Ferrari FXX K revealed

Meet the Ferrari too extreme for the road.

As confirmed by Drive in April, the new LaFerrari-based FXX K follows in the tradition of the Enzo-based FXX and 599 GTO-based 599 XX machines that are restricted to track duties.

Fitted with slick racing tyres and an unsilenced exhaust, the FXX K is set to be the ultimate expression of what Ferrari can do, short of the formula one cars steered by the likes of Fernando Alonso and Kimi Raikkonen.

But Ferrari press material for the car makes no mention of its formula one prowess – which might be because it failed to win a single race in 2014 – instead focusing on the 458 Italia's class victories in the Le Mans 24 hours and World Endurance championship.

The car features active aerodynamics, with a front splitter that sits 30mm closer to the ground than the La Ferrari, along with a rear wing that can extend by 60mm to optimise high-speed balance.

Engineers sculpted its carbon-fibre flanks with a view to maximising grip and efficiency, resulting in a series of vortex-generating fins, dive planes, hollows and skirts that lend a touch of science fiction to the ultimate Ferrari.

As with any supercar, the heart of the FXX K is its engine, which has been augmented by a hybrid Kinetic Energy Recovery System that brings a healthy dollop of extra power, along with the "K" designation in the new model's name.

The Ferrari makes 633kW from a 6.2-litre V12 that revs to 9250rpm and makes maximum torque of more than 750Nm at 6500rpm, though Ferrari says this can be boosted to more than 900Nm with the aid of the electric motor that brings 139kW more to the table.

The conventional engine has a few mechanical changes over the regular LaFerrari, including new camshafts and a revised valve train, along with polished intake manifolds and a new, unsilenced exhaust.

All Ferraris feature a "Mannetino" switch on the steering wheel that allows drivers to choose from a variety of modes that adjust engine, suspension and stability control parameters.

The new machine has four settings on its switch, including a Qualifying mode for maximum performance over a short distance, Long Run for consistent performance, Manual Boost for maximum torque delivery and Fast Charge to focus on the car's battery.

The FXX K will be available to customers from 2015, when it will go head to head with extreme track specials such as the McLaren P1 GTR and Pagani Zonda R.

Like those cars, the FXX K will never be used in competition, as there is no race series that will accept it. Instead, the car will form the basis for wealthy customers to become test-drivers of sorts over the next two years, helping to evaluate technology that will eventually trickle down to regular road cars. Prices for the new car have not been published, though it should be considerably more expensive than the $2 million LaFerrari coupe. 

Ferrari does not sell the left-hand-drive LaFerrari locally, but there is at least one example of the previous-generation FXX Evoluzione cutting laps in Australia, which could pave the way for the new model to arrive.

Ferrari FXX K specifications

On sale: 2015

Price: To be confirmed

Engine: 6.2-litre petrol V12

Power: 772kW at 9200rpm

Torque: More than 900Nm

Transmission: 7-speed dual clutch, rear-wheel-drive