Ferrari did an odd thing in January by releasing pictures and details for its new 599 GTB sports car at the Detroit Motor Show, but not actually showing the car. The first public outing for the new car was actually the Geneva Motor Show. We took a closer look on the packed Ferrari stand.

The 599 GTB replaces the 575M, which, along with the F550 it was derived from, was one of the most successful Ferraris ever built; 5,700 examples were sold. Don't underestimate the importance of the 599 GTB to Ferrari.

One glance at the car's specifications is enough to convince anyone that Ferrari is onto a winner here. Under the sculpted bonnet (styled by Pininfarina of course) lies a V12 engine based on that found in the exclusive Enzo supercar. In this installation, Ferrari has extracted 620bhp from the unit, which is fed to the rear wheels only, naturally. A lot of effort has been put into keeping the car's weight down too, by the use of aluminium and carbon fibre.

The result is an eye-watering 385bhp per tonne. Standing-start acceleration will be mighty of course, but even more startling is likely to be the 599's ability to hit silly speeds in no time at all. Aerodynamics permitting (check out the natty air directors either side of the rear screen), the 599 should be capable of well in excess of 200mph. This is no stripped out racing car though; the 599 GTB is generously appointed and utterly comfortable too.

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