By opening up professional information to car owners,
Ferrari collects the views of its most hardcore supporters to move the company forward.
Text: BEBOP | Translation: dilettane | Photo: Kimio Ng

Derived from 599 GTB Fiorano, the same transaxle layout and engine type is also in place in Ferrari 599XX. However, the engineers modified the engine’s combustion chambers, inlet and exhaust tracts a great deal. The maximum revs are upgraded to a warping 9,000 rpm, achieving maximum power output of 700 hp at 9,000 rpm. It is a full 80 hp higher than the 599 GTB Fiorano.

Ferrari engineers also paid extra attention on cutting down the weight of V12 engine unit components. Taking advantage of the new crankshaft and adopting exclusive carbon-fibre for the intake plenums, Ferrari has made the most robust car with very lightweight material. Compare to the 0.1s gearchange times of 599 GTB Fiorano, the 599XX cuts down dramatically to 0.06s.

599XX is based on the ‘High Performance Dynamic Concept’, designed to maximize performance by combining the car’s mechanical limits and potential of its electronic control. The mechanical and electronic systems work together to achieve the maximum performance. Apart from that, the second generation SCM suspension system reforms the sporty handling. The 599XX’s aerodynamic system was tested with numerous wind tunnel sessions, resulting in a car boasting 280kg downforce at 200km/h, and 630kg at 300km/h. The underside of the body is faired-in and the vents that channel hot air from the engine bay have been moved to the bonnet. The Actiflow™ system increases downforce and when necessary, cut drags depending on the car’s trim cornering conditions. This is achieved by the use of 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. Synthetic jets incorporated into the rear of the car, to control and smooth the air flow and reduce drag while pressure is added.

In terms of the car body, composites and carbon-fibre are widely used. Engineers utilise prior experience in using aluminum and successfully reduce the overall weight of the car to reach the target. The ceramic braking system also benefits from the development of high-performance material. The calipers are now smaller in size as a result of brake pads in carbon-fibre. 599XX comes with slick tyres (29/67 R19 Front and 31/71 R19 Back) which are excellent for providing stability in cornering, as well as lateral acceleration. Ferrari’s engineers use ‘wheel donut’ derived from F1, covering part of brake discs and wheel rim. They serve a double purpose of improving aerodynamics as well as brake cooling.

‘599XX Programme’ as seen on the car body is a special programme tailored for no more than thirty international Ferrari owners. Owning 599XX also represents your presence on the most famous race track in the world, such as Nürburgring. Of course, necessary training and consultation is required beforehand. Ferrari set up ‘corse clienti’ department in 2001 especially to take care of these special car owners, having numerous car racers to share their first hand GT experience and provide relevant advice to them.

Compare to the FXX Programme in 2006, the 599XX Programme is rather different, a remix of FXX Programme even. Funnily enough, 599XX was developed for race track, but serving a different target racer — the result model is for amateur car racers (who are also car owners) to burst out their energy on the tracks, also for more frequent use.

Ferrari will be holding 599XX races for car owners from 2010. By opening up professional information to car owners, Ferrari collects the views of its most hardcore supporters to move the company forward. This kind of concept and scale of the project can only be materialized by such a company like Ferrari, showing to the world that it really is one of a kind.

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