Autoblog

How does Ferrari's new F12 Berlinetta stack up against the 599 GTO?

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 05 Aug 2012 19:50:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Videos, Ferrari, Luxury

The Ferrari F12 Berlinetta is the 740-horsepower replacement for the 620-hp 599 GTB. However, when EVO wanted to put the F12 in context for its review, the magazine didn't use the 599 GTB, it used the 661-hp 599 GTO as the comparator. The point was to see how well the newest in the line of Ferrari's front-engined V12s stood up against the highest and hardest-edged iteration of the last.

We've read about the quickness of the F12's steering rack and its devotion to tail-happy action, and none of that has interrupted the hosannas for the overall package. The 599 GTO was quite a different car than its donor GT in temperament and performance, but how the F12 and 599 GTO compare, exactly where each might have it over the other, provides for a result in EVO's opinion that might surprise. There's seven minutes of cornering, drifting and analysis in the video below.

Continue reading How does Ferrari's new F12 Berlinetta stack up against the 599 GTO?

How does Ferrari's new F12 Berlinetta stack up against the 599 GTO? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 05 Aug 2012 19:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Ferrari releases F12 Berlinetta microsite with configurator

Chris Paukert — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 14:01:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Coupe, Performance, Ferrari, Luxury

Let's face it. This is probably the closest you're ever going to get. Unless you count yourself among a rarified percentage of the world's one percenters, chances are you'll never get the chance to park a new Ferrari in your garage, let alone this one, the just-introduced F12 Berlinetta. So why not take a virtual spin in the 740-horsepower, V12 grand tourer on Ferrari's website?

The Italian dreamweavers have just activated a new microsite for the F12, and in typically (and appropriately) indulgent Ferrari fashion, it opens with a lengthy video presentation of Chairman Luca di Montezemolo inviting you to experience the company's new car.

The configurator will eventually load, though, and you can twiddle with exterior paint colors, wheels, brake caliper finishes and interior trims to your heart's content. The website also features a number of special features, including sound files, technical notes and so on.

With the most horsepower and highest top speed of any production Ferrari ever, we're guessing Montezemo and Co. already have a rather hefty list of deposits down for the F12 Berlinetta. Thus, if you have the means and you're still on the fence, you might want to get on the phone to your local Ferrari dealer... before waiting for the whole website to load.

Ferrari releases F12 Berlinetta microsite with configurator originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Mar 2012 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

THIS is the new 2013 Ferrari F620 GT, plus specs

John Neff — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 12:30:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Ferrari, Design/Style, Luxury

We're about five days away from when Ferrari will officially unveil the F620 GT, the front-engine/rear-drive V12-powered successor to its 599 GTB. As usual, the Internet can't wait.

An image of the F620 GT was published today on GTSpirit.com, who claims it was sent to them by a reader. The timing was fortuitous, as we also have an image of the F620 GT, supplied to us by sources who have seen the car in person. While not an official rendering of the F620 GT from Ferrari, it's the best look yet at what will be unveiled on February 29.

Our friends at eGarage.com were also nice enough to provide some specs, which come directly from Ferrari. The F620 GT's 6.3-liter V12 will produce 740 horsepower and 690 pound-feet of torque, making it the most powerful twelve-cylinder engine ever made by Ferrari. With a redline of 8,700 rpm, this powerplant will move the Italian grand tourer to 60 miles per hour in 3.1 seconds and 100 mph in 8.3 seconds. It's also lighter, lower and shorter than the 599 it's replacing.

With five days still left to go before Ferrari officially debuts the F620 GT, expect the Internet to continue digging.

THIS is the new 2013 Ferrari F620 GT, plus specs originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Feb 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Ferrari to unveil new F620 in Geneva

Noah Joseph — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 13:28:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Ferrari

It's not every day that Ferrari unveils a new model. And most of the time, when it does, it's a variant of an existing one. But when the doors open at the Geneva Motor Show next month, word has it that the House that Enzo Built will be showcasing an all-new front-engined V12 GT to replace the long-serving 599.

Dubbed F620, the all-new supercar is expected to pack a 6.2-liter version of the direct-injection V12 from the FF into an aluminum chassis. Expect the usual smattering of carbon fiber bits, but don't expect to see the costly material being used for structural components: Ferrari has discounted the application due to its high cost to manufacture and repair. Also off the table for this model is the part-time all-wheel-drive system from the FF, as the F620's anticipated 700 horsepower will drive the rear wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox.

