Autoblog

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

Fine China: One-off porcelain-finish Ferrari 599 special to be auctioned for charity [w/VIDEO]

Noah Joseph — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 12:59:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Auctions, China, Videos, Ferrari, Specialty, Design/Style

One-of-a-kind Ferrari 599 in cracked porcelain by Lu Hao - Click above for UPDATED high-res image gallery

In a communist country, all Ferraris are equal, but some are more equal than others. Take the special-edition 599 that the Italian automaker debuted exclusively for the Chinese market. Only twelve of them will be made. And now, an even more exclusive version - as exclusive as they get, really - has been presented.

This one-of-a-kind special Ferrari has been further differentiated by Lu Hao, a Chinese artist who applied the special touches that make the China special edition, well...special. It's been decked out in the cracked glaze pattern of the coveted Song Dynasty-era Ge Liln porcelain, and signed by the artist. The unique supercar will be auctioned off for charity in Beijing on November 3, but you can see it for yourself in the gallery below and the video after the jump.

UPDATE: Two new images added to the gallery below, and official press release inserted under the video after the jump.

Gallery: Ferrari 599 in cracked porcelain by Lu Hao

[Source: Ferrari]

Continue reading Fine China: One-off porcelain-finish Ferrari 599 special to be auctioned for charity [w/VIDEO]

Fine China: One-off porcelain-finish Ferrari 599 special to be auctioned for charity [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Oct 2009 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Red Flag: Ferrari crafts a dozen 599 HGTE specials for China

Noah Joseph — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 16:58:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, China, Ferrari

Ferrari 599 HGTE China Limited Edition - Click above for high-res image gallery

It wasn't so long ago that the idea of seeing an exotic Italian sportscar in mainland China was as much an anathema as a Chinese car in America. But the times, as one Mr. Dylan sang, they are a-changin.' Today, China is one of Ferrari's most important markets, where the red Prancing Horse shares the streets with the Red Dragon. To mark that relationship, Ferrari has announced a special edition exclusively for the Chinese market.

Based on the 599 GTB Fiorano with the company's new Handling GTE package, the China Limited Edition has been updated with special touches designed by Chinese artist Lu Hao: the starter button glows jade green, the tachometer features ancient Chinese characters instead of the usual numerals, and the luggage is emblazoned with a map of the Silk Road taken by the famous Italian explorer Marco Polo. The Rosso Fuoco paintjob with the gray roof mimics the 599XX, and only a dozen examples will be made - with over a billion people in the market, we're betting they'll be snapped up fast. Check it out in the high-res image gallery below.

Gallery: Ferrari 599 HGTE China Limited Edition

[Source: Ferrari]

Red Flag: Ferrari crafts a dozen 599 HGTE specials for China originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 05 Oct 2009 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Ferrari CEO outlines dates for Enzo, 612, 599 replacements

Noah Joseph — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 19:26:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Ferrari

With the new 458 Italia ready to go, the 458 Spider on its way, and the California still fresh on the market, Ferrari is turning its attention from the V8 range to its V12 flagships. CAR sat down with the company's CEO and managing director Amedeo Felisa, who revealed the full roll-out schedule for not one, not two, but three new V12 supercars currently under development in Maranello.

First up is the 612 Scaglietti, which has been on the market since 2004. That may not seem like a long product life cycle, but considering the lackluster Scag hasn't exactly won the hearts and minds of enthusiasts and customers, Ferrari is apparently moving ahead with its replacement, due to hit the market by 2012.

Around the same time, we can expect to see the long-anticipated supercar to follow in the footsteps of the 288 GTO, F40, F50 and Enzo. Although Ferrari has been working on hybrid propulsion and other forms of green technology, those bits won't be ready by the time the Enzo's successor rolls around, so expect a more conventional V12 (or possibly twin turbo V8) to drive Maranello's new benchmark.

The replacement for the 599 GTB Fiorano, meanwhile, will take a little longer. The two-seat GT was introduced a few years ago and recently treated to a new HGTE package to keep it ahead of the competition. But although the new 458 is already expected to outgun the Fiorano, and with arch-rival Lamborghini hard at work on a successor to the Murcielago, Ferrari isn't planning to replace the 599 before 2015.

