Ferrari FXX Exotic Supercar

Buyers of Ferrari’s near-racing exotic supercar will become part-time Ferrari test drivers – an amazing move gives the opportunity of forging new relationship with a supercar and its maker.

In an extraordinary move, Ferrari is selling a car when it is still under development.

This is the Ferrari FXX, of which about 20 will be built to explore the way ahead for ultra-high performance exotic supercars. Owners will become part-time test drivers for Ferrari, and their cars will be modified as the development program unfolds.

Mid-engine, 800 bhp!

So what is this FXX? It is a mid-engined coupe powered by a 6.2 liter V-12 engine developing no less that 800 bhp at 8,500 rpm that’s 130 bhp per liter.

The latest version of the F1 sequential semi-automatic transmission, shifting gear in less than 100 milliseconds, will be used.

The car will have a fantastic performance rivalling that of the Bugatti Veyron 16.4 and Keonigsegg CCR. Maximum speed will be around 250 mph, and the car will race to 60 mph in around 3.0 seconds.

40% more down force

Ferrari has moved the Enzo shape onward in the FXX, evidently increasing down force by a whopping 40%. As before, there are two side air intakes in the very long nose, but the air leaving the radiators is taken up over the hood, whereas these days many firms are taking the air out through the wheel arches.

The large air intakes atop the rear fenders are similar to those of the Enzo, and the whole car has a muscular look.

The coach roof is quite narrow and short, with very small side windows but does extend back past the engine compartment, and then the flat tail carries a curved spoiler. Below are large outlet ducts. There are also two small rear spoilers behind each wheel.

A new twist is that twin exhaust pipes come out high up in the tail, behind each wheel. The rest of the tail is pretty open, with diffusers each side of the gearbox, and plenty of outlet ducts to get all that hot air out.

It will be built in the same way as the Enzo, with a carbon fiber hull, and racing-type suspension, with some developments Ferrari isn’t talking about.

Special Brembo brakes, special Bridgestone tires

Brembo is supplying special brakes and pads with a special brake cooling system, while Bridgestone has developed special 19 inch slicks for the FXX.

They do say that 39 different dynamic events will be monitored continuously, so that Ferrari engineers can discover exactly what is happening to the car.

What’s more Ferrari intends to build 20 FXXs which is more than the annual production of many makers of exotic supercar.

Each car will be fitted out to suit the owner, who can leave it at Maranello to be transported to the various circuits where the testing will take place, or they can keep the car at home. But when modifications are needed, the owner will need to take the car or get it taken to the factory.

These events will take place in various places in Europe in 2006-2007, with deliveries staring at the end of this year.

As the performance will be so phenomenal, Ferrari is offering high-speed driving courses to all customers at the Fiorano circuit.

How do you get an FXX? Well, the price will be 1.5 million Euros plus taxes, (about $2m) and with so few being built, applicants will be selected by a committee. This won’t be buying a car, but buying a relationship with Ferrari. It will be an amazing and unforgettable experience, well worth trying for.