However accurate the forecasted specifications turn out to be, we'll find out one way or another next month.

Ferrari to unveil new F620 in Geneva originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Feb 2012 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Novitec Rosso spools Ferrari SA Aperta up past 800 horsepower

Noah Joseph — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 13:01:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Convertible, Performance, Ferrari, Luxury

Whether Ferrari ends up building the rumored Fernando Alonso edition or not, the SA Aperta will stand as one of the most exclusive iterations in the production run of the 599. Only 80 examples of the roadster were produced, but for those thinking even that's not exclusive enough, Novitec Rosso has announced an aftermarket customization package that takes the concept even further.

The German tuning house known for its octane-drenched stallions has fitted Ferrari's 6.0-liter V12 with a pair of superchargers that boosts output to 876 horsepower and 646 lb-ft of torque - a good 215 hp and 178 lb-ft over stock. With a powder-coated stainless exhaust and riding on 21-inch wheels up front and 22s around back, Novitec says its Aperta will hit 100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.1 seconds and hit a top end of 211 mph.

At those speeds, we wouldn't expect to see one sitting still for long, so check it out in the high-res image gallery for what's likely to be your only look at this twin-scroll beast.

Novitec Rosso spools Ferrari SA Aperta up past 800 horsepower originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Nov 2011 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Ferrari Enzo successor powered by V12 hybrid, next 599 to get 700+ hp

Zach Bowman — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 19:28:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Europe, Technology, Ferrari, Luxury

Ferrari has rolled out a few tasty bits of news courtesy of Car and Driver. The Italian sports car manufacturer has made it clear that the successor to the legendary Enzo will come to the party packing a V12 engine mated to a hybrid system. While Ferrari has already hinted that the company is seriously considering electrification with concepts like the 599 HY-KERS, CEO Amedeo Felisa said that a production Ferrari hybrid would have to include some sort of efficiency-boosting system in addition to a performance adder like a kinetic energy recovery system.

Felisa also said that the replacement for the company's 599 will feature somewhere around 700 horsepower. The machine will keep its front-engine, rear-wheel drive layout, but will rely on aluminum alloys for its body structure instead of carbon fiber. Felisa says that the absurd power in the future 599 is not a response to the Lamborghini Aventador, however.

Uh huh.

Ferrari Enzo successor powered by V12 hybrid, next 599 to get 700+ hp originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 06 Oct 2011 19:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Ferrari to unveil 458 Spider in Frankfurt with new Scuderia, 599 and Enzo in the pipeline

Noah Joseph — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 15:58:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Ferrari

A whole string of new models from Ferrari are in the pipeline. And once in a while, we get an insider's glimpse at what to expect. This time, Automotive News Europe has what they believe is a handle on the Maranello marque's plans for the next few years, and so far things look promising.

First up, reports are circulating that Ferrari will present the new 458 Spider at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show in September. The successor to the discontinued 430 Spider is tipped to get some sort of retractable hard-top, though we'll have to wait to see precisely what form that will take.

ANE is also reporting that a more hardcore version of the 458 will arrive in 2013, though given that the lightweight model changed designations from the 360 Challenge Stradale to the 430 Scuderia, we'd expect the new model to carry a different name yet again. Following the California's anticipated facelift in 2013, the 458 Italia itself is also rumored to get a refresh in 2014, though given that the car just went on sale last year, that timeframe could prove a little premature.

The 599 GTB Fiorano is slated, according to the report, for replacement next year. The vehicle code-named F152 is expected to keep the front/rear layout, but benefit from direct injection in its V12 engine like the new FF.

Rumor has it that the successor to the range-topping 288 GTO, F40, F50 and Enzo is also slated to arrive sometime next year, giving Ferrari a very fresh model line in the very near future.

Ferrari to unveil 458 Spider in Frankfurt with new Scuderia, 599 and Enzo in the pipeline originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Aug 2011 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

European car-jackers hit with import duties on stolen exotics

Noah Joseph — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 17:31:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Government/Legal, BMW, Bugatti, Ferrari

Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Sang Bleu - Click above for high-res image gallery

Tax evasion. It's how they got Al Capone, and it's how European authorities are pinning down a team of car-jackers who made off with a trio of top-end automobiles.

The thieves reportedly broke into a house in Switzerland and drove off in the proprietor's BMW 750Li, Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano and Bugatti Veyron. Not just any Veyron, either, but the ultra-rare Grand Sport Sang Bleu.

