 Ferrari FXX: a monster 800bhp-plus |
Ferrari is to build 20-off versions of a stripped Enzo-based, track-only car powered by what appears to be a bored-out version of the Enzo's six-litre V12. As a result, the new FXX develops some 800bhp, compared to the Enzo's mere 660bhp.
According to Ferrari, initial testing of the definitive car is now taking place at Fiorano, Ferrari's private test track.
The price -- a stratospheric €1.5m (£1m) -- will include a comprehensive track testing programme.
Ferrari reckoned that it has developed "a truly innovative technical collaboration programme around the FXX prototype aimed at its most dedicated and passionate clients."
The FXX is the most advanced GT ever created at Maranello, said Ferrari, and its mission is to involve Ferrari’s best customers "as genuine prancing horse test drivers", adding that "the wealth of data and experience gathered in the course of this very special programme will be exceptionally important."
Feedback from those customers will be compared and supplemented with suggestions from one M Schumacher, a certain R Barrichello and Ferrari’s professional in-house test drivers.
Buyers will, said Ferrari, be joining Team Ferrari, and will have their driving experiences at the wheel of this new car monitored directly by the company's technicians and specialists.
The FXX will provide the basic framework on which the specifics of future extreme models will be worked out. The exceptionally powerful FXX delivers "absolutely blistering performance".
The FXX has not been homologated for road use and thus will not be a competition model. It will be used exclusively on the track as part of a specific ongoing research and development programme featuring this first ever group of client test drivers.
Motive power and specifications
The FXX is powered by a 6.2-litre V12 with over 800bhp at 8,500 rpm. Its gearbox is the result of the transfer of F1 strategies, delivering gear change times of under 100msec -- almost as fast as F1 cars.
The FXX’s aerodynamic design is particularly innovative too as it has resulted in a shape that produces 40 per cent higher downforce than ever achieved before, according to the prancing horse. Drivers can adjust the FXX’s mobile spoiler to suit the specific circuit.
Ferrari’s partnership with Bridgestone has resulted in the development of a 19-inch slick tyre specifically for the FXX. Brembo has also created a special brake cooling and pad system for the FXX’s extra large composite ceramic material brakes.
A second seat is available -- but sounds like an optional extra.
The FXX will sport telemetry systems that monitor and give feedback on 39 different vehicle dynamics parameters in real time. The system is also able to record other data as demanded by specific circumstances.
The information gathered will then be analysed by the Ferrari technicians working on the programme and discussed with the driver to ensure that the car is kept constantly updated.
The FXX package also includes participation in a series of track events to be organised by Ferrari on various international-level circuits over the coming two years. On these occasions, an official team of technicians will be on hand to provide any assistance and support required by the driver.
In addition to these unique official events, drivers will also be able to take their cars out on the track independently during private sessions. Clients wishing to leave their car at Maranello will be glad to know that the vehicles will be transported directly by Ferrari to the various European circuits for the scheduled events.
Given the car’s exceptional performance and the unique nature of the package, delivery of each FXX will also include an ad hoc driving course. The instructors will be professional drivers and the courses will take place at Fiorano where Ferrari does much of its F1 testing.
After the seat and the pedals have been individually tailored to each driver, there will be a traditional "shakedown" followed by a training session dedicated to test driving methodologies.
Ferrari said that, after a careful client order selection process, the first FXXs will be delivered by the end of this year. Applications to join the programme are being evaluated by a special in-house committee.
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