Ferrari has a long and eventful history and many races have been won by this legendary carmaker. The carmaker has just unveiled its latest model at the 2011 Bologna Motor Show. This new vehicle is the Ferrari 599XX Evolution. The car has more power and has more aerodynamic enhancements than the existing 599XX. This new model is an evolution of the 599XX and is a track-only model that was developed by the carmaker for its most loyal and wealthiest customers.
It is very unlikely that this car will be seen driving down the street as it will only be available to clients who participate in the racetrack-based development and research program for the 2012-2013 season. The existing 599XX is already extreme in its power and speed, but Ferrari has managed to coax even more power out of the newest version by giving it an extra 20bhp taking the total to 740bhp. The weight of the car has been cut by 35kgs.
The current Ferrari 590XX is already a serious weapon on the track and the Evolution is set to be even faster. The 590XX has lapped the world famous Nurburgring Nordschleife circuit in only 6 minutes 58 seconds. The Evolution has the same 6.0-liter V12 engine but produces 552 KW instead of 540KW and the torque is 700Nm. This is the result of the new racecar modeled side-exhaust. The total mass of the vehicle is 1486kg since the engineers have managed to pare the weight down by 35kg. There are new carbon fiber components such as a multi-plane rear wing and the Drag Reduction System or DRS. The car features a carbon front splitter and a dramatic rear diffuser. The aerodynamic revisions make it possible to produce up to 440kg of extra down-force when driven at high speeds. This increases the Evolution`s cornering potential. This vehicle is not road legal because of the 9000rpm redline as well as the side-exhaust system.
Chassis dynamics are improved thanks to the active aerodynamic package that is integrated into the vehicle`s electronic control system. Ferrari has also chosen to adopt new Pirelli tires for the 590XX Evolution. There is an active rear wing featuring two flaps that have profiles very similar to those used by Formula 1 cars. The flaps rotate electronically so they can adjust the down-force between front and rear axles. This functions to affect the speed and maneuverability of the vehicle. The car manufacturer claims that this can produce 440kgs of down-force when driven at speeds of 124mph.
The changes that have been made allow the 590XX Evolution to lap the Ferrari test circuit in only 1:15 seconds. This is 1 second faster than the 590XX and 11 seconds faster than the standard 599 car. The price tag has not been determined but it is expected that customers will have to pay several million dollars to have the privilege of having ownership of the extreme new 590XX Evolution. It would certainly look good in anyone`s driveway but people interested in buying their own home may wish to focus on mortgages rather than a luxury indulgence such as this.

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Just a few weeks ago, it was rumored that Ferrari was working on a special edition 599 bearing the name of the great Fernando Alonso.  That may still be the case, but if that model does come along, it will be paired with the sports car in these new spy shots.  Apparently, Ferrari has developed a special lightweight 599XX EVO just as the original Ferrari Enzo-based FXX experimental supercar had its more extreme FXX Evolution variant.

Taken during the Finali Mondiali event held in Italy, the spy shots depict a 599XX Evolution, or ‘Evoluzione’ as it’s labeled by Ferrari, being prepped before deliveries start to select customers as part of the ongoing Ferrari Corse Clienti (race clients) program.

The program essentially enlists the help of dedicated Ferrari customers who enjoy taking their supercars to the track and provide feedback to Ferrari’s engineering team. Not only does Ferrari organize a number of track day events around the globe for its clients, the automaker also supplies pit crews and technicians to tend to each of the cars.

Unlike the current 599XX, the new 599XX Evo is expected to feature a more powerful version of the latest 6.3-liter V-12 found in the FF and destined to power the 599’s successor–possibly with as much as 800 horsepower on tap.

We can also see plenty of aerodynamic enhancements, including winglets similar to the units seen of Ferrari’s Formula 1 car. In addition to these, there’s a large rear wing, electronic upgrades, uprated brakes and what appear to be new side vented exhaust tips.

You may recall that the current 599XX was the first production-derived car to have broken the seven minute barrier for a lap of the Nurburgring-Nordschleife, posting a time of 6:58.16 earlier this year. You can bet that this latest version will be even quicker, and you can also bet that many of its technologies will appear on the new GT scheduled to replace the 599 next year.

