Italian supercar creators Ferrari have released the first official pictures and details of the Ferrari FXX K. This “laboratory-car” is based on the pre-existing hybrid LaFerrari – a car which is already too much for most to handle – though this version is set to rival the McLaren P1 GTR.
The FXX K is the latest creation from Ferrari’s XX programme, which has previously produced models such as the Enzo-based FXX and the 599XX – these circuit cars don’t adhere to rules or track regulations and have been deemed so extreme they’re not road legal and don’t qualify for any racing series either.
So whats with the name?
The XX is from the aforementioned XX programme that designed the car and the K in its moniker is a reference to the “KERS” kinetic energy recovery system it adopts in maximising its track performance.
The HY-KERS system has been evolved specifically for pure performance with the result that the driver can control the function logics from the specific 4-setting Manettino on the centre console: Qualify, for maximum performance within a limited number of laps; Long Run to optimise performance consistency; Manual Boost for instant maximum torque delivery; and Fast Charge, for a fast recharge of the car’s battery.
So what sets the FXX K apart from the road legal LaFerrari?
The ‘regular’ LaFerrari will produce 950bhp via a 789bhp 6262cc V12 combined with a 161bhp electric motor, giving a 0-62mph in under 3sec and a top speed of 217mph.
In the FXX K however, the standard V12 features new camshafts and a modified valve train with mechanical rather than hydraulic tappets, the intake manifolds have been redesigned and given a special type of polishing treatment and the exhaust system has been modified as its silencers have been eliminated.
Ferrari say 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.
In terms of appearance, the car has been given a much more aggressive look than that of LaFerrari. Racing livery has been added to show the car means business and aero improvements have been made all around – with diffusers dominating the front and rear of the car.
The rear spoiler comes in the form of two blades that remind me of devil horns, and these are backed up by a secondary rear spoiler that is deployed from the bodywork at speed. According to Ferrari these drastic changes have produced 50% more downforce in the ‘low drag’ setting and 30% more at maximum, with quoted figures of 540kg of downforce generated at 200km/h (124mph).
Inside, it’s immediately obvious this is a track dedicated monster, the stripped-out version of the LaFerrari cockpit is engulfed in carbon fibre and is dominated by the beautifully sculpted racing seats.
Prices for the FXX K have yet to be confirmed, though with the Enzo-based FXX costing €1.3 million (plus tax) and the 599 XX costing €1.1 million (plus tax) I think it’s safe to say the FXX K will cost more than both of the previous XX cars. It will probably be closer to the price of Mclaren’s P1 programme, which costs £2million.
And even if you have that kind of money, the exclusivity increases as it is expected that the car will only be offered to owners of the LaFerrari – as was the case with the previous Enzo-based verison.
