MSRP: $264,034 - $273,845
Vehicle Summary: 2007 Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano The Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano is the company's top performer, with a 611-hp V12 engine. It's a significant improvement in every way compared to the 575M Maranello it replaces, whose basic platform dates back a decade. ...read more
The Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano is the company's top performer, with a 611-hp V12 engine. It's a significant improvement in every way compared to the 575M Maranello it replaces, whose basic platform dates back a decade. Despite being larger in every dimension than the out-going 575M Maranello, the 599 GTB Fiorano is actually lighter. Though it may not be as ultimately manuverable as the smaller and lighter F430, the 599 GTB Fiorano is actually faster, more spacious inside and more comfortable on long trips.
DETAILED OVERVIEW
Ferrari 599 GTB
Base price: $260,000 (est.)
Price, as tested: $320,000
Powertrain: 6.0-liter DOHC V12, 48 valve, with variable valve timing and variable intake geometry; six-speed automated gearbox; rear-wheel drive with limited-slip differential
Horsepower: 612 at 7,600 rpm
Torque: 448 pound-feet at 5,600 rpm
Max engine speed: 8,400 rpm
Curb weight: 3,722 pounds
0-60 mph: 3.2 seconds*
Wheelbase: 108.3 inches
Overall length: 183.7 inches
EPA fuel economy: 12 miles per gallon city, 15 mpg highway
*Figure from Road and Track
The prancing horse had good reasons to be optimistic at the 2006 Geneva motor show (2-12 March), where it unveiled its new Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano, the most powerful 12-cylinder berlinetta ever developed at Maranello.
With a total of 5,409 cars sold last year, Ferrari (2803 employees at end 2005) registered an increase of 8.7% over 2004 (2005 figures exclude Maserati as Fiat S.p.A. Group split the Ferrari Maserati Group in April 2005).
Delphi's MR fluid suspension reacts instantly to road conditions.
This figure reflects the strong performance of both the berlinetta and spider versions of the F430 and the 612 Scaglietti (834 of which were delivered) as well as a contribution from the limited edition Superamerica of which 559 were built in total. Almost every car ordered in 2005 included some personalisation features, selected either directly from the “Carrozzeria Scaglietti” Personalisation Programme or as one-off requests.
The front-mid engined Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano two-seater replaces the 575M Maranello berlinetta (sold in Europe for around 200,000 Euros), of which, together with the 550 Maranello introduced in 1996, some 5,700 units have been produced.
Fiorano, after the circuit Ferrari uses to test its track and road cars.
On the power side, the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano boasts a 6-litre V12, which was derived from the engine that powered the Enzo supercar, developing 620 hp at 7,600 rpm.
With an Alcoa all-aluminium space frame chassis and bodywork, weight-power ratio remains under 2.6 kg/hp.
The new model is named Fiorano after the circuit Ferrari uses to test the performance of its track and road cars; the GTB comes as in Gran Turismo Berlinetta; and 599 for the 5999 cc of its V12 engine.
As a project, the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano had several targets: to surpass the driving experience of renowned models such as the F40, to guarantee exceptional performance from innovative content and technology transfers from the F1 single-seaters... while delivering good standards of roominess, comfort, ergonomics and safety.
Nothing can express performance like figures. The new Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.7 seconds, with a top speed in excess of 330 km/h.
Underbody optimisation with rear diffuser.
Figures are expressed in the technical specification of the engine too: 5999 cm3 displacement getting a specific power output of 103 hp/litre, and that's without any direct or turbocharging. Such a figure is a first for a naturally aspirated production engine of this displacement.
The new model’s sportiness is due in part to record maximum revs for an engine of this displacement (apart from the Enzo). Its maximum power output is 620 hp at 7,600 rpm with a maximum engine speed of 8,400 rpm.
The Fiorano’s engine delivers a maximum torque of 608 Nm at 5,600 rpm, pulling the car well at almost any engine speed.
Very fast gear shifting, cutting overall gear-shift times to just 100 ms.
The twin overhead camshafts per cylinder bank come with continuously variable timing on both inlet and exhaust cams to optimise torque delivery and drivability at both low and high revs. Chain driven distribution reduces noise and is maintenance-free, while the twin-plate, low inertia clutch in unit with the engine helps lower the centre of gravity.
Fuel consumption remains the same as in the previous model, under similar use, despite the significant leap in performance (from 5748 cc V12, 515 hp and 589 Nm in the 575 M)
Steering wheel-mounted manettino dynamics control switch (right).
The new generation F1 gearbox that debuts on the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano is a further development of the one used on all of the models in the Ferrari range. The F1-SuperFast system enhances the car’s high-performance capabilities by using the elastic energy within the transmission components, together with the integrated electronic engine and gearbox management programmes, to speed up gear change times.
The various stages involved in changing the gears are implemented in parallel (non-sequentially) and this results in exceptionally fast gear shifting, cutting overall gear-shift times to just 100 ms. The system is integrated with the manettino (steering wheel-mounted manettino vehicle dynamics control switch, see opposite photo) and the driver is still free to choose between either the Automatic mode or the Launch Control setting which offers smoother starts from standstill.
Leather with driver area details in carbon-fibre and aluminium.
The steering wheel-mounted manettino vehicle dynamics control switch, originally developed for the 1996 Formula One season, has been taken a step further for the new Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano. It now integrates the stability and F1-Trac traction control systems, the F1-SuperFast gearbox and the SCM (Magnetorheological Suspension Control) fluid suspension (see below).