The new Ferrari 599XX Evo will probably make its official debut in March at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show, so stay tuned!

What do you think about the latest version of the Ferrari 599, the Ferrari 599XX Evolution?

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Source: motorauthority.com and topspeed.com

Despite the fact that it is a special car, with a special design, many tuning companies like Mansory or Dartz want to leave their unique mark on  the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano. Following this line, Vörsteiner tried to put their touch on this car and succeeded. About a week ago it was previewed on the Internet and it was said that this package is set to be unveiled shortly. Well, it has debut at this year’s Concorso Italiano.

Known as being a German aftermarket firm, which makes body kits and wheel upgrades for a variety of vehicles, particularly Bentleys, Mercedes, Porsches and BMWs, Vörsteiner felt the Ferrari 599 GTB didn’t look aggressive enough and developed a body kit for the standard 599 GTB Fiorano to make the car look more like its track-going brother. The result is the Vörsteiner Ferrari 599-VX.

They called the new car “599-VX”, a beauty which imbues the 599 GTB with some of the visual aggression of the 599 GTO and 599XX. This new tuning pack for 599 GTB from Vörsteiner includes an eight-piece body kit with a new front end, hood, rear deck lid, side skirts, rear intake panel and rear bumper with integrated diffuser, all made of carbon fiber for maximum strength and minimum weight. In addition it comes with a set of lightweight wheels forged from aircraft-grade aluminum. Everything is finished off with a beautiful matte white vinyl wrap from 3M.

As a reminder, in standard form, the 2011 Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano comes fitted with a 6.0-liter V12 engine that makes 612 hp and 448 lbs-ft of torque and has two transmission options: a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automated manual with F1 Superfast steering column-mounted shift paddles that allow for extremely quick gear changes.

What do you think about the Ferrari 599-VX tuned by Vorsteiner?

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Source: speedlux.com

Anything you can do, I can do better. It might as well be the battle cry sung along the autostrada between Maranello and Sant’Agata Bolognese. Because Ferrari and Lamborghini have been at each other’s throats like the Sforzas and the Medicis for decades. So if you thought the notion of Lamborghini charging €2 million for a track-bound production version of the Sesto Elemento sounded crazy, look no further than their cross-town rivals for the precedent.

Here’s a rare Ferrari 599XX – and a sinister one at that, decked out all in black – up for sale in France. It’s one of only 30 examples made for the company’s exclusive client test driver program and packs a screaming 720-horsepower 6.0-liter V12 with all the latest wind-cheating, stop-watch trouncing technology the company’s considerable army of engineers has come up with. It’s not every day that one of these goes up for sale. In fact, this is the first one we’ve seen.

So what’s the asking price? €1,315,600 – used. (That’s about $1.9 million at current exchange rates.) You can bet it was driven hard, too. What’s more, someone will most likely snap it up in due course. And if someone can spend €1.3 million on a used Ferrari track car that’s based on an existing production model, suddenly it doesn’t seem so far-fetched to imagine Lamborghini finding 20 buyers willing to shell out €2 million on a completely new one.

Head on over to JamesList for the full listing. We’ve got the regrettably low-res images of this particular example compiled for your viewing pleasure in this post.

What do you think about the black Ferrari 599XX on sale on JamesList?

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Source: autoblog.com

How many times do you see a Ferrari 599XX? Not very often, right? Well, photographer Sevan Calians was able to get pictures of two Ferrari 599XXs at the Paul Ricard High Test Track . Talk about being at the right place, at the right time; Calians was also able to capture a Pagani Zonda R right next to them! Now, that’s a perfect combination. In case anyone has forgotten, the record-breaking 599XX’engine delivers a maximum output of 700 HP at a screaming 9,000 RPM and is mated to an all new SuperFast gearbox that is able to swap cogs in a mere 60 milliseconds. The 599XX is characterized by an innovative system called the “High Performance Dynamic Concept” which has been designed to get the maximum performance from the vehicle by managing the combination of the car’s mechanical limits with the potential of its electronic controls .

