The Ferrari FXX has won the Eyes on Design Award at the North American International Automobile Show here for being the best example of function design.
The FXX was chosen by a jury of 17 leading designers including Chris Bangle, director of BMW's style center, Harley Davidson's style chief William Davidson and Shiro Nakamura, head of design at Nissan.
According to the panel, the FXX "best expresses the functionality of design as a means to reach the objective for which the car was developed". The FXX, which Ferrari considers most technologically advanced GT car ever to emerge from Maranello, is a prototype reserved for only 29 of Ferrari's top clients.
Ferrari said the FXX will be used exclusively on track as part of a specific ongoing research and development program which for the first time will involve Client Test Drivers. At present there are no plans to develop the FXX for road use and racing activities.
According to Ferrari, the FXX will provide the basic framework on which future extreme models will be developed. Its is powered by an imposing 6262cc V12 engine which can deliver 800 hp at 8500 rpm.
The FXX's gearbox is the based on Formula 1 technology and the car is in fact is almost as fast as the F1 race cars. The car's aerodynamic design allows for a 40% increase in downforce compared to the already impressive Enzo Ferrari Model, the company said.
Ferrari will organise a series of 14 track events for FXX owners at international-level circuits over the coming two years in Europe, North America and Japan, including the Ferrari World Finals.
On hand at these events will be an official team of Ferrari technicians to provide any assistance and support to the Client Test Drivers. The Eyes on Design event benefits the Detroit Institute of Ophthalmology (DIO), a not-for-profit corporation founded in 1972.
The awards program is an extension of the Eyes on Design Auto Exhibit organized each year by the DIO to celebrate the world of automotive design. It is also DIO's primary source of revenues for the research, education and support group programs which enhance the independence of the visually impaired.
