Autoblog

Report: Ferrari to show 599 hybrid concept in Geneva

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 17:58:00 EST

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

Italian pub, Quattroroute reports Ferrari will show its first road-going hybrid next March at the Geneva Motor Show. Based on the 599 GTB, the Ferrari hybrid is expected to use a derivative of the kinetic energy recovery system (KERS) used on the prancing horse's Formula One cars during part of the 2009 season.

The KERS setup and the concept will reportedly use a lithium ion battery pack, and based on the diagram (right) the road car will have the battery and the power electonics mounted on either side of the rear transaxle, with an electric motor incorporated into the transaxle itself. If the road car is similar to the race car, this will essentially be a mild hybrid system providing automatic start-stop, regenerative braking and electric boost. Judging by the battery size, Ferrari won't offer any pure electric propulsion. The system is expected to boost urban driving mileage by over 30 percent from the current 8.7 mpg (US) to a slightly less miserable 13.8 mpg.

Thanks to Daniele for the tip!

[Source: Quattroroute]

Report: Ferrari to show 599 hybrid concept in Geneva originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Dec 2009 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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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.

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Unique porcelain-finish Ferrari 599 China raises $1.77M at auction

Noah Joseph — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 11:20:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Auctions, China, Ferrari

Ferrari 599 China special in cracked porcelain by Lu Hao - Click above for high-res image gallery

A Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano is an exceptional piece of automotive art. Even more exceptional is the latest model equipped with the Handling GT Evoluzione package. More exceptional still is the limited-edition 599 HGTE made exclusively for the Chinese market. But even in this rarified territory, there exists one 599 HGTE China special that stands apart. We reported on it about a month ago, and it's now been sold at auction.

The one-off Fiorano was hand painted by Chinese artist Lu Hao with a pattern reminiscent of the sought-after Ge Liln porcelain of the Song Dynasty. This unique example was sold on Tuesday to an anonymous collector from Shanghai, who paid the equivalent of $1.77 million for the privilege. The proceeds are earmarked towards helping aspiring Chinese automotive engineers to make it to Italy for further studies and an internship opportunity at Maranello. On hand for the auction event, held at the Red Gate Gallery in Beijing, were the artist, Ferrari executives, faculty members from the participating schools and none other than Michael Schumacher himself. Follow the jump for full details in the press release, and see more in our high-resolution image gallery below.

Gallery: Ferrari 599 in cracked porcelain by Lu Hao

[Source: Ferrari]

Continue reading Unique porcelain-finish Ferrari 599 China raises $1.77M at auction

Unique porcelain-finish Ferrari 599 China raises $1.77M at auction originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 11:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Is Ferrari turning the 599 GTB into the 600 GTB? No.

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 08:01:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Etc., Ferrari

An Italian site perusing Ferrari's online media outlet found the screen you see above. At the end of the list of La gamma attuale -- the current range -- is a box captioned "600 GTB" accompanied by a "Coming soon" image.

The picture next to the "600 GTB" is a placemarker of Luca di Montezemolo above the caption 458 Italia which makes it look like the sitemasters were fiddling with the site's layout. Ferrari has told a few media outlets that it was a "web developer's mistake... and a "complete non-story." Moving on then...

[Source: Quattroroute (translated)]

Is Ferrari turning the 599 GTB into the 600 GTB? No. originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 04 Aug 2009 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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(Un)mellow Yellow: Upgrade your Ferrari 599 with dealer-installed HGTE package [w/VIDEO]

Noah Joseph — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 12:35:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Supercars, Ferrari, Specialty

Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano with HGTE package - Click above for high-res image gallery

Life is tough, we know. You sit for months on a waiting list, drop six figures, order your Ferrari just the way you want it, and then bam! They come out with an even better version. What's a supercar owner to do? Well in the case of the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano and the Handling GTE package unveiled to go with it at the Geneva Motor Show just a few months ago (shown above in yellow for the first time), we've got good news as Ferrari has announced the availability of the package as a dealer-installable kit on existing 599s.

The package includes a host of enhancements to the GT's already superlative capabilities, grouped into four areas: handling, performance, exhaust and aesthetics. Handling includes a suspension lowered by 10mm, magnetorheologically re-calibrated and stiffened by over 15%; beefed up in anti-roll bars, and stickier tires mounted on upgraded modular wheels.

