Ferrari FXX K Evo revealed – lighter, improved aero

Three years ago, at the Ferrari Finali Mondiali event in Abu Dhabi, the Italian carmaker rolled out the lab-on-wheels FXX K. For this year’s edition of the event at the Mugello Circuit in Tuscany, Italy, we are now being introduced to a thoroughly updated version of that car. This is the FXX K Evo, which joins previous XX cars that spawned Evo version like the FXX and 599.

The main focus here is aerodynamics, and Ferrari’s engineers worked together with Centro Stile Ferrari designers to create a new package for the FXX K Evo. According to the company, the car’s downforce figures are close to those of its cars competing in the GT3 and GTE championships, thanks to over a year of CFD simulations and wind tunnel testing.

Compared to the FXX K, the Evo’s downforce coefficient has been improved by 23%, which is equivalent to a 75% increase on the regular, road-going LaFerrari it is based on. At 200 km/h, the car generates 640 kg of (540 kg on the FXX K), and exceeds 830 kg at the car’s red-line speed.

Despite the revisions, the FXX K Evo is claimed to have a lower overall weight compared to the FXX K, as the company drew upon its experience in Formula 1 to adapt innovative carbon-fibre component crafting processes for the car.

Among the highlights of the new aero package are the canards on the front bumper and vortex generators on the bonnet. The latter cleans the air flow that leads towards the revised twin-profile fixed rear wing.

At the rear, the redesigned diffuser features new fin structures, while larger by-pass vents from the rear wheel arches channel air away to reduce pressure. The result is that the flow to the rear diffuser is efficiently channelled and losses are reduced, so that downforce is heightened.

Additional vortex generators on the car’s underbelly work with the rear system and the front underbody, generating 30% of the extra downforce the car delivers compared to the FXX K. There’s also new front brake air intakes that are more efficient, while the suspension has been calibrated to adapt to the new aero setup.

On the inside, drivers will use a new steering wheel that sports the KERS Manettino switch, plus the rear video camera screen to the right of the driver has been replaced with a larger 6.5-inch version. It also doubles as a display for telemetry data, KERS status and lap times.

The hybrid powertrain is untouched here, and continues to offer 1,050 hp and over 900 Nm of torque. Known as the HY-KERS system, it is made up of a 6.2 litre naturally aspirated V12 that provides 860 hp and 750 Nm, along with a 190 hp electric motor to back it up. As before, a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission is coupled with the setup.