Ferrari FXX K McLaren P1 GTR
The La Ferrari FXX K and the McLaren P1 GTR are absurdly ipressive machines. How do they compare? Ferrari, McLaren

Ferrari has finally announced its latest offering: the epic La Ferrari FXX K. Apparently, the greatest hypercar that Ferrari ever made is so extreme that the gentlemen of Maranello have resorted to censoring its name (you could probably guess what profanity the X's are hiding in FXXK). Actualy, according to Ferrari, the "FXX' moniker is an homage to the ultimate track-only developmental prototype Ferrari Enzo back in 2006. Finally, the K stands for the Kinetic Energy Recovery System inside the car.

Let's get down to the nitty gritty: the Ferrari FXX K boasts 1,035 mind-bending horsepower from its naturally aspirated 65 degree V12 and hybrid KERS power unit. In the standard LaFerrari, the standard combined power output is 950 horsepower. Some how, Ferrari was able to squeeze out just enough to break through the magic 1000-hp mark in FXX K trim.

Not only is the Ferrari FXX K more powerful than the La Ferrari, its redesigned aerodyamic setup achieves 1,190 lbs. of downforce at just 124 mph. In fact, the Ferrari FXX K is capable of up to a 50% increase in downforce at low-drag mode, and a 30% increase in downforce at high-drag mode. The standard La Ferrari is already a master class exercise of weight saving as it tips the scales at just over 2,500 lbs. Ferrari did not disclose the weight loss in the Ferrari FXX K, but judging by the incredibly Spartan carbon interior, the tiny headlight and tail light package, carbon fiber aero body work, and lightweight center-lock racing wheels, the FXX K is dramatically lighter than the road-legal La Ferrari.

That's right: despite the high level of performance, the Ferrari FXX K is not street legal at all and will not be any good for would-be potential buyers that do not have convenient access to a race track. If you thought the Ferrari FXX K was merely a lighter and more powerful version of the standard La Ferrari, then you obviously know nothing about how obsessive the artisans of Scuderia can be.

Combined with the 1,035 HP output, radical aerodynamics, and major weight loss is the addition of the most sophisticated KERS unit ever fitted to a road car. The standard La Ferrari Manettino switches allow drivers to select driving modes "Sport," "race," and "wet" on the fly. On the other hand, the track-focused FXX K's Manettino switch is set for racing at all times. Ferrari FXX K drivers can select "Qualifying" mode for all out performance for a short period of time. Next, "Long Run" mode is more mechanically gentle to the car and allows the FXX K to complete multiple laps without breaking a sweat. Fast Charge mode allows for the car's bettery to recharge more quickly. Last but not least, a special mode known as "Manual Boost" delivers the full Formula 1 experience as the hybrid KERS system unleashes its maximum output in an instant, necessary to perform a rapid passing maneuver.

Driver settings inside a Ferrari FXX K is more than just a flick at the Manettino switch. The ultimate hypercar also allows drivers to select different calibrations for the E-Diff electronic differential, F1-Trac traction control, Racing SSC (Side Slip Angle Control) made to suit the car's tires, and customization to the performance of the ABS brakes.

If you have to ask how much it costs to purchase a Ferrar FXX K, don't worry because you won't be able to afford it. Even if you held up all the cash in the world up front, you don't get to choose the Ferrari FXX K. The Ferrari FXX K chooses you.

Now that we know what a special machine the Ferrari FXX K is, how does it compare to the McLaren P1 GTR? The Ferrari FXX K is a weird specimen that is neither street-legal for the road, nor within regulation to participate in sanctioned races. On the other hand, McLaren is offering a full racing program with their ultimate P1 GTR. Right off the bat, we find the full racing program more appealing than Ferrari's terms. After all, the McLaren P1 GTR is named after the McLaren F1 GTR that won the 24 Hours of Le Mans race in 1995.

Unfortunately, official numbers on curb weight has not been disclosed. That said, the carbon-fiber MonoCage chassis is carried over from the road car, but most of its creature comforts are deleted in order to save more weight. An enormous fixed rear wing as well as a substantial wind duffuser also suggests high downforce figures while small active aero flaps and newly designed intake ducts control the air in the front. However, McLaren chose not to disclose the downforce numbers either.

As a race-ready machine, the McLaren offers a complete selection of features specifically designed for racing drivers, including a race-spec steering wheel. The Formula 1-style steering unit is designed to have all controls for the P1 GTR immediately accessible to the hands. All driving mode switches are located in the center of the wheel so that setup and driving characteristics of the P1 GTR without ever having to take their hands off the wheel. The McLaren P1 GTR steering wheel also features buttons to activate DRS (Drag Reduction System) and IPAS (Instant Power Assist System, equivalent to Manual Boost in the Ferrari) buttons. Finally, the crowning touch to the McLaren P1 GTR's interior are DTM-style racing seats that are custom tailored to every driver, meaning no two seats are the same. The seat is mounted directly to the chassis for optimized weight distribution.

Obviously, both the La Ferrari FXX K and the McLaren P1 GTR are absurdly impressive machines. The question is which would you rather get behind the wheel of? Let us know in the comment section below!

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