The Ferrari FXX-K has been treated to a
comprehensive package of upgrades for more speed, more grip and even less
weight. With an aerodynamics package inspired by the full spectrum of
motorsport categories, and no road rules or FIA regulations to hold it back,
the FXX-K Evo will be available only to the most valued of Ferrari customers.
Swapping from FXX-K to FXX-K Evo involves some
serious aerodynamic changes. Ferrari says it spent 12 months honing the new
aero package in computational fluid dynamics and wind tunnel testing, giving
the car a downforce coefficient 23 per cent better than that of the regular
FXX-K, and around 75 per cent better than that of the road-going LaFerrari.
Central to the improvements is a ‘twin-profile’
fixed rear wing, working in tandem with the existing active rear spoiler. The
wing is backed by two side fins and a central fin, designed to support the trio
of vortex generators in place to clean the air flowing from the rear of the
bonnet radiators. Tweaks to the bypass vent on the rear wheel arch have
improved airflow to the diffuser, creating five per cent more downforce.
To balance the extra downforce on the rear end,
Ferrari has modified the shape of the front bumper and added a set of small
flicks. The company says these tweaks create 10 per cent more downforce than
before, making use of lessons learned in GT racing. Finally, ground effects
have been added to the underbody, helping generate 30 per cent of the extra
downforce the car creates. All this work means the Evo generates 640 kg of
downforce at 200 km/h, and more than 830 kg at full speed.
Behind the wheel, the biggest change to the
FXX-K is the steering wheel with its integrated shift paddles, along with a
bigger new rear-view camera display and telemetry system. Drivers can keep an
eye on the car’s vital signs, monitor their lap times or track their KERS
levels through the new setup, which is said to be clearer and easier to
understand.
Power comes from the same hybrid-boosted V12 as the
‘regular’ FXX-K, with 1052 Hp of power and more than 900 Nm of torque on call.
It’s put to the rear wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.
Ferrari has tweaked the double-wishbone front and multi-link rear suspension to
handle the extra downforce. Pirelli P Zero slick tyres – with sensors embedded,
naturally – are standard, as are carbon-ceramic brakes. This is a serious car,
designed for serious track work, and the hardware reflects that.
As with the rest of the FXX series, the FXX-K Evo
isn’t road legal. A ‘limited number’ will be produced, and existing FXX-K
owners will be able to upgrade their cars to Evo specification. Owner cars will
be rolled out as part of the XX Programme in 2018/19, spanning nine racetracks
between March and October.