The performance enhancements include new exhaust silencers, upgrades to the transmission software that cut shift times down to 85 milliseconds, as well as new lines of code that summon improved throttle response. The performance kit can only be installed on post-2008 models with the sequential transmission, while pre-2008 or manual-equipped models can get the exhaust kit without the remapped throttle and transmission.

Finally, the aesthetic improvements consist of a new front grille and Prancing Horse emblems front and back in a burnished finish instead of the usual chrome. The only thing which the dealer-installed HGTE kit doesn't include from the factory-equipped models is the interior trim package. Released first for the British market, the kit costs £19,703 (~$32k USD), or £17,213 (~$28k) without the upgraded transmission and throttle calibrations. Check out the fresh gallery of images below and follow the jump for the full press release and an in-car video of the HGTE-equipped 599 pouring on the heat.

Gallery: Ferrari 599 HGTE in yellow

[Source: Ferrari]

Continue reading (Un)mellow Yellow: Upgrade your Ferrari 599 with dealer-installed HGTE package [w/VIDEO]

(Un)mellow Yellow: Upgrade your Ferrari 599 with dealer-installed HGTE package [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 Jul 2009 12:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Gangsta Wrapper? Ed Hardy Edition Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano goes crazy

Noah Joseph — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 13:57:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Supercars, Ferrari, Specialty

Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano Ed Hardy Edition - Click above for high-res image gallery

After working up a Lamborghini Murcielago with Edo Competition and then a Ducati Monster with Rever Corsa, the talent behind the Ed Hardy label has cooked up what looks to be a controversial one-off Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano that's even more out there than Lapo Elkann's denim-clad version.

Decked out in decals of pin-up girls, skulls and crossbones, rolling dice and such, the Ed Hardy edition Ferrari - apparently worked up as a promotional tool for German retailer Mode Stern - is even more outlandish than the Audigier-designed VIF1 Escalade and the Empire Mercedes CL63 which have popped up on the internets recently. What isn't immediately clear is if this is an actual paintjob or just another shrinkwrapped exotic? Us? We know what we're hoping for...

Gallery: Ed Hardy edition Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano

[Source: AutoPlus.fr]

Gangsta Wrapper? Ed Hardy Edition Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano goes crazy originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Jul 2009 13:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Forever in Blue Jeans: Fiat scion's denim Ferrari 599 [w/VIDEO]

Noah Joseph — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: Videos, Supercars, Ferrari, Specialty

Lapo Elkann's Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano - Click above for image gallery

What do you do when you're heir to an enormous industrial empire? Well, pretty much anything you want. Like order up a Ferrari made to match your favorite pair of jeans.

Nope, this isn't the latest splurge by Paris Hilton; the car you see here is reportedly owned by one Lapo Elkann, grandson of the late billionaire industrialist and Fiat chairman Gianni Agnelli. Evidently not satisfied with a Diesel-edition Fiat 500, the notorious playboy ordered up his latest ride from the family-owned company decked out in a custom two-tone matte paint job. The body is painted in baby blue, the roof, mirrors and pentagram wheels contrast in a darker shade. Inside, the party continues with denim upholstery replacing the usual sumptuous leather. Taste being subjective and all, if you're retching at the site of this kitchy ride, just remember: it could be worse. This guy could be running the company - and Chrysler along with it. Come to think of it, perhaps this is some sort of perverse keep-it-in-the-family nod to the AMC Gremlin X Levi's Edition?

Check out the images in the gallery below and the video after the jump. Thanks for the tip, Patrick!

Gallery: Lapo Elkann's baby blue Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano

[Source: Autogespot]

Continue reading Forever in Blue Jeans: Fiat scion's denim Ferrari 599 [w/VIDEO]

Forever in Blue Jeans: Fiat scion's denim Ferrari 599 [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Jul 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Geneva Preview: Ferrari 599XX and 599 GTB HGTE

Sam Abuelsamid — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 11:28:00 EST

Filed under: Geneva Motor Show, Supercars, Ferrari

Click above to enlarge

At next week's Geneva Motor Show, Ferrari has announced that it will take the wraps off of two new versions of its 599 GTB Fiorano. The more approachable one (at least in terms of a high-end Ferrari fare) is the rumored 599 HGTE. Details are scarce on what comprises the Handling GT Evoluzione package at the moment, but the promise is that it will take the already accomplished GT to the next level.

