For the past couple of years, many of the technologies destined for Ferrari's road-going supercars were initially developed on the automaker's track-only 599XX. Based on the 599 GTB Fiorano, the 599XX is made in very limited numbers, and serves as a kind of mobile testbed for new ideas. While it is possible for a few of Ferrari's favorite people to buy the cars, the company still prepares and drives the vehicles on their behalf, at test tracks and race tracks in Europe and the U.S. Although the car was premiered in 2009 at the Geneva International Motor Show, the latest version is being presented at this month's Bologna Motor Show. One of the more noteworthy features on the new model is its active aerodynamics system.
The system is centered mainly around the car's rear wing, which incorporates a concept known as "opening gap." The wing itself is made up of two Formula 1-inspired flaps. In response to several performance parameters, these flaps are continuously electronically rotating, to adjust the downforce between the front and rear axles.
More specifically, those parameters include vehicle speed, longitudinal and lateral acceleration, and steering wheel angle - this means the degree to which the wheel is turned in either direction. All of the car's electronic controls have been re-calibrated, to allow for effects of the flaps. According to the company, "The result of this concept is better performance in cornering with the aerodynamics optimized for every corner individually."
The aerodynamics system also features a modified front splitter, and a new rear diffuser with a larger surface area.
Other changes to the Ferrari 599XX include a 35-kilogram (77-lb) weight loss, and the addition of side exhausts, which boost the engine power by 20 CV to a total of 750 CV/740 hp (at 9,000 rpm).