Autoblog

Romeo Ferraris tweaks the Ferrari 599 GTO

Noah Joseph — Sun, 01 Apr 2012 10:02:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Performance, Ferrari

Soon Ferrari will disocntinue the 599 as it ushers the new F12 Berlinetta into production, but until then the GTO holds its place as king of the hill. So before the ultimate incarnation of the 599 is swept off into retirement, Romeo Ferraris has developed a series of enhancements to the Ferrari flagship.

Given that Maranello has put just about everything it has into the 599 GTO, there wasn't a lot of room to play around. So the tuner has released two small upgrades. Stage 1 encompasses a new air filter and exhaust for a 15-horsepower boost, while the Stage 2 kit remaps the ECU as well for 40-horsepower upgrade to bring overall output up to 710 hp - putting the final iteration of the 599 within spitting distance of its replacement's 740 hp.

A series of extra carbon fiber components are also offered, but Romeo Ferraris apparently holds enough reverence for the donor cars to keep the modifications to a minimum.

Romeo Ferraris tweaks the Ferrari 599 GTO originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 01 Apr 2012 10:02:00 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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Pics Aplenty: Ferrari 599 GTO

Noah Joseph — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 19:31:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Ferrari

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

The 599 GTO being the fastest road-going Ferrari ever to roll out of Maranello, you don't stand much chance of seeing one sitting still. Of course, the limited run of 599 examples doesn't help. But as if an excuse were needed, that does give us a reason to bring you the latest batch of high-resolution images showing the Prancing Goat in all its glory.

You can check 'em all out in the gallery below. That is, assuming you haven't seen enough from the seemingly endless stream of videos that have circulated since the supercar's debut. Yeah, we didn't think so.

Gallery: Ferrari 599 GTO

[Source: Ferrari via eurocarblog]

Pics Aplenty: Ferrari 599 GTO originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Jul 2010 19:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: This time, EVO's Chris Harris takes Ferrari 599 GTO to the track

Zach Bowman — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 16:56:00 EST

Chris Harris and the Ferrari 599 GTO on track - Click above to watch videos after the jump

So, if you were watching Chris Harris give the Ferrari 599 GTO what for and thinking, "Yeah, but can you can only really use a car like that on a track," sit back and prepare to be vindicated. The gurus at EVO have been so kind as to release a three-part video series showing exactly what can be accomplished if the car is unleashed on the Ferrari Fiorano test track. And let's just say you don't hear him complain about the air-conditioning this time around.

The first segment sees Harris wedged in the cockpit with the insanely fast Raffael De Simone at the wheel - the same guy who managed to fling the car around the Nürburgring in 6:58.1. If you like seeing the typically even-keeled Harris get surprised by the wicked carbon ceramic brakes on the 599 GTO, you can check it out on the EVO site.

But we're more interested in watching Harris himself shuffle the Prancing Horse. While there's a profusion of descriptors like "quick" "awesome" and "outrageous" thrown about during the brief segments, it's interesting to see the car's driver aids come into play - and just how far they'll let the car get out of line before reigning you in. Hit the jump to find out.

Gallery: Ferrari 599 GTO

[Source: EVO]

Continue reading Video: This time, EVO's Chris Harris takes Ferrari 599 GTO to the track

Video: This time, EVO's Chris Harris takes Ferrari 599 GTO to the track originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Jul 2010 16:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Special two-tone California to lead Ferrari fleet at Goodwood

Noah Joseph — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 15:58:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Misc. Auto Shows, Ferrari, UK, Racing

Ferrari California with two-tone paintjob for Goodwood 2010 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Ferrari always shows up big for the Goodwood Festival of Speed, and this year will be no exception as a roster of factory and private entries fill out the Prancing Horse stables on the run up the Earl of March's front yard.

Both the 458 Italia and the 599 GTO will be making their British debuts at the event, but arguably more intriguing is the specially-prepared California that will be joining them. The two-tone roadster is decked out in a Argento Nurburgring hue, offset by a black roof and pillars similar to the treatment which Ferrari gave to various versions of the 599, including the XX, GTO, HY-KERS and China editions. Other optional extras like 20-inch matte-black rims and special interior stitching set this example apart from the standard model, but the question is - with some saying the body-toned roof helps the California's unwieldy shape - does the blacktop treatment do it any favors?

Along with the 458, 599 GTO and California, the Scuderia will also be fielding last year's F1 car piloted by factory test driver Marc Gené, while a range of vintage road and race Ferraris will also be on hand, all of which you can read about in the press release after the jump.

