The new 599 GTO - The fastest ever road-going Ferrari will be unveiled to the public at the Beijing Motor Show

The new 599 GTO, an extreme V12 berlinetta developed to a specific performance-oriented brief. The 599 GTO is, in fact, the company's fastest ever road car. It is an exclusive limited edition special which, in true Ferrari tradition, is a completely new concept, albeit inspired by a production car. In fact the 599 GTO is based on the 599XX, the advanced experimental track car, and can be considered almost a road-going version.

The 599 GTO is reserved for just 599 clients who seek the maximum expression of high-performance driving. The 599 GTO benefits directly from the technological transfer from racing and set a record lap time at Fiorano in 1'24'.

The Fiorano lap time provides just one indication of the potential of this car. Just as significant are the technical specifications – 670 hp in a 1495kg car represents a weight-to-power ratio of just 2.23 kg/hp, and ensures a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of just 3.35' as well as a top speed of over 335 km/h.

Fundamental to the GTO's performance is the innovative approach to chassis development which, for the first time on a production car, saw the integration between a handling set-up tuned for a level of responsiveness that is close to the limit and highly sophisticated electronic controls. The result is the almost complete absence of understeer and a truly communicative chassis.

As is Ferrari's policy, every new Ferrari features new solutions for a road car. Thus the 599 GTO is equipped with the latest, second-generation carbon-ceramic brakes which are lighter and offer better performance, new aerodynamic innovations, such as the wheel doughnuts which increase aerodynamic efficiency as well as improve brake cooling, and the Supersport tyres developed by Michelin include a wider front tyre for greater roadholding. The driver-car interface is also new with the adoption of the Virtual Race Engineer (VRE) which provides the driver with instantaneous information on performance.

The 599 GTO's more aggressive character is also apparent in a number of styling elements that recall the 599XX and from the powerful sound of the V12.

The GTO (Gran Turismo Omologata) moniker instantly calls to mind two Ferraris that have entered the collective imagination as symbols of performance. After the 1962 250 GTO, which swept the boards in GT racing categories in the 1960s and is now a highly prized collector's car, came the iconic 1984 GTO, which basically invented the entire modern supercar genre.

The web special includes photos, videos and interviews on the new car, while an exclusive preview for a small number of Ferrari clients will be held on April 14th at the Military Academy in Modena. The public debut of the 599 GTO will instead be at the Beijing International Motor Show at the end of April.

599 GTO TECHNICAL CONTENTS

ENGINE AND GEARBOX

The 599 GTO's engine is directly derived from the 599XX unit implementing, however, the necessary modifications for road-going homologation. It thus complies with Euro 5 and LEV 2 standards. The 5999 cc 65-degree V12 engine punches out 670 CV at 8250 rpm with maximum torque of 620 Nm at 6500 rpm and there is a smooth, constant rush of power all the way to the redline with no loss of flexibility even at medium and low revs. This result was obtained by working on the fluid-dynamics and components to reduce internal friction and by adopting, amongst other things, the 599XX's redesigned crankshaft. The car also has a racing-type intake system with a new manifold with diffuser-type intake geometry and short inlet tracts designed to improve power delivery at high revs and reduce losses. To maximise volumetric efficiency per cylinder, a connection between the two plenums at the front compensates for variations in the volume. This is how the engineers managed to achieve maximum performance at high engine speeds. The engine sound inside the car is carefully controlled to balance the intake sound with the exhaust, which features a 599XX-derived 6-into-1 manifold.

The 599 GTO features the same, lower 60 ms shift times and the possibility to make multiple downshifts as on the 599XX.

VEHICLE DYNAMICS

One of the most significant innovations on the 599 GTO is the close correlation between the chassis set-up, which is close to the handling limit, and the input from the electronic controls which are developed to increase overall levels of performance.

