This lighter overall weight is thanks to the latest evolution of Ferrari's well-proven all-aluminum construction technology, the
result of which should help restore respect back to the marque's GT lineup amongst puritan sports car fans.
It is unknown if Ferrari will offer a conventional manual gearbox, being that none was mentioned at introduction, but the revised F1-style paddle-shift transmission, now getting the new F1-SuperFast designation, should keep most Ferraristi happy. The new gearbox uses the elastic energy within the transmission components, together with the integrated electronic engine and transmission management programs, to speed up gear interval times. The various stages involved in changing the gears are implemented in parallel (non-sequentially), resulting in shifts of just 100 milliseconds.
The Italian supercar brand will also offer a choice of 19-inch aluminum wheels up front and 20-inch rims in the back, or the option of 20-inch alloys all-round. The wheels shown are penta-star-shaped, light and airy for a clear line of sight through to large vented disc brakes.
The 599 GTB was first shown to the public on February 28, at the GenevaMotor Show in Switzerland, at which time was compared to all rivals as well as its glorious predecessors, namely
the 250 GT, 275 GTB, and the aforementioned 365 GTB4. Its classic proportions should help it fare better than some other 12-cylinder Ferraris as far as future collectibility and appreciation potential goes, such as the late-'80s through early-'90s Testarossas and 512s, which haven't held up as well due to their sensational bodywork.
Yes, its attractive styling should help the new model to sell well, but will the 599 GTB sell as well as the 575M and 550 Maranello duo; the former, incidentally,
a facelift of the latter? Reaching more than 5,700 units, a record for V12-powered Ferrari berlinettas, would be difficult for the 599, and require both a robust economic climate for the duration of its tenure and the necessity of a long model run to do so.
Of course, to potential 599 GTB buyers the fewer on the road the better, as exclusivity is a critical drawing card to the legendary brand's mystique. Its price of entry will make sure of this, however, expected to be higher than the already otherworldly $356,365 sticker commanded by the 575M.
To those 599 GTB buyers, mind you, the price of entry will be well worth it. To the rest of us, the chance to see one on the road, let alone the opportunity to get behind the wheel, is reason enough to get excited. I, for one, have my fingers crossed that a 599 GTB will accompany its siblings to the annual prancing horse pilgrimage at Quebec's Mont-Tremblant racetrack, where I can put it through its paces. I'll make a full report if and when such an opportunity arrives.
Preliminary Specifications:
 |
| The 599 will offer a choice of 19-inch aluminum wheels up front and 20-inch rims in the back, or the option of 20-inch alloys all-round. (Photo: Ferrari of North America) |
It is unknown if Ferrari will offer a conventional manual gearbox, being that none was mentioned at introduction, but the revised F1-style paddle-shift transmission, now getting the new F1-SuperFast designation, should keep most Ferraristi happy. The new gearbox uses the elastic energy within the transmission components, together with the integrated electronic engine and transmission management programs, to speed up gear interval times. The various stages involved in changing the gears are implemented in parallel (non-sequentially), resulting in shifts of just 100 milliseconds.
The Italian supercar brand will also offer a choice of 19-inch aluminum wheels up front and 20-inch rims in the back, or the option of 20-inch alloys all-round. The wheels shown are penta-star-shaped, light and airy for a clear line of sight through to large vented disc brakes.
The 599 GTB was first shown to the public on February 28, at the GenevaMotor Show in Switzerland, at which time was compared to all rivals as well as its glorious predecessors, namely
 |
| The 599 GTB will be compared to all rivals as well as its glorious predecessors, namely the 250 GT, 275 GTB, and the 365 GTB4 Daytona (shown). (Photo: Ferrari of North America) |
Yes, its attractive styling should help the new model to sell well, but will the 599 GTB sell as well as the 575M and 550 Maranello duo; the former, incidentally,
 |
| To potential 599 GTB buyers, the fewer on the road the better. (Photo: Ferrari of North America) |
Of course, to potential 599 GTB buyers the fewer on the road the better, as exclusivity is a critical drawing card to the legendary brand's mystique. Its price of entry will make sure of this, however, expected to be higher than the already otherworldly $356,365 sticker commanded by the 575M.
To those 599 GTB buyers, mind you, the price of entry will be well worth it. To the rest of us, the chance to see one on the road, let alone the opportunity to get behind the wheel, is reason enough to get excited. I, for one, have my fingers crossed that a 599 GTB will accompany its siblings to the annual prancing horse pilgrimage at Quebec's Mont-Tremblant racetrack, where I can put it through its paces. I'll make a full report if and when such an opportunity arrives.
Preliminary Specifications:
- Price (estimated MSRP): $360,000 - $380,000
- Body Type: 2-door coupe
- Layout: front engine, RWD
- Engine: 620-hp, 448 lb-ft torque, 6.0L, 48-valve, DOHC V12
- Transmission: 7-spd parallel-manual paddle-shift w/ 100ms shift speed
- Acceleration (estimated 0 - 100 km/h): under 4.0 seconds
- Top Speed (estimated): in excess of 325 km/h (202 mph)
- Cd (drag coefficient) 0.336
- Brakes (front/rear): disc/disc, ABS
- Curb Weight (estimated): 1,603 kg (3,534 lb)
- Cargo Volume: N/A
- Fuel Economy (city/hwy): N/A
- Warranty (mo/km): 24/Unlimited comprehensive
- Direct Competitors: Aston Martin Vanquish, Dodge Viper Coupe, Lamborghini Murcielago, Mercedes-Benz SL500 AMG, Porsche 911 Turbo
- Web Site: www.ferrari.it or www.ferrarina.com
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