According to reports, they drove the cars through Germany on the way to Poland, and were easily spotted along the way. A million-dollar chromed supercar does not exactly blend into traffic, after all, the way a Volkswagen Golf or Toyota Camry would. The drivers of the Bugatti and BMW were apprehended by German police, and the Veyron was unfortunately scraped up in the process. The driver of the Ferrari reportedly escaped, however, ditching the car at a railway station and disappearing into the crowd.

Now the two apprehended thieves are being hit with a half-million-dollar tax bill. That's right, they're being charged for importing the stolen cars into Germany from Switzerland, which is not part of the European Union. That, and probably a count or two of grand theft auto...

European car-jackers hit with import duties on stolen exotics originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 Jun 2011 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Ferrari to skip 599M and go straight for all-new model?

Noah Joseph — Fri, 06 May 2011 14:30:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Ferrari

Ferrari 599 GTO - Click above for high-res image gallery

Typically, Ferrari works its products in two phases. First comes the all-new model, then a number of years later comes a substantially updated version that carries it through until the next all-new model comes along. Think 360 Modena to F430, 456 GT to 456M, 550 Maranello to 575M... noticing a pattern here?

That's what Ferrari was originally planning to do with the 599 GTB Fiorano, but the latest reports indicate that the company has opted to skip the updated 599 and go straight to an all-new model. Which may make perfect sense, considering how many derivatives the existing 599 has spawned, from the HGTE to the latest GTO (pictured above).

The decision is reportedly spurred by the radical step forward which the company has taken from the 612 Scaglietti to the new FF. The 599's successor won't pack the FF's all-wheel-drive system, or its shooting brake body style, but is likely to take advantage of its direct-injection 6.3-liter V12 to the tune of some 700 horsepower.

Sources expect the next front-engine/rear-drive V12 supercar to come roaring out of the gates at Maranello sometime late next year.

Ferrari to skip 599M and go straight for all-new model? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 May 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Report: Ferrari's next-gen 599 to pack "at least" 700 horsepower

Noah Joseph — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 15:31:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Ferrari

Ferrari 599 GTO - Click above for high-res image gallery

With the new FF already released, the focus at Ferrari is reportedly turning to a successor for the 599 GTB Fiorano, which, according to various sources, will pack "at least" 700 horsepower - the magic number achieved by arch-rival Lamborghini's new Aventador.

The engine is expected to form the latest stage in the evolution of the V12 that powers the 599 GTB at 612 hp, upped to 661 hp for the 599 GTO and has produced as much as 850 horses in the FXX Evoluzione. With direct injection, a version of the same engine produces 651 hp in the FF - the same output as the Enzo for which the engine was originally designed - and a good 120 more horses than the 612 Scaglietti it replaces.

A lighter aluminum chassis is likely to further improve performance, but don't expect the all-wheel-drive system from the FF to drive the 599's successor too. While a future version could foreseeably adopt the system, reports indicate the car will (at least initially) be rear-wheel drive only, but the replacement for the California could incorporate all-wheel drive like its big brother.

Gallery: Ferrari 599 GTO

[Source: Autocar]

Report: Ferrari's next-gen 599 to pack "at least" 700 horsepower originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 Apr 2011 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Graf Weckerle answers all questions with Comte Noir edition Ferrari 599

Noah Joseph — Sat, 08 Jan 2011 16:15:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Performance, Ferrari

Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano Comte Noir by Graf Weckerle - Click above for high-res image gallery

We're not saying we're psychic or anything, but after years of bringing you the best - and the worst - from the automotive industry, we're getting a bit of a handle on what you, our dedicated readers, are thinking. So here goes: you were thinking that what the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano really needed was a set of fleur-de-lis wheels.

Okay, so maybe we're a little off. But those pentagram alloys on the original 599 didn't do it any favors. And these? They take 20 days to build. They're forged from aluminum and titanium and have a two-tone anthracite and black finish. But the Comte Noir (French for "black count") edition Fiorano is about more than those fancy wheels.

German tuner Graf Weckerle has also upped the 6-liter V12's output from 620 horsepower to a whopping 835. No word on exactly how they did that, but we wouldn't be surprised if they turned to an experienced Ferrari tuner like Edo Competition or Novitec Rosso for assistance. They've also mounted a new coil-over suspension and adjustable shocks, and hopefully upgraded the brakes to go with the extra power. Otherwise those pretty flowery wheels won't do you any good as the apex approaches.

