It is here the Ferrari FXX K

by James • January 5, 2015 • News • Comments (0) • 2607

Ferrari’s new FXX K research and development program receives its world premiere next weekend at the Finali Mondiali event at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi. The K in its moniker is a reference to the “KERS” kinetic energy recovery system it adopts in maximizing its track performance.

Unfettered by homologation and racing regulations, the FXX K will never be used in competition. It has been developed to be completely uncompromising. The car’s enormous potential is attested to by two significant figures: a total power output of 1050 cv (860 cv delivered by its conventional V12 engine and 190 by its electric motor) and maximum torque in excess of 900 Nm. Which makes it 101hp more powerful than the standard car.

The internal combustion engine has been substantially overhauled for its new track duty, with new camshafts, redesigned intake manifolds and, mechanical tappets.

The HY-KERS system has been evolved specifically for pure performance, the driver can control the function logic from the specific 4-setting Manettino on the center console: Qualify, for maximum performance within a limited number of laps; Long Run to optimize performance consistency; Manual Boost for instant maximum torque delivery; and Fast Charge, for a fast recharge of the car’s battery.

The FXXK has grown a whole host of additional devices to create more downforce, innovations derived from its expertise in endurance racing’s GT category. At the front is a deep, double-deck spoiler, with vertical fins that channel air over the car’s flanks, and boost the efficiency of the aerodynamic underbody. At the back, sits a giant diffuser to optimize air extraction from the underbody.

The winglet arrangements either side of the retractable rear spoiler work in two ways. In ‘low-drag’ configuration (with the rear spoiler retracted), these winglets function as guide vanes, while boosting the spoilers efficiency in ‘high downforce’ mode. Ferrari says it adds up to 50 per cent more downforce than the standard LaFerrari generating 540kg at 133mph.

The FXX K is fitted with slicks from Pirelli. Each tire includes a full complement of data-gathering sensors that monitor lateral, longitudinal, and radial acceleration, temperature, and tire pressure. All of the car’s electronic aids—E-Diff electronic differential, F-Trac traction control, Racing Side Slip Angle Control, and ABS—are calibrated for the Pirelli’s.

The only unfortunate thing about the FXX K is that we are not going to get to see the Ferrari stack up against the arch rival from McLaren the P1 GTR. With neither vehicle competing in any racing series and both part of each companies client programs we will have to wait and see if they ever can go head to head at the Nürburgring Nordschleife at different times of course.