[Source: CAR]

Ferrari CEO outlines dates for Enzo, 612, 599 replacements originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Oct 2009 19:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

First Ride: Devon GTX hopes to be an American Ferrari 599

Frank Filipponio — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 19:57:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Dodge, Mercedes-Benz, Ferrari, First Drive, Specialty, Luxury

2010 Devon GTX - Click above for high-res image gallery

When news of the Devon GTX first wafted our way, we didn't know what to think of it. Another bit of pretty vaporware being shown to attract investors? Another pet project from some megalomaniac with dreams of grandeur? Another American supercar boasting record-breaking performance with nothing but hot air to back up its claims? Or was it the real deal? Could Scott Devon and his team actually pull it off - could they deliver on the promise of building a truly great American supercar that could equal the world's finest?

Early reports showed that the Devon GTX would have the same power-to-weight ratio as the Ferrari Enzo with 650 horsepower propelling its 3,000 pounds, but the actual benchmark, we would later learn, was the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano. When the first pre-production car went out and set the production car lap record at Laguna Seca, it looked like they might not be bluffing about the numbers. And seeing the same car attract more than its fair share of attention from the highly jaded cognoscenti on the concept lawn at Pebble Beach made us think they might not be crazy after all. So did they pull it off? Did Devon actually succeed in building a car that could rival Maranello's front-engined supercar? We stopped by Aria Group, the Irvine-based specialty manufacturing facility that will be handling Devon production to find out. Follow the jump to see if the Devon GTX might just be the real thing.

Gallery: First Ride: Devon GTX

Continue reading First Ride: Devon GTX hopes to be an American Ferrari 599

First Ride: Devon GTX hopes to be an American Ferrari 599 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 Sep 2009 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Novitec Rosso launches 660 HP Stage 3 kit for Ferrari 599 GTB

Noah Joseph — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 19:57:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Performance, Ferrari

Novitec Rosso Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano Stage 3 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Everything in moderation. Not exactly the kind of message you'd expect from a firm like Novitec Rosso. The Dutch tuning house made its reputation taking some of the most powerful road rockets known to man and tuning them even further. In the case of the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano - widely acclaimed as one of the best driver's cars on the road - Novitec released a modified version packing twin superchargers for an astounding 808 horsepower last November. But in light of that being perhaps a bit too much machine for even Novitec's speed-crazed clientele, the tuner has now released a somewhat more reserved package for the V12 super-GT.

By tuning the engine management and fitting a new exhaust system, Novitec has squeezed an extra forty horses out of the Prancing Stallion for a total output of 660 horsepower. The exhaust has quad 90mm tips protruding from the rear diffuser and their pitch is controllable from the steering wheel-mounted Manettino switch. The adjustable suspension can be raised from inside the cockpit to clear curbs, and Novitec has fitted three-piece modular wheels - 20 inches up front and 21 in the rear. There's a full custom lighting kit, plus plenty of bespoke options for the interior.

As you can see, Novitec also offers a full range of aerodynamic enhancements, including a new lip spoiler up front, new wing around back and custom rocker panels along the sides, all available either color-keyed or in varnished carbon fiber. Check out the full skinny in the press release after the jump, as well as the boatload of high-resolution images in the gallery below.

Gallery: Novitec Rosso Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano Stage 3

[Source: Novitec Rosso]

Continue reading Novitec Rosso launches 660 HP Stage 3 kit for Ferrari 599 GTB

Novitec Rosso launches 660 HP Stage 3 kit for Ferrari 599 GTB originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Sep 2009 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Meadow Brook Concours 2009: The Supercars

Chris Shunk — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 13:03:00 EST

Filed under: Bugatti, Lamborghini, Porsche, Ferrari, Alfa Romeo, Spyker

Supercars at Concours d'Elegance - click above for high-res image gallery

After about three hours at Meadow Brook, team Autoblog was ready to head out and get writing. The only thing that had us scratching our heads was the lack of modern supercars out on the lawn. On our way out the door, though, one of the gentlemen working the show asked us if we'd seen the exotics, which were hidden at the side of Meadow Brook Hall. Thank you sir.

