Ferrari Releases More Information On The 599xx Project
Ferrari has released more detailed information on the Ferrari 599XX, the extreme track car that is helping the legendary
supercar maker develop new technology for future roadgoing supercars.
First seen at this year’s Geneva International Motor Show, a limited number of 599XXs will be available for sale to
Ferrari’s most valued customers, but Ferrari will prepare and run the cars on behalf of their owners, enabling them to
drive them at special events at Ferrari’s own Fiorano test track and at leading race tracks in Europe and the USA. Data
gathered from these track days will be used to further enhance and develop technology for future frontline Ferrari
models.
This includes reducing internal friction in the engine, faster gearbox operation, aerodynamics that automatically adjust
depending on whether the car is cornering or going in a straight line, as well being speed dependent, and a new high
speed adjustable chassis. New weight saving ideas are used throughout the car, including carbon fibre brake calipers.
While based on the 599 GTB Fiorano with the same transaxle layout and engine type, this prototype is an extreme track
car. Ferrari's engineers have carried out extensive work on the engine's combustion chambers and inlet and exhaust
tracts. These modifications, combined with the fact that internal friction has been reduced and the maximum revs have
been boosted to 9,000 rpm, helped achieve the target power output of 700 bhp/515 kW at 9,000 rpm. Particular attention
was also paid to cutting the weight of the engine unit components. This was achieved both by optimizing forms - as in
the new crankshaft - and adopting exclusive materials, as in the carbon-fibre used for the intake plenums. A new gearbox
shift strategy cuts overall gearchange times to 60 ms.
The chassis of the 599XX uses an innovative electronic model called the "High Performance Dynamic Concept" which has
been designed to get the maximum performance from the car by managing the combination of the car's mechanical limits
with the potential of its electronic controls. The mechanical and electronic systems work together to get the maximum
performance from the car under extreme high performance driving, for consistent lap times. The aggressive handling has
been improved thanks to the adoption of second generation SCM suspension system. Track usage is also made easier thanks
to the new "virtual car engineer", a screen in the car that provides a real-time indication of the vehicle's track
performance.
The 599XX's aerodynamics were honed in numerous wind tunnel test sessions with the result that the car now boasts 280 kg
of downforce at 200 kmh and 630 kg at 300 kmh. The front underside of the body is completely faired-in and the vents
that channel hot air from the engine bay have been moved to the bonnet.
The "ActiflowT" system increases downforce and/or cuts drag depending on the car's trim cornering conditions, courtesy
of the use of a porous material in the diffuser and two fans in the boot which channel the air flow from under the car
out through two grilles next to the tail-lights. Winglets have been added to the rear buttresses to increase downforce.
Synthetic jets have also 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 metal "doughnuts" which partly cover the brake discs and wheel rim. These
have the dual function of improving both aerodynamics and brake cooling.
In terms of the bodywork, composites and carbon-fibre have been widely used and the engineers drew on their experience
in working with aluminium to reach the weight target. The development of increasingly high-performance materials has
also benefited the carbon-ceramic material braking system. The brake pads are now made from carbon-fibre which means
that the calipers are smaller whilst guaranteeing the same efficiency. The new racing carbon ceramic braking system also
delivers shorter braking distances and is generally more efficient due to the weight saving.
The 599XX comes with slick tyres (29/67 R19 Front and 31/71 R19 Rear) specifically developed to maximize stability in
cornering and increase lateral acceleration. They are fitted to 19 x 11J wheel rims at the front and 19 x 12J at the
rear.
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