Real-world drivers hone Ferrari FXX

It's not often that car companies use feedback from punters as part of their technical development process, but that's precisely what Ferrari has done via its FXX, for which an optimised 'evolution' kit has been developed.

Some quick background on the FXX: it began production in 2005 and was derived from the prancing horse's Enzo flagship.

A select group of buyers paid $US2.5 million to join the FXX club, and for this outlay they only earned the right to drive the car on special track days approved by Ferrari.

In fact, the FXX prototype is designed exclusively for track driving as part of a specific R&D program agreed with a selected group of just over 20 clients involving 14 group test sessions and 14 private events over the last two years.

The owner list includes seven-times world Formula One champ Michael Schumacher, who was given the last car in the series when he retired from F1 racing at the end of 2006.

However, the actual car is just one part of the ownership experience. Part of the deal is that after FXX customers drive the car they have to brief Ferrari on the car's performance.

Now, some two years down the track, Ferrari has used data collected over the 16,500km of tests carried out in 2006 and 18,500km covered in 2007 to hone the FXX into an even sharper driving tool.

Ferrari's labcoats have used the telemetry and customer feedback to implement a range of tweaks to the car's aerodynamics, running gear and electronics.

Maranello's engineers studied the wealth of information gained to develop an Evolution kit that will cut the FXX's Fiorano lap time to under 1min 16sec (previously it was 1min 18sec).

Ferrari claims the FXX's 6262 cc V12 engine can now punch out a massive 632kW at 9500rpm. Gearshifting takes just 60 milliseconds, a drop of 20 milliseconds on the previous time, and the gear ratios have been adapted to make use of the extra 1000rpm now delivered by the engine.

The car's new traction control system, gives the driver a choice of no less than nine different settings, enabling the driver to modify the car's behaviour on the track from corner to corner, just as the Formula 1 drivers do to maximise performance and reduce tyre wear.

Ferrari says the FXX's traction control is also now less invasive and more flexible, adapting more efficiently to the individual driving style of each driver -- a requirement pinpointed when this very extreme car was being driven on the track by non-professional drivers.

The FXX's special 19-inch Bridgestone tyres now last longer too thanks to a new car setup and new front suspension geometry, while the Brembo brakes, comprising large Composite Ceramic Material (CCM) discs, are more efficient, effectively doubling brake-pad life.

Added aero downforce has been reaped via a new rear diffuser, nolder and rear flaps which have combined to increase aerodynamic efficiency by 25 per cent overall.

The FXX evolution package includes participation in a series of track events that Ferrari is organising at international circuits for 2008/2009, and the car will be further developed over this period.

As was the case in 2006/2007, the cars will be backed up at each event by a 15-member official team comprising engineers, electronics experts and mechanics capable of providing complete assistance to clients.