Once we entered the hidden patio at Meadow Brook, we were greeted with dozens of supercars from Ferrari, Lamborghini, Bugatti and Porsche, along with a smattering of ultra-rare rides, including the Reventon, Veyron, 959 and Spyker C8 Laviolette. Ferrari was well-represented with a 612 Scaglietti, California, a pair of F430s and a 599 and we were also happy to see a V-10 Audi R8, a couple Astons and, perhaps our favorite of all, the absolutely stunning Alfa Romeo 8C.

Click on the gallery below to peruse 112 high-res images of the supercars you've been daydreaming about. Tens of thousands of people paid $25 each to see these them, but you get the Autoblog grand tour free of charge.

Gallery: Meadow Brook Concours 2009: The Supercars

Meadow Brook Concours 2009: The Supercars originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 03 Aug 2009 13:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Pics Aplenty: Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano HGTE Sport Package

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 19:58:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Supercars, Ferrari

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]

Continue reading Pics Aplenty: Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano HGTE Sport Package

Pics Aplenty: Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano HGTE Sport Package originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Jun 2009 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Spy Shots: Ferrari 599 GTB Spider?

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 19:28:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Convertible, Performance, Supercars, Ferrari

The crew from CzechFerrari made an interesting discovery in an unknown location: a Ferrari California-bodied prototype with an awkward removable roof. At first glance, it's easy to dismiss the mule as just another California being readied for testing, but peering through the driver's side window reveals an interior that's noticeably different from the entry-level Fezza - it's closer to the Ferrari 599. While it's hardly conclusive evidence that Maranello is working on a convertible variant of its V12 super-tourer, it's compelling nonetheless. And with rumors of a drop-top version circulating for months and a facelift right around the corner, Ferrari could be preparing a 599 Spider before the new model debuts in the next two years.

[Source: CzechFerrari]

Spy Shots: Ferrari 599 GTB Spider? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Jun 2009 19:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Schumacher gets down with new Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano HGTE [w/VIDEO]

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 09:00:00 EST

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

Click above to watch video of Schumacher talking Ferrari after the jump

When he's not racing superbikes or reliving the good old days, seven-time Formula World Champion Michael Schumacher gets his thrills testing new Ferrari supercars. The Prancing Horse recently had Schumi take a 599 GTB with the company's new Handling GT Evoluzione (HGTE) package around Fiorano with a vengeance, and then they got the man to talk about his hand in developing Ferrari models from the ground up.

Schumacher's flogging of the tauter 599 was part of Pilota Ferrari, which is Ferrari's multi-level driving school program for owners. In a second video after the jump, the German pilot also discusses the importance of driving schools for every day driving. Somehow, we have a feeling that the "on-the-limit" maneuvers he speaks of just aren't the same in a 599 GTB HGTE as they are in the Pontiacs at our local track.

Gallery: Schumacher Tests the Ferrari 599 HGTE

[Source: Ferrari]

Continue reading Schumacher gets down with new Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano HGTE [w/VIDEO]

Schumacher gets down with new Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano HGTE [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 15 Jun 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Getting on Track: Ferrari releases more pics, details on experimental 599XX

Noah Joseph — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 12:32:00 EST

Filed under: Supercars, Ferrari

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

Road cars have laws to contend with, and racing cars have regulations to uphold. But for track cars, the sky is the limit. Unfortunately for track enthusiasts, purpose-built track cars built from the ground up with a blank sheet of paper and a limitless sky are few and far between. One example comes from Ferrari with its XX-rated development program that creates a series of cars that bridge the gap between road and track. First up was the FXX, an Enzo with some extra kit. That was followed by the even more extreme FXX Evoluzione. But at the Geneva show last month, Ferrari took the wraps off the 599XX, a rolling laboratory based on the 599 GTB Fiorano only unbound by the rules of governing bodies. And while the 599XX's debut was accompanied by only limited details and even fewer photos, Maranello's finally released more of each to salivate over.