Since the very earliest states of the two cars' development, Maranello's engineers worked to ensure that these two areas of the car would be seamlessly integrated thus pushing responsiveness to the limit. The result is, of course, superlative driving involvement as well as faster lap times. Apart from new springs and a stiffer rear anti-roll bar, the car also features a second generation magnetorheological suspension control system (SCM2). The suspension works in tandem with the VDC (Vehicle Dynamic Control) and latest-generation F1-Trac traction control. This makes the car extremely responsive to driver inputs - thanks in part to the adoption of a very direct steering ratio – but also very stable under braking, sharper on turn-in, more precise in cornering and quicker out of corners.

WEIGHT REDUCTION

The 599 GTO inherits much of the development work - using the same principles as employed in F1 - that went into making the 599XX such an extreme performance car. Reducing weight was a vital objective and the result was the widespread use of composites and components manufactured with technologies more akin to racing specifications. The areas involved include the bodywork and greenhouse (with thinner gauge aluminium and thinner glass), the brakes, transmission and exhaust system. The result is a dry weight of 1495 kg and a weight-to-power ratio of just 2.23 kg/hp, a very significant figure that underlines the GTO's performance potential.

AERODYNAMICS

The 599 GTO's aerodynamics have benefited significantly from Ferrari engineers' experience in F1 and with the 599XX which allowed downforce to be greatly increased without impacting on drag. Thanks to solutions transferred from the track car to the road-going version, the GTO generates downforce of 144 kg at 200 km/h. The entire car was honed, including the front, the sides, the flat underbody and cooling flows. In the latter instance, the GTO can count on improved ducting to the brake discs and pads, and the adoption of wheel doughnuts – a disc positioned outside the brake disc that ensure that hot air exiting the wheelarch stays as close to the body of the car as possible to reduce drag.

Work on the nose of the car was aimed at reducing the width of the wake generated by the front and thus reduce drag. The front spoiler incorporates a separate lower wing that increases downforce at the front of the car and increases the flow of cooling air to the oil radiator. On the flanks there's a new sill design with a more pronounced leading edge that improves the efficiency of the central section of the underbody. The underbody itself incorporates a new, lower front section with diffusers ahead of the front wheels to optimise downforce, and a new double-curve rear diffuser.

WHEEL RIMS AND TYRES

Here the difference in size between the front and rear tyres has been changed. The GTO's front tyres are now 285/30 on a 9.5'' channel with 315/35 on an 11.5'' channel at the rear. The 599 GTO has 20'' rims. Roll rigidity is greater at the rear to minimise understeer. These solutions guarantee improved lateral grip and quicker turn in.

BRAKES

The new CCM2 braking system is lighter and even more consistent in high performance situations. Its consistent coefficient of attrition meant that the ABS could be calibrated to a particularly high performance level, further reducing lap times, thanks to improved deceleration and shorter stopping distances. In fact, the 599 GTO boasts an excellent 100 to 0 km/h braking distance of just 32.5 metres. As well as their role in improving aerodynamics, the Formula 1-derived wheel doughnuts also improve braking efficiency by optimising brake cooling.

CAR-DRIVER INTERFACE

The car-driver interface was designed to maximise car and driver performance with a layout of the main commands that ensures absolute efficiency and minimum distraction. The Racing manettino also puts the emphasis firmly on sporty, track-specific driving settings by offering the driver full choice with regard to the electronic control parameters. The ICE position on the 599 GTB Fiorano has been replaced by CT-Off (traction control off). The GTO is also fitted with bespoke, longer carbon-fibre F1 paddles for easier use in high-speed driving. In addition the GTO also features the Virtual Race Engineer, a system that monitors the status of the car and gives the driver immediate visibility of vehicle performance.

by Ferrari

Coupe
Chassis number: ZFF70RCA0B0175165

The Ferrari 599XX was introduced in 2009 at the Geneva Motor Show as a track-only model based on the front-engine 599 GTB Fiorano. It was centered on an upgraded version of the Fiorano's 6.0-liter V12 engine, which was modified to offer 720 horsepower. Just 29 of these track-limited cars were built. In hopes of offering a version of this car to a wider audience, Ferrari announced plans for the 599 GTO in April of 2010.

