Alberto
reports that the Ferrari stand was just as packed as Lamborghini’s – looks like 2006 will be a good year for Italian
sports cars! To our eyes, the Fiorano looks much better in these pictures than in the pre-launch photos Ferrari
released, particularly from the rear.
Arguably more performance-oriented than fellow Italian supercar
builder Lamborghini, Ferrari offers a Racing/Track option package that includes carbon/ceramic brakes, 20-inch wheels,
four-point harnesses and a cockpit rollbar. You can even get the Fiorano with an F1-style carbon-fiber steering wheel
with built-in LED shift lights.
(8 more pictures and the official press release after the jump!)
Official Press Release:
Ferrari at the 76th Geneva Motor
Show
Geneva, 28th February 2006 – The Geneva Motor Show provides the venue for Ferrari’s unveiling
of the new Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano, the most powerful 12-cylinder berlinetta ever developed at Maranello. This new model
combines the most innovative and technologically advanced features ever applied by Ferrari to a front-mid engined
two-seater, and sets a new benchmark of excellence in terms of handling, driving pleasure and design.
The
Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano boasts absolutely stunning performance: its 6-litre V12, which was developed from the engine
that powered the Enzo supercar, punches out 620 hp at 7,600 rpm and combines with an all-aluminium chassis and bodywork
for a weight-power ratio of less than 2.6 kg/hp.
The Pininfarina-designed Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano replaces
the last in that great line of berlinettas, the 575M Maranello, of which – together with the 550 Maranello introduced
in 1996 – no fewer than 5,700 have been produced, a record for this flagship model for the Prancing Horse. The Ferrari
599 GTB Fiorano also owes a debt to Alcoa for its all-aluminium space frame, and to Delphi for its innovative
suspension system.
2005 was a highly successful year for Ferrari. While maintaining the brand’s exclusivity,
Maranello worked hard to reduce the delivery time for new owners and to meet the demands of the new, fast-growing
markets. The result was that approximately 5,400 cars were delivered last year. This impressive figure reflects the
excellent performance of both the berlinetta and spider versions of the F430 and the 612 Scaglietti (834 of which were
delivered) as well as a contribution from the limited edition Superamerica of which 559 were built in total.
Further confirmation of the unique appeal of Ferrari’s cars came from the fact that almost every car ordered in 2005
included some personalisation features, selected either directly from the “Carrozzeria Scaglietti”
Personalisation Programme or as one-off requests. Since 1997, in fact, Ferrari has been offering its clients the
opportunity of using the Programme to enhance their cars and turn them into truly unique creations. New options are
added to the Carrozzeria Scaglietti Personalisation Programme each year and its content is extended to encompass each
new model launched.
The programme was named in honour of Sergio Scaglietti as it is inspired by the same
spirit that drove the great coachbuilder when he first began working with Ferrari, often producing glorious one-off
bodies for clients who wanted a truly unique car that went beyond even the Prancing Horse’s signature innovation and
excellence.
The Ferrari Maserati Group was split up in April and 2005, concerning only Ferrari’s activities
posted revenues of ¿ 1,289 million and had a trading profit of ¿ 157 million, an increase of 13.8% on the
previous year’s figure. This significant improvement was linked principally to the increase in sales volumes and
efficiency gains which were partially offset by negative impact of euro-dollar exchange rates.
The 9.7% increase
in turnover was contributed to in great part by North America (with approximately 8% more cars sold in 2005 than 2004),
Italy, the United Kingdom, France and Switzerland. However, the new and emerging markets (the Middle-East, Eastern
Europe and South America) also contributed quite substantially with sales growing significantly there. Thanks to our
brand-new dealership network in China, in fact, a total of 82 cars were delivered there, a leap of around 100% on
2004.
As a result, 2006 looks set to be another good year for Ferrari, boosted by the introduction of the
new Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano which completes a unique, technologically cutting-edge product range, in which each model
sets a benchmark in terms of performance, driving pleasure and design. The new 12-cylinder two-seater completes the
overhaul of the entire range which started in 2004 with the 612 Scaglietti.
