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.

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Ferrari 599XX Evoluzione makes its track debut at Suzuka [w/video]

Noah Joseph — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 16:57:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Performance, Japan, Ferrari, Specialty, Racing

Ferrari is an automaker the operates in two spheres: racing and road cars. The company builds the latter to fund the former, but while the two have long operated as fairly separate units, there is plenty of room for overlap. Like its Corse Clienti department.

Established to facilitate privateer racing teams running Ferrari GT cars in various series, the Corse Clienti division also runs the firm's elite XX development program that allows some of its best customers the opportunity to act as "client test drivers." In other words, people pay big money - and by big, we mean millions - to test out new equipment developed by Maranello's skunkworks before it's implemented on future road cars.

The program started with the Enzo-based FXX back in 2005, which was succeeded by the 599XX in 2009. But like the FXX led to the even more extreme FXX Evoluzione, so has the 599XX. More an upgrade package than a new car, the $250,000 evolution kit includes a bigger front splitter, giant rear wing with moving foils, a 30-horsepower upgrade to 740 and another two years of factory-supported track days.

The most recent was held at Japan's Suzuka circuit, where the 599XX Evoluzione hit the track for the first time since delivery to its eager new owners. It was also the first time the upgraded track car was run in public, following its debut at the Bologna Motor Show back in December. Of course, now that the 599 range is being phased out, we can't help but wonder what Ferrari will base its next developmental track car on: the new F12 Berlinetta? The 458 Italia? The upcoming Enzo successor? It's early to tell, but you can check out the 599XX doing its thing in the video clip and press release after the jump, along with the fresh crop of high-resolution images we've added to the gallery.

Continue reading Ferrari 599XX Evoluzione makes its track debut at Suzuka [w/video]

Ferrari 599XX Evoluzione makes its track debut at Suzuka [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Mar 2012 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Vörsteiner Ferrari 599-VX stands out among the crowd of exotics

Drew Phillips — Sat, 20 Aug 2011 18:04:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Performance, Ferrari

Leave it to the Germans to build one of the best-looking Ferraris at this year's Concorso Italiano. When we first walked past this 599 in the Meguiar's booth we initially mistook it for the race-only 599XX. And that's the point. Deutsch aftermarket company Vörsteiner felt the Ferrari 599 GTO didn't look aggressive enough and developed a body kit for the standard 599 GTB Fiorano to make the car look more like its track-going brother. The result is the Vörsteiner Ferrari 599-VX.

The makeover is achieved via an eight-piece body kit that includes a new front end, hood, side skirts, rear decklid, rear intake panel and rear bumper with integrated diffuser. All components are constructed in lightweight carbon fiber, and a closer look revealed that the fit and finish is top notch and worthy of the Italian marque. Everything is finished off with a beautiful matte white vinyl wrap from 3M.

You can take a closer look at the Vörsteiner Ferrari 599-VX in the high-res gallery above.

Vörsteiner Ferrari 599-VX stands out among the crowd of exotics originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 20 Aug 2011 18:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Video: The strange town where everyone owns a Ferrari

Aaron Richardson — Sat, 26 Mar 2011 20:01:00 EST

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

Ferrari Town - Click above to view video after the jump

Welcome to the Netherlands, where the houses are all perfect - almost to a Truman Show level of creepiness - and everyone, without exception, drives a Ferrari. Most people seem to own at least two. At least, that's what the Netherlands looks like when a Ferrari club rents a bunch of vacation bungalows for a group gathering.

The video shows a solid collection of 575s, California Spiders, 430s and 599s, with some 308s and a Boxer thrown in for good measure. Imagine the glorious sound that erupts in the morning when everyone leaves... Hit the jump for a walkthrough of the fantasyland.

[Source: YouTube via MotoFilm]

Continue reading Video: The strange town where everyone owns a Ferrari

Video: The strange town where everyone owns a Ferrari originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 26 Mar 2011 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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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.

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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.

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That was quick - Ferrari 599 Roadster preview confirmed

Frank Filipponio — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 18:10:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Convertible, Performance, Ferrari, Design/Style

That didn't take long. As soon as the Ferrari 599 Spyder post went live this afternoon we started hearing from multiple sources that Ferrari did indeed preview a 599 "Roadster" in Monterey a few weeks ago and that the letter posted on Luxury4Play is authentic. It shouldn't be that surprising, after all, we did a post predicting the unveiling a while back.

Apparently the invitees had to negotiate a tricky path after clearing a security gate to get to the venue. They all had to sign NDAs and their phones and cameras were confiscated. The car that was presented to them was a 599 convertible with a part-time fabric roof that included a removable glass panel for the back window. It was described as an occasional use roof, making this more of a barchetta than a spider in Ferrari parlance. Actually one person described it as nothing more than a piece of fabric that connected to both sides of the body. We're thinking a Porsche Boxster Spyder-type arrangement.