The third model to be given the GTO nomenclature, the 599 GTO was essentially a road-going version of the 599XX. It was fitted with nearly the same powerplant as the track car. Modifications included a short-tract aluminum intake manifold, low-friction cam lobes, an aerodynamically counterweighted crankshaft, and special micro-coated hydraulic tappets. The six-speed manual automatic took just 60 milliseconds to shift. Performance was impressive, with zero-to-sixty mph accomplished in 3.1 seconds on its way to a top speed of 208 mph. It set a lap record for production sports cars on the Nürburgring, and it instantaneously became Maranello's fastest-ever road car, supplanting the FXX.

The 599 featured a magnetorheological suspension, second-generation Brembo carbon ceramic brakes, wheel donuts that increased aerodynamic efficiency and specially developed Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires.

The interior featured a five-setting Manettino dial on the steering wheel for varying ranges of computer-administered traction control.

There were a reported 599 examples built with 125 of those being specified for the United States.

This particular example is a low mileage car that has 520 miles on its odometer. It is finished in a two-tone color scheme, with a Rosso Corsa body and Nero roof and pillars. The interior is trimmed in Nero leather with contrasting red stitching. The car was optioned with carbon fiber doorsills, red-painted brake calipers, a navigation system, a white tachometer face, multi-way electronically adjustable seats, a Bose high-fidelity sound system with iPod interface, and rear parking sensors.

by Dan Vaughan

Coupe
Chassis number: ZFF70RCA9B0176914

The Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano was introduced at the Geneva Motor Show in February of 2006. It received its name from Ferrari's famous test track, and was the latest in a succession of models named after places associated with the Ferrari marque, such as Maranello and Modena. The 599 was given a 48-valve, 6.0-liter V12 reworked version of the engine found in the Enzo supercar. The 599 version had 612 horsepower and 448 lb-ft of torque. Weighing 1,690kg, the 599 had a power-to-weight ratio of 362 bhp per ton. A paddle-shift and conventional six-speed gearbox were available. The suspension featured SCM magnetorheological 'semi-active' dampers.

In April of 2010, Ferrari announced a road-going version of the track-only 599 XX dubbed the 599 GTO. The GTO had 661 horsepower and weighed almost 100kg less than the standard GTB, giving it a zero-to-sixty mph time of less than 3.3 seconds and a top speed in excess of 335 km/h. Production was limited to 599 cars and destined for Ferrari's most favored customers.

This particular 599 GTO has been in the care of just one individuals since new. This custom ordered, hand-built vehicle was built in October of 2010 as a 2011 model year car. It was finished in a stealth black exterior, silver roof, and a red competition-style nose band. The interior was trimmed in black Italian leathers. Currently it has just 7,753 miles on the odometer. Factory accessories include the tool kit and gloves, and the factory books and manuals.

by Dan Vaughan

Coupe
Chassis number: ZEF70RCA4B0179235

The 599 GTO was reserved for just 599 clients who were seeking the maximum expression of high-performance driving. The 599 GTO benefits directly from the technological transfer from racing and set a record lap time at Fiorano in 1'24''.

Coupe
Chassis number: ZFF70RCA6B0176109

The third and most recent GTO was the 599 GTO and like its forebears, is rooted in racetrack development. The 599XX, the prototype experimental car, set a Nürburgring lap record and was a track-only model. The road-legal version, the 599 GTO, was announced in April of 2010 and came equipped with a front-mounted 6.0-liter V12 engine offering 661 horsepower and 457 lb-ft of torque. The engine was paired with an F1 six-speed paddle shift transmission capable of 60 millisecond shift times with all available power flowing to the rear wheels.

Of the 599 examples of the 599 GTO produced worldwide, only 125 came to North America. This particular example is finished in Rossa Corsa with a Nero 'Racing Livery' center stripe over Extra Campionario Crema leather interior and Daytona-style seats. Options include the red brake calipers, rear parking sensors, carbon fiber door sill covers, engine cover, and headlight buckets, white rev counter, leather headliner and rear shelf, Crema steering wheel, and BOSE HIFI system. Currently, just 270 miles are on the odometer.

