a suitable category for a record? Let the debate begin...
Official release below:
Maranello, 23 April 2010 - The Ferrari 599XX is the first ever production-derived sports car to break the 7-minute barrier on the classic 20.832 km Nordschleife circuit, lapping in 6 min 58.16 sec.
The 599XX, which inspired the 599 GTO, is an extreme berlinetta designed for track but not official competition use, and is a veritable technological laboratory incorporating a number of innovative solutions. Some of these will remain the exclusive preserve of the 599XX while others have already filtered down to the 599 GTO, introduced today at the Beijing Motor Show. These include the wheel doughnuts of F1 derivation which serve two purposes - to reduce turbulence and thus drag, and improve brake cooling.
Powered by a development of the V12 engine used by the 599 GTB Fiorano, the 599XX features Ferrari's High-Performance Dynamic Concept, a novel integrated design and chassis set-up that uses sophisticated electronics to govern the mechanical limits of the handling for maximum performance.
On the aerodynamics front, the car sees the introduction for the first time of the Actiflow™ System that increases downforce and/or cuts drag depending on the car’s trim during cornering. This, together with other careful detailing, ensures that the 599XX boasts extraordinary levels of downforce - up to 630 kg at 300 km/h.
Fundamental to the performance of the car was the development of specific components undertaken together with our technical partners: Brembo for the carbon-ceramic brakes, Michelin for the tyres and Shell for the fuel and lubricants.
Will the Caparo perform that well around the Ring? If yes, why havent we seen it yet? (or did I miss it?).
Could it be that the Caparo wont grip during slower corners, and wont handle unless it gets maximum down force? ie, throw itself off the road on tighter bends?
It looked and sounded great on track on our Destination-Nürburgring track day on Monday.
I was driving a friends 996 RS as it caught me at Hohe Acht - thought I'd be able to tag onto it through Wipperman at least, but no, it pretty much mooched away from me! (I'm no Sabine but I don't hang about either)
With the financial backing of Ferrari I’m surprised it wasn't allot faster. It just goes to show how brilliant some of the British cottage industry car makers are.
Cool, but can't help but feel "production derived" is one step away from "production derived coloured red" which is one step from "production derived coloured red and has horsey pictures on it" etc etc...
almost any car is a 'production' one, providing it's not a kit car or made by one in a shed. They have to be 'produced'. Is it road legal? Is it available to anyone with money to buy?
In accordance to the official Ferrari's press release it is actually not a car, but laboratory:
'the world debut of the 599XX which is a technological laboratory aimed at a select group of clients. The latter new car incorporates the most advanced technologies resulting from Ferrari's road-going and F1 research. Many of the technological solutions it carries are being used for the first time and have been developed exclusively for this special car'
Still, it is very impressive result. Would love to see and hear it screaming and roaring around the Ring.
Will the Caparo perform that well around the Ring? If yes, why havent we seen it yet? (or did I miss it?).
Could it be that the Caparo wont grip during slower corners, and wont handle unless it gets maximum down force? ie, throw itself off the road on tighter bends?
Clarkson was talking crap on Top Gear - he was making a point. It'll still take slow corners faster than basically anything else, but it just excels in faster stuff where it can use the downforce. Its exactly the same with any car with proper downforce.
