Ferrari is previewing the track-exclusive FXX K hypercar ahead of its world debut next weekend at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi. Just like its predecessor, the Enzo-based FXX, the FXX K is a “laboratory car,” part of a research and development program. The letter K is a reference to the “KERS” kinetic energy recovery system it adopts in order to maximize its track performance.

Never to be used in competition, all FXX Ks built will remain in Ferrari’s custody and will only be accessible to an exclusive group of Client Test Drivers with whom Ferrari will roll out a test program over the coming two years.

Compared to the road-going LaFerrari, the FXX K has a total output of 1,050PS (1,036hp) – that makes it 87PS more powerful than the LaFerrari and 50PS more powerful than its McLaren rival, the P1 GTR. The naturally aspirated 6.3-liter V12 engine produces 860PS (848hp) and the electric motor delivers 190PS (187hp). Combined maximum torque exceeds 900 Nm (664lb-ft).

The V12 engine produces 60PS more than in production form thanks to new camshafts and a modified valve train with mechanical rather than hydraulic tappets. The intake manifolds have been redesigned as well and given a special type of polishing treatment, while the silencers of the exhaust system have been eliminated.

The car’s HY-KERS system has been further developed for pure performance and the driver can now choose one of the 4 settings from the Manettino on the centre console: Qualify, for maximum performance within a limited number of laps; Long Run to optimize performance consistency; Manual Boost for instant maximum torque delivery; and Fast Charge, for a fast recharge of the car’s battery.

As you can see from the photos, the car has also received extensive aerodynamic upgrades. The front of the car is dominated by a twin-profile spoiler and a larger splitter, which is 30 mm (1.18in) lower, with a gap in its center. This design is inspired from Ferrari’s experience in the GT category of the WEC.

At the rear, the FXX K gains a higher tail section with a mobile spoiler, a vertical fin and a small wing each side of the tail. The latter act as guide vanes in the low drag configuration and boost the spoiler’s efficiency in the high downforce one.

The result is a 50 percent improvement in downforce in the low drag configuration and a 30 percent improvement in the more aggressive downforce configuration – the impressive value of 540 kg (1,190 lbs) is reached at 200 km/h (124 mph).

The car rides on Pirelli slicks complete with sensors that monitor longitudinal, lateral and radial acceleration, as well as temperature and pressure. Ferrari didn’t offer performance or pricing details, but the FXX K is obviously faster than the LaFerrari and more expensive. A recent report advanced a $3 million price tag and a limited production run of 30 units.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

KERS system
Total maximum power 1050 cv
Total maximum torque >900 Nm
V12 maximum power* 860 cv @ 9200 rpm
Maximum revs 9250 rpm
V12 maximum torque 750 Nm @ 6500 rpm
Electric motor output 140 Kw (190 cv)

ICE
Type 65-deg. V12
Bore and stroke 94 x 75.2 mm
Total displacement 6262 cc
Specific power 137 cv/l
Dimensions
Length 4896 mm
Width 2051 mm
Height 1116 mm
Wheelbase 2650 mm

Gearbox
7-speed DCT

Suspension
Front double wishbones
Rear multi-link
Tyres (Pirelli P-Zero slicks with sensors )
Front 285/650 – R19 x10.5
Rear 345/725 – R20x13
Carbon ceramic brakes (Brembo)
Front 398 x 223 x 36 mm
Rear 380 x 253 x 34 mm

Electronic controls
ESC stability control
High perf ABS/EBD Performance anti-lock system/electronic brake balance
EF1-Trac F1 electronic traction control integrated with the hybrid system
E-Diff 3 third generation electronic differential
SCM-E Frs magnetorheological damping with twin solenoids (Al-Ni tube)
Aerodynamics active

* with dynamic ram effect

PHOTOS