Cars - Info

Seven-times Formula 1 World Champion Michael Schumacher also joined the ranks of the client test drivers and gave the programme the benefit of his vast experience on several occasions. Thanks to readings taken over the 16,500 kilometres of tests carried out in 2006 and the 18,500 kilometres covered in 2007, the modifications made to the car have focused on honing its aerodynamics, running gear and electronics. In fact, the Ferrari FXX prototype is designed exclusively for track driving as part of a specific R&D programme agreed with a selected group of just over 20 clients involving 14 group test sessions and 14 private ones in the last two years.

 The Ferrari FXX is not homologated for road use and there are no plans to compete with it either. The FXXs equipped with this package will also sport a new livery in addition to new rear wing profiles. The package was developed as a result of Ferrari's collaboration with its Client Test Drivers and with the invaluable support of Michael Schumacher. The Ferrari FXX, which is the most advanced GT ever created at Maranello, has been updated with an evolution package aimed at further improving its handling and performance.  The innovative FXX programme, based on the eponymous prototype car and launched by Ferrari in June 2005, is being extended to 2008/2009.

 Lu Hao has blended traditional design elements with Ferrari's innovative styling to create a truly unique vehicle using a 'cracked' glaze pattern which is elegantly coloured, with clearly defined cracks etched at different depths. This one-off model represents an even more exclusive version, thanks to a very special exterior finish which draws inspiration from Ge Kiln porcelain of the Song Dynasty. The one-off incorporates a number of the features of the China Limited Edition cars, a very limited series of less than a dozen cars finished in two-tone Rosso Fuoco with silver roof and characterized by unique Chinese design elements.

 This exclusive car follows the announcement in September of a small series of specially-designed Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano China Limited Edition models which won wide acclaim.  Ferrari announces the creation of a unique one-off Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano China Limited Edition, signed by Chinese artist Lu Hao, which will be auctioned on the 3rd of November, 2009 at a special Gala Auction Event hosted by Ferrari in Beijing.

Not only will they have a vast range of special content to choose from but they will also be assisted by specially trained Ferrari consultants. Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano One-to-One clients will now be able to visit the dedicated Atelier in Maranello to create their own truly bespoke car. Thanks to the success it has enjoyed over the last few months, the service is beeing extended to the most powerful 12-cylinder in the current range.

 But this is not the only piece of good news to come from the Prancing Horse at the Paris Show as they will also be announcing the extension of the One To One Personalisation Programme, debuted in March 2008 solely for the Ferrari 612 Scaglietti, to the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano.  The Ferrari stand at the 2008 Paris Auto Show will host the official unveiling of the new Ferrari California, the stunning coupé-cabriolet that has created such expectation amongst both those in the industry and the public at large.

The F1 gearbox's shifts are now even faster in high-performance settings, while a new engine software strategy has improved accelerator response. The car's electronics have also evolved to ensure even more prompt response to driver commands. The package also includes specifically optimised tyres featuring a compound that offers even better grip.

 This combined with the new set-up helps improve body control. The ride height has also been lowered which in turn lowers the car's centre of gravity. The package includes a modified set-up with stiffer springs and rear anti-roll bar as well as new calibration settings for the magnetorheological shock absorbers when the manettino is at its sportier settings. Now Ferrari is introducing the new Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano HGTE (Handling Gran Turismo Evoluzione) package for the model to further underscore its sportiness and handling.  When it first debuted, the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano set a new standard in terms of performance that remains a benchmark for new sports car development to this day.