The program essentially allows those wealthy enough to afford a car the closest experience possible to being a Ferrari factory racer. Good news for them, then. Ferrari is extending the program through 2009 with an Evoluzione package designed to take the performance of the FXX to a new level.
The biggest news is that Ferrari's aforementioned Corsa Cliente,
along with Michael Schumacher himself, have further developed the FXX with a
special Evoluzione kit that supposedly drops lap times around Ferrari's on-site
test track, Fiorano, from 1 minute 18 seconds to just under 1 minute 16 seconds.
Virtually no part of the FXX has been left untouched by the Evoluzione kit.
Changes start in the engine bay, where the 6.3-liter V-12 engine now develops a
staggering 860 horsepower at 9500 rpm -- 1000 rpm higher than before.
Cog-swapping is quicker at 60 ms, versus 80 ms for the old gearbox, and new
gear ratios have been optimized for the new state of engine tune. No
performance figures are posted by Ferrari, other than the aforementioned lap
times, but given the output values, 0-to-60-mph runs should be dispatched in
well under four seconds.
A new traction-control system also has been developed, which offers the
driver on-the-fly adjustment through nine different settings, all controlled
via a switch on the center console. The system was designed to be more
responsive to individual driving style, allowing the car to adapt to the driver
rather than vice versa.
Ferrari says another advantage to the redesigned traction control, when paired
with new front suspension geometry, is decreased tire wear -- a good thing,
considering the FXX's custom-made 19-inch Bridgestone tires likely aren't
cheap. The Brembo brakes and Composite Ceramic Material discs have also been
redesigned to double pad life.
The last big-ticket change is to the bodywork of the FXX. The Evoluzione kit
adds a new rear diffuser, nolder, and rear flaps, which increases aerodynamic
efficiency by 25 percent as well as rear downforce -- both good ideas on a car
able to exceed 200 mph.
All drivers participating in the 2008 and 2009 seasons will be supported by
the Ferrari factory, with a 15-member team dedicated to the Client Test Driver
program. Driver input is relayed to the team -- which consists of mechanics,
electronics technicians, and engineers -- to continually advance the FXX
throughout the season. Six track events are planned for both years, with two in
North America, two in Europe, and two in Asia,
making the program an international one. Each season will end with the Ferrari
World Finals, as is traditional. Pricing details haven't yet been released, but
it can be assumed that an FXX Evoluzione, should one become available, will be
well over $1 million.
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