10.29.2007

The innovative FXX programme, based on the eponymous prototype car and launched by Ferrari in June 2005, is being extended to 2008/2009. The FXX, which is the most advanced GT ever created at Maranello, has been updated with an evolution package aimed at further improving its handling and performance. The package was developed as a result of Ferrari's collaboration with its Client Test Drivers and with the invaluable support of Michael Schumacher. The FXXs equipped with this package will also sport a new livery in addition to new rear wing profiles.

The FXX is not homologated for road use and there are no plans to compete with it either. In fact, the FXX prototype is designed exclusively for track driving as part of a specific R&D programme agreed with a selected group of just over 20 clients involving 14 group test sessions and 14 private ones in the last two years. Thanks to readings taken over the 16,500 kilometres of tests carried out in 2006 and the 18,500 kilometres covered in 2007, the modifications made to the car have focused on honing its aerodynamics, running gear and electronics. Seven-times Formula 1 World Champion Michael Schumacher also joined the ranks of the client test drivers and gave the programme the benefit of his vast experience on several occasions.

Maranello's engineers studied the wealth of information gained to develop a kit which will cut the FXX's Fiorano lap time to under 1'16'' (previously it was 1'18''). The FXX's 6262 cc V12 engine can now punch out a massive 860 hp at 9500 rpm. Gearshifting takes just 60 ms, a drop of 20 ms on the previous time, and the gear ratios have been adapted to make use of the extra 1000 rpm now delivered by the engine.

The car's new traction control system, developed in close collaboration with the GES Racing Division engineers, gives the driver a choice of no less than nine different settings (plus the off position) which are selected using a switch on the central tunnel. This means that the driver really can modify the car's behaviour on the track from corner to corner, just as the Formula 1 drivers do to maximise performance and reduce tyre wear. The FXX's traction control is also now less invasive and more flexible, adapting more efficiently to the individual driving style of each driver - a requirement pinpointed when this very extreme car was being driven on the track by non-professional drivers.

The FXX's special 19" Bridgestone tyres now last longer too thanks to a new car setup and new front suspension geometry, while the Brembo brakes, which boast large Composite Ceramic Material (CCM) discs, are more efficient with the result that the brake pads last twice as long. Thanks to the drivers' feedback the Ferrari engineers have also developed new aerodynamic solutions aimed at increasing downforce over the rear axle. The FXX now sports a new rear diffuser, nolder and rear flaps which have combined to increase aerodynamic efficiency by 25% overall. The active front spoiler control system settings have been adjusted to take these modifications into account too. New telemetry monitoring of the steering angle and brake pump pressure will further boost the interaction between Client test drivers and the company's engineers also. From next year onwards, it will be possible for drivers to have two extra video cameras mounted on their car in addition the existing rear-facing one. This will, of course, give the drivers excellent rear visibility without having to impinge in any way on the car's aerodynamics.

The FXX evolution package includes participation in a series of track events that Ferrari is organising 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.

As happened in 2006/2007, the cars will be backed up at each event by a 15-member official team made up of engineers, electronics experts and mechanics capable of providing complete assistance to clients. Needless to say, the latter will still be able to organise their own private individual track sessions in their car as well.