Over the course of its ongoing development - that is, after all, the point of the XX programs - the 599XX will receive all manner of new features and technologies. There's even word it may serve as a test bed for the adaptation of Formula One's KERS regenerative braking system for future road cars. But in the meantime, Ferrari's engineers have started with a host of aerodynamic and engine modifications. Added aerodynamic elements abound, some more visible than others. Little black winglets protrude from the C-pillars (which themselves were already aerodynamically optimized on the road car), and the wheels integrate F1-style "donuts" to channel the air for optimized cooling and clean airflow. Underneath the bodywork, a new Actiflow system employs a porous diffuser and two fans in the trunk to channel the airflow for increased downforce at cornering speeds or reduced drag at higher speeds. All that and more adds up to 617 pounds of downforce at 124 mph or 1,389 pounds at 186 mph. Reduced mass inertia in the engine compartment helps the V12 produce 700 horsepower at the XX's stratospheric 9,000 RPM redline, the shift program has reduced gear changes to just 60 milliseconds, and the carbon ceramic brake pads are gripped by experimental carbon-fiber calipers to keep it all under control. All that new tech helps the 599XX lap Ferrari's own Fiorano test track in 1 minute, 17 seconds... faster than any road car the company has ever produced, a tick under the FXX's lap time, and faster than some of the company's modern race machinery. Follow the jump to read more details in the press release, and check out the studio shots in the high-resolution image gallery below.

Gallery: Ferrari 599XX

Continue reading Getting on Track: Ferrari releases more pics, details on experimental 599XX

Getting on Track: Ferrari releases more pics, details on experimental 599XX originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 27 Apr 2009 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Spy Shots: Ferrari to give 599 the Scuderia treatment?

Noah Joseph — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 09:29:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Supercars, Ferrari

Some people just won't leave well enough alone. We love those people. Like the engineers at Ferrari, who routinely develop some of the most wicked supercars known to man, and then set about improve them.

Take, for example, the 360 Modena. A spectacular car, by all accounts, so they made it better with the 360 Challenge Stradale. That 360 gave birth to the F430, which in turn begat the ultimate 430 Scuderia. While the progression of the 599 GTB Fiorano hasn't been as staggered (so far), the performance gurus in Maranello have hardly let the V12 supercar rest on its laurels, either. At this year's Geneva Motor Show, they rolled out two improvements on the Fiorano: the 599XX developmental track car, and the HGTE package to further fine-tune the suspension. Now reports suggest that another revision could be in the works.

The reports result from a test mule spied lapping the eponymous Fiorano test track with a modified, higher-mounted exhaust system - similar to that found on the 599XX, but affixed to the road car. The exhaust note is said to be deafening. Ferrari gave a similar treatment to its V8 supercars to produce the 430 Scuderia and the 360 Challenge Stradale before it...could a hardcore 599 be next?

[Source: World Car Fans]

Spy Shots: Ferrari to give 599 the Scuderia treatment? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 23 Apr 2009 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Spy Shots: Face-lift Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano on its way?

Noah Joseph — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 17:41:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Supercars, Ferrari

Three years may not seem like a long time to keep a car on the market, but for an exotic automaker built on a Formula One team accustomed to replacing their racing machinery every season, 36 months must seem like an eternity. That could explaining why the 599 GTB Fiorano, introduced just a few flips of the calendar ago in 2006, is already due for a refresh.

The Prancing Horse showed us two new variants of the Fiorano last month at the Geneva Motor Show -- the track-bound 599XX client test car and the HGTE package for the road-going model -- and now spy shots show what is tipped to be a mild face-lift for Maranello's flagship supercar. If this is what sources say it is, the 599 could be getting a revised front air dam, with possible modifications to the headlights and other body parts, with the potential for some engine mods, too. Coupled with the revised suspension from the new HGTE package and the 599 looks poised to remain at the top of the dynamic performance ladder for another few years at least.

[Source: autoblog.it]

Spy Shots: Face-lift Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano on its way? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Apr 2009 17:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Geneva 2009: Ferrari messes with perfection on 599 Handling GTE package

Noah Joseph — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 10:53:00 EST

Filed under: Geneva Motor Show, Supercars, Ferrari

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Ferrari 599 HGTE

While the 599XX took the lion's share of the attention in Ferrari's stand at the Geneva Motor Show today, it shared some space with another new version of the Fiorano. The new Handling Gran Turismo Evoluzione (HGTE) package takes one of the most superb chassis in the industry and turns things up a notch thanks to stiffer springs and roll bars, recalibrated magnetic viscosity shocks, a lower ride height and new compound tires. Ferrari's also toyed with the transmission electronics and exhaust system, and updated the interior with a sublime mix of leather, alcantara and carbon fiber. The new 20-inch split-five-spoke rims also do a nice job of filling the wheel wells to give the 599 an even more aggressive stance, as you can see from the live shots in the gallery below and the studio shots in the gallery below that. Full details can also be found in the press release after the jump.