Gallery: Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano Comte Noir by Graf Weckerle

[Source: Graf Weckerle]

Graf Weckerle answers all questions with Comte Noir edition Ferrari 599 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 08 Jan 2011 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Video: Ferrari 599 replacement caught testing at Fiorano?

Noah Joseph — Tue, 14 Dec 2010 09:58:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Performance, Videos, Ferrari

Ferrari 599 test mule lapping Fiorano - Click above to watch the video after the jump

Introduced in 2006, the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano has earned its place as one of the top GTs on the road today. And it's spawned its fair share of derivatives along the way, but with the new year around the corner, the 599 is about to turn five years old. Which isn't a very long product lifecycle if its replacement were launched tomorrow, but it's apparently enough to have Maranello preparing for a successor - or at the very least, an update - in due course.

Spied lapping the test track of the same name, this Fiorano test mule could be our first look at the 599's eventual successor, or perhaps a higher performance derivative. And as you'll see for yourself in the video after the jump, it sounds very sweet indeed. Thanks for the footage, Marco!

[Source: Marchettino on YouTube]

Continue reading Video: Ferrari 599 replacement caught testing at Fiorano?

Video: Ferrari 599 replacement caught testing at Fiorano? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 Dec 2010 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Report: Four-year product lifecycles will allow Ferrari to unveil new model every year

Noah Joseph — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 11:28:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Ferrari

With the 458 Italia, Calfornia, 612 Scaglietti, 599 GTB Fiorano and numerous derivations thereof, Ferrari's juggling more distinct models than it has since the days of the 328, Mondial, 412 and Testarossa. So while updating its line-up on an ad-hoc basis has worked for the company previously, Maranello has now revealed a solid product life-cycle scheme that will see a new model revealed every year.

The plan calls for each model to live for eight years, with an updated version to arrive four years after a model's introduction. With four models in the range, that will allow Ferrari to debut an all-new or significantly updated core model every year. And that doesn't include introductions of convertible or lightweight Scuderia-style variants along the way, to say nothing of the limited-production Enzo-class supercars slated to top the range every ten years.

The news casts further light on the full-range updates which Ferrari revealed just a couple of months ago. On top of that, Ferrari reportedly confirms that, although the prices will remain similar, the replacements for the 612 and 599 will be further differentiated from each other. As for hybrids, Ferrari's got a few applications of its HY-KERS system in the pipeline, but it will take at least five years to bring them to market.

[Source: Motor Trend]

Report: Four-year product lifecycles will allow Ferrari to unveil new model every year originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Jun 2010 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Build your own Ferrari 599 GTO

Chris Shunk — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 19:00:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, China, Ferrari, Beijing Motor Show

What do you get when you start with a 599 GTB Fiorano, lose 430 pounds, add 49 horsepower and import street-legal tech from the track-only 599XX? The sum of those many marvelous parts is the 599 GTO, the fastest road-going Ferrari in the automaker's legendary history.

The folks in Maranello unleashed it's king Horse to the public earlier this week before its official unveiling next month at the Beijing Motor Show, with the promise to build precisely 599 examples carrying the venerable GTO designation. The good news is Ferrari created a vehicle configurator that lets you customize your 599 GTO to your heart's content. The bad news: at an estimated $460,000, most of us couldn't afford it.

But still, it's fun to dream, and with the hundreds of available combinations you'll have plenty of time to play. Hues for the 50s and 60s are available, along with metallic finishes, and you can choose your own seat type (racing buckets come in small, medium and large), steering wheel type, a host of available carbon fiber accents, over a dozen different interior stitching options and plenty more. Check it out and start saving your pennies for the launch later this year.

Gallery: Ferrari 599 GTO

[Source: Ferrari]

Build your own Ferrari 599 GTO originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 09 Apr 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Ferrari takes wraps off new 599 GTO, quicker than an Enzo

Noah Joseph — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 06:59:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Ferrari, Beijing Motor Show

Ferrari 599 GTO - Click above for high-res image gallery

We've seen the spy shots. We've even seen the options list. Now Ferrari has officially taken the wraps off its new performance benchmark, the 599 GTO, ahead of the car's official debut later this month at the Beijing Motor Show.

Sort of a street-legal stepping point between the production 599 GTB Fiorano and the track-only 599XX, the 599 GTO evokes the famous Gran Turismo Omologato designation made famous by the legendary 250 GTO of the 1960s and the muscle-bound 288 GTO of the 1980s. That's quite a legacy to follow, so it's a good thing the 599 GTO brings the goods.