This Ferrari was ordered new through Ferrari of Beverly Hills.

by Dan Vaughan

Coupe
Chassis number: ZFF70RCA2B0175653

Ferrari introduced the 599 GTB Fiorano, the first of the company's 599 family, in February 2006 at the Geneva Motor Show. Its name was sourced from Ferrari's test track, and it continued the marque's growing tradition of naming its models after places such as Modena and Maranello.

The engine powering the Ferrari 599 was a reworked version of the one found in the Enzo supercar. Displacing 6.0 liters, the 48-valve V12 unit produced 612 horsepower at 7,600 RPM with maximum torque of 448lb/ft at 5,600 revs. With a power-to-weight ratio of 362 bhp per ton, the 599 eclipsed its 757 Maranello predecessor's ratio of 291 bhp/ton. Its paddle-shift gearbox had been developed for its Formula 1 program, and would become a feature of its range-topping sports cars and was in its latest form for the 599. A conventional six-speed gearbox remained available for clients who preferred a more visceral experience. The SCM magnetorheological 'semi-active' damper system changed viscosity almost instantaneously when a magnetic field was applied, thereby altering the suspension characteristics.

Reviving an evocative model designation from Ferrari's past, Ferrari introduced the 599 GTO in April 2010, a road-going version of the track-only 599 XX. Its engine weighed nearly 100kg less than the standard GTB, developed just over 660 bhp, and gave the 599 GTO a 0-100 km/h time of less than 3.3 seconds and a top speed in excess of 335 km/h. Production was exclusive, with just 599 examples built which were reserved for Maranello's most favored customers.

This particular 599 GTO was a custom-ordered example that was delivered new to Overland Park, Kansas. It was hand-built at the Maranello-based Ferrari factory in July of 2010 as a 2011 model-year car, and given a Bianco Avus exterior with a single Blue Mirabeu racing livery center stripe. It received aluminum brake calipers, carbon fiber headlight buckets, and carbon fiber racing seats trimmed in black Italian leathers with alcantara accents.

This Ferrari, now with 1,430 miles on its odometer, has a tool kit and gloves, factory books, manuals, and data sheet.

by Dan Vaughan

Coupe
Chassis number: ZFF70RCA0B0183377

Ferrari used the 'GTO' nameplate (for Gran Turismo Omologato) on the 250 GTO of 1962 and 288 GTO of 1984. Both models were produced to meet the homologation regulations at the time of their respective production. The nameplate was reserved for the company's most performance-oriented models, and in April 2010, it was resurrected for the 599 GTO. Developed directly from the 599XX prototype for use on the road, the new 599 GTO deviated from its spiritual predecessors as not being a true homologation model. It was, however, endowed with cutting-edge F1 engineering and technology, numerous aerodynamic and cooling enhancements to increase downforce, and finely tuned mechanical components meant to reduce understeer and maximize responsiveness.

The 6.0-liter V12 engine delivered 670 horsepower at 8,250 RPM and was paired with a significantly updated six-speed automated manual transaxle that executed shifts in just 60 milliseconds–40 milliseconds less than the 599 GTB. Zero-to-sixty mph took 3.1 seconds, making it the company's fastest road car at the time. Ferrari claimed the car could lap the Fiorano test track a full second faster than the Enzo supercar.

Ferrari allocated 125 examples for the United States, making it a rare sight on American roadways. This example was delivered new to Ferrari of Beverly Hills in California and remained in Southern California, currently showing 263 miles on its odometer. Wrapping still remains in place on the seats and steering wheel.

Its 'Extra-Campionario' (special order) specification added an additional $140,000 to its base price. The Bianco paint is accented by a bespoke racing livery in Rosso and carbon fiber under-door cover. The interior contains Rosso leather hides with contrasting Bianco stitching, including the headliner and rear parcel shelf. There are Bianco gauges, a Handly-branded fire extinguisher, carbon-fiber trim on the door sills and engine cover, and a Bose audio system.

In 2023, it was brought to auction where it had an estimated value of $750K to $900K. As bidding concluded, it had been sold for $1,039,000, which included the buyer's premium.

by Dan Vaughan