Gallery: Geneva 2009: Ferrari 599 HGTE

Continue reading Geneva 2009: Ferrari messes with perfection on 599 Handling GTE package

Geneva 2009: Ferrari messes with perfection on 599 Handling GTE package originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Mar 2009 10:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Geneva 2009: Ferrari 599XX is our kind of menace to society

Noah Joseph — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 08:25:00 EST

Filed under: Geneva Motor Show, Supercars, Ferrari

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Ferrari 599XX

Ferrari stormed Geneva with a pair of new versions of the 599 GTB Fiorano. We'll have more for you soon on the new Handling GT Evoluzione package being offered on the V12 supercar, but what you really want to see is this: the 599XX. Following up on the FXX development program, the 599XX is a rolling test bed for new technologies making their way from the F1 circuit over to Ferrari's road car division.

Only 20 or 30 examples off the 599XX will be offered to a very select clientele, and participation in the program (which includes the car) will cost upwards of one million euros. The vehicles itself is technically based on the existing Fiorano road car, but is treated to an extensive array of track-spec modifications including a retuned V12 corralling some 700 prancing ponies at 9,000 rpm, revised electronics, an "Actiflow" aero package that produces some 280 kilos of downforce at 200 km/h and 19-inch competition rims with F1-derived covers. You can read all about it in the press release after the jump, and see live shots of the rolling menace from Ferrari's show stand here at the Geneva Motor Show where it's made its debut.

Gallery: Geneva 2009: Ferrari 599xx

Continue reading Geneva 2009: Ferrari 599XX is our kind of menace to society

Geneva 2009: Ferrari 599XX is our kind of menace to society originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Mar 2009 08:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Spy Shots: Ferrari 599 GTS roadster

Noah Joseph — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 08:33:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Convertible, Supercars, Ferrari

Ferrari seem to content with cutting the roof off of everything these days. The F430 Spider remains the company's hottest-selling model, with the new California on the way. A roadster version of the 430 Scuderia is anticipated to make its debut at Mugello in November, and now spy shots have surfaced showing what sources suggest is a convertible version of the 599 GTB Fiorano.

Although the test mule in the spy shots has a fixed roof in place, reports note that the roof appears ill-fitting and mismatched in color to the rest of the body. If that's anything to go by, Ferrari could be planning a successor to the Superamerica version of the Fiorano's 575 predecessor and the 550 Barchetta that came before that. The former featured an intriguing Fioravanti-designed glass roof mechanism, however the 599 Spider would, in all likelihood, employ a similar folding hard-top to the clever mechanism found on the new California, to the possible inclusion of the Fiorano's aerodynamic buttresses. Following the revival of the GTB (grand touring berlinetta) designation on the existing 599, the convertible would likely take on the GTS (grand touring spider) nameplate, while installment of Ferrari's new quick-shifting SuperFast3 dual-clutch transmission could help mitigate the extra weight. Of course this is all pure speculation, so stay tuned.

[Source: Auto Express]

Spy Shots: Ferrari 599 GTS roadster originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Sep 2008 08:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

VIDEO: Old vs. New - Ferrari 599 shows F40 a thing or two

Dan Roth — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 18:38:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Supercars, Ferrari, First Drive

Click above to view video

It's always nice when money gets thrown at making epic videos of cars, and this one is so beautifully produced that it obviously cost a bundle. What could be more epic than a couple of Ferraris being treated like the rentals Rowdy and Cole duked it out with in Days Of Thunder? Okay, Ferrari and NASCAR, ne'er the twain shall meet, but what we do have here is a fantastically beautiful video of a Ferrari 599 showing the F40 what an old man it's become. Let's see, do we want to take the comfortable, easy-driving, fighter-jet fast GT, or would we prefer the raucous, painful, finicky throwback that's nearly as fast but is probably more exhilarating due simply to the cacophony behind your head? Either could be fun - follow the jump to see for yourself. Thanks for the tip, Johnny!

