Ferrari debuts 599XX at the Bologna Motor Show

Ferrari is debuting the 599XX with the Evolution Package at the 36th Bologna Motor Show. This new car improves on Ferrari's well-known supercars, by providing track-based technical features available to buyers for the 2012-2013 seasons.

Already the fruit of the very finest Ferrari road car and Formula 1-derived technology, the 599XX now features improved chassis dynamics. This is due in part to an active aerodynamic package integrated with the vehicles’ electronic control systems, and some nice new Pirelli tires. The car is also more powerful than before and weighs less.

The key to the package is the active rear wing design. This represents a new aerodynamic concept called ‘opening gap’. The wing has two flaps that rotate electronically to adjust the downforce between the front and rear axles in relation to vehicle speed and the maneuver being effected. This improves handling throughout corners. This is similar profiles and wing technology used in Formula 1 racing.

The 599XX active rear wing is actuated automatically, adjusting to specific parameters which are integrated into the car’s other control functions (ESP, ABS, SCM and F1-Trac). As a result, all the electronic controls have been suitably recalibrated. The ‘opening gap’ system logic is based on the following parameters:

*steering wheel angle
*longitudinal acceleration
*lateral acceleration
*vehicle speed

The new 599XX package also includes a modified front splitter with a new rear diffuser as well. The diffusers features a larger surface area and redesigned fences and foot-plates. Total downforce at 124 mph is boosted to 727 pounds when the flaps are open and 970 pounds in the closed configuration.

The Ferrari 599XX can lap Fiorano, Ferrari's famed test track, in just 1’15”.

The Ferrari stand at the Bologna Motor Show is devoted entirely to its racing efforts. You can see the 458 Challenge featured. The Challenege is derived from the 458 Italia, and is Ferrari’s fifth model for its single-make championship. The mid-rear V8 berlinetta is quite a car, but even more amazing on the racetrack.

Also on display is the 458 Italia GT2 fielded by AF Corse. This is the car that won the Drivers’ and Teams’ title in the Le Mans Series and the Teams’ title in the Intercontinental Le Mans Cup. Additionally the car also contributed to Ferrari’s taking the Manufacturers’ title. The line-up of track-only Prancing Horse models is completed by the 458 Italia GT3 which made a superb FIA GT3 debut by winning the Drivers’ title, and the FXX, Ferrari’s “project” car and one of the most technologically advanced non-competitive models in the world.

The Show hosts three events which will feature the Prancing Horse, two of which will see no less than 16 cars from the Italian and European Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli series taking part in the traditional end-of-year challenge on On December 3rd.

The extensive program planned for the competition arena will culminate in the traditional Scuderia Ferrari salute with an exhibition of the F10, the single-seater with which Ferrari competed in the 2010 Formula 1 season. Giancarlo Fisichella, the Formula 1 driver, will be on hand at the Ferrari salute.

Please contact Adam Yamada-Hanff – adamsautoadvice@gmail.com – for comments, questions, or topics. You can also follow him on Twitter @AdamsAutoAdvice