2012 Ferrari 599XX EVO Race Car

(continued from above)

Already the fruit of the very finest Ferrari road car and Formula 1-derived technology, the 599XX now features improved chassis dynamics thanks to an active aerodynamic package integrated with the vehicles' electronic control systems, and the adoption of new Pirelli tires. The car is also more powerful than before (750 hp) and weighs (35 kg) less.

The key to the aero package is the active rear wing design which represents a new aerodynamic concept called 'opening gap'. The wing features two flaps, with profiles similar to those used in Formula 1, which rotate electronically to adjust the downforce between the front and rear axles in function of vehicle speed and the maneuver being effected. The result of this concept is better performance in cornering.

The 599XX active rear wing is actuated automatically according to specific parameters which are integrated with the car's other control functions (ESP, ABS, SCM and F1-Trac). As a result of this integration, all the electronic controls have been suitably recalibrated. The 'opening gap' system logic is based on the following parameters:

• steering wheel angle
• longitudinal acceleration
• lateral acceleration
• vehicle speed

The new aerodynamics package for the 599XX also includes a modified front splitter and a new rear diffuser featuring a larger surface area and redesigned fences and foot-plates. Total downforce at 124 mph (200 km/h) is boosted to 727 lbs (330 kg) when the flaps are open and 970 lbs (440 kg) in the closed configuration.

The adoption of side exhausts allowed the engineers to increase engine power by 20 hp to 750 hp (again at 9000 rpm), while maximum torque has been increased to 516 lb-ft (700 Nm). When combined with a final gear ratio that's slightly shorter to improve acceleration on technical, medium- to high-speed tracks, the result is that the car laps the Fiorano race track in just 1 minute and 15 seconds.