Anyone who hasn’t been living under a rock for the past five years knows that the automotive world of exotics has been in a glorified perpetual state of production focused on a game of one-upmanship. It seems that just as quickly as a manufacturer can get a specific model on the assembly line, it’s being nixed to make space for an improved version. These evolutions have happened so rapidly that it’s made for an interesting production era, and even more interesting cars.
When we waved farewell to the Ferrari 575M Maranello back in 2006, we never expected parent company Fiat to unveil such a powerful successor. It almost suggests that when the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano debuted at the Geneva Motor Show, Ferrari was trying to one-up themselves with a distinguishing and previously unseen design.
How well do you think they did? Knowing the prancing stallion brand, they’re never too far off from perfection. But how did the 2008 Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano fair when it came down to luxury and practicality?
The luxury ride
Ferrari -- overseen by an 85% ownership of parent company Fiat Corporation -- boasts a number of feats that reflect highly on its commercial success. Chalking the most championships in history to date, and showing no signs of slowing down has lent so much esteem to the prancing horse that they’ve consistently outsold their parent company. Using advanced technology from their motorsport endeavors to their advantage, and with a family tree that includes the Scuderia F430, Modena 360 and the oh-so iconic Enzo, it becomes quite apparent why Ferraris are some of the most sought-after rides worldwide. Production of the 599 got underway in early 2006, as an '07 model and replaced the 575M Maranello as the two-seat GT flagship. It is named for the engine displacement it tallies (5,999 cc), its Gran Turismo Berlinetta architecture and the Fiorano Circuit test track where the Italian engineers toiled to work out the kinks.Attempting to rise above the long list of Ferrari road car greats before the 599 GTB Fiorano required evolving the under-hood kinetics of an old classic. Crafted under the supervision of former Formula maven, Jean Jacques, the 599 is catapulted by a naturally aspirated DOHC, 6.0-liter, Tipo F133F, Enzo-sourced, 12-cylinder engine, and utilizes dry sump lubrication. The mill conjures 620 horsepower at 7,600 rpm with the needle reaching maximum redline at 8,400 rpm, while the torque is rated at 448 lb-ft at 5,600 rpm. The displacement is where the namesake is derived, at 5,999 cc, and is tuned to deliver a power-to-weight ratio of 5.7 lbs, and worthy of being crowned both Ferrari’s and the world’s most powerful naturally aspirated two-passenger road raider on the market today. These statistics are supplemented by a 0-60 mph time clocked at just 3.7 seconds, with a sixth gear that stretches all the way to a top speed of 205 mph.
There is nothing melancholy about an unleashed 599, even at tamer velocities, but it’s when the torque is liberated in excess of 4,000 rpm that it truly shines. The rear-wheel drive supercar is adorned with more than 400 lbs of downforce and acts like a magnet on the road. Aside from the Italian Autostrada, most roads are laden with inconsistencies. A collaboration with Delphi produced magnetorheological dampers, similar to those found on some higher Corvette trims, but the software that directs them is exclusive to Ferrari. Not enough? There’s even a Michael Schumacher-inspired traction control. With a smooth ride ensured, the 599 also boasts carbon-ceramic brakes that seem fitting of a Le Mans race car.
In addition to all the sophisticated outfitting, the key consumer interest may be the bread and butter of it all: unique design. The Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano has been held in high regard for its overall near-flawless blueprinting by the automotive authorities at BBC’s Top Gear and in Evo Magazine. With award-winning performance and aesthetics, pushing the "start engine" button of the 599 is an absolute pleasure.
The Ferrari buff is duly depicted as not just a motorist with a hankering for blazing speed and a knack for turning heads, but one who can appreciate $260 to $265,000 worth of art. With enough flash, curves and muscle for even the most demanding of buyers, the 599 simply achieves greatness.
In deviation of the essentialist stylings of many other hypercars in the genre, the 599 GTB Fiorano extends much more than a commonplace dull cockpit with neglected luxury amenities. The sketch is of a two-seat roadster format showcasing well-defined race bucket seats that wrap the pilot’s dimensions in premium cowhide. Optional is the lightweight carbon-fiber steering wheel with integrated LED lights that transition in tandem with the engine revs and the ambiance-enriching glow of the aluminum accents. The operator can tinker with the car’s multipurpose interactive systems, like stability control, suspension settings and the F1 gearbox response linked to a knob borrowed from the F430 located on the steering wheel dubbed the mannettino -- Italian for "little manager."
The exterior is where the 599 really gets interesting. Spared are the all-too-creative body panels and abrasive hood scoop that plagued the outgoing 575 M Maranello. Instead, Ferrari opted to enlist the aid of the elite Pininfarina and super-stylist Frank Stephenson to create aesthetic magic. The underpinnings are comprised of three extruded aluminum segments, as the 575 M was the last Ferrari to be welded to a steel chassis. The lightweight riveting attributes are 100 kg lighter than its predecessor, despite being 250 mm longer. When first seen, similarities are immediately noticeable between the 599 and its larger four-seat roster mate, the 612 Scaglietta, which was designed at the same time. However, in contrast, the 599 has an entirely reengineered roof line and a much cleaner, buffered rear end to go along with the optional 20-inch “challenge” style wheels and streamlined profile.
The entertainment package doesn’t skimp and is an advantage held over other offerings on the market. It features iPOD Dock compatibility and a trunk-mounted six-CD changer mated to -- get this -- 11 Bose premium speakers. That’s enough to drown out your squealing passenger when you take corners like the car demands.
The verdict
The Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano began as a progressed heir to the 550 and 575, but ultimately made advancements to the supercar class as a whole.Luxury score: 45/50
The practical ride
When perusing the dealer’s lot in search of a supercar with an MSRP that accurately correlates to its value, you’re sure to find that the 599 is acceptable. Monetarily, it's in the same pack as much of the competing Lamborghini catalog, which seems to be less well-rounded, even in AWD form, and a few Mercedes’ that offer comparable performance figures with much higher price tags. Considering that because it's naturally aspirated, the 599 boasts a higher output than the forced-induction models from other manufacturers, which is a satisfying medium. Deliberate over the fact that even with an entry trim, it generously accommodates with the scarce combination of more cockpit area mass than most cars of the same caliber and size, and a top-shelf entertainment deck. Two-hundred and sixty-five thousand dollars serves as a reasonable retail for the car received.From the moment the car has been detailed and you speed off the lot, you’re sure to notice how quickly your gas gauge is going to drop. In relative terms, the 11 stop-and-go city miles per gallon and the 15 mpg you get with highway driving, are average numbers for the exotic market and really can’t be expected to improve, shy of a hybrid. Because of all the refined and extensive suspension work and 11.1 cubic feet of cargo space, the 599 is one of the few that can be daily driven with minimal wear and tear. Beyond that, it is also a formidable track car -- as evidenced by hot lap test runs on Top Gear. The scroll of amenities includes front/rear park assist, heated seats, a space-saver tire kit, carbon-fiber interior accents, run-flat tires, and a six-piece fitted leather luggage set. Those begging for further separation can choose from several custom interior and exterior colors.
The verdict
The Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano, with its flexibility and well-rounded nature, will force others in the price genus to step up if they want to remain competitive.Luxury Score: 40/50
and the winner is...
With thorough auditing, an expanse of performance and an uncommon attention to entertainment as well as travel and accessory space, the 599 GTB is a superb addition not only to Ferrari but also to the GT class. It motors out of here with 85 collective points and all we can say is, "Bellisimo."85/100
Resources:http://en.wikipedia.org/
http://www.edmunds.com/
http://www.ferrariworld.com/
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