2007 Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano Preview

599 GTB Fiorano to Replace the Overweight Albeit Top-Selling Maranello Ferrari epitomizes niche carmakers, filling gaps within its lineup that are so thin that most brands wouldnt even notice a bi-xenon bulb shining from behind. Case in point: the new 599 GTB Fiorano (long rumored to be called the 600 Imola), replacement for the 575M GTC, a car that when introduced as the 550 Maranello in 1996, ushered Ferrari into the age of two-seat refinement. I drove the first-generation F550 and was close to overwhelmed. Not only was it among the more powerful and well-mannered GTs Id ever had the privilege of driving, but it was positively luxurious inside. The new GTB, a designation not seen attached to the rear end of a V12-powered Ferrari since
The new 599 GTB will be the prancing horse brands most powerful production model of all time. (Photo: Ferrari of North America)the much celebrated Daytonas of the 70s, will not only increase the opulence factor while improving refinement and quality levels, but it will also stake claim to being the prancing horse marques most powerful production model of all time. The design is unmistakably Ferrari, and its berlinetta configuration makes it one of the the Maranello factorys most classically shaped. Immediately noticeable are vertically penned headlamp clusters that are reminiscent of Giorgetto Giugiaros recently
Immediately noticeable are vertically penned headlamp clusters that are reminiscent of Giorgetto Giugiaros recently introduced GG50 Concept. (Photo: Ferrari of North America)introduced GG50 Concept (see Ferrari section in the Concept Cars or Prototypes archive of this website), a design that looks even more stunning in the metal than it does in photos. While the headlights are more organically shaped than the knife-edge slits on Giugiaros swan song car, more in line with Ferraris lovely 612 Scaglietti that was actually the basis for the GG50, the new models classically proportioned ovoid grille opening flanked by twin braking vents probably looks too close to the GG50 for comfort, at least when considering that the one-off model came to life as
The new 599 GTB will replace the 575M GTC, a car that when introduced as the 550 Maranello in 1996. (Photo: Ferrari of North America)a project to commemorate Giugiaros 50 years of automotive design and retirement from the automotive business, and did so from his famed ItalDesign studio. ID is a competitor to Pininfarina, which penned the new 599, so Giugiaro will no doubt be flattered by the similarities between the two cars. In true Pininfarina fashion, mind you, the 599 GTB is both aggressive in nature and elegant in shape, an ideal mixture of tense angles and familiar curves. From the rear the new GTBs duet of circular tail lamps are unique among modern Ferraris, more akin to the classic 275 GTB, and therefore nothing similar to the GG50s rear lenses. Actually, other than the red paint scheme and prancing horse badge
The 599s new V12 will be capable of no less than 620-horsepower at a stratospheric 7,600 rpm. (Photo: Ferrari of North America)affixed to the rear deck lid, only a DNA test could show a relationship exists between these two vehicles. That DNA test would find a large displacement Ferrari V12 under the hood of both, although the 599 GTBs displacement is larger by 300 cubic centimeters, pushing near the six-liter mark at 5,999 cubic centimeters. Ferrari pulled much of the engines architecture from the oddly shaped Enzo, but according to the Italian marque the new V12 will be capable of no less than 620-horsepower at a stratospheric (for production V12s at least) 7,600 rpm before reaching 8,400 rpm at full spin, allowing for an estimated power to weight ratio of 2.6 kilos (5.7 pounds) per horsepower - which incidentally translates into an estimated 3,534 pound curb weight - substantially lighter than the outgoing 575M
The 599 will offer a choice of 19-inch aluminum wheels up front and 20-inch rims in the back, or the option of 20-inch alloys all-round. (Photo: Ferrari of North America)which weighs in at a rather chunky 3,814 lbs. As for torque, its 448 lb-ft at 5,500 rpm gives it a 14 lb-ft advantage over the outgoing 575Ms 434 lb-ft at 5,250 rpm. This lighter overall weight is thanks to the latest evolution of Ferraris well-proven all-aluminum construction technology, the result of which should help restore respect back to the marques GT lineup amongst puritan sports car fans. It is unknown if Ferrari will offer a conventional manual gearbox, being that none was mentioned at introduction, but the revised F1-style paddle-shift transmission, now getting the new F1-SuperFast designation, should keep most Ferraristi happy. The new gearbox uses the elastic energy within the transmission components, together with the integrated electronic engine and transmission management programs, to speed up gear interval times. The various stages involved in changing
The 599 GTB will be compared to all rivals as well as its glorious predecessors, namely the 250 GT, 275 GTB, and the 365 GTB4 Dayona (shown). (Photo: Ferrari of North America)the gears are implemented in parallel (non-sequentially), resulting in shifts of just 100 milliseconds. The Italian supercar brand will also offer a choice of 19-inch aluminum wheels up front and 20-inch rims in the back, or the option of 20-inch alloys all-round. The wheels shown are penta-star-shaped, light and airy for a clear line of sight through to large vented disc brakes. The 599 GTB was first shown to the public on February 28, at the Geneva Motor Show in Switzerland, at which time was compared to all rivals as well as its glorious predecessors, namely the 250 GT, 275 GTB, and the aforementioned 365 GTB4. Its classic proportions should help it fare better than some other 12-cylinder Ferraris as far as future collectibility and appreciation potential goes, such as the late-80s through early-90s Testarossas and 512s, which havent held up as well due to their sensational bodywork. Yes, its attractive styling should help the new model to sell well, but will
To potential 599 GTB buyers, the fewer on the road the better. (Photo: Ferrari of North America)the 599 GTB sell as well as the 575M and 550 Maranello duo; the former, incidentally, a facelift of the latter? Reaching more than 5,700 units, a record for V12-powered Ferrari berlinettas, would be difficult for the 599, and require both a robust economic climate for the duration of its tenure and the necessity of a long model run to do so. Of course, to potential 599 GTB buyers the fewer on the road the better, as exclusivity is a critical drawing card to the legendary brands mystique. Its price of entry will make sure of this, however, expected to be higher than the already otherworldly $250,000+ sticker commanded by the 575M. To those 599 GTB buyers, mind you, the price of entry will be well worth it. To the rest of us, the chance to see one on the road, let alone the opportunity to get behind the wheel, is reason enough to get excited. I, for one, have my fingers crossed that a 599 GTB will accompany its siblings to the annual prancing horse pilgrimage at a suitable racetrack, where I can put it through its paces. Ill make a full report if and when such an opportunity arrives.