The Ferrari 599 GTB
Fiorano
Fiorano after the circuit Ferrari uses to hone the performance of its track and road cars;
GTB as in Gran Turismo Berlinetta after the most famous Ferrari berlinettas ever built; and 599 to reflect the
displacement of its V12 engine divided by 10. The stunning new all-aluminium two-seater that Ferrari is unveiling at
the Geneva Motor Show is summed up rather succinctly by its own name and delivers everything that this promises. The
Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano, in fact, sets a new benchmark of excellence in the sports car world.
This new model
was designed with several specific objectives in mind: to surpass the intense driving pleasure of such renowned models
as the F40, to guarantee stunning performance courtesy of its highly innovative content and technology transfers from
the F1 single-seaters, and to deliver superior standards of roominess, comfort, ergonomics and safety. The result is
the absolute pinnacle of achievement in terms of thoroughbred Ferrari sportiness and technology.
The new
Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in an astonishing 3.7 seconds and boasts a top speed in excess of
330 km/h. However, it is still the new model’s uniquely innovative content that guarantees superior driving pleasure,
handling and sportiness.
THE MUSIC OF THE V12 CREATED FOR THE ENZO
The technical specification of the
engine speaks for itself: 5999 cm3 displacement, a specific power output of 103 hp/litre (a first for a naturally
aspirated production engine of this displacement).
Twin overhead camshafts per cylinder bank boast
continuously variable timing on both inlet and exhaust cams to optimise torque delivery and drivability at both low and
high revs. A twin-plate, low inertia clutch in unit with the engine also helps lower the centre of gravity. Chain driven
distribution reduces noise and is maintenance-free. The Fiorano’s engine delivers a maximum torque of 608 Nm at 5,600
rpm and means that the car pulls well at all engine speeds. The new model’s breathtaking sportiness is due in part to
record maximum revs for an engine of this displacement (apart from the Enzo). Its maximum power output is 620 hp at
7,600 rpm with a maximum engine speed of 8,400 rpm. Particular attention was also paid to fuel consumption which is the
same as in the previous model, under similar use, despite a significant leap in performance. Development work for the
Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano also focused specifically on the distinctive sound the engine makes, reducing mechanical
resonance in favour of a pure V12 soundtrack from both the intake manifold and the exhaust system. This not only
enhances driving pleasure but makes for a quieter ride inside the cabin itself.
F1-SUPERFAST GEARBOX
The new generation F1 gearbox that debuts on the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano is a further development of the F1 gearbox
used on all of the models in the Ferrari range.
The F1-SuperFast system enhances the car’s high-performance
capabilities by using the elastic energy within the transmission components, together with the integrated electronic
engine and gearbox management programmes, to speed up gear change times. The various stages involved in changing the
gears are implemented in parallel (non-sequentially) and this results in exceptionally fast gear shifting. In fact, it
cuts overall gear-shift times to just 100 ms. The system is integrated with the manettino and the driver is still free
to choose between either the Automatic mode or the Launch Control setting which offers smoother starts from
standstill.
F1-TRAC
The experience built up over thousands of kilometres of Formula 1 testing and
racing by Ferrari’s drivers is now being made available to ensure clients have access to cutting-edge road-holding,
safety and stability. The system continually monitors the speed of both front and rear wheels and features predictive
software that estimates the maximum available grip in advance, compares this information with the vehicle dynamics
model stored in the control system, and adjusts its reactions to suit, optimising traction by modulating power
delivery.
The result is easier, smoother high-performance driving, thanks to maximum grip out of bends (a
20% increase in acceleration compared to a traditional traction and stability control system) and predictable handling
even in extreme situations. The F1-Trac is integrated with the manettino which adapts the car’s behaviour to the
driving conditions: the Sport setting provides the best balance between stability and performance on the road while
Race ensures clients maximum performance combined with consistently brilliant handling. The F1-Trac system is another
world first for Ferrari.
