A Machine for the FXX Program: Ferrari's Development Partner

Ferrari first announced the circuit-only model 'FXX' in 2005. It was revealed to a select group of clients at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance in Monterey, California. The base was the 'Enzo Ferrari,' the pinnacle of its era, released as a limited edition. What was groundbreaking was not simply selling a circuit-only vehicle (not road-legal) as the highest-performing car in history, but using it as part of a new customer service program called the 'FXX Program.'

When an owner wished to race their FXX on a circuit, a specialized service team from Ferrari's 'Corse Clienti' division in Italy (or sometimes authorized service staff from various countries) would be dispatched directly to the circuit, providing support akin to an F1 pit crew. This included not only vehicle maintenance but also circuit amenities, and during driving, extensive data collection would take place. This data was sent to Ferrari's headquarters to aid in vehicle development.

In essence, the 'FXX Program' was a comprehensive experience where owners became part of Ferrari's development test drivers, encompassing all aspects of driving the FXX. The machine used was the FXX itself. At the time, the cost for this 'FXX Program' was announced at 1.5 million euros, a figure that included the car and various maintenance costs.

Following the FXX Program, the '599XX Program' was launched, utilizing the circuit-only car '599XX,' developed based on the flagship model '599' of that era. The 599XX was unveiled at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show. Similar to the FXX Program, owners were positioned as Ferrari's development drivers, and similar support was standard during circuit driving.

Based on LaFerrari, Finally Exceeding 1,000ps

The 'FXX K' unveiled this time is based on Ferrari's first hybrid model, 'LaFerrari.' LaFerrari debuted at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show as a special edition limited to 399 units worldwide. Based on this machine, the system's maximum output has been enhanced to 772kW (1,050ps) for a circuit-only car, with a maximum torque of 900Nm (91.8kgm). The V12 engine delivers 632kW (860ps), and the electric motor provides 140kW (190ps).

The 'K' in the car's name derives from 'KERS' (Kinetic Energy Recovery System), a system used in F1 cars. This technology is also featured in the hybrid model, LaFerrari. Ferrari refers to the hybrid system in LaFerrari as 'HY-KERS,' highlighting its feedback from F1 cars and circuits.

The V12 engine has a total displacement of 6,262cc. Various tuning modifications have been made for the FXX K. For example, the camshafts are entirely new, equipped with an improved mechanical valve train and a newly designed intake manifold. As it is a circuit-only car, a silencer is not required, and the exhaust system has been revised accordingly.

The advanced HY-KERS is noteworthy. For this circuit-only model, it purely pursues performance, offering four selectable settings: 'Qualify,' 'Long Run,' 'Manual Boost,' and 'Fast Charge.' 'Qualify' is a mode for achieving maximum performance over a limited number of laps, prioritizing short bursts of power over endurance for qualifying.

'Long Run' is optimized for consistent performance throughout a race. 'Manual Boost' is the fastest high-performance mode, allowing immediate maximum torque for overtaking on straights or for critical moments, though it cannot be used for extended periods. 'Fast Charge' is used for charging the battery. These can be selected via the Manettino on the center console.

Engineering Focused on Circuit Performance

While the basic appearance follows the base model LaFerrari, modifications such as a larger, 30mm lower front spoiler, side splitters, vertical fins and winglets at the rear edges, a flattened underbody, and Pirelli slick tires (front 285/650R19, rear 345/725R20) along with Brembo carbon-ceramic brake discs (front 398mm, rear 380mm diameter) give it a decidedly racing finish. It exudes a competitive image perfectly suited for the circuit.

These modifications are not merely for sporty styling; they significantly improve downforce. With a lower drag setting, downforce is increased by approximately 50% compared to LaFerrari, and with an aggressive downforce setting for high-speed driving, it improves by 30%. This is the result of pursuing only speed and smoothness on the circuit. Notably, at 200 km/h, the downforce reaches 540kg, a figure befitting a racing car.

Advanced electronic devices such as the E-Diff (electronic differential), F1-Trac (traction control), and racing SSC (side slip angle control) have also been optimized for the fitted Pirelli slick tires. The ABS operating modes can be selected from five levels using the Manettino on the steering wheel.

The FXX K is truly specialized for circuit driving. Although the number of units is undisclosed, like the previous 'FXX Program,' a limited group of dozens of owners can become external test drivers for Ferrari through the R&D program utilizing the FXX K. An exclusive experience awaits, arguably the ultimate on Earth, as pilots of the FXX K, which Ferrari calls an experimental vehicle.

We plan to provide a separate, on-site special report on the proceedings of this announcement. Please look forward to it.