(continued from above)
The innovative FXX program, based on the eponymous prototype car and launched
by Ferrari in June 2005, was completed in the 2008/2009 season. The FXX, which
is the most advanced GT ever created at Maranello, has been updated for the last
season 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 also sport a new livery
in addition to new rear wing profiles.
The FXX was not homologated for
road use and there were never any plans to compete with it either. In fact, the
FXX prototype was designed exclusively for track driving as part of a specific
R&D program agreed with a selected group of clients involving 14 group test
sessions and 14 private ones in the years 2006 and 2007, attended by just over 20
customers.
Thanks to readings taken over the 10,250 miles of tests
carried out in 2006 and the 11,500 miles covered in 2007, the final
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 program the
benefit of his vast experience on several occasions.
Maranello's
engineers studied the wealth of information gained to develop a kit which
improved the FXX's Fiorano lap time to under 1'16'' (previously it was 1'18'').
The FXX's 6262 cc V12 engine has also gained more power, 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, gave the driver a
choice of no less than nine different settings (plus the off position) which
were selected using a switch on the central tunnel. This means that the driver
really could modify the car's behavior on the track from corner to corner, just
as the Formula 1 drivers do to maximize performance and reduce tire wear. The
FXX's traction control was 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 tires on the
FXX Evolution lasted longer too thanks to a new car set-up and new front
suspension geometry, while the Brembo brakes, which boast large Composite
Ceramic Material (CCM) discs, were more efficient with the result that the brake
pads lasted 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 Evolution sported a new rear diffuser,
nolder and rear flaps which were 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.
Ferrari FXX Evolution Race Car: Review (2/2)
