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Pics Aplenty: Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano HGTE Sport Package
Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano Handling GT Evoluzione - Click above for a high-res image gallery
It's been a long time since the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano Handling GT Evoluzione was unveiled to the world at the Geneva Motor Show, but with a name as painfully contrived as the plotline to Transformers (and likely the sequel), we figure it took Maranello three months just to get the name right on its media site.
Only the Tifosi and adept Fezza spotters could tell the difference between the standard 599 and this hotted up HGTE package, as the only visual differences include a tweaked fascia, new exhaust tips, rear diffuser and bespoke 20-inch wheels. But underneath, the factory-fettled 599 features a modified magnetorheological suspension and revised springs, along with uprated tires and a beefier anti-roll bar to coax a few more fractions of a G out of Ferrari's super-GT. For around $42,000, you get all that and more alcantara and carbon fiber, plus "Handling GTE" embroidered into the sports seats. Helluva deal. Check the gallery below for more and get all the details in the press release below the fold.
Gallery: Ferrari 599 GTB HGTE
[Source: Ferrari via Carscoop]
PRESS RELEASE
FERRARI AT GENEVA WITH THE HGTE PACKAGE FOR THE 599 GTB FIORANO
Geneva, March 3rd 2009 – The 79th Geneva International Motor Show provides the venue for Ferrari to announce two new pieces of good news: the arrival of the Handling GT Evoluzione (HGTE) package for the 599 GTB Fiorano and the world debut of the 599XX which is aimed at a select group of clients. The latter new car incorporates the most advanced technologies resulting from Ferrari's road-going and F1 research. Many of the technological solutions it carries are being used for the first time and have been developed exclusively for this special car.
The HGTE package is designed to deliver even sportier, more dynamic driving, to highlight the 599 GTB Fiorano's positioning in the "sports car" segment. The technical modifications introduced with the HGTE Package to the car's set-up and tyres ensure tighter, more dynamic handling, with sharper cornering and improved responsiveness whilst still being easy to drive. The HGTE package further underlines the 599 GTB Fiorano's different mission from Ferrari's other current 12-cylinder, the 612 Scaglietti which, along with the 8-cylinder Ferrari California, represents the Grand Tourer personality of the Prancing Horse's current range.
599 GTB Fiorano with the Handling GTE package
When it first debuted, the 599 GTB Fiorano set a new standard in terms of performance that remains a benchmark for new sports car development to this day. Now Ferrari is introducing the new Handling GTE (Handling Gran Turismo Evoluzione) package for the model to further underscore its sportiness and handling.
The package includes a modified set-up with stiffer springs and rear anti-roll bar as well as new calibration settings for the magnetorheological shock absorbers when the manettino is at its sportier settings. The ride height has also been lowered which in turn lowers the car's centre of gravity. This combined with the new set-up helps improve body control. The package also includes specifically optimised tyres featuring a compound that offers even better grip.
The car's electronics have also evolved to ensure even more prompt response to driver commands. The F1 gearbox's shifts are now even faster in high-performance settings, while a new engine software strategy has improved accelerator response.
The exhaust silencer has also been modified with the result producing an even more marked and thrilling sound under hard usage whilst still delivering just the right comfort levels at cruising speed.
From a styling point of view, the package also includes some distinctively sporty exterior and interior features with carbon-fibre widely used in the latter. The 20" split-rim wheels are new with a special diamond-cut and matte silver finish. The rear diffuser is finished in matte black to underscore the car's new set-up and highlight the chromed tail pipes. The cabin is sportier too thanks to a sophisticated mix of full-grain leather, black Alcantara® and carbon-fibre trim.
The new seats are trimmed in a new two-tone combination of leather with black Alcantara® inserts, and the seat backs are trimmed entirely in carbon-fibre. Embroidered in contrasting stitching on the headrest are a Prancing Horse and the words "Handling GTE".
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
JDM Life 8:16PM (6/23/2009)
I love Ferrari.
Reply
JDM Life 8:18PM (6/23/2009)
Like this car needed to handle any better anyway....
I wonder with these upgrade and no engine upgrade...would it be slightly faster then a regular 599...i think it would but not by much.
Reply
Slade 10:04PM (6/23/2009)
You should see the review fifth gear did. They said that the car was fast enough. It tames the understeer. Let me get you the link
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wf_J_QbyUJI
Neil 8:23PM (6/23/2009)
I feel bad for those people who already bought the "base" 599 GTB, I really do...
Reply
JDM Life 8:29PM (6/23/2009)
Why would you bad for them.....?
I would kill to own any model.....even the "base" one.
"base"
http://www.caradvice.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2008/01/ferrari-599-gtb-2big.jpg
Theirs nothing for them to feel bad about driving that ^^
Samuel 8:59PM (6/23/2009)
"wow" to the above reply to neil's comment...just wow...
Neil 12:42AM (6/24/2009)
Apparently sarcasm doesn't translate well over in JDM world....
Neil 8:18AM (6/24/2009)
But there is a bit of truth to it, if you think about it...
elpepe 1:59AM (6/24/2009)
JDM Life = 40W bulb...
Kaveh 9:09PM (6/23/2009)
I like the seats and doors
Reply
Geekengineer 9:26PM (6/23/2009)
"For around $42,000, you get all that and more"
Oh hell yes, I can afford this car!
Waaaaaaait a minute...
Reply
Redline 10:31PM (6/23/2009)
Look at that! Lord take me now!, Those rims are HOT!
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elpepe 12:42AM (6/24/2009)
"Helluva deal"??
haha.... do I detect a note of sarcasm?
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hbot 1:09AM (6/24/2009)
my god this car is unbelievable. i'm in love
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Trent 2:15AM (6/24/2009)
I am speachless. WoW!
Reply
pippin4652 8:10AM (6/24/2009)
Perhaps if Cristiano Ronaldo had this handling pack he wouldnt have done this:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/manchester/7817764.stm
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Art 8:41AM (6/24/2009)
42,000 dollar upgrade pack. recession WHAT?
Reply