Currently reading: 2015 Ferrari LaFerrari FXX K - engine, price and video
Hardcore track-only FXX K costs €2.2 million and forms part of Ferrari's exclusive driver development programme

The Ferrari FXX K is a harder, track-focused version of the LaFerrari hypercar with more power, race-inspired styling and even more tech.

Headline figures include a power output of 1021bhp. It’ll be seen in action from 2015, although it will only be available to an elite group of owner-drivers who will be entered into Ferrari’s XX driver development programme.

The model costs €2.2 million before local taxes, and with "less than 40" being made in total it's no surprise to hear it's already completely sold out.

The FXX K name refers to the car's KERS kinetic energy recovery system, which works in conjunction with the standard car's 6.3-litre naturally aspirated V12 engine to produce a total system output of 1021bhp and more than 664lb ft of torque. That's 71bhp more than the standard LaFerrari, with 835bhp coming from the V12 engine and 188bhp from the electric motor.

Ferrari hasn't revealed any performance data for the McLaren P1 GTR rival, but expect improvements on the LaFerrari's 0-62mph sprint time of less than three seconds, as well as its 217mph-plus top speed. As with LaFerrari, drive is channeled through a seven-speed paddle-shift dual-clutch automatic transmission.

The FXX K measures 194mm longer and 59mm wider than the LaFerrari, at 4896mm and 2051mm respectively, but shares the same height of 1116mm as well as its 2650mm wheelbase. Ferrari has also dropped some 90kg from LaFerrari's kerb weight, meaning the new FXX K weighs in at around 1255kg.

Stylistically, the FXX K looks like a race-inspired evolution of LaFerrari's shape. A new twin-profile spoiler and large splitter – which is 30mm lower than on LaFerrari and includes a central gap to channel air flow– can be seen at the front. This works in conjunction with the larger side sills running down the flanks of the car to stop air gathering underneath.

At the rear, a large, twin-pronged permanent spoiler features alongside a secondary mobile spoiler which can extend on the move. The distinctive shape of the rear is designed to boost downforce, and is helped by the new rear diffuser. 

Ferrari says this has helped improve downforce by 50 per cent compared to LaFerrari, resulting in the FXX K producing 540kg of downforce at 124mph. The FXX K can lap Ferrari's Fiorano test track in just 1m 14sec, some five seconds faster than LaFerrari.

Inside, the FXX K does away with many of the luxuries of LaFerrari, although it keeps a digitised instrument cluster.

The FXX K sits on special slick Pirelli P-Zero tyres, which incorporate sensors to measure acceleration, temperature and pressure. Carbon-ceramic brakes, manufactured by Brembo, also feature. The car's traction control, Side Slip Angle Control and electronic differential have been specially calibrated to suit the performance rubber, while drivers can control ABS settings via the steering wheel.

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Whereas the standard LaFerrari featured a double wishbone suspension set-up front and rear, the FXX K instead adopts a multi-link rear set-up.

Key changes made to the LaFerrari's V12 engine include new camshafts, a modified valve train, redesigned intake manifolds, and the use of mechanical rather than hydraulic tappets. The car's exhaust system has also been modified.

Similarly, the HY-KERS system has been upgraded, giving drivers the option of controlling power with four different modes with the 'Manettino' controller. 

Qualify mode provides maximum power for a short number of laps, while Long Run optimises performance for longer stints. Manual Boost mode delivers instant maximum torque, while Fast Charge mode can be used to recharge the car's battery.

The Maranello-based firm says as the FXX K isn't homologated, it will "never" be used in competition. In a statement, Ferrari said the car was developed "to be completely uncompromising, incorporating technological innovations that will guarantee an unprecedented driving experience".

The FXX K’s main rival is McLaren’s P1 GTR, which made its debut at the Pebble Beach concours earlier this year. It will go on sale next summer and is powered by a 986bhp 3.8-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine working as part of a hybrid powertrain. The P1 GTR will only be offered to existing P1 owners at a cost of £1.98 million. 

As an ongoing development project, technology and knowledge harvested from development of the FXX K will inform future Ferrari road cars including the next 458 and F12 Berlinetta.

Speaking at the launch of the new model in Abu Dhabi, Ferrari head of marketing Nicola Boari said the FXX K was "not a track version of LaFerrari. We use its structure and powertrain," he said, but stressed that everything else about the FXX K was learnt on the track.

On the question of whether tech from the FXX K could ever be used to enhance the road-going LaFerrari, Boari said that while engineering new technology to turn LaFerrari into a racer was doable, "doing the reverse is impossible."

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An even more hardcore 'Evoluzione' version of the FXX K has been deemed possible by Ferrari test driver Marc Gené, but is unlikely to appear for a number of years. "Right now, I think we cannot improve that car,” he told Autocar. “But no doubt something will come up. I wouldn’t be surprised if it happens, but it won’t be in two years. Cars like this have a life cycle of around ten years."

However, it’s unlikely that any FXX K Evoluzione model would come with any more power than the standard car. “The XXK has 1021bhp," said Gené. "I cannot see cars of the future having more power than that. Now the focus will be on efficiency and then on power-to-weight ratio. Weight is critical.

“The future will be in weight reduction, in efficiency and also in handling. You can improve the handling with electronics, aerodynamics and set-up.”

“It will be like the 458 Speciale, which comes towards the end of the lifecycle. Then technology from that evolution will appear on the next model.”

Previous entries in Ferrari's exclusive owner-driver programme include the Enzo-based FXX, which is powered by an 848bhp 6.2-litre V12 engine, and the 720bhp 599XX.

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The cars of Ferrari's XX programme

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EmmetD 7 December 2014

Ferrari F**K

Curious choice of name, unless it's deliberate
dipdaddy 6 December 2014

its a track day car so very

its a track day car so very likely its performance will be utilized to the fullest. its quite a crazy design and its what lambo should have looked like with those whacky spoilers and bodywork.
eseaton 4 December 2014

This is a car that cannot be

This is a car that cannot be used for any purpose whatsoever. It cannot be raced, it cannot be driven anywhere, you can't take it home and enjoy it as a possession, you can't show off in it, you can't pull in it, you can't enjoy it with your children/friends. In fact all it does do is belittle the road going version. It is all very well celebrating variety, and I utterly despise the VAG two platforms, two engines, huge wardrobe thing, but this is not really a car anymore than a Tamiya radio controlled car is a car.