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Ferrari 599 GTB
| |
| Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano | |
|---|---|
| Ferrari | |
| aka | F139 |
| Production | 2007-present |
| Class | Gran Turismo |
| Body Style | 2-seat berlinetta |
| Length | 183 in |
| Width | 77 in |
| Height | 52 in |
| Wheelbase | |
| Weight | 3482 lb |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual |
| Engine | V12 |
| Power | 611 hp |
| Similar | Aston Martin Vanquish S Lamborghini Murcielago LP640 |
| Designer | Frank Stephenson and Pininfarina |
The Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano (internal code F139) is Ferrari's 2-seat Gran Turismo flagship model, replacing the 575M Maranello in 2006 as a 2007 model. The 599 GTB debuted at the Geneva Motor Show on February 28, 2006. Styling of the 599 GTB was handled by Pininfarina, under the direction of Ferrari stylist, Frank Stephenson. It is named for its engine displacement and the Fiorano test track used by Ferrari.
Styling
The styling of the Fiorano bears some resemblance to its sister car, the 612 Scaglietti, yet at the same time carries a sportier, more aggressive stance. The differences are mostly in the squared off body detailing, the lack of the scalloped side detail of the 612 and more obvious aerodynamic ducting, particularly on the hood, in the front wings over the front wheels and the flying buttress C pillars. Designers at Pininfarina reprotedly looked to the Daytona when designing the 599 <ref>Car and Driver 2006 Ferrari 599GTB Fiorano - Previews</ref>
The flying buttress C pillars are the most distinctive feature of the Fiorano and are designed to redirect airflow over the small lip spoiler on the rear decklid. These in conjunction with the shaped undertray allow the Fiorano to exhibit a degree of stability at very high speeds that was lacking in its predecessor, by contributing downforce and aerodynamic efficiency without the need for ungainly wings and spoilers.
Chassis
It shares much of its chassis with the 612 Scaglietti 2+2, though with a shorter 110 in (2750 mm) wheelbase, new bodywork sculpted by Pininfarina. Like the 612 Scaglietti, the Fiorano's front midship with rear transaxle arrangement gives the 599 an ideal weight distribution of 47/53 front/rear. The curb weight is expected to be about 3700 pounds, which will put the aluminum 599 GTB at roughly 300 fewer pounds than the 508-hp 575M Maranello.
Engine
The 599's Enzo-sourced Tipo F133F 6.0 L (5999 cc) V12 engine produces 620 CV (611 hp/456 kW), making it the most-powerful series production Ferrari road car. Its 448 ft·lbf (608 N·m) 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 since the mid-mounted position allowed it to be so). The company claims a 3.7 second sprint to 100 km/h (62 mph) and 11.0 to 200 km/h (124 mph).<ref>Ferrari 599GTB Fiorano official site FerrariWorld.Com Accessed February 28, 2006</ref>
| Engine type | Displacement | Power | Torque |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tipo F133F V12 | 6.0 L (5998 cc) | 620 CV (612 hp/456 kW) | 608 N·m (448 ft·lbf) |
Technical Details
A traditional 6-speed manual transmission as well as Ferrari's 6-speed sequential manual gearbox called F1 SuperFast will be offered. The e-diff active differential from the F430 will not be used. However, the manettino concept first seen in the F430 will also appear in this car. Ferrari will reportedly source the MagneRide active suspension system from Delphi Corporation. 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 will also see the debut of Ferrari's new traction control system, called F1-Trac. Reportedly tuned using inputs from 7-time Formula 1 World Champion Michael Schumacher, the system will supposedly allow a competent driver to lap the Fiorano test track at just 1 second behind Michael's time.
Misc. Details
Pricing for the 599 GTB is expected to start at US$250,000 and it won't go on sale until the end of summer 2007. A convertible Spyder version is expected for 2008, followed by a track-ready GTC. Another Superamerica version is also expected.
The Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano will be the first Ferrari ever to appear in the Gran Turismo series of videogames, in the upcoming PlayStation 3 title Gran Turismo HD, as well as the first European car to be featured as the cover car in a Gran Turismo game.
The first publicly recorded crash of a 599 GTB occured when Car and Driver writer Aaron Robinson crashed one into the retaining wall of the Passo della Cisa in Italy, a few meters from a monument to Enzo Ferrari (for his finishing fourth in a 1919 hill climb on that same road). The car suffered only minor damage to the front right fender and Robinson and photographer Mike Valente were able to drive it back to the factory.
To market the 599 GTB in the Americas, Ferrari embarked on a 20,000 mile trek from Brazil to New York in two cars. The two cars drove through 16 countries and had minimal (mainly suspension) changes made to the mechanicals.[1]
Gallery
References
- Maranello Masterpiece AutoWeek (January 9, 2006)
- Maranello's New True GT AutoWeek (January 17, 2006)
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