Cars Blog: December 2011

The FXX uses some technology developed from the Enzo, and combines it with some new developments from Ferrari and its suppliers. However, the car is only a part of the overall program. Customers pay $1.8 million, but are only allowed to drive the car on special track days which are approved by Ferrari. After they drive the car, the owners are entitled to be briefed by Ferrari on the car's performance. Ferrari's sister company, Maserati, has developed a similar car, the MC12 Corsa.

An evolution of the Enzo, in essence, the FXX shares some components with the original car, but numerous, significant developments are unique to the FXX.

The FXX's engine is based on the Enzo's, but displacement has been increased to 6,262 cc (6.3 L; 382.1 cu in) from 5,988 cc (6.0 L; 365.4 cu in). Output has been boosted from the Enzo's 660 PS (485.4 kW; 651.0 hp), to 800 PS (588 kW; 789 hp) at 8,500 rpm.

The gearbox incorporates the latest developments from Ferrari's F1 program and has a shift time of under 100 ms. The brake pads were also upgraded from the Enzo. It does, however, retain the Carbon fibre-reinforced Silicon Carbide (C/SiC) ceramic composite discs found on the Enzo. The tires are custom-developed 19 inch slicks.

The FXX features comprehensive data-monitoring and telemetry that not only allows the driver to improve performance, but also provides Ferrari technicians with valuable data to improve the FXX and future road-going Ferraris.

Ferrari has built 30, adding one special edition to the 29 that were originally planned. The original 29 have all been sold to pre-selected past Ferrari customers. The 30th was retained by Ferrari S.p.A. and presented to Ferrari's F1 World Champion driver, Michael Schumacher, when he retired from Formula One racing at the end of 2006. Schumacher's FXX differs from others in being black without a stripe, having red trimed wheels, matte rather than chrome exhaust tips, and his personal logo stitched on the racing seats.

FXX owners also participate in Ferrari's testing and brand development programs. As part of the FXX program, the car is maintained by the Ferrari factory. The purpose of this particular program is to allow Ferrari's top customers exclusive access to its most up-to-date technology and to utilize their input in the development of future models. The models are only sold in Europe. Units can be imported, but not owned, in any other continent. The FXX package was reported to cost 1.5 million euros (excluding taxes) (2.1mil USD),[1] including the car and the services provided by Ferrari.