Ferrari 599GTB
Ferrari havent had the easiest ride recently. Theyve ceded supremacy in Formula One, some of their recent designs have received a mixed reception and a crop of upstart supercar manufacturers have started tilting at their crown. The likes of Pagani, Koenigsegg, the rejuvenated Bugatti and even Lamborghini, the urchins from down the road, have all lined up to take pot shots at the Maranello marque. None have the depth of history, anything like the same sort of success on the race track or the sheer charisma of Ferrari.
| Build |  |
| Comfort | |
| Depreciation |  |
| Economy |  |
| Equipment |  |
| Handling |  |
| Insurance |  |
| Performance | |
| Styling | |
| Value | |
Ushered in to replace the 575M, the 599GTB moves the game on in many more ways than would at first meet the eye. It has a lot to live up to. The 575M started life as the 550 Maranello back in 1996 and despite some initial grumbles about its styling, soon came to vie with the F355 for the title of most loved contemporary Ferrari. It grew more sophisticated and powerful through its metamorphosis into the 575M, but the basic philosophy remained the same.
Big engine up front, playful rear-wheel drive handling and a ride/handling compromise that could play the GT and sports cards with equal success. The 550 was a car that marked a change in philosophy for Ferraris product portfolio, leaving the entry-level cars (the F355, the 360 Modena and subsequently the F430) to act as the sporting standard bearers, and allowing the front-engined cars to appeal to a more mature clientele. Perhaps that philosophy has now run its course. The 599GTB may keep the front engine, rear driven layout of the 575M but this is a very different animal.
Pop the bonnet and youll get your first clue why. Nestling back behind the line of the front axle is a mildly detuned version of the engine that powers the Enzo hypercar. In this form its good for 612bhp which is more than enough to make this the most powerful and quickest series production Ferrari to date. Although there is a fraction less power than the 660bhp Enzo, the 599GTB compensates for that with a more generous draught of torque, with 90 per cent of peak torque available from as low as 3,500rpm.
Given that this engine will rev to 8,400rpm - an utterly staggering figure for a V12 powerplant thats quite some feat.
"Those who buy the 599GTB because it looks the part will have lucked in. Theres an astonishing car under that svelte bodywork"
The old jibe that with a Ferrari you bought an engine and the rest was thrown in for free certainly cant be levelled at the 599GTB though. Lets start with the suspension. High-tech magneto-rheological dampers contain fluid that changes viscosity when an electrical field is applied to it, allowing the damping to be continuously tuned on the fly, the MR dampers reacting in just 0.01 seconds, resulting in improved body control at all times.
Keen drivers will also enjoy the F1-Trac traction deployment system. This uses an electronic brain to constantly work out exactly how much power can be deployed at any one time and works overtime to deliver that power to the drivers right foot. Around Ferraris test track, it allowed a typical 599 owner to come within 0.9 seconds a lap of Michael Schumachers best mark.
With the system disengaged, Schumi was able to leverage a three second advantage. The 599s chassis is assembled at Ferraris Scaglietti coachworks and is constructed from aluminium, resulting in a superstructure thats claimed to be 50 per cent stiffer than the 575Ms and a whole lot lighter. Customers get a choice of either a conventional six-speed manual transmission with the traditional Ferrari open gate design or a slick F1-Superfast semi-automatic gearchange. A fast-acting paddle shifting sequential manual, this offers a mode that replicates a fully automatic box as well as a launch control mode for high-speed getaways.
Ferrari quote a top speed for the 599GTB in excess of 205mph and a faintly academic sprint from rest to 62mph of just 3.7 seconds. The 0-124mph (200kmh) benchmark disappears in 11.0 seconds and the standing kilometre a smidgeon over 20 seconds.
This is savagely quick stuff but Ferrari are at pains to stress that the 599 isnt a raw sportster. One glance inside shows why. It may have a spare, pared down look but the 599GTB packs in a lot of kit. You just need to know where to look.
Take the seats. These lightweight carbon fibre composite chairs feature electro-pneumatic side bolsters that can accommodate Italians, Americans and all points in between. Fitted as standard with a three-point belt, they also include cut outs for harnesses if youre really serious. Most customers will opt for the technical carbon fibre dash finish but if thats a bit too fast and furious for you, theres a no-cost option of leather, Alcantara or virtually any other soft trim that you can come up with.
Dual-zone climate control, a beefy stereo, a fully adjustable multi-function steering wheel, twin front airbags and side airbags are all standard fitments. The shape is reminiscent of the 612 Scaglietti but manages to make that car look as if its been distorted in a warped mirror. The 599GTB is a far happier shape than the 612 and one that has met with almost universal acclaim, although some purists have grumbled about the ditching of the traditional Ferrari twin round tail lights. Designed by Pininfarina and former Ferrari styling boss Frank Stephenson, its a crisp design that also results in very good 47/53 front/rear weight distribution.
Any true automotive enthusiast wants to see a healthy Ferrari. When the company is firing on all cylinders it forces all of its rivals to up their respective games and the 599GTB is symptomatic of the grand old dame of Maranello on top form. Let the games commence.
Facts At A Glance
CAR: Ferrari 599 GTB
PRICE: £165,000 on the road [est]
INSURANCE GROUP: 20 CO2 [g/km] EMISSIONS: tba
PERFORMANCE: Max Speed 205+mph / 0-62mph 3.7s
FUEL CONSUMPTION: (average) 15mpg [est]
STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front and side airbags / ABS / F1-Trac WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE ?: Length/Width/Height 4660/1960/1340mm