Labels: Cars, Ferrari FXX Evoluzione, Luxury, Motoring

posted by Momist at 4:29 PM

ARCHIVES

Oct 17, 2005 . Oct 18, 2005 . Oct 19, 2005 . Oct 20, 2005 . Oct 21, 2005 . Oct 28, 2005 . Oct 29, 2005 . Oct 30, 2005 . Oct 31, 2005 . Nov 2, 2005 . Nov 4, 2005 . Nov 5, 2005 . Nov 7, 2005 . Nov 9, 2005 . Nov 11, 2005 . Nov 12, 2005 . Nov 13, 2005 . Nov 14, 2005 . Nov 15, 2005 . Nov 16, 2005 . Nov 18, 2005 . Nov 19, 2005 . Nov 20, 2005 . Nov 22, 2005 . Nov 23, 2005 . Nov 24, 2005 . Nov 26, 2005 . Nov 27, 2005 . Nov 28, 2005 . Nov 29, 2005 . Nov 30, 2005 . Dec 4, 2005 . Dec 5, 2005 . Dec 8, 2005 . Dec 9, 2005 . Dec 12, 2005 . Dec 13, 2005 . Dec 14, 2005 . Dec 15, 2005 . Dec 18, 2005 . Dec 19, 2005 . Dec 20, 2005 . Dec 21, 2005 . Dec 22, 2005 . Dec 24, 2005 . Jan 9, 2006 . Jan 10, 2006 . Jan 11, 2006 . Jan 12, 2006 . Jan 14, 2006 . Jan 15, 2006 . Jan 16, 2006 . Jan 17, 2006 . Jan 18, 2006 . Jan 24, 2006 . Jan 26, 2006 . Jan 29, 2006 . Feb 2, 2006 . Feb 6, 2006 . Feb 9, 2006 . Feb 10, 2006 . Feb 13, 2006 . Feb 14, 2006 . Feb 17, 2006 . Feb 20, 2006 . Feb 21, 2006 . Feb 22, 2006 . Feb 26, 2006 . Feb 28, 2006 . Mar 4, 2006 . Mar 6, 2006 . Mar 7, 2006 . Mar 14, 2006 . Mar 18, 2006 . Mar 21, 2006 . Mar 22, 2006 . Mar 24, 2006 . Mar 27, 2006 . Mar 30, 2006 . Mar 31, 2006 . Apr 3, 2006 . Apr 4, 2006 . Apr 5, 2006 . Apr 6, 2006 . Apr 7, 2006 . Apr 11, 2006 . Apr 13, 2006 . Apr 14, 2006 . Apr 17, 2006 . Apr 19, 2006 . Apr 20, 2006 . Apr 24, 2006 . May 1, 2006 . May 9, 2006 . May 10, 2006 . May 18, 2006 . May 20, 2006 . May 21, 2006 . May 22, 2006 . May 23, 2006 . May 24, 2006 . May 25, 2006 . May 28, 2006 . May 30, 2006 . Jun 1, 2006 . Jun 2, 2006 . Jun 5, 2006 . Jun 7, 2006 . Jun 9, 2006 . Jun 12, 2006 . Jun 14, 2006 . Jun 16, 2006 . Jun 19, 2006 . Jun 20, 2006 . Jun 21, 2006 . Jun 22, 2006 . Jun 23, 2006 . Jun 24, 2006 . Jun 27, 2006 . Jun 29, 2006 . Jul 1, 2006 . Jul 4, 2006 . Jul 5, 2006 . Jul 8, 2006 . Jul 9, 2006 . Jul 11, 2006 . Jul 13, 2006 . Jul 14, 2006 . Jul 22, 2006 . Jul 23, 2006 . Jul 24, 2006 . Jul 25, 2006 . Aug 3, 2006 . Aug 8, 2006 . Aug 23, 2006 . Sep 11, 2006 . Sep 12, 2006 . Sep 13, 2006 . Sep 14, 2006 . Sep 15, 2006 . Sep 18, 2006 . Sep 19, 2006 . Sep 20, 2006 . Sep 21, 2006 . Sep 22, 2006 . Sep 23, 2006 . Sep 25, 2006 . Sep 26, 2006 . Sep 27, 2006 . Sep 28, 2006 . Sep 29, 2006 . Oct 2, 2006 . Oct 3, 2006 . Oct 5, 2006 . Oct 7, 2006 . Oct 9, 2006 . Oct 11, 2006 . Oct 18, 2006 . Oct 19, 2006 . Nov 1, 2006 . Nov 14, 2006 . Feb 11, 2007 . Feb 13, 2007 . Feb 14, 2007 . Jul 20, 2007 . Jul 21, 2007 . Jul 23, 2007 . Jul 24, 2007 . Jul 25, 2007 . Jul 26, 2007 . Jul 27, 2007 . Aug 1, 2007 . Aug 6, 2007 . Aug 8, 2007 . Aug 10, 2007 . Aug 13, 2007 . Aug 18, 2007 . Aug 29, 2007 . Sep 4, 2007 . Sep 7, 2007 . Sep 10, 2007 . Sep 11, 2007 . Sep 12, 2007 . Sep 17, 2007 . Sep 18, 2007 . Sep 19, 2007 . Sep 21, 2007 . Sep 24, 2007 . Sep 25, 2007 . Sep 26, 2007 . Sep 27, 2007 . Sep 28, 2007 . Sep 29, 2007 . Oct 1, 2007 . Oct 2, 2007 . Oct 3, 2007 . Oct 4, 2007 . Oct 5, 2007 . Oct 8, 2007 . Oct 9, 2007 . Oct 11, 2007 . Oct 12, 2007 . Oct 16, 2007 . Oct 17, 2007 . Oct 18, 2007 . Oct 19, 2007 . Oct 22, 2007 . Oct 23, 2007 . Oct 26, 2007 . Oct 29, 2007 . Oct 30, 2007 . Oct 31, 2007 . Nov 3, 2007 . Nov 7, 2007 . Nov 11, 2007 . Nov 12, 2007 . Nov 14, 2007 . Nov 19, 2007 . Nov 20, 2007 . Nov 21, 2007 . Nov 22, 2007 . Nov 26, 2007 . Nov 29, 2007 . Dec 1, 2007 . Dec 3, 2007 . Dec 8, 2007 . Dec 13, 2007 . Dec 14, 2007 . Dec 17, 2007 . Dec 18, 2007 . Dec 25, 2007 . Dec 27, 2007 . Dec 28, 2007 . Dec 31, 2007 . Jan 1, 2008 . Jan 2, 2008 . Jan 3, 2008 . Jan 4, 2008 . Jan 7, 2008 . Jan 9, 2008 . Jan 11, 2008 . Jan 22, 2008 . Jan 28, 2008 . Feb 4, 2008 . Feb 5, 2008 . Feb 25, 2008 . Feb 26, 2008 . Feb 27, 2008 . Feb 28, 2008 . Feb 29, 2008 . Mar 3, 2008 . Mar 4, 2008 . Mar 5, 2008 . Mar 7, 2008 . Mar 13, 2008 . Mar 17, 2008 . Mar 18, 2008 . Mar 29, 2008 . Mar 31, 2008 . Apr 2, 2008 . Apr 7, 2008 . Apr 16, 2008 . Apr 22, 2008 . Apr 23, 2008 . Apr 25, 2008 . Apr 28, 2008 . Apr 30, 2008 . May 5, 2008 . May 7, 2008 . May 12, 2008 . May 14, 2008 . May 16, 2008 . May 27, 2008 . May 28, 2008 . Jun 9, 2008 . Jun 10, 2008 . Jun 12, 2008 . Jun 13, 2008 . Jun 14, 2008 . Jun 16, 2008 . Jun 17, 2008 . Jun 20, 2008 . Jun 25, 2008 . Jul 7, 2008 . Jul 9, 2008 . Jul 11, 2008 . Jul 14, 2008 . Jul 15, 2008 . Jul 22, 2008 . Aug 3, 2008 . Aug 4, 2008 . Aug 6, 2008 . Aug 8, 2008 . Aug 10, 2008 . Aug 19, 2008 .