Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano

The 599 GTB Fiorano (internal code F139) is an Italian gran turismo produced by Ferrari. It is the brand's two-seat flagship, replacing the 575 M Maranello in 2006 as a 2007 model.

Styled by Pininfarina under the direction of Ferrari's Frank Stephenson, the 599 GTB debuted at the Geneva Motor Show in February 2006. It is named for its total engine displacement (5999 cc), Gran Turismo Berlinetta nature, and the Fiorano Circuit test track used by Ferrari.

Specifications

Drive train

Tipo F133F 6.0 L (5999 cc) V12 engine produces a maximum 620 PS (456 kW; 612 hp), making it the most powerful series production Ferrari road car. Its 608 N·m (448 ft·lbf) of torque will also be a high for Ferrari's GT cars. Most of the modifications to the engine were done to allow it to fit in the Fiorano's engine bay (the original Enzo version could be taller as it would not block forward vision due to its mid-mounted position). The company claims a top speed in excess of 330 km/h (205 mph), 0–100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.7 seconds, and 11.0 seconds to 200 km/h (124 mph).

A traditional 6-speed manual transmission as well as Ferrari's 6-speed sequential manual gearbox called "F1 SuperFast" is offered. Reviewers of the car have mentioned that the MagneRide suspension gives the 599 a very comfortable ride but allows it to handle well at the same time.

The Fiorano also sees the debut of Ferrari's new traction control system, F1-Trac.

It is an upgrade that improves the car's handling.

The package includes a modified set-up with stiffer springs and rear anti-roll bar as well as new calibration settings for the magneto-rheological shock absorbers when the manettino is at its sportier settings. The ride height has also been lowered, which also lowers the car's centre of gravity. The package also includes optimised tyres featuring a compound that offers improved grip.

The car's electronics have also change. The gearbox's shifts are faster in high-performance settings, while a new engine software improved accelerator response.

The exhaust silencer was modified to produce more marked and thrilling sound under hard usage whilst still delivering just the right comfort levels at cruising speed.

The exterior and interior were upgraded with more carbon fibre components.

It also includes new 20-inch wheels.

599XX

The 599XX is a car designed for track use, based on 599 GTB. Engine's maximum speed is increased to 9000rpm with engine rated 700 PS (690 hp/515 kW)@9000rpm. Weight is reduced by cutting the weight of the engine unit components, and use of composites and carbon-fibre body parts, carbon-fibre brake pads. A new gearbox shift strategy is introduced to cut overall gear change time to 60 ms. Aerodynamics were retuned to give more downforce (280kg @ 200km/h, 630kg @ 300km/h). The car also includes 29/67 R19 front and 31/71 R19 rear tires with 19 x 11J wheel rims at the front and 19 x 12J at the rear.

The car was unveiled in 2009 Geneva Auto Show.

Hybrid

Motor Authority reported that Ferrari president Luca Cordero di Montezemolo was working on the development of a Ferrari that will use alternative energy sources and which will be based on what we are doing at the moment in Formula 1, which uses Kinetic Energy Recycling System. The KERS was tested using a prototype 599.

Awards

• Evo magazine named the 599 GTB as the Car of the Year for 2006.
• Top Gear Magazine also named the 599 GTB as the Supercar of the Year 2006.