Perhaps the more interesting car will be the 599XX. This model will apparently only be available to select clients - in other words, those with a long history of Ferrari ownership. Like the existing FXX version of the Enzo, the 599XX will be a rolling laboratory that incorporates technology that Ferrari engineers have been developing on both road and track cars. At this point, Ferrari isn't saying how many of these cars will be available - or what they will cost - but we expect for them to make the standard 599 look quite affordable by comparison. Official (if skimpy) press release after the jump.

[Source: Ferrari]

Continue reading Geneva Preview: Ferrari 599XX and 599 GTB HGTE

Geneva Preview: Ferrari 599XX and 599 GTB HGTE originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Feb 2009 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Top 10 Cars You Should Never Drive on a First Date

Chris Shunk — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Humor

It was the Spring of '93 and I was living large in my 1988 Dodge Omni. The little hatch was white with a burgundy interior, smelled like fast food and usually carried a substantial coat of dirt and grime that held it all together. One of the black plastic bumper pieces was missing from when I backed into my dad's car and the Omni was rolling fat with four over-sized tires scored from my brother's totaled Pontiac 6000. The tires were so large that I couldn't make a tight turn without grinding the rubber against the wheel well.

For my big date, though, the Omni at least go washed. I pulled into this poor girl's driveway jamming my brand new Jackyl tape when the her dad walked up. He glared at my car and said "You guys will be going to the baseball game in my wife's Astro Van, and you're not driving."

That was my first date car, which was followed by an Escort, Ranger and GMC Sonoma. Quite an unimpressive array of vehicles with which to make a first impression, which I reckon makes me an expert on the subject. So here it is: the Top 10 Cars You Should Never Drive on a First Date.

Top 10 Cars You Should Never Drive on a First Date originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 Nov 2008 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Paparazzi Strike Again: Ferrari 599 roadster resurfaces

Noah Joseph — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 13:34:00 EST

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

Photos of topless super-models parading around sun-drenched southern Europe -- the paparazzi never tire of snapping them, we never tire of seeing them, and like so many celebrity gossip magazines, here at Autoblog we never tire of running them. Take, for example, this particular Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano spotted now for the second time sashaying around Italy with its top half off. Not only is the regular car a rare treat to behold, but this one lets slip the promise of something more.

Although it hasn't appeared completely topless, this test vehicle is wearing an ill-fitting roof that suggests it may show the way for an upcoming convertible 599. That could mean a soft-top like the F430 Spider, a folding hard-top like the California or a rotating flip-top like that featured on the 575M-based Superamerica. Meanwhile, it could also mean a "regular production" model or a rare special edition for the Italian automaker. With the California just making its debut, the 16M Scuderia Spider just around the corner and the initial batch of spy shots just hitting the web, we asked the people at Ferrari what they were working on. Their response was that they're testing a lot of different ideas and that nothing had been given the green light (yet), so we'll just have to hold on and hope the higher-ups get out their stamps of approval.

[Source: Autogespot]

The Paparazzi Strike Again: Ferrari 599 roadster resurfaces originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 23 Nov 2008 13:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Police break up Bugatti vs. Ferrari street race in UK

Michael Harley — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 16:59:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Government/Legal, Supercars, Bugatti, Ferrari

While we all know that a 16-cylinder Bugatti Veyron would leave a 12-cylinder Ferrari 599 GTB choking in its own emissions, two blokes in the UK apparently wanted to check it out for themselves. After witnesses reported the two supercars jockeying for position at high speeds on public highways, police took pursuit in a BMW patrol car. Following velocities of nearly 140 mph in the chase, the Bugatti respectfully pulled over while the Ferrari got away scott free. Fortunately for the Bugatti driver, police officially clocked the 253-mph Veyron going a mere 97 mph. The resulting citation was three points on his license and a fine of just £60 (about $120). We think the outcome would have been much, much uglier in the States. Thanks for the tip, Paul!

[Source: The Sun]

Police break up Bugatti vs. Ferrari street race in UK originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Jun 2008 16:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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