Gallery: Ferrari line-up for 2010 Goodwood Festival of Speed

[Source: Ferrari]

Continue reading Special two-tone California to lead Ferrari fleet at Goodwood

Special two-tone California to lead Ferrari fleet at Goodwood originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Jul 2010 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Ferrari 599 GTO reviewed in all its glory by EVO's Chris Harris

Zach Bowman — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 12:32:00 EST

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

EVO reviews the Ferrari 599 GTO - Click above to watch video after the jump

Ah yes, the Ferrari 599 GTO - the sinister odd duck in the Ferrari stable. It goes without saying that any one of us would give any number of appendages for a shot at the flappy paddles in this particular Prancing Horse. You probably already know that the car gets its grunt from a 6.0-liter V12 distilled from the same mill that powers the mighty Enzo, though in the right hands, the 599 GTO is actually quicker than the discontinued Ferrari supercar. You're likely also aware that the chassis is a whopping 430 pounds lighter than the more pedestrian 599 GTB.

That's all fine and good, but we're betting our britches that you don't know what the car sounds like as it gets flung around the Italian countryside. For that, we turn to the ever-talented Chris Harris at EVO. The guy was lucky enough to get some seat time in the barely road-legal 599 GTO and took along a few cameras to share his experience. You can hop the jump for the full show, but if you're looking for your own personal moment of Zen, we suggest you skip ahead to around 2:30. You can thank us later. Thanks for the tip, Michael!

Gallery: Ferrari 599 GTO

[Source: EVO via YouTube]

Continue reading Video: Ferrari 599 GTO reviewed in all its glory by EVO's Chris Harris

Video: Ferrari 599 GTO reviewed in all its glory by EVO's Chris Harris originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 29 Jun 2010 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Autocar drives the Ferrari 599 GTO, calls it "best value"

Sam Abuelsamid — Sat, 08 May 2010 12:10:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Videos, Ferrari

The Ferrari 599 GTO tears up the tarmac - Follow the jump to watch the video

You have to love the human being's ability to rationalize almost anything. After all, how else can you explain calling a near half-million-dollar sports car a "best value?" Yet that's exactly what Autocar has done in evaluating the new Ferrari 599 GTO. By comparing it's £300,000 price tag against the £1.3 million 599XX while noting that the GTO is at least 4/5ths of the more expensive car, it certainly comes across as something of a bargain, absurd as it sounds. Of course, since almost no one reading this likely to ever afford either car, the point's moot anyway.

One thing that jumps out at us in Autocar magazine'sFerrari GTO video review is what we'll be missing if electric cars ever take over the world: the glorious sound. Sure, torque-heavy electric motors can generate a car that may be just as fast, but no electric car will ever sound as good as this thing. It's the kind of noise that can make a man find religion. Check out the video after the jump, and drop a comment letting us know whether you agree. A tip of the hat to Giulio!

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Video: Autocar drives the Ferrari 599 GTO, calls it "best value"

Video: Autocar drives the Ferrari 599 GTO, calls it "best value" originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 08 May 2010 12:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Dario Benuzzi laps Mugello in the new Ferrari 599 GTO

Noah Joseph — Thu, 06 May 2010 12:32:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Videos, Ferrari

Ferrari 599 GTO at Mugello - Click above to watch the video after the jump

When you're dealing with a car that packs 661 horsepower, the culmination of arguably the most exhaustive performance development program in the world, and the bragging rights as the fastest, most powerful roadcar ever built in Maranello, it doesn't take much to dramatize the results. Just the right driver and the right setting. The utopian pairing of Dario Benuzzi and Mugello ought to do the trick.

We're talking, of course, about the new Ferrari 599 GTO, the factory's veteran roadcar test driver (think Valentino Balboni wearing red) and the company's racing circuit north of Florence. The car was revealed online less than a month ago and live in Beijing a couple of weeks since. The driver we had the chance to meet during the California launch a couple of years back. And the track will be immediately recognized to anyone who's ever turned a lap on Forza. Follow the jump to see them come together.

[Source: Ferrari]

Continue reading Video: Dario Benuzzi laps Mugello in the new Ferrari 599 GTO

Video: Dario Benuzzi laps Mugello in the new Ferrari 599 GTO originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 06 May 2010 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Ferrari 599 GTO already sold out before presentation at Italian military academy

Noah Joseph — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 20:01:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Europe, Videos, Ferrari, Military

Ferrari 599 GTO presented at Modena's Ducal Palace Military Academy - Click above for high-res image gallery

Ferrari brought out the big guns last night for the official presentation of the new 599 GTO. A big gun in its own right, it was presented by the company's chairman Luca di Montezemolo, chief executive Amedeo Felisa and vice-chairman Pierro Ferrari, son of the legendary Enzo. Which is a good thing considering the venue: Modena's Ducal Palace military academy... the same location, incidentally, that sister company Maserati chose to unveil the Quattroporte Automatic over three years ago.