SCM (MAGNETORHEOLOGICAL SUSPENSION CONTROL) SUSPENSION
Unlike traditional
oleodynamic systems, magnetorheological (MR) fluid suspension systems react instantly to road conditions and driver
inputs, thanks to the fact that the dampers use a fluid the viscosity of which is modified by applying an
electronically controlled magnetic field.
What this means in practice is greatly improved body control which
in turn directly improves handling and road-holding thanks to optimal tyre grip in all road conditions. The result is a
much safer and more enjoyable driving experience courtesy of reduced roll and greater control when accelerating,
braking and cornering. This is the very first time the SCM (Magnetorheological Suspension Control) suspension has been
used on a high performance sports car.
EVOLUTION OF THE MANETTINO
The steering wheel-mounted manettino
vehicle dynamics control switch, originally developed for the 1996 Formula 1 season, has been taken a step further for
the new Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano.
The manettino integrates the stability and F1-Trac traction control
systems, the F1-SuperFast gearbox and the SCM (Magnetorheological Suspension Control) fluid suspension. This means that
the driver can select the correct setting for the grip conditions at any given time. The manettino’s readouts are
displayed on the new on-board Multi Display unit so that the information important to each specific setting is
instantly available to the driver (e.g. lap times, tyre temperature and pressure or trip computer readouts.)
AERODYNAMIC EFFICIENCY
Lengthy testing in the wind tunnel at Ferrari plus various simulations have yielded
exceptional results in terms of both downforce and drag. The optimisation of the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano’s underbody,
the rear diffuser and flying buttresses have resulted in an aerodynamic load of just 160 kg at 300 km/h. Similarly, the
Cd – drag coefficient – is just 0.336.
STYLING, ACCESSORIES AND PERSONALISATION OPTIONS
The Ferrari 599
GTB Fiorano is a strikingly sculptural car. The design is so supple, in fact, that each new angle brings something new
to light. Its forms say it all about its extreme sportiness yet still retain a unique sophistication.
A
balance has been struck in the interior between the car’s sporty vocation and the feeling of intimacy and safety that
only skilled hand-crafting and detailed personalisation can achieve. The passenger areas of the car are trimmed in
sumptuous leather while the driver area and controls boast more high-tech detailing in carbon-fibre and aluminium.
In addition to the steering wheel and manettino, the central rev counter with a choice of red or yellow
background and solid aluminium passenger controls, the new Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano also boasts attractive new styling
cues including a central grip to provide extra support for the passenger and new adaptive racing seats featuring
carbon-fibre side rests. Other standard accessories include front bi-xenon headlamps and rear LED lights, dusk and rain
sensors, dual-zone climate control, electrically adjustable steering-wheel column, hideaway radio/CD player and key with
integrated volumetric anti-theft device with motion sensors.
The Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano also benefits from
an already vast choice of personalisation options available for every Ferrari model. Four areas are covered by this
programme: Racing and Track, Exteriors and Colours, Interior and Materials, Equipment and Travel.
The Racing
and Track options include CCM (Carbon Ceramic Material) brakes, 20″ Challenge one-piece rims with run-flat tyres,
four-point harnesses and a cockpit roll-bar. The Scuderia wheel arch shields and coloured brake calipers complete the
look for sportier clients.
Interior and Materials options include a new Enzo Ferrari-inspired carbon-fibre
steering wheel with LED rev display which can be specified along with a special carbon-fibre trim kit for the door
panels, instrument panel, gear stick surround and sill kick panels. Various types of leather trim are also available
for the seats and interior too. Travel and Equipment accessories include front and rear parking sensors, iPod-friendly
set-up, satellite anti-theft system and a luggage set specially tailored to fit this model.
In addition to
the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano and the F2005 single-seater, an F430 Spider, an F430 and a 612 Scaglietti, all of which
offer the Prancing Horse’s signature performance, elegance and driving pleasure, will be on show at the Ferrari stand
in Geneva.