We’d love and hate to be the ones testing those cars on that track. Can you imagine having to pick between those voluptuous beauties for testing? Let’s just hope the test drivers were able to catch a ride in all three!

What do you think about the black and gray Ferrari 599XXs?

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Source: topspeed.com

Ferrari 458 Challenge making laps at the Fiorano test track

 Auto Motor und Sport posted this video of Ferrari’s newest race car ripping around its Fiorano test track.

With only a small selection of photos available, we’re certain you haven’t seen enough of the Ferrari 458 Challenge and so we’re excited to bring you several minutes of video of the newest Ferrari racer.

According to Ferrari the new 458 Challenge weighs significantly less than the production model, although specific numbers have not been given. In addition, this race car gets aluminum bushings, stiffer springs that lower the car by 30mm, 19-inch racing wheels and wider Pirelli racing slicks. Ferrari claims it’s capable of 1.6 Gs of lateral acceleration. Also included are a new generation of Brembo carbon ceramic brakes (called CCM2), that first debuted on the 599XX.

And for the first time on a Ferrari Challenge car, the Prancing Horse has decided to equip its gentleman racers with traction control. The F1-Trac system constantly monitors grip to deliver the most power possible, with a dry track and wet track setting. And because these are real Ferrari race cars, drivers can also opt for CT-OFF on the steering wheel-mounted manettino to completely shut off the TC system.

Compared to the F430 Challenge car, Ferrari claims the 458 Challenge is two seconds a lap faster on its Fiorano test circuit, setting a new record time of 1:16.5.

The 458 Challenge will run alongside its 430 Challenge predecessor in the 2011 Series, while the latter is phased out. Ferrari also plans to expand its Ferrari Challenge series next year, adding a new series in the Asia-Pacific region.

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Source: autoguide.com and blogs.insideline.com

Surprise awaited those who attended the annual dealer’s meet of Ferrari held at Maranello. They were treated to a live view of the 458 Challenge which is the newest track car from Ferrari.

In line with its previous version the 430, this new one, the 458 Challenge is one more racing car from the factory that has been known to produce such speed setters. The Challenger also holds similarity when it comes to its road sense to the 458 Italia. The car has a 4.5 liter V8 engine that produces 562 hp at 9000 rpm. The gear ratio and calibration has been changed so the torque curve would be different. For transmission the car has a seven-speed dual clutch system and this favors the torque at lower engine speeds.

As is usually the case with any new Ferrari, whether it’s a brand new model or a special edition, the 458 Challenge heaps on the technology. The electronic “E-Diff” differential, already in place on regular 458s, makes its debut in a Ferrari track car. A special race-oriented suspension is installed, wherein ride height is reduced by 1.2 inches, and Ferrari has cut weight by deploying carbon fiber and Lexan throughout the car. The 458 Challenge also adds new-generation Brembo brakes, which debuted on the 599XX, and Ferrari’s trick F1-Trac traction-control system that allows drivers to select two specific track-biased settings for dry to wet conditions. According to Ferrari, these enhancements translate into a two-second improvement over the 430 Challenge when lapping its Fiorano test track.

So, who (amongst the obscenely wealthy) will have the opportunity to buy a 458 Challenge? Ferrari describes the car as being available to both professional and “gentlemen” drivers, but it is unavailable for street use, because what fun would it be to explore your new 562-hp mid-engine screamer on the interstate?

What do you think about the Ferrari 458 Challenge?

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Source: caranddriver.com and speedlux.com

Ferrari 458 Italia Challenge

The 458 Italia, like any other roadgoing Ferrari, draws its inspiration and development from the Scuderia’s considerable racing prowess. Turning the 458 back into a racing car, then, is an extra special feat – one to which Maranello is well accustomed, from the Challenge versions of the 348, 355, 360 and 430 that came before. The new race car will run alongside the F430 Challenge as part of the Ferrari Challenge Trofeo next year, the latter of which is also getting a new Asia-Pacific series for 2011 as well.