This means that the driver can select the correct setting for the grip conditions at any given time. The manettino’s readouts are displayed on the new on-board Multi Display unit so that the information important to each specific setting is instantly available to the driver (e.g. lap times, tyre temperature and pressure or trip computer readouts.)
5999cc V12 with 620hp, replacing the 515 hp, 5748cc of the 575 M.
A world first for Ferrari, the F1-Trac system monitors the speed of both front and rear wheels and features predictive software that estimates the maximum available grip in advance, compares this information with the vehicle dynamics model stored in the control system, and adjusts its reactions to suit, optimising traction by modulating power delivery. It is integrated with the manettino which adapts the car’s behaviour to the driving conditions: the Sport setting provides the best balance between stability and performance on the road while Race ensures clients maximum performance combined with consistently brilliant handling.
Aerodynamics with a Cd drag coefficient of 0.336.
Ferrari describes the result as an easier, smoother high-performance driving, thanks to maximum grip out of bends (a 20% increase in acceleration compared to a traditional traction and stability control system) and predictable handling even in extreme situations.
Then comes the SCM (Magnetorheological Suspension Control) suspension. Unlike traditional oleodynamic systems, magnetorheological (MR) fluid suspension systems (a Delphi system used as well by some of GM brands, including Cadillac and Chevrolet) react instantly to road conditions and driver inputs, as the dampers use a fluid the viscosity of which is modified by applying an electronically controlled magnetic field.
A new generation F1 gearbox debuts on the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano.
In practice, the SCM system improves body control, handling and road-holding thanks to optimal tyre grip in all road conditions, with a safer and more enjoyable driving experience courtesy of reduced roll and greater control when accelerating, braking and cornering.
This is the very first time the SCM (Magnetorheological Suspension Control) suspension has been used on a high performance sports car.
Lengthy testing in the wind tunnel at Ferrari plus various simulations added their contribution in terms of both downforce and drag. The optimisation of the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano’s underbody, the rear diffuser and flying buttresses have resulted in an aerodynamic load of just 160 kg at 300 km/h. Similarly, the Cd – drag coefficient – is just 0.336.
Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano
Technical Specifications
Dimensions and weight
Overall length
4666 mm - 183.7 in
Overall width
1961 mm - 77.2 in
Height
1336 mm - 52.6 in
Wheelbase
2750 mm -108.3 in
Front track
1689 mm - 66.5 in
Rear track
1618 mm - 63.7 in
Dry weight
1579 kg - 3482 lb*
Kerb weight
1688 kg - 3722 lb*
Boot (trunk) capacity
320 litres - 11.3 cu ft
Fuel tank capacity
105 litres (27.7 gal US , 23.1 UK)
Weight distribution
47% front
53% rear
Brakes
Front
353 x 33 mm - 13.9 x 1.3 in
Rear
327 x 27.9 mm - 12.9 x 1.1 in
Engine
Type
65° V12
Bore/stroke
91.9 x 75.18 mm - 3.62 x 2.96 in
Cyl. displacement
500 cc - 30.51 cu in
Total displacement
5999 cc - 366.08 cu in
Compression ratio
11.2:1
Maximum power
456 kW (620 CV) @ 7600 rpm
Maximum torque
608 Nm (448 lbft) @ 5600 rpm
Maximum rpm
8400 rpm, with limiter
Specific output
103 hp/litre
Transmission
Gearbox (six gears + reverse) Manual or F1
Electronics
Tyre pressure & Temperature Monitoring System
CST Stability and Traction Control with F1-Trac
Tyres
Front
245/40 19"
Rear
305/35 20"
Suspension
Magnetorheological damping control (SCM)
Performance
Maximum speed
In excess of 330 km/h - 205 mph
0-62 mph
0-100 km/h
3.70 s
0-124 mph
0-200 km/h
11 s
Fuel consumption
Combined
21.31/100 km*
CO2 emission
Combined
490 g/km*
* European market version, manual gearbox
Inside, the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano cabin is trimmed in leather while the driver area and controls boast more high-tech detailing in carbon-fibre and aluminium.
In addition to the steering wheel and manettino, the central rev counter with a choice of red or yellow background and solid aluminium passenger controls, the new Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano also boasts attractive new styling cues including a central grip to provide extra support for the passenger and new adaptive racing seats featuring carbon-fibre side rests.
Other standard accessories include front bi-xenon headlamps and rear light-emitting diodes (LED) lights, dusk and rain sensors, dual-zone climate control, electrically adjustable steering-wheel column, hideaway radio/CD player and key with integrated volumetric anti-theft device and motion sensors.
Finally for some, or the starting point for others, the 599 GTB Fiorano also benefits from a vast choice of personalisation options available at Ferrari. Four areas are covered by this programme: Racing and Track, Exteriors and Colours, Interior and Materials, Equipment and Travel.
The Racing and Track options include CCM (Carbon Ceramic Material) brakes, 20” Challenge one-piece rims with run-flat tyres, four-point harnesses and a cockpit roll-bar. The Scuderia wheel arch shields and coloured brake callipers complete the look for sportier clients.
Interior and Materials options include a new Enzo Ferrari-inspired carbon-fibre steering wheel with LED rev display which can be specified along with a special carbon-fibre trim kit for the door panels, instrument panel, gear stick surround and sill kick panels. Various types of leather trim are also available for the seats and interior too. Travel and Equipment accessories include front and rear parking sensors, iPod-friendly set-up, satellite anti-theft system and a luggage set specially tailored to fit this model.
