Ferrari FXX prototype to be upgraded

Posted on November 14, 2007
Filed Under Ferrari

Ferrari needed two years of testing until they’ve made large-scale improvements to one of the most extreme supercars they’ve ever built. Now, the FXX prototype can make 860 horsepower (641.3kW) at a screaming 9500RPM and it also incorporates the absolute bleeding edge of barely-filtered F1 technology.

Unfortunately , the FXX isn’t homologated for road use and Ferrari has no plans to race it. In fact, it only exists for a tiny group fo selected Ferrari owners which lets them acting as developement drivers to test this extraordinary edge of Ferrari’s F1-bred roadcar technology.

After 14 group test sessions and 14 private ones over the last two years , the modifications made to the car have focused on honing its aerodynamics , running gear and electronics. So, the final FXX built is a little different from the other, it’s painted in black (not in red, as we was used to) and its side panels bear the signatures of its well-known owner, Michael Schumacher. The famous F1 pilot contributed a lot to the car’s development and driven it at various exhibitions all around the world.

Maranello’s engineers had a lot of tests information and they were able to see what’s wrong and what they can further develop. They’ve started with the 6262 cc V12 engine which now punch out a massive 860 hp at 9500 rpm, compared to the relatively anaemic 651 horsepower of the US$643,330 Enzo Ferrari. Gearshifting was reduced to 60 ms, a drop of 20 ms on the previous time, and the gear ratios were adapted to make use of the extra 1000 rpm now delivered by the engine.

The car’s new traction control system gives the driver the posibility to modify the car’s behaviour on the track from corner to corner, just as the Formula 1 drivers do to maximise performance. The new traction control is also less invasive and more flexible and it can adaptate more efficiently to the driving style of each person who drives it. Whoaaa ! Where have you seen this before ?

Another interesting thing is the 19” Bridgestone tyres last longer, and that’s because a new car setup and a new front suspension geometry. Oh, and it seems that the Brembo brakes (that boasts large Composite Ceramic Material discs) are more efficient and has better results.
The FXX now sports a new rear diffuser, nolder and rear flaps which have combined to increase aerodynamic efficiency by 25% overall. In the future it is possible for drivers to have two extra video cameras mounted on their car, in addition , it will be possible for drivers to have two extra video cameras mounted on their car which will give the drivers excellent rear visibility without having to impinge in any way on the car’s aerodynamics.

The US$2.5 million FXX evolution package includes participation in a series of track events that Ferrari is organizing at international circuits for 2008/2009. Six events are planned for each year (two in North America, two in Europe and two in Asia). In addition to these, the FXXs will also be participating, as per tradition, in the prestigious end-of-season Ferrari World Finals.

Here are the photos we’ve promised :