The Gentleman Magazine Issue 6 | December 2017 | Page 29

The design of the rear bumpers was also modified in the light of the new flow structures . The by-pass vent from the rear wheel arch has been enlarged , hollowing out the volume behind the wheels to ensure the wake from the wheels is efficiently channelled . The result is that the flow to the rear diffuser is protected and losses are reduced so that downforce has been boosted by 5 %. The significant increase in rear downforce demanded in-depth review of the design of the front bumpers and underbody to guarantee a balanced development of the downforce .
The geometry of the sides of the front bumper was altered by hollowing out the surfaces beneath the headlights . This made space for a couple of flicks divided by a vertical turning vane and an additional intake ahead of the front wheels . This system guarantees efficient downforce generation ( 10 % of the increase in downforce gained on the FXX-K ). It also makes good use of know-how acquired in the GT programmes in which rules introduced in 2016 permitted extensive study of the interaction between horizontal ( flicks ) and vertical ( dive plane ) flow management systems , optimising their efficiency .
Ground effect was also boosted by the introduction of vortex generators on the undertray . This capitalised on the accelerations created by the rear system and the front underbody , generating 30 % of the extra downforce the car delivers compared to the FXX-K .
The FXX-K Evo ’ s boosted performance also demanded new front brake air intakes which , although no wider to avoid increasing drag , are more efficient thanks to a complete redesign of the intake itself . Furthermore , the suspension was specifically calibrated to adapt it to the car ’ s new aerodynamic efficiency figures . increase on the road car from which it is derived . Downforce of 640 kg is generated at 200 km / h , and exceeds 830 kg at the car ’ s red-line speed .
The FXX-K Evo ’ s downforce level is boosted by a twin-profile fixed wing on the tail . This new addition was developed to work in seamless synergy with the active rear spoiler . In fact , the pressure fields developed by the two downforce-generating systems support and amplify each other . To guarantee both excellent downforce and drag results , the mobile spoiler ’ s control logics and range of movement were also meticulously reviewed and reprogrammed .
The twin-profile rear wing is supported by two side fins as well as by a central fin . The latter plays a dual role : firstly it acts as a vertical fin , boosting stability at low yaw angles , and secondly , it supports the action of the three delta ( triangular ) vortex generators .
The vortex generators , on the one hand , clean the flow field striking the wing of the effects of the wake of the hot air flow from the radiators which vents onto the bonnet . On the other , they create a downwash component in the flow which boosts the twin-profile ’ s downforce capacity . The result is a 10 % increase in the downforce developed by the rear system .
The clearly racing-inspired cabin is characterised by a conceptually-different steering wheel brilliantly suited to hugely powerful performance levels achievable in the FXX-K Evo . Formula 1 derived with integrated gear-shifting paddles , the new steering wheel now also sports the KERS Manettino to improve both control of that system and overall ergonomics .
The rear video camera screen to the right of the driver has been replaced with a larger 6.5 ” version . It also now displays data from a new telemetry system with clearer , more direct performance parameter and car status readouts . The driver can check the KERS status and the times being clocked by selecting from the various screen options available .
After undergoing around 5,000 km of development runs and 15,000 km of reliability test-drives , the FXX-K EVO will be a very active protagonist in the XX Programme in the 2018 / 2019 season which spans nine track outings in all between the start of March and the end of October . As is now traditional , the XX cars will also be taking part in the prestigious Finali Mondiali weekend which marks the end of each racing season .
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