With the first production year already sold out, the new Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano is a born success. Another Ferrari, which takes design and engineering to the very limit of road car offerings, and subsequently regarded as one of the world’s greatest luxury items. The new 2-seater Berlinetta replaces the much-loved 575M Maranello when deliveries start later this year. Anticipation for the new car has been high, partly due to the official revealing of press photos and technical details on the 9th January at the opening of the Detroit Motor Show. The official presentation of the 599 GTB Fiorano this afternoon was carried out by Ferrari President Luca di Montezemolo, who described it as the 'best Ferrari ever'. Three cars were present on Ferrari's stand, the aggressive, potent sportscars dominating proceedings. In the flesh it is both utterly fearsome and truly stylish, an absolute future winner for the Maranello brand in the making.

As tradition permits, the new V12 Ferrari is styled by Pininfarina, presenting a logical evolution of the 612 Scaglietti together with groundbreaking aerodynamic treatment to the rear flying buttress design and glasshouse area. The flying buttress designs, which not only look interesting, help generate 25 pct of the 599’s 160 kg of downforce produced at 300 km/h. In contrast the 575M Maranello produced 0 downforce at any speed. Together with its highly advanced front mid-engined layout and near perfect 45:55 weight distribution, the 599 is the new benchmark in its market.

Class-leading power is developed by the latest incarnation of the V12 unit first seen on the Enzo and later the 612 Scaglietti. With a higher capacity than Ferrari Enzo (by 1 cc), the 599 pumps out no less than 611 bhp at 7,600 rpm. This represents a formidable increase of 103 bhp over the outgoing Maranello model, which is also 118 kg heavier. Maximum torque of 623 Nm is available within a very usable rev band between 2,000 and 6,000 rpm.

Weighing in at 1,612 kg, the aluminium spaceframe-constructed exotic implements the latest technology developed by Alcoa. Its subsequent light weight results in a power to weight ratio of 2.6 kg per horsepower. Mated to a 7-speed F1 sequential gearbox with 100 ms shift times, the 599 has a 0-60 time of 3.7 seconds, shaving 5 ms off its predecessor. 0-200 comes up in 11 seconds flat, whereas the 599 does the standing kilometre in 20.6 seconds.
 

Short gear ratios for the first four speeds, provides the 599 GTB with excellent track capabilities. Top speed is 340 km/h, whereas the 599 also features a new Formula-1 inspired electronic differential called F1-trac, different engine modes (including Sport and Race) and generous Brembo CCM composite ceramic disc brakes. The 599 GTB will come standard with starfish-pattern 19” wheels at the front, and 20” wheels at the rear. Optional Challenge-style 20” wheels all round are also available. Alongside the flying buttresses, the new Berlinetta features single round rear lights, as on the classic 275 GTB, making a break from the quad taillight affair of recent times.

Inside, the 2-seater is lavishly equipped, however is undoubtedly performance oriented. Swathes of leather and a state-of-the art Bose sound system are met by acres of carbon fibre, along with other racy details such as a Formula 1 inspired steering wheel with LED rev display and ‘manettino’ switch, as well as a gorgeous cast metal pedal set.

The Ferrari 599 GTB is undoubtedly the production star of Geneva 2006, and is the latest symbol of Ferrari’s legend as a producer of the finest V12 berlinettas. Following in the tracks of the successful 575M Maranello (selling a record Ferrari V12 output of 5,700 units), the new 599 is likely to become another triumph judging by the international response from the first images alone. The price of the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano is anticipated to be around €195,000 (US$240,000) when it goes on sale in late summer. A fourth 599 GTB Fiorano was presented today in Geneva, this time a red example being shown by Pininfarina - the sportscar's designer - positioned on a revolving turntable on their own stand.

by James Granger & Edd Ellison in Geneva