This particular 599 roadster was rosso fuoco - a rare and expensive multi-layer red - and had silver buttresses. It also had a new wheel design. The best news about this new model was that the engine will come from the recently unveiled 599 GTO and that the convertible will weigh no more than the current 599 GTB coupe. It will be priced at a premium over the GTO and will be limited to just 100 units. There was no indication of what this new model will be called, but Barchetta and SuperAmerica were used on the 550 and 575 convertibles, so maybe one of those will be resurrected...or possibly another name from Ferrari's past, like Monza. Sales were tentatively promised for Summer 2011.

That was quick - Ferrari 599 Roadster preview confirmed originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 31 Aug 2010 18:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Was a Ferrari 599 Roadster present at Pebble?

Steven J. Ewing — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 15:43:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Misc. Auto Shows, Ferrari

We may have obsessively covered the cars of Pebble Beach Week out in Monterey, California, but it appears that we - and everyone else in the media - may have missed one.

If a letter sent to a Ferrari owner is to be believed (and we're not convinced it should be), the automaker held a special gathering for a select group of owners to view a 599 Roadster prototype. The letter, which you can view at Luxury4Play.com, thanks the attendees for their "first feedback" on this "upcoming limited edition product." There's no way to verify the authenticity of this letter, but if we're honest, it looks kinda-sorta legit.

Ferrari usually does a pretty good job of keeping these things under wraps, and since we didn't get to see the 599 Roadster during our time in Monterey, we wouldn't be surprised if it shows up at a future auto show (Paris, perhaps?). We'll keep our eyes peeled.

[Source: Luxury4Play via 0-60 Magazine]

Was a Ferrari 599 Roadster present at Pebble? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 31 Aug 2010 15:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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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.

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Ferrari to unveil limited-edition 599 roadster at Pebble Beach?

Noah Joseph — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 11:01:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Misc. Auto Shows, Ferrari

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

If a V12 convertible strikes you as the quintessential Ferrari layout, it may come as a bit of a surprise to realize that Maranello hasn't made one since 2006. That's when the bizarre flip-top 575M Superamerica finished its limited run of 559 units. And Ferrari hasn't made a V12 convertible since.

That's all about to change, however, as early as two months from now, according to a report from Autocar magazine. In a recent conversation with the British publication, Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo has confirmed that a roadster based on the 599 GTB Fiorano is set to make its debut later this summer at Pebble Beach. Coupled with the 599XX, HGTE, HY-KERS concept, GTO, China edition and the one-off P540 Superfast Aptera, that will make quite an array of Fiorano variants over the course of four short years.

Like the Superamerica (and the 550 Barchetta Pininfarina before it), the 599 roadster will be an limited-edition affair, and we don't mean "limited to however many we can produce and sell." No word on whether the convertible Fiorano will adopt the same sort of rotary top mechanism as fitted to the Superamerica, or a more conventional softtop like the F430 Spider or a folding hardtop like the California.

While Montezemolo wouldn't confirm the name, he said it won't be called the Superamerica, but "will have an emotional, romantic name such as Italia or Fiorano". If we had to guess, we'd go with "599 GTS Monza", but we won't guess too loud. Legend has it that when he learned the press had already dubbed the 365 GTB/4 as the "Daytona", Enzo himself dropped the official moniker. Not that it stopped anyone from calling it that, or that Il Commendatore is still around for that matter, but we hear they're reading Autoblog in supercar-magnate heaven these days.

Gallery: Ferrari 599 GTB HGTE

[Source: Autocar]

Ferrari to unveil limited-edition 599 roadster at Pebble Beach? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Jun 2010 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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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.

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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.

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Geneva Preview: Ferrari 599-based Novitec Rosso 848 RACE

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 13:30:00 EST

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

Novitec Rosso 848 RACE - Click above for high-res image gallery

Novitec Rosso always goes big at the Geneva Motor Show, and this year won't be any different with the introduction of the 848 RACE, a twin-supercharged version of the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano.

As its name would imply, those two blowers, combined with a set of water-to-air intercoolers, a new exhaust and an ECU tune, are good for 848 horsepower at 7,900 rpm and 621 pound-feet of torque at 6,300 rpm, allowing the matte white and grey supercoupe to run to 60 mph in 3.4 seconds, hit 186 mph in 23.7 seconds and on to a top speed of 214 mph flat out.

In addition to the new 20-inch wheels in front and 21-inch hoops in the rear, upgraded Brembo brakes and an adjustable sports suspension that can lift the front of the 599 by 40 mm, aluminum and carbon fiber accents swath the inside, along with an upgraded flat-bottom steering wheel with a switch that opens an additional baffle in the exhaust. Novitec hasn't released full pricing on the upgrades, but for this kind of custom kit, we'd expect the 848 RACE to command a $200k premium over the base 599. Make the jump for the full details.

Gallery: Novitec Rosso 848 RACE

Continue reading Geneva Preview: Ferrari 599-based Novitec Rosso 848 RACE

Geneva Preview: Ferrari 599-based Novitec Rosso 848 RACE originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 26 Feb 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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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.

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