World Debut Of Ferrari FXX at Bologna Motor Show

December - The Bologna Motor Show provided the venue for Ferrari’s world unveiling of the FXX, a car aimed at a selected group of the marque’s most dedicated and passionate clients. This prototype, of which just 29 have been built, is the most technologically advanced GT car ever to emerge from Maranello. It will be used exclusively on track as part of a specific ongoing research and development programme featuring the first ever group of Client Test Drivers. The FXX has not been homologated for road use or racing. Perhaps the most interesting aspect of the FXX is the truly innovative technical client constructor collaboration programme which we’ve written about previously.

The FXX is the culmination of Ferrari’s expertise in building special limited-series sports cars combined with its unparalleled racing experience. The FXX will provide the basic framework on which the specifics of future extreme models will be developed. The exceptionally powerful FXX delivers absolutely blistering performance: it is powered by an imposing 6262 cm3 V12 engine which develops over 800 hp at 8500 rpm. The gearbox is the result of the transfer of F1 technology and delivers gear change times of less than 100 ms. This is almost as fast as the F1 cars, themselves the absolute pinnacle of current technological achievement. The FXX has a dry weight of 1155 kg with a power-weight ratio of 1.44 kg/hp, and completed a lap of Fiorano in under 1’18’’00 – a time which gives an indication of the sheer power and performance of this magnificent car.

The FXX’s aerodynamic design is also particularly innovative – with a 40% increase in downforce compared to the already impressive Enzo. Ferrari’s F1 tyre partner, Bridgestone, developed a specific 19” slick tyre for the FXX., and Brembo created a special brake pad and cooling system for the 398 x 36 mm Composite Ceramic Material discs. Another unique feature of the FXX is its sophisticated telemetry system which monitors and provides feedback in real time. The instrument panel, supplied by Magneti Marelli, is specifically designed for the FXX and incorporates a new data acquisition system. A video camera is also installed on the roof of each of the cars, pointing towards the rear, with a special TFT display on the dash removing the need for rear view mirrors.

The FXX package also includes participation in a series of 14 track events organised by Ferrari on various international-level circuits over the coming two years in Europe, North America and Japan (meetings at Spa and the Nürburgring have already been confirmed for 2006). On these occasions, an official team of technicians will be on hand to provide any assistance and support required by the Client Test Drivers. In addition to these unique official events, Clients will also be able to take their cars out on the track independently during private sessions. If Clients wish to leave their car at Maranello while not in use, they will be transported directly by Ferrari to the various European circuits for the scheduled events.

Given the car’s exceptional performance and the unique nature of the package, delivery of each FXX also includes an advanced driving course with tuition provided by the best professional drivers. Courses take place at the Fiorano Circuit where Ferrari conducts its F1 single-seater testing. After the seat and the pedals have been individually moulded for each driver, there will be a traditional “shakedown” followed by a training session to introduce the Client Test Drivers to test driving methodologies. The first FXXs were delivered in mid-November and the last will be with their owners by the end of April next year. The FXX and the relative package cost a total of 1.5 million euro (excluding taxes). Applications to join the programme were evaluated by a special inhouse committee.

The F430 Challenge also made its Italian debut at the Bologna Motor Show. The new Prancing Horse competition car is derived from the 8-cylinder road-going berlinetta and will take part in the Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli single-series championship from the 2006 season on.

Ferrari has also reaffirmed the strong link between its GT and sporting divisions with the new F430 Challenge which is specifically designed to meet the expectations of its sportier clients. The F430 Challenge retains the same general look and 490 hp engine as the road-going version. However, it also incorporates a large number of significant track-oriented modifications and a host of new features not seen in the car currently used in the series, the 360 Challenge, which it joins on the track next season and completely replaces in 2007.

As ever, the transfer from Formula 1 is significant, particularly with regard to the braking system which uses carbon ceramic material (CCM) – a first for a Ferrari sports competition car. The electronic gearbox is also F1-derived and works in exactly the same way as the one used on the grand prix car. Thanks to a sintered twin-plate clutch and specific software, it also offers the same gear-changing times as the road-going F430 (150 ms). Fifth and sixth gear ratios have also been modified with respect to the road-going version, as has the final drive ratio, in order to make the most of the engine on all the circuits where the F430 Challenge will race. The new 19’’ slick tyres, developed specifically by Pirelli for this track model, are designed to comply with the very strict racing regulations that demand endurance whilst still delivering outstanding performance.

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