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Old vs. New - Ferrari 599 shows F40 a thing or two

VIDEO: Old vs. New - Ferrari 599 shows F40 a thing or two originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 Mar 2008 18:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Vandenbrink unveils Ferrari 599 GT Convertible design

Noah Joseph — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 12:42:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Convertible, Performance, Supercars, Ferrari

click to enlarge

Dutch designer Michiel van den Brink doesn't seem to be deterred by adversity. First he set out to pen a modern interpretation of one of the most iconic homologated racing GTs of all time, the 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO. Then he actually decided to build his design, basing it on the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano, arguably the most dynamically sublime supercar ever to grace tarmac. When the Fiorano's 600-hp Enzo sourced V12 wasn't good enough, he teamed up with tuning house Edo Competition to turn it up to 11 by boring it out to 6.3 liters. The result? 750 horsepower. When Maranello declined to grant him its blessing, he started taking orders anyway from customers seemingly undeterred by the $1.3 million asking price... over the cost of the donor car.

Now that conjecture has begun circulating cyberspace that Ferrari is considering building a small run of convertibles based on the Fiorano, van den Brink has thrown his hat into the ring by unveiling his own design, dubbed the "GT Convertible". A far more convincing and seducing design than the photochops we've seen so far, van den Brink says he'll build it complete with a folding carbon-fiber hard-top for any interested customer.

That's some unfettered ambition, considering we've yet to see an actual copy of the Vandenbrink GTO built, yet despite an undisclosed but undoubtedly high cost for the sublime chop-job, Michiel might start taking orders before you know it.

More details are included in the press release after the jump, where van den Brink alludes to future designs to be based on the Audi R8, Spyker C8 Spyder and Corvette Z06. Oh yes, the future bears promise.

[Source: Vandenbrink Design]

Continue reading Vandenbrink unveils Ferrari 599 GT Convertible design

Vandenbrink unveils Ferrari 599 GT Convertible design originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Dec 2007 12:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Enter the Rumormill: Ferrari 599 roadster and F149

Noah Joseph — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 12:31:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Supercars, Ferrari

The internet, as usual, is rife with speculation. Today's source is the FerrariChat message forum, where members claim to have inside information on two new Ferrari models that are anticipated for launch within the next couple of years.

The news concerns a convertible version of the current 599 GTB Fiorano, an illustration of which you see above (courtesy of AutoGespot). FChat member "supraman55" says his local dealer confirmed the upcoming model for a debut at either Detroit or Geneva in 2009. Speculation surrounding the 599 Spider is backed up by an interview with Ferrari's General Director, Amadeo Felisa, which appeared recently in the German magazine Auto Motor und Sport. When asked about a convertible 599, Felisa confirmed that Ferrari is developing such a model for possible production in a limited series like its predecessor, the 575-based SuperAmerica. We'll add our own fuel to the fire by speculating that, based on traditional Ferrari nomenclature revived for the 599 GTB, the roadster will likely carry the 599 GTS designation, perhaps married to another name to replace Fiorano for the open-air version.

[Sources: FerrariChat, Auto Motor und Sport, AutoGespot]

Continue reading Enter the Rumormill: Ferrari 599 roadster and F149

Enter the Rumormill: Ferrari 599 roadster and F149 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 12 Dec 2007 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Future Ferrari: lighter weight, 2+2 V8, new supercar

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 10:01:00 EST

Filed under: Green, Ferrari

Ferrari's getting in on the environmental game. Well, relatively speaking. The next supercar from the home of the prancing horse will be lighter and use a lower-displacement engine, but still have at least 500 HP. Thoughts are that such a car would derive its powerplant from the one mooted for the Millechili concept shown earlier this year. Though the car shown was nothing more than cardboard, the powerplant spoken of was a twin-turbocharged, direct-injection, 550-hp, 3.0-liter V-8.

The other big news is more information on Ferrari's No-It's-Not-A-Dino. Instead, what will be revealed early next year is a 2+2 V8 with a 4.3L V8 mounted up front. Other changes to the rest of Ferrari's line have taken a back seat due to the marque's growing popularity. The 599 hardtop convertible has been put on hold in light of the coupe's 18-month waiting list. The 612 will remain unchanged until its replaced in 2010.

[Source: Auto News, sub req'd]

Future Ferrari: lighter weight, 2+2 V8, new supercar originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 Sep 2007 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments