Ferrari 599

Ferrari 599 - A Spine-Tingling V12 Masterpiece

The Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano, introduced in 2006, represented a significant leap in Ferrari’s V12 grand touring lineage. Named after the Fiorano Circuit, Ferrari’s private testing track, and featuring a 5999cc V12 engine derived from the Enzo supercar, the 599 GTB showcased a blend of groundbreaking technology, stunning design, and sheer power.

Over its production run, the 599 GTB saw several exclusive variants that pushed performance and design boundaries, including the HGTE, GTO, and bespoke one-offs. This in-depth look at the Ferrari 599 explores its history, the evolution of its variants, its legacy, and how it was perceived by automotive critics and enthusiasts alike.

A New Chapter in Ferrari’s V12 GT Lineage

The Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano was introduced at the 2006 Geneva Motor Show as the successor to the Ferrari 575M Maranello. Designed by Pininfarina, the 599 was created to blend Ferrari’s race-inspired engineering with the luxury and refinement expected from a grand tourer. It was the most powerful V12 GT Ferrari had produced, boasting a 6.0-liter V12 engine that produced an impressive 612 horsepower and 448 lb-ft of torque. This engine, shared with the Enzo, represented Ferrari’s commitment to creating a high-performance car that could still be comfortable and refined for long-distance driving.

The car’s design combined aerodynamics with elegance, featuring an aluminum body that was 30% lighter and more rigid than the 575M. With extensive use of wind tunnel testing, the 599 achieved excellent high-speed stability and downforce without sacrificing its sophisticated design. Key design elements, such as the front winglets and a rear diffuser, contributed to a car that looked both powerful and purposeful.

Aerodynamics Meets Elegance

The Ferrari 599 was designed by Pininfarina under the direction of famed designer Frank Stephenson, who focused on creating a GT that would be as visually stunning as it was aerodynamic. The car featured sleek, muscular lines that conveyed its performance capabilities while retaining a sense of grand touring sophistication.

• Exterior Aerodynamics: The 599’s design incorporated numerous aerodynamic elements, including an underbody diffuser, front winglets, and rear vents that enhanced cooling and stability. The car’s rear features a Kamm tail design that improves airflow and minimizes drag, while the curved side air intakes aid in cooling the massive V12.

• Interior Comfort and Technology: The 599’s cabin combined luxurious materials like leather and aluminum with a driver-focused layout. The interior included a redesigned steering wheel featuring Ferrari’s “manettino” switch, allowing drivers to adjust traction and suspension settings easily. The 599 was also one of the first Ferraris to offer advanced features like magnetic suspension and carbon-ceramic brakes.

Car and Driver praised the 599’s design, calling it “a work of art that combines both elegance and purpose.” The car’s striking design and advanced aerodynamics helped make it one of the most visually appealing Ferraris of its era.

Ferrari’s 6.0-Liter V12 Powerhouse

At the heart of the 599 GTB Fiorano was Ferrari’s 6.0-liter V12 engine, an evolution of the Enzo’s powerplant. With 612 horsepower and a redline of 8,400 rpm, the 599 GTB could sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.3 seconds and reach a top speed of over 205 mph, making it one of the fastest road-going Ferraris of its time.

• Handling and Dynamics: Ferrari introduced advanced technologies like the F1-Trac traction control system and SCM (Suspension Control Magnetorheological) dampers, which allowed the 599 to maintain excellent handling and responsiveness. This made the 599 GTB equally adept at tackling sharp corners and long straights, providing a blend of comfort and performance that few GT cars could match.

• Transmission Options: The 599 was initially available with a 6-speed manual transmission and an automated F1 SuperFast transmission. The latter allowed for lightning-fast shifts, reducing shift times to just 100 milliseconds, which was cutting-edge technology at the time.

Autocar was effusive in its praise for the 599, stating, “The power is immense, but it’s the way the car manages that power that truly sets it apart. It’s a grand tourer that thinks it’s a supercar.” The magazine lauded the car’s balance, handling, and straight-line speed, noting that it “combines luxury with ferocity.”

From HGTE to GTO and Beyond

Throughout its production, Ferrari introduced a range of variants that highlighted different aspects of the 599’s performance capabilities, design, and exclusivity.

Ferrari 599 HGTE (Handling Gran Turismo Evoluzione)

The 599 HGTE, introduced in 2009, was a handling package that enhanced the GT’s driving dynamics. It featured a stiffer suspension, lower ride height, and sharper steering, making it more responsive and agile on the road and track. The HGTE package also included updated springs, anti-roll bars, and recalibrated dampers for more precise handling.

Top Gear described the 599 HGTE as “a sharper, more agile beast,” praising the improved responsiveness and handling, particularly in high-speed corners.

Ferrari 599 GTO

The Ferrari 599 GTO, unveiled in 2010, was the most extreme road-going version of the 599 and was based on the 599XX track car. The GTO (Gran Turismo Omologato) designation harks back to Ferrari’s legendary 250 GTO and 288 GTO, making it a highly anticipated model. With 661 horsepower and a weight reduction of over 200 pounds compared to the standard 599, the 599 GTO could reach 60 mph in just 3.1 seconds.

Ferrari integrated numerous technological advancements from the 599XX, including lighter exhaust components, quicker shifts, and an upgraded aerodynamics package. The 599 GTO also introduced the Virtual Race Engineer (VRE) system, which provided real-time performance feedback to the driver.

Evo Magazine called the 599 GTO “one of Ferrari’s finest creations,” emphasizing its ferocious power and superb handling. The magazine noted that the GTO was “a road car that feels as close to a race car as you can get.”

Ferrari 599XX and 599XX Evoluzione

The Ferrari 599XX was a track-only, non-road-legal version of the 599, built as part of Ferrari’s exclusive XX program for dedicated clients. Introduced in 2009, the 599XX featured a host of modifications, including enhanced aerodynamics, lighter materials, and a tuned V12 producing over 720 horsepower. The 599XX’s active aerodynamics and downforce-focused design made it an incredibly capable track machine.

In 2011, Ferrari introduced the 599XX Evoluzione, an upgraded version with 740 horsepower and an F1-inspired drag reduction system (DRS). This active rear wing adjusted automatically to maximize downforce and reduce drag on straights, allowing for faster lap times.

Ferrari SA Aperta

The Ferrari SA Aperta was a limited-edition convertible variant of the 599, created to celebrate the 80th anniversary of Ferrari’s design partner, Pininfarina. Unveiled in 2010, only 80 units were produced, making it one of the rarest 599 models. The SA Aperta featured the same powerful V12 as the 599 GTO, along with a reinforced chassis to maintain structural integrity as a convertible. Its open-top design provided a unique blend of the 599’s V12 performance with the thrill of an open-air driving experience.

Critical Acclaim

The Ferrari 599 was met with widespread acclaim from critics and enthusiasts, who praised it as a true successor to Ferrari’s V12 grand tourers while pushing the limits of what a GT car could achieve.

Car and Driver called the 599 GTB “a masterpiece of engineering,” noting that it was “as thrilling as it is refined.” Reviewers were particularly impressed by the car’s dual nature, which allowed it to be both a comfortable grand tourer and a ferociously powerful machine on demand.

Road & Track highlighted the car’s groundbreaking technology, including its SCM suspension and F1-Trac system, which made it feel “like a high-tech marvel wrapped in luxury.”

A Modern Classic

The Ferrari 599 is now considered a modern classic, representing a high point in Ferrari’s V12 lineage. It introduced advanced technology, including magnetic suspension and the F1 SuperFast gearbox, which have since become standard in Ferrari’s lineup. As the last naturally aspirated V12 Ferrari grand tourer before the hybridized era, the 599 has gained a special place in Ferrari’s history, appealing to purists who seek the immediacy of a naturally aspirated engine.

The 599 GTO, in particular, has become a highly sought-after model among collectors, valued for its raw performance and exclusivity. The SA Aperta and 599XX variants have similarly solidified the 599’s reputation, offering unique configurations that highlight different aspects of Ferrari’s engineering prowess.

The 599’s Enduring Appeal

The Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano and its various iterations have secured their place as some of Ferrari’s most significant V12 grand tourers. Blending groundbreaking technology, powerful performance, and elegant design, the 599 offers a unique driving experience that remains desirable today. Whether it’s the refined GT nature of the standard 599, the track-focused ferocity of the GTO, or