Output from the 6.0-liter V12 - itself derived from the Enzo's engine - is up from 612 horsepower to 661, with torque up a modest 9 lb-ft to 457. Coupled with a 195 kilogram (430 lb) weight reduction program - now tipping the scales at 1495 kg (3295 lbs), the leaner and meaner 599 can sprint to 62 miles per hour from a standstill in a scant (and very specific) 3.35 seconds, with a top speed in excess of 208 mph, while lapping the Fiorano test track from which its donor's name is derived in a blitzing 1 minute, 24 seconds. That's faster than the Enzo, people.

The GTO is also treated to more aerodynamic bodywork, including a new front splitter, side sills, diffuser and rear spoiler. The vented hood is new as well, as are the ten-spoke, 20-inch rims with F1-derived wheel donuts aiding aero efficiency.

Piquing your interest yet? Don't get too excited. As the new flagship in Ferrari's range, the 599 GTO is reported to fetch a price tag approaching £300,000 overseas (equivalent to nearly $460k). Only 599 examples will be offered, which is still more than the Enzo whose performance it eclipses. Follow the jump for the official press release, and check out the images in the gallery for a closer look.

Gallery: Ferrari 599 GTO

[Source: Ferrari]

Continue reading Ferrari takes wraps off new 599 GTO, quicker than an Enzo

Ferrari takes wraps off new 599 GTO, quicker than an Enzo originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Apr 2010 06:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Ferrari 599 GTO pricing sheet leaked?

Noah Joseph — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 13:59:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Performance, Ferrari

Ferrari 599 GTO price sheet - Click above for high-res image

You know that when Ferrari comes out with a new flagship supercar, it's going to cost a pretty penny... or eight. The upcoming exotic from the gates of Maranello is the 599 GTO, reviving the stoic nameplate that adorned the 250 GTO of the 1960s and the 288 GTO of the 1980s on what stands to be the ultimate iteration of the 599 GTB Fiorano.

A pricing sheet has apparently leaked onto the interwebs, revealing the "base" price of the 599 GTO and itemizing the various costly options available on top. The cost of entry, according to the sheet, comes in at a whopping 319,495 euros (nearly $430k). But that's just the tip of this high-performance iceberg.

Want the entire engine bay done up in carbon fiber? That'll be another 7,774 euros (over ten grand). Four point harness? That's a must-have at 2,990 euros (four grand). Want a full leather or Alcantara interior? Tempting choices at 4,425 and 3,708 euros, respectively (nearly six grand/five grand). There's plenty more, so click the scanned image above for the full specs.

[Source: Autogespot (translated)]

Ferrari 599 GTO pricing sheet leaked? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 25 Mar 2010 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Geneva 2010: Ferrari 599 HY-KERS is green in more ways than one

Noah Joseph — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 09:31:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupe, Hybrid, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Ferrari

Ferrari 599 HY-KERS - Click above for high-res image gallery

Onlookers green with envy. Waiting twitchingly for the traffic light to turn green. A briefcase full of greenbacks. Even British Racing Green, if you're talking about a GT. You could find a few ways to associate Ferrari with the color green, but the environmental sense would be a bit of a stretch - historically speaking, at least. But the times, as one Mr. Zimmerman wrote, they are a-changing. Now even Maranello has been forced to get on board the "Heal the World" train. And this is the result.

Called the HY-KERS, what you're looking at is a rolling test bed. It's a hybrid, sure, but if you thought this was a haphazard application of a plug-and-play hybrid system, think again. The HY-KERS incorporates a roadgoing derivative of Ferrari's Kinetic Energy Recovery System - fancy-talk for regenerative braking - from last year's Formula One program.

Ferrari has worked diligently to optimize the benefits of the system to the 599's performance. The entire system weighs a modest 40 kilograms, partially offset by the obviation of the starter motor and conventional battery. Integrated into the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and mounted below the car's center of gravity, the system returns over 100 horsepower, supplementing the V12 engine under hard acceleration and it can even operate under full electric power when puttering around town. Of course, a Ferrari never putters around anything, save for when it takes its owner for a round of golf at the local country club.

Take a closer look in the gallery of live shots of the lime-green show car - complete with 599XX-style matte-black roof and mirrored floor - from the Geneva Motor Show floor below, and brush up on the details on the latest from the Italian technological powerhouse after the jump.

