The 1,035-horsepower Ferrari FXX K just made its track debut. And yes, it’s loud

By Andrew Hard December 8, 2014

If cars were musicians, the Ferrari FXX K would be the first chair soloist.

The dynamic, dragon-like hypercar has an incredible voice, and its track-only talents were on full display during its debut at Yas Marina Circuit last week.

The 1,035-horsepower Ferrari was only there for a demonstration lap or two, but it was enough to make an impression. You don’t hear many arguing that Van Halen’s “Eruption” isn’t a powerful song.

A video of the laps has been posted by 4WheelsofLux, and although the car wasn’t pushed to the limit in Abu Dhabi, the FXX K’s commanding power and cornering prowess were easy to see.

Behind closed doors, Ferrari claims the car can go around its private Fiorano Circuit five seconds quicker than the standard LaFerrari. That is an incredible achievement, considering it takes the road car only 1:19 to get around.

Ferrari FXX K

Ferrari FXX K

Ferrari FXX K

How is the track version so much faster? For starters, the FXX K is the most powerful production Ferrari ever. Building off the hypercar performance of LaFerrari, the FXX K equips the same naturally aspirated, 6.3-liter V12, but it’s been upgraded from 789 hp to 860 hp. In combination with the HY-KERS electric system, the K boasts a ridiculous total output of 1,035 hp.

Furthermore, it’s 198 pounds lighter, wears sticky Pirelli slicks, and equips an aero kit that creates a spine-crunching 1,190 lbs of downforce at 124 mph.

At about the midway point of the video, the FXX K is joined by a slew of other top flight Ferraris, including the Enzo-based FXX and a couple 599XXs.

The magnificent congregation prompts a spirited lap, bathed in a beautiful symphony of Italian V12s. The thoroughbred engines reverberate off the Yas Marina track like brass at Carnegie Hall, their sonic intensity matched only by blinding speed.

The car costs $2.7 million and has been limited to only 32 units. As you may have guessed, it’s already sold out.

(Video by 4WheelsofLux)

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Andrew first started writing in middle school and hasn't put the pen down since. Whether it's technology, music, sports, or…

Cars

Mercedes-Benz EQG: range, price, release date, and more

Concept image of the larger electric G-Wagon

The G-Class is going electric. We already knew that Mercedes-Benz was working on an electric, small-size G-Wagon, but it looks like the company is also working on a larger G-Class SUV, in the form of the EQG. In fact, Mercedes has gone as far as to show off a concept version of the off-roader.

While there's much we don't know about what will become the production model of the EQG, Mercedes has also shared a lot about it. Curious about whether the Mercedes-Benz EQG could be the EV for you? Here's everything we know so far.
Design
Fear not -- the EQG will retain many of the design aspects of the G-Class that you already know and love but with a modern face-lift. The EQG will keep the boxy design that gives the G-Class a classic look but with some additional modern styling, at least if the concept version is anything to go by.

Cars

Rivian R2 vs. Kia EV9: battle of affordable electric SUVs

Kia EV9 GT-Line Three Quarters

The long-awaited Rivian R2 has finally been announced, and it's an excellent option for those who want an electric SUV that doesn't completely break the bank. Sure, the R2 isn't cheap -- but it's a whole lot cheaper than most other EVs out there, especially when it comes to SUVs. But Rivian isn't the only company trying to tackle the problem of the budget electric SUV. The Kia EV9 is finally available, and it too offers a modern design and a range of helpful features.

Given the fact that the Rivian R2 and Kia EV9 are two electric SUVs in a similar price range, you might be wondering which is better for your needs. That's why we put the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 head-to-head.
Design
Both the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 are actual SUVs -- not crossovers pretending to be SUVs, like plenty of other EVs out there. The two vehicles offer big, boxy designs and plenty of interior space, making them excellent options for families or those who need that extra storage.

Cars

Rivian R2 vs R1S: How will Rivian’s cheaper SUV compare?

The front three-quarter view of a 2022 Rivian against a rocky backdrop.

Rivian has finally unveiled the R2, its long-awaited attempt at a more affordable electric SUV. The new vehicle may not be available just yet, but fans of Rivian's design aesthetics and feature set are already looking forward to being able to order the new car. The R2 is targeted at being a more affordable take on the electric SUV and will sit alongside the flagship-tier R1S.

Let's get this out of the way right now: The R1S is most likely going to be a better vehicle than the R2. Rivian isn't replacing the R1S with the R2 — it's releasing the R2 as a more affordable alternative, and there will be some compromises when buying the R2 over the R1S.