Ferrari has pulled the wraps off its latest, lightest and most powerful 599 limited edition at the 2011 Bologna Motor Show in northern Italy. Called the Ferrari 599XX Evolution, the 2012 update gets more power and more aerodynamic enhancements over the existing 599XX.

In its current form, the Ferrari 599XX is a very serious track weapon that has lapped the famous Nurburgring Nordschleife circuit in just 6mins 58secs – a record at the time. The Evolution is set to be even quicker. It features the same 6.0-litre V12 engine, but it produces 552kW (instead of 540kW) and 700Nm of torque. This is mainly the result of a new, racecar-like side-exit exhaust setup.

The engine power increase only tells half the story however, as Ferrari engineers have managed to strip 35kg off the 599XX’s weight, resulting in a mass of 1486kg. There’s a range of new carbon fibre components, such as a new active Drag Reduction System (DRS) multi-plane rear wing, dramatic rear diffuser and carbon front splitter and spoiler. The aero revisions are capable of producing up to 440kg of extra downforce at high speeds, increasing the 599XX’s cornering potential.

Like the existing 599XX and Ferrari Enzo-based FXX, the Evolution will only be available to Ferrari’s special Corse Clienti racing members. It will not be road legal – with a 9000rpm redline and side-exit exhausts, you could only imagine what the EPA would think of it.