Ferrari is using this year’s Bologna auto show to unveil an evolved version of its track-only 599XX gentleman’s racer, a car we thought had little room for improvement when we drove it last year. So what’s new for the star of Ferrari’s client-driven (i.e. customer-sponsored) research-and-development program?
For starters, the car is fitted with an active aero package that includes a dual-level rear wing that works in concert with the vehicle’s stability systems, measuring steering-wheel angle, vehicle speed, and lateral and forward acceleration forces. It uses the data to automatically rotate the wing blades to the optimal position for what Ferrari says is improved downforce in corners. We’ll believe them. (For more on the 599XX’s aerodynamics, check out our rundown here.)
Meanwhile, the installation of a side-exit exhaust system frees up another 20 ponies from the 599XX’s 6.0-liter V-12, giving it a total of 740 hp. Torque also rises by 10 lb-ft to 516. A slightly shorter final-drive ratio helps optimize performance on medium- to high-speed tracks, according to Ferrari. New Pirelli tires also come along for every exciting ride, and the car’s mass has been reduced from previous 599XXs by a not-insignificant 77 pounds.
Originally, only 20 to 30 examples of the 599XX were scheduled to be built; there’s no word if the updated cars are included in that sum or if they’ll add to it. Regardless, there are two givens: None will be cheap—the original 599XXs cost around $1.4 million—and unless you already have a few Ferraris in your stable—participation in the XX program is by invitation only—you’ll probably never have one of these.
No comments:
Post a Comment