Gallery: Geneva 2010: Ferrari 599 HY-KERS

Gallery: Ferrari 599 HY-KERS

Continue reading Geneva 2010: Ferrari 599 HY-KERS is green in more ways than one

Geneva 2010: Ferrari 599 HY-KERS is green in more ways than one originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Mar 2010 09:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Spy Shots: Ferrari 599 GTO, is that you?

Noah Joseph — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 17:32:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Performance, Ferrari

Few letters hold the same lore for Ferrari fans as G-T-O. Pontiac muscle-cars aside, the letters were first used on the iconic '60s-era 250 GTO. The 288 GTO followed two decades later and laid the ground for the F40, the first in the modern age of Ferrari supercars. Now the name is set to come back again on an extreme version of the 599 GTB

Bridging the gap between the roadgoing 599 GTB Fiorano and the track-bound experimental 599XX - and filling the hole left by the Enzo - the 599 GTO promises epic levels of performance (and extreme exclusivity) worthy of the GTO moniker. The prospect first broke cover back in November when internal documents referred to a "599 GTO Limited Edition," and was followed up with more speculative details - including a 700-horsepower output figure - early last month. Now an intrepid observer in Maranello with a camera handy appears to have snapped a camouflaged prototype out in the wild.

Aside from the yards of white vinyl and black tape telling you something's up, this 599 test mule is wearing big black alloys, a blacked-out roof (like that of the 599XX, albeit sans the extra winglets), a monster rear diffuser and Prova-style factory plates. Beyond that there's little to tell, but this is the first evidence we have beyond rumors and conjecture as to what Maranello is up to next.

[Source: alVolante.it]

Spy Shots: Ferrari 599 GTO, is that you? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 17:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Geneva Preview: Ferrari to show off 599 Hybrid, production model planned

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 12:58:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupe, Hybrid, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Ferrari

Ferrari 599XX - Click above for a high-res image gallery

News of an impending hybrid from Ferrari is nothing new, but now we appear to have an actual date when the Italian supercar manufacturer plans to show such a vehicle in an official setting. And it's coming soon, during the first week of March at the Geneva Motor Show, says Ferrari CEO Luca di Montezemolo.

The announcement came during the unveiling of Ferrari's new F10 Formula One car, which seems appropriate as it was during the 2009 F1 season when Ferrari first began using its Kinetic Energy Recovery System - a kind of hybrid technology that captures energy normally lost to braking in a flywheel - in actual competition... with mixed results, of course.

We can't say for sure what kind of hybrid setup Ferrari will show off in its 599 super hybrid, but something similar in principle to the race-bred KERS seems like a distinct possibility, and we know the automaker has been dabbling in all-wheel-drive hybrids as well. In any case, Ferrari promises a production hybrid vehicle in the near future. Stay tuned.

Gallery: Ferrari 599XX

[Source: Axis of Oversteer]

Geneva Preview: Ferrari to show off 599 Hybrid, production model planned originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 Jan 2010 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Rumormill: Ferrari preparing hardcore 599 GTO?

Noah Joseph — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 12:30:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Ferrari, Rumormill

Ferrari 599XX - Click above for high-res image gallery

Ferrari often uses its World Finals event to unveil exclusive new versions of its most enticing road cars. The FXX Evoluzione was unveiled there a couple of years ago, and the 16M Scuderia Spider made its debut at the event last year. But aside from a mishap involving Fernando Alonso, Felipe Massa and Luca di Montezemolo in a California convertible, this year's event at Valencia came and went with nothing new to offer. However, the latest churns from the rumormill indicate Maranello could be working on an exciting new project.

Supposedly leaked pre-order sheets reportedly refer to a "599 GTO Limited Edition", named in deference to the iconic 250 GTO (to say nothing of the ground-pounding 288 GTO). Based on the 599 GTB Fiorano, the GTO could be Maranello's answer to arch-rival Lamborghini's Murcielago LP670-4 SuperVeloce.

Incorporating design cues and technologies from the 599XX program, the 599 GTO could benefit from a weight-reduction program to cut some 100-150 pound off the curb weight thanks to the extensive use of carbon fiber, while squeezing out as much as 700 horsepower from the Enzo-derived 6.0-liter V12. Pricing would be expected to jump by as much as a quarter to nearly $400,000, and if the reports prove accurate, the 599 GTO could be ready for debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March with the first of just 500 examples slated for delivery by this time next year.

Gallery: Geneva 2009: Ferrari 599xx

[Source: Autogespot]

Rumormill: Ferrari preparing hardcore 599 GTO? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments