Born from the legacy of the Enzo Ferrari, the Ferrari Fxx Car emerged as an ultra-exclusive, high-performance prototype. With a production run limited to a mere 30 units and a price tag exceeding €2 million, the FXX was engineered to push the boundaries of automotive performance far beyond its road-going sibling. This track-only marvel was not just a car; it was an entry into an elite program, offering a unique experience for Ferrari’s most dedicated clientele.
The Ferrari FXX, a limited edition prototype vehicle, showcasing its aerodynamic design and aggressive stance.
The Birth of the Ferrari FXX and the XX Program
Unveiled in 2005, the Ferrari FXX came with a hefty price of €2,350,000. However, ownership was more than just possession. Customers became participants in Ferrari’s exclusive XX program. While owners technically kept the car, driving it was reserved for special track days orchestrated by Ferrari. This unique arrangement allowed Ferrari to meticulously maintain and prepare each FXX before track sessions. Crucially, these events served as a data-gathering exercise for Ferrari engineers, collecting telemetry and performance insights directly from the car’s use in demanding track conditions. Of the initial run, 29 cars were offered to select clients, with the 30th Ferrari FXX uniquely designated for Michael Schumacher, then a Scuderia Ferrari Formula 1 driver. The FXX concept and its associated program have inspired similar ventures from other high-performance marques, such as Maserati with the MC12 Versione Corsa and Lamborghini with the Essenza SCV12, highlighting a growing trend in extreme, track-focused hypercars.
Engineering Marvel: Engine and Performance
While visually related to the Enzo, the Ferrari FXX car represented a significant leap in engineering. At its heart was a more potent iteration of the Ferrari F140 V12 engine. Engine displacement was increased from the Enzo’s 6.0-liters to a larger 6.3-liter capacity. This enlargement, coupled with other enhancements, boosted power output considerably from 651 bhp in the Enzo to an impressive 789 bhp in the FXX. Furthermore, the FXX incorporated advanced gearbox technology derived from Scuderia Ferrari’s Formula 1 program, achieving incredibly rapid gear shifts in just 100 milliseconds. These powertrain advancements underscored the FXX’s identity as a cutting-edge prototype, designed for uncompromising track performance.
The Ferrari FXX dedicated to Michael Schumacher, distinguished by its unique black paint scheme and personalized racing logo on the seats.
Michael Schumacher’s Unique FXX
Among the limited production of the original Ferrari FXX in 2005, the final, thirtieth model held special significance. It was specifically produced as a gift for Michael Schumacher. This Ferrari FXX and Schumacher’s Enzo were presented to the legendary seven-time Formula One World Champion upon his retirement from Formula 1 and Scuderia Ferrari at the conclusion of the 2006 season. This special FXX differed visually from the other 29 models. It was finished in a distinctive black paint, omitting the racing stripes that adorned the standard cars. Further unique touches included matte exhaust tips instead of the chrome finish found on the other FXX examples. Inside, the seats were embroidered with Schumacher’s personal racing logo, making it a truly bespoke machine. The car gained further notoriety when it was featured on a 2009 episode of Top Gear. Driven by The Stig, it lapped the test track in an impressive 1:10.7. In a memorable reveal during the same episode, Schumacher was unmasked as The Stig for that particular lap, although it was later revealed to be a planned stunt, as Ferrari’s policy dictated that only Schumacher was permitted to drive his FXX on the track.
Evolving Performance: The FXX Evoluzione
The Ferrari XX program, and the FXX within it, continued to evolve. In 2007, Ferrari introduced the Ferrari FXX Evoluzione, an upgraded iteration that incorporated a range of developments gleaned from ongoing track testing and client feedback. The Evoluzione brought significant enhancements over the original FXX. Engine power was further increased to 848 bhp. Gearbox refinements reduced shift times even further to a blistering 60 milliseconds. The Ferrari FXX Evoluzione’s improved performance was reflected in its acceleration, reaching 100 km/h from a standstill in a mere 2.5 seconds. Aerodynamic revisions and traction control system updates further honed the car’s responsiveness and handling on the track.
The Ferrari FXX Evoluzione, showcasing its advanced aerodynamic enhancements and performance upgrades over the original FXX model.
The Legacy of the XX Program
The XX program, which began with the Ferrari FXX car, remains an active and vital part of Ferrari’s development and client engagement. Organized by Ferrari, it now encompasses not only the FXX and FXX Evoluzione, but also more recent prototypes like the FXX-K, based on the LaFerrari hypercar. The XX program continues to host events at prestigious racing circuits worldwide, with recent gatherings taking place at iconic tracks such as Spa-Francorchamps, Circuit Paul Ricard, and Mugello. This ongoing program underscores Ferrari’s commitment to pushing technological boundaries and providing an unparalleled track driving experience for its most dedicated customers, solidifying the Ferrari FXX’s place as a pioneering icon in the world of high-performance automobiles.
