Ferrari has unveiled a more track-focused version of its latest hypercar, the LaFerrari, and has called it the Ferrari FXX K. The Ferrari FXX K churns out a massive 1,021bhp and will be seen in action from next year, available only to an elite group of owner-drivers selected into Ferrari’s XX driver development programme. The Ferrari FXX K name refers to its KERS or Kinetic Energy Recovery system that works in tandem with the standard car’s 6.3-litre V12 motor. The 1,021bhp it can make is 71bhp more than the standard LaFerrari, where 835bhp comes from the V12 motor and the rest 188bhp from the electric motor setup.
Although Ferrari hasn’t disclosed the new car's 0-100kph time, it is expected to rival that of the McLaren P1 GTR. The Ferrari FXX K is expected to outdo the LaFerrari’s 0-100kph timing of less than three seconds. It’s also expected to top its 349kph plus top speed. Drive is channeled through a seven-speed paddle-shift dual-clutch automatic transmission, the same unit that does duty in the LaFerrari. The Ferrari FXXK is 194mm longer and 59mm wider than the LaFerrari, but it's height and wheelbase are unchanged from the standard car. On the outside, the Ferrari FXX K looks like a race-inspired version of the LaFarrari. The front gets a new twin-profile spoiler with a large splitter, which is 30mm lower than on the La Ferrari, and comes with a central gap to channel airflow. This works together with huge side sills running down the flanks of the car in order to stop the air from gathering below.
A large, twin-pronged spoiler sits at the rear alongside a secondary mobile spoiler that can be extended on the move. The shape of the rear is distinctive, and is designed to boost downforce, which is further aided by a new rear diffuser. This setup, according to Ferrari, has helped boost the downforce by as much as 50 percent compared to the LaFerrari, which has resulted in the FXX K producing 540kg downforce at 200kph. The Ferrari FXX K gets special slick Pirelli P-Zero tyres with sensors to maintain acceleration, temperature and pressure. Brembo-made carbon ceramic brakes are also offered. The vehicle’s traction control, side slip angle control and electronic differential come specially calibrated to suit the performance tyres. Drivers can also control the car’s ABS settings via the steering wheel.
The Ferrari FXX K adapts a multi-link rear setup instead of a double wishbone setup as seen on the LaFerrari. On the inside, the FXX K comes with a digitised instrument panel but does away with the luxury equipment that is seen on the LaFerrari. Mechanically, major changes made to the LaFerrari’s V12 motor include new camshafts, tweaked valve train, redesigned intake manifolds and the use of mechanical rather than hydraulic tappets. The Ferrari FXX K also features a modified exhaust. Its HY-KERS system has also been upgraded, and now gives the drivers an option of controlling the car’s power with four different modes via the Manettino controller. The Ferrari FXX K’s Qualify mode provides maximum power for a short number of laps, while the Long Run mode optimises performance for longer stints. Manual Boost mode delivers instant maximum torque, while Fast Charge mode can be used to recharge the car's battery.
Ferrari says, the FXX K is not homologated and will “never” be used in competition. The car was developed “to be completely uncompromising, incorporating technological innovations that will guarantee an unprecedented driving experience”. Ferrari hasn't revealed how much it will charge potential owners to take part in its driver programme, which it hopes to roll out over the next two years. It's also likely that only existing LaFerrari owners will be eligible to buy the FXX K. Previous entries in Ferrari's exclusive owner-driver programme include the Enzo-based FXX, which is powered by an 848bhp 6.2-litre V12 engine, and the 720bhp 599XX.