Ferrari FXX-K Evo: The world’s fastest laboratory
MUGELLO, Italy – The Finali Mondiali provided the backdrop to the world premiere of Ferrari’s new FXX-K Evo which will be available both as an extremely limited-run model and as an upgrade package for the existing XX cars.
This latest arrival marks a significant evolution of the XX program launched in 2005 with cars developed specifically to play an active role in the Scuderia’s eponymous research and development program, which itself has become a byword for innovation and uncompromising performance.
As was the case with the Evo versions of the FXX and the 599 XX, the Ferrari FXX-K Evo benefits from an extensive package that applies innovative concepts derived from all of the various track categories in which Ferrari competes with its cars: Formula 1, GT3, GTE and the one-make Ferrari Challenge.
Derived from the racing world and adopting track-specific content, the FXX-K Evo, like all the previous XX cars, is not homologated for road use and will not be used in competition outside its dedicated program.
Mirroring the vocation of its predecessor, it, however, is aimed at a small, highly-select group of Ferrari clients: supercar enthusiasts eager to share the development of technological ly innovative content with the Prancing Horse technicians, through driving a closed-wheel laboratory car.
At the development stage, the designers worked on a broad range of different aspects of the FXX-K Evo, starting with reducing its overall weight. By drawing on Ferrari’s Formula 1 experience and adopting innovative carbon-fiber component crafting processes, they succeeded in producing a lighter car than the previous FXX-K despite introducing new elements such as the fixed rear wing.
The FXX-K Evo features an evolved aero package developed by Ferrari’s engineers in synergy with the Ferrari Style Centre’s designers, to push to the very limit the performance of a model that already represents the state-ofthe-art in terms of Ferrari track-only supercars.
The product of over a year of CFD simulations and wind tunnel testing, the FXX-K Evo’s aerodynamics deliver downforce figures very close to those of the cars competing in the GT3 and GTE championships, all to the advantage of lateral acceleration in cornering, stability and, ultimately, exhilarating driving pleasure.
The FXX-K Evo’s downforce coefficient has been improved by 23 percent on the previous version, which is the equivalent of a 75-percent increase on the road car from which it is derived. Downforce of 640kg is generated at 200 km/h, and exceeds 830kg at the car’s top speed.
The FXX-K Evo’s downforce level is boosted by a twin-profile fixed wing on the tail. This new addition was developed to work with the active rear spoiler. The twin-profile rear wing is supported by two side fins as well as by a central fin. The latter plays a dual role: firstly it acts as a vertical fin, boosting stability at low yaw angles; and secondly, it supports
the action of the three delta (triangular) vortex generators.
The significant increase in rear downforce demanded in-depth review of the design of the front bumpers and underbody to guarantee a balanced development of the downforce. The geometry of the sides of the front bumper was altered by hollowing out the surfaces beneath the headlights. This made space for a couple of flicks divided by a vertical turning vane and an additional intake ahead of the front wheels. This system guarantees efficient downforce generation (10 percent of the increase in downforce gained on the FXX-K).
The FXX-K Evo’s boosted performance (a stunning 1050cv and 900Nm of torque from the HY-KERS system that combines the 6.2-liter V12 engine and the electric motor) also demanded new front brake air intakes which, although no wider to avoid increasing drag, are more efficient thanks to a complete redesign of the intake itself.
Furthermore, the suspension was specifically calibrated to adapt it to the car’s new aerodynamic efficiency figures.
The racing-inspired cabin is characterised by a steering wheel brilliantly suited to hugely powerful performance levels achievable in the FXX-K Evo. Formula 1-derived with integrated gear-shifting paddles, the new steering wheel now also sports the KERS Manettino to improve both control of that system and overall ergonomics.
The rear video camera screen to the right of the driver has been replaced with a larger 6.5” version. It also now displays data from a new telemetry system with clearer, more direct performance parameter and car status readouts. The driver can check the KERS status and the times being clocked by selecting from the various screen options available.
After undergoing a 5,000km development runs and 15,000 km of reliability test drives, the FXX-K EVO will be very active in the XX Program in the 2018/2019 season which spans nine track outings between March and October. As is now traditional, the XX cars will also be taking part in the prestigious Finali Mondiali weekend which marks the end of each racing season.