While the Challenge car maintains the production 458′s 5.5-liter V8 drivetrain, it has gone on a substantial diet that includes thinner body panels comprised of Lexan instead of glass windows and carbon-fiber components. Ride height has been dropped for circuit duty by 30mm, and the Challenge also gets its own suspension bits and setup with stiffer springs, dampers and aluminum bushings. Center-lock 19-inch racing wheels are banded in slick Pirelli tires, and the whole gorgeous Italian parade reins to a halt with Brembo CCM2 carbon-ceramic brakes from the 599XX. In other big news, the 458 Challenge receives F1-Trac electronics that makes use of specific programs that help set the car up for both wet and dry conditions.

All of this information arrives on the heels of the initial spy shots and the video that followed, with Ferrari having issued an official statement (available after the jump) and the image above. In addition, a small batch of photos have crept their way onto the Teamspeed forums, apparently from the vehicle’s official unveiling in Maranello. Read the press release below.

Press Release:

Maranello, July 14th 2010 – The 458 Challenge has made its world premiere debut in Maranello during the Annual Dealer Meeting, a traditional event that brings together the representatives of Ferrari’s international sales network.

The new berlinetta, which will flank the F430 Challenge in the Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli in the 2011 season, is the fifth model used by Ferrari in its one-make championship which, next year, will be extended to include a new Asia-Pacific series.

Coming just a few months after the Frankfurt Motor Show unveiling of the 458 Italia on which it is based, the 458 Challenge introduces a number of important modifications to adapt it for competition use.

The direct injection 4497 cc V8 remains strictly in production tune, with an output of 570 hp at 9,000 rpm. That said, modifications have been made to the gear ratios and calibration of its dual-clutch F1 gearbox to guarantee higher torque at lower revs. The 458 Challenge is also equipped with the E-Diff electronic differential already employed on the road-going version, a first for Ferrari’s track-only cars.

Significant work has also gone into cutting the car’s weight. This focused on both the exterior and interior with Ferrari’s engineers concentrating in particular on reducing the thickness of the bodyshell panels and on using lightweight materials, such as carbon-fibre and Lexan.

The new 458 Challenge also has a specific suspension set-up with solid aluminium bushings, stiffer springs, single-rate dampers, centre-nut 19″ racing rims, larger dimension Pirelli slicks and a ride height lowered by 30mm all round. It is also equipped with the new generation Brembo CCM2 brakes which debuted on the 599XX, Ferrari’s extreme experimental laboratory car, and which are integrated with an ABS system that features two configurations – low grip and high performance for dry surfaces.

Another first for a Ferrari Challenge model is the adoption of the F1-Trac traction control system, the most sophisticated of its kind. Developed in-house by Ferrari, the F1-Trac system constantly monitors levels of grip for maximum high-performance road-holding. Two specific track-biased calibrations – wet and dry – have been developed for this application, with control logic and strategies derived from Ferrari’s extensive racing experience in the F1 and GT championships. The F1-Trac is completely integrated with the E-Diff to guarantee maximum acceleration out of corners.

The required ABS, F1-Trac and E-Diff calibration settings are selected via the manettino on the steering wheel, the first time this solution has been adopted on a model developed for the Ferrari Challenge series. The driver can thus either chose from the WET or DRY configurations. In high grip conditions it is also possible to select CT-OFF to de-activate the F1-Trac traction control.

In the course of the intensive development sessions involved in honing the 458 Challenge for the track, the engineers also managed to improve the car’s lap time at Fiorano by two seconds over that of its predecessor, resulting in a new record of just 1’16.5″. Equally impressive is the amount of lateral grip the new car generates – up to 1.6G.

With the new 458 Challenge, Ferrari is offering its sportier clients – professional and gentlemen drivers alike – a car that is extremely responsive, with great performance and superb handling. This mid-rear V8-engined berlinetta will allow Ferrari Challenge participants to enjoy to the full the exhilarating cut and thrust of the race weekends on the world’s leading circuits, as well as the passion that has always been an integral part of Ferrari’s one-make championship.

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Source: Ferrari.com via Teamspeed.com

Amedeo Felisa presents the Ferrari 599 GTO in a factory alongside its sibling the Ferrari 599XX where the technology has since been developed from its forefather called the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano.

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Source: ferrari.com via youtube.com