This is the Ferrari 599X, a hardcore track-focused version of Ferrari's 599 Fiorano.
The Ferrari 599XX gets a retuned version of the 599's V12 engine, with its rev limit boosted to 9000rpm and its weight reduced by the adoption of a new crankshaft and more extensive use of carbonfibre in ancillary parts. Ferrari says it "achieved its goal" of just under 700bhp at 9000rpm.
The power is transmitted through a new version of Ferrari's robotised manual gearbox that features shift times of just 60ms. Ferrari claims that the 599XX can lap its Fiorano test track in 1m 17sec, less than a second off the time of the Enzo-based FXX that it will replace.
The most obvious external alterations to the regular 599 are a variety of carbonfibre additions, including a small roof spoiler, carbonfibre brake disc covers and a enormous carbonfibre undertray and rear diffuser. Inside, the cabin has been stripped out to race specification, with a bare dashboard and carbonfibre cladding. It does feature a display screen, however; it's used by Ferrari's 'virtual car engineer', which provides instantaneous data on the vehicle's efficiency.
The 599XX replaces the FXX as the customer-owned testbed for Ferrari's engineers. Buyers (drawn from Ferrari's most valued customer base) will only be able to drive the car at Ferrari-nominated track days in 2010 and 2011, and they will even be able to pay for the car to be stored at a Ferrari facility. In return, Ferrari's engineers will download gigabytes of data to use in future production projects.
Ferrari has also used Geneva to unveil a handling package for the regular roadgoing 599.
Add your comment