Ferrari issues more images, fresh details of 599XX

Ferrari succeeded in garnering much media attention at the Geneva motor show with its 599XX (more here), stealing some thunder from Aston Martin's One-77 (more here) and Lamborghini Murcielago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce (more here)  in the process.

Now the prancing horse has issued additional details and images of the ultra-low-volume coupe, which will be offered to a select few VVIP customers, who get to play a role in the evolution of the car (in a similar vein to the Enzo-derived FXX).
 
Although retaining the 599 GTB Fiorano's basic configuration, Ferrari's boffins have tweaked virtually every aspect of the car to liberate every ounce of extra performance possible and, as previously reported, a thorough revamp of the V12's combustion chambers and its inlet and exhaust tracts enable it to rev to 9000rpm -- at which point it's cranking out 515kW.

The latest info from Maranello reveals much work has also gone into the 599XX's aero package. Extensive wind-tunnel testing has allegedly yielded 280kg of downforce at 200km/h and 630kg at 300km/h.

One of the keys to the 599XX's aero efficiency is the so-called "ActiflowT" system, which increases downforce and/or cuts drag depending on the car's trim cornering conditions, courtesy of "a porous material" in the diffuser (no, it's not a twin diffuser!) and two fans in the boot that channel the air flow from under the car out through a pair of grilles next to the tail-lights.

Winglets have been added to the rear buttresses to increase downforce, and Ferrari says synthetic jets have been incorporated into the rear of the car to control and smooth the air flow and to reduce drag.

Ferrari's engineers have also used F1-derived 'doughnuts' that partly cover the brake discs, and these have the dual function of improving both aerodynamics and brake cooling.

In addition, the front underside of the body is completely faired-in and the vents that channel hot air from the engine bay have been relocated to the bonnet.

Meanwhile, handling is claimed to have been improved thanks to the adoption of a second-generation SCM (Magnetorheological Suspension Control) system, while maximising racetrack performance is said to be made easier thanks to the new "virtual car engineer", a screen in the car that provides a real-time indication of the vehicle's efficiency.

The 599XX's techno armoury has clearly paid dividends, as it's said to be capable of lapping
Ferrari's own Fiorano test track in the 1min 17sec bracket -- quicker than any road car the company has ever produced.

It's also a tad quicker than the FXX, not to mention some of the company's race-prepped cars. And there's more pace to be wrung out of it yet...

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