Is The Ferrari FXX K Your Ultimate Speed Lab? Yes, it is

FERRARI FXX K

SPEED LAB

Words by Christian Parodi

The name says it all: FXX K. Not just a car, but a workshop-vehicle which does not like the definition of hypercar, do not dare to call it a supercar. Developed on the first hybrid from Maranello, the LaFerrari, let’s try to compose ourselves and stop our mouth from watering since the chances that we have for bringing one home are extremely remote.
The FXX K is the apotheosis of the latest generation mechanical and engineering world, born with the pure aim of testing and study what could then become integral parts on future models of the Company itself. Thanks to the fact that it is a kind of guinea pig and that no FXX K will ever be fielded in competitions, there is no regulation to follow, and then the imagination, but especially the creativity of the engineers were able to give free rein to the need for pursuing the main target of obtaining the maximum power and speed, both in terms of pure performance and involvement for the driver. Aesthetically, the similarities with the hypercar from which it takes origin are easily noticeable, but the aerodynamic appendages are much more voluptuous and accentuated both at front with a splitter that kisses the ground, both at the back where we find an unusual spoiler that rises only to the two end of the rear-end, overlooking the huge diffuser that helps generating unprecedented levels of downforce. Everything reminds and incites to maximum violence here, there is no room for half measures when it has to do with the search for maximum performance and so the mighty 6.262cc V12 delivers 860hp, which combined with the 190 of the electric motor allow the FXX K to provide an overall output of 1.050hp, with a maximum torque of 900Nm. As we have learned to understand with hybrid hypercars of recent years, including the LaFerrari, the electric motor plays a role that is not to allow you to walk a dozen kilometers without calling into question the internal combustion engine, but to make available more power and torque at lower revs compared to what a classic internal combustion engine could if used individually. If you’re still wondering what the “K” means to the name, I remove all doubts by replying that symbolize the use of “kers” technology, that like in Formula 1 represents the kinetic energy recovery for maximizing performance during track use.
That’s right, the track. The FXX K is a racing car that is used in close collaboration with Ferrari, where during the stages of the “Corse Clienti” program the customers-drivers perform the role of real test drivers, enjoying the assistance of the men from Maranello and the fact of being able to lap on some of the most renowned and fastest circuits in the world. At this point I would like to tell you about the “manettino”, which differs from the production models for its new modalities, of course suitable for the use between the curbs: Qualify (maximum performance within a limited number of laps), Long Run (constancy of performance), Manual Boost (instant peak of torque) and Fast charge (fast battery recharge). The transmission is a 7-speed F1 automatic g’box and of course brakes are carbon-ceramic, but I’m sure this was predictable. You easily understand that the FXX K is not like other cars, but a track beast that hides a key role for the research and development of the brand. A work of art with an incredible aerodynamic complexity and capable of generating up to 540kg of vertical load at a speed of about 200 kph. Everyone would like having one, but it is too special to be simply searched and purchased. Driving a FXX K would make you feel a part of the Prancing Horse too, no joke, because you’ll deal with aspects that could represent ingredients for future models, just every feedback, every test, every lap on track is followed by a careful analysis and a constant search to improve the Ferraris that instead can be part of the life of us mortals. This is not a simple job. This is passion, this is heart.