The grand gala, which also involved the participation of Ferrari factory test drivers and military cadets in front of a crowd of 500 clients, almost seems like overkill. Never mind that the fastest road car ever built by Ferrari speaks for itself, and that the supercar is set for an additional unveiling at Beijing Motor Show later this month. But the 599 GTO, according to reports, is already sold out. All 599 examples of it. Which means that, even if you've got the £300,000 asking price, the closest you're likely to get is via the video after the jump. Check it out. (It's actually dubbed over in English this time!)

Gallery: Ferrari 599 GTO presented at Modena's Ducal Palace Military Academy

Gallery: Ferrari 599 GTO

[Source: Ferrari]

Continue reading Video: Ferrari 599 GTO already sold out before presentation at Italian military academy

Video: Ferrari 599 GTO already sold out before presentation at Italian military academy originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Apr 2010 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Podcast #174 - AOL Autos' Reilly Brennan stops by

Dan Roth — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 16:21:00 EST

Filed under: Podcasts, Audi, Chevrolet, Ford, Jeep, Mercedes-Benz, Mini, Nissan, Ferrari

Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!

Chris Shunk, Sam Abuelsamid, Chris Paukert and Dan Roth are joined by Reilly Brennan of AOL Autos. After discussing what's in the Autoblog Garage, attention turns to the Ferrari 599 GTO, the ongoing Chevrolet Camaro-Ford Mustang V6 cage match, wacky interior awards from Ward's Auto, Audi beating Mercedes in the most recent sales numbers, and the Daimler-Renault/Nissan tie-up. We hit some questions and then skedaddle just under the hour and twenty mark.

Autoblog Podcast #174: with Reilly Brennan from AOL Autos

In the Autoblog Garage:

Audi A4 Avant
Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited
Mini John Cooper Works Cabrio
Ford Escape Hybrid
Mercedes CL550 4Matic

News:

Ferrari 599 GTO
Mustang/Camaro V6 smackdown
Ward's Auto interior awards
Audi outsells Mercedes
Daimler and Renault/Nissan deal

Hosts:
Chris Shunk, Chris Paukert, Dan Roth, Sam Abuelsamid

Guest:
Reilly Brennan of AOL Autos

Runtime: 1:18:02

Get the podcast:
[iTunes] Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes
[RSS] Add the Joystiq Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator
[MP3] Download the MP3 directly

Feedback:
Email: Podcast at Autoblog dot com
Voicemail: 734-288-8POD (734-288-8763)

Review the show in iTunes and take our survey

Autoblog Podcast #174 - AOL Autos' Reilly Brennan stops by originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Apr 2010 16:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bone up on your Italian: Ferrari releases 599 GTO videos

Sam Abuelsamid — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 15:02:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Videos

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

A couple of new videos have landed on the tubes dedicated to presenting all the yummy details on the new Ferrari 599 GTO. The only problem - for us, at least - is that both videos are in Italian. That doesn't mean gearheads can't still enjoy the imagery, including in-car video of test driver Raffaele de Simone tapping the carbon fiber flappy paddles. Actually, carbon fiber seems to be the operative material everywhere in GTO's interior.

While we don't speak Italian, we can certainly pick up words like "Formula Uno," "composite" and "aggresiva." Regardless of your mother tongue, it's worth spending a few minutes watching Ferrari's latest creation after the jump before the GTO debuts at the Beijing Motor Show in two week's time.

Gallery: Ferrari 599 GTO

Continue reading Bone up on your Italian: Ferrari releases 599 GTO videos

Bone up on your Italian: Ferrari releases 599 GTO videos originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 09 Apr 2010 15:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Gallery: Ferrari 599 GTO

[Source: Ferrari]

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

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

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Spy Shots: Ferrari 599 GTO spotted again, still looks awesome

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 13:58:00 EST

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

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

The Ferrari 599 GTO was caught standing still in the steel, and to quote the Big Tymers it's a #1 Stunna. The 700-horsepower, top-of-the-heap beast with the 60-millisecond shifts and monster options list will be gracing out waiting eyes in the very, very near future. And in red, we're feeling even better about spending 430 large on it when we finally do see it.

