Ferrari FXX Evoluzione: when money really is no object
When Ferrari launched the FXX back in summer 2005, it claimed it would use client feedback and ex-works driver Michael Schumacher to develop the ‘ultimate’ Ferrari. Well, two years on, it’s done just that. The result? The FXX Evoluzione, unveiled at the weekend. The real-world test programme is being extended until 2009, and all FXX models now get a series of handling and performance tweaks that change the car from being merely warp-speed fast to reaching full men-in-white-coats levels of mentality. That Schumacher has obviously got a lot of time on his hands nowadays…
An even faster FXX? Surely that’s not possible!
Don’t forget, this is no road car and never will be. It’s based on the Enzo and every FXX edition is part of Ferrari’s ongoing R&D programme – there are only 20 uber-clients who pay a small fortune to be part of it. So far, there have been just 28 track sessions in the FXX. So how is the FXX quicker? Well the 6.3-litre V12 can now rev 1000rpm higher to liberate more power, presumably sending the dyno into spasms with its 848bhp at a heady 9500rpm. Meanwhile gearchanges benefit from the tech on the 430 Scuderia, now taking a scant 60ms – a quarter faster than before. The car’s electronic safety nets are being worked harder than ever, and the traction control system now has a mind-boggling nine different settings. Ferrari says it’s so drivers can set the car up perfectly for each corner. But nine settings? We’re glad we don’t have to grapple with that much choice as we hurtle around Becketts…
The Ferrari FXX Evoluzione doesn’t look massively different though…
Nope. The rear diffuser is different and there are new flaps at the back to increase aero efficiency by 25 percent; up front, there is a tweaked active spoiler. You get the impression the work on the latest FXX is closely related to the Mille Chili project, as that car also had myriad aero aids to boost efficiency. It is only a matter of time before developments on these research testbeds transfer to Ferrari’s latest road cars. Little else is new. The 19-inch Bridgestones are designed to last longer, the composite brakes are new and the more pompous owners can specify two extra video cameras in the cabin to record their track play time. For fans of laptimes and stopwatch anorakdom, the new FXX Evoluzione is two seconds quicker around Ferrari’s test track at Fiorano. That’s 1min 15sec. Not that you’ll be able to test that for yourself – only selected, special clients are invited to partake in the FXX programme. And if you have to ask the price, no, you can’t afford it…