The world premiere of the Ferrari FXX-K Evo

The Finali Mondiali provided the backdrop to the world premiere of the new FXX-K Evo, which will be available both as an extremely limited-run model and as an upgrade package for the existing XX cars. This latest arrival marks a significant evolution of the XX programme launched in 2005 with cars developed specifically to play an active role in the eponymous research and development programme, which itself has become a byword for innovation and uncompromising performance.

As was the case with the Evo versions of the FXX and the 599 XX, the Ferrari FXX-K Evo benefits from an extensive package that applies innovative concepts derived from all of the various track categories in which Ferrari competes with its cars - the Formula One, GT3, GTE and Challenge, the latter being the single-make championship bearing its name.

The FXX-K Evo features an evolved aero package developed by Ferrari's engineers in synergy with the Ferrari Style Centre's designers, to push to the very limit the performance of a model that already represents the state-of-the-art in terms of Ferrari track-only supercars.

The product of over a year of CFD simulations and wind tunnel testing, the FXX-K Evo's aerodynamics deliver downforce figures very close to those of the cars competing in the GT3 and GTE championships, all to the advantage of lateral acceleration in cornering, stability and, ultimately, exhilarating driving pleasure. The FXX-K Evo's downforce coefficient has been improved by 23 percent on the previous version, which is the equivalent of a 75 percent increase on the road car from which it is derived. 

The FXX-K Evo's downforce level is boosted by a twin-profile fixed wing on the tail. This new addition was developed to work in seamless synergy with the active rear spoiler. To guarantee both excellent downforce and drag results, the mobile spoiler's control logics and range of movement were also meticulously reviewed and reprogrammed. The twin-profile rear wing is supported by two side fins as well as by a central fin. The latter plays a dual role - firstly it acts as a vertical fin, boosting stability at low yaw angles, and secondly, it supports the action of the three delta (triangular) vortex generators.

Ground effect was also boosted by the introduction of vortex generators on the undertray. This capitalised on the accelerations created by the rear system and the front underbody, generating 30 percent of the extra downforce the car delivers compared to the FXX-K.

The FXX-K Evo's boosted performance also demanded new front brake air intakes which, although no wider to avoid increasing drag, are more efficient thanks to a complete redesign of the intake itself. Furthermore, the suspension was specifically calibrated to adapt it to the car's new aerodynamic efficiency figures.

The clearly racing-inspired cabin is characterised by a conceptually-different steering wheel brilliantly suited to hugely powerful performance levels achievable in the FXX-K Evo. Formula One-derived with integrated gear-shifting paddles, the new steering wheel now also sports the KERS Manettino to improve both control of that system and overall ergonomics.

The rear video camera screen to the right of the driver has been replaced with a larger 6.5-inch version. It also now displays data from a new telemetry system with clearer, more direct performance parameter and car status readouts. The driver can check the KERS status and the times being clocked by selecting from the various screen options available.

The FXX-K Evo, like all the previous XX cars, is not homologated for road use and will not be used in competition outside its dedicated programme.