Gallery: Spy Shots: Ferrari 599 GTO

[Source: TeamSpeed]

Spy Shots: Ferrari 599 GTO spotted again, still looks awesome originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 26 Mar 2010 13:58:00 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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Video: First official shot of Ferrari 599 GTO

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 14:58:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Videos, Ferrari

Click above to view the video after the jump

The crew at Fast Lane Daily have apparently scored the first official shot of the Ferrari 599 GTO ahead of its launch later this year, and while we're still suitably skeptical about the pic, we've been assured by the show's producers that this is the real deal.

So what's Ferrari have in store? If previous reports are to be believed, the GTO will be a road-focused version of the 599XX, packing a 700+ horsepower Enzo-derived 6.0-liter V12 capable of revving to 9,000 rpm. Shifts will be delivered in a mind-boggling 60 milliseconds, resulting in a 0-60 time of 3.2 seconds as it climbs to a claimed 217 mph top speed. Only 500 units will be produced - and likely made available to select Ferrari owners - each carrying a price tag somewhere north of $400,000. Make the jump for Derek D's insufferable commentary and photoshopped shenanigans, and expect the 599 GTO to be revealed in full in the coming months.

Gallery: New York 2009: Ferrari 599XX

[Source: FastLaneDaily]

Continue reading Video: First official shot of Ferrari 599 GTO

Video: First official shot of Ferrari 599 GTO originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Mar 2010 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Ferrari 599 GTO, is that you again?

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 15:15:00 EST

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

The Ferrari 599 Gran Turismo Omologato - or something that everyone has given that moniker to - has been snapped in varicolored glory outside the Ferrari factory in Maranello. Taking turns in red-and-black, blue and black the car is disguised in the same way as the previous surreptitiously-caught 599 that everyone wants to be a GTO.

A keen spotter on Teamspeed even pointed out the fact that the tape over the rear bumper appears to be hiding vents as on the original GTO. Otherwise, save for the black roof and diffuser, things don't look like they'll change much if this is anything close to the final version. Of course, a 700-horsepower engine could be all the change anyone needs...

[Source: Teamspeed via Daily Derbi]

Spy Shots: Ferrari 599 GTO, is that you again? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 21 Feb 2010 15:15:00 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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Rumormill: Ferrari 599 GTO? EVO says 700-hp bruiser is on the way

Jonny Lieberman — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 19:27:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Europe, Ferrari, Rumormill

Ferrari 599XX - click above for hi-res image gallery

Few words have greater impact when mashed together than "Ferrari" and "GTO." While there are rivals at times, the most expensive car in the word for the last three decades has been the original, Daytona Coupe battling, Le Mans winning Ferrari 250 GTO. Designed by Giotto Bizzarrini and raced into history by Phil Hill, few cars wear the moniker "legendary" quite as well. After all, only 39 were ever made.

But, like Leah, there is another. The mighty Ferrari 288 GTO. Developed -- like Porsche's 959 and 961 -- for Group B action, few if any cars set our hearts so totally on fire. Know nothings might scoff at the 2.85-liter displacement, but those of us in the know will point to the two turbochargers, two intercoolers and 400 stampeding horses. We might even tell them that if they turned the boost pressure up from 11.6 psi to something a bit higher, 600 hp is well within reach. However, the 288 GTO isn't, as just 272 examples (though some say 273) were made. Compare that to the 1,315 Ferrari F40s that were built. A car we should point out, that's basically a 288 GTO with a body kit.

Now there might be three. EVO is reporting that Ferrari is about to let loose a new GTO upon the world in the form of a 700 horsepower monster called the 599 GTO. Obviously, it's an evolution of the street 599, and in fact EVO's claiming it's the racetrack only 599XX for the street. During a recent interview, Ferrari CEO Amedeo Felisa told the Brit mag that when the 458 Italia debuted, the 599 was internally reassigned to the "Sports Car" division, instead of where it used to reside, as a "GT."

More interestingly, should it come to fruition, the 599 GTO will have specs to make Enzo owners smack their own foreheads. 700 hp will come from the raising the 6.0-liter V12's redline to a stunning 9,000 rpm. A faster transmission should shave gear change times down from 100 milliseconds to an essentially F1 quick 60 milliseconds. And it will be light. Everything should add up to a 3.2 second dash to 60 mph and an Enzo-matching top speed of 217 mph. Though if the 599 GTO went a little bit faster than that, we wouldn't be all that surprised. Tip of the Ferrari branded $50 Kimi Räikkönen baseball cap (no, really) to Kevin!

Gallery: Geneva 2009: Ferrari 599xx

[Source: EVO]

Rumormill: Ferrari 599 GTO? EVO says 700-hp bruiser is on the way originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Jan 2010 19:27:00 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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