Ferrari – 599GTB Fiorano

Another must-have creation from Ferrari to add to the collection! With race car hardware wrapped in voluptuous bodywork, the Ferrari 599GTB Fiorano qualifies as a rolling Italian art sculpture.

Being on the A-list is a challenge. I’m sure Ferrari agrees, but still continues to create machinery that elicits lust from car enthusiasts everywhere. Recent hits include the 360 Modena, F430, Enzo and now, the 599GTB Fiorano. These cars are at the top of the must-have list for anyone with motor oil in their veins. Besides the sensational performance, the sinuous body exudes speed and functionality. In admiration of the 599GTB, the exterior lines are drawn with several captivating sections that either assist in the cooling of the radiators or brakes. Beneath the rear bumper is a Venturi panel shaped to manage airflow at high speeds, without needing a rear spoiler to interrupt the flowing bodywork. As in any design, the wheels and stance are critical, and the 599GTB does not disappoint with its wide tires.

If making a strong visual presence is required, the 599GTB is guaranteed to get you noticed. It would be a shame, though, if the car were used primarily for high-profile exposure. The main excitement comes from spending personal time in the vehicle on a deserted country road, away from traffic and anything that emits radar waves! A racetrack would be ideal, as this is where its addictive 620 horsepower can be unleashed without fear of spending time behind bars! Yes, the astonishing amount of horsepower is available in a 6-litre V-12 engine mounted at the front. Unlike the media-obsessed-over, mid-engine Ferrari F430 and Enzo, the 599GTB is a front-engine, rear-drive coupe. Its 12-cylinder engine is closely related to the limited production Enzo and FXX. Armed with state-of-the-art go fast bits and software, the exotic V-12 is able to catapult the 599GTB to 100 km per hour in less than four seconds, and destroy the quarter mile in under 12 seconds. That’s the 448-pound feet of torque talking! With enough road, the driver can pass the 320 km per hour mark. The last time I checked, an F-22 Raptor jet fighter had a lower takeoff speed.

Transferring the immense power from the 6.0-litre V-12 motor to the wheels are two transmission choices. Standard is a conventional 6-speed manual that the driver navigates through the patterned aluminum shift gate. Optional is the F1 SuperFast automated 6-speed manual. These days, the must-have option is the pricey steering wheel paddle-shift, 6-speed automated manual transmission, devoid of a clutch pedal. Going clutchless is more common now, thanks to Formula One racing technology. More and more high-performance cars offer this option, as it keeps the driver’s hands on the steering wheel while shifting up and down during battle. Another benefit, thanks to more sophisticated electronics, is quicker gearshift times. Four transmission selector modes will keep the driver amused. Sport mode keeps the driving fun, while Race mode is for Michael Schumacher only, as it takes a highly skilled pilot to fully exploit the maddening cornering speeds that this car is capable of!

For those who are fortunate enough to play in one of these, the wise selection is the Sport mode for maximum attack. Sport mode sharpens the transmission shift times for rapid response during acceleration, as well as deceleration for hard braking and cornering. This also stiffens up the shock absorbers for added control in the suspension.

Providing exceptional cornering and directional stability for the insanely high speeds that the 599GTB is capable of are sticky Pirelli P Zero Rosso super-high performance tires. In keeping with cars in this league, the rear tires are wider than the front tires for optimum road holding. Fronts are sized at 245/40ZR19 and rears are 305/35ZR20. The finely crafted cabin is a showcase of Ferrari’s Italian stitched leather. Luxury abounds with flawlessly stitched leather wrapped seats, door trim and dash panels. Glossy high-tech carbon fibre trimmings and lots of fine aluminum detailing are found throughout the racy cabin. www.ferrariworld.com

GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS:
Engine: 620-horsepower 6.0-litre DOHC 48-Valve V12 Variable Valve Timing on both intake and exhaust
Transmission: 6-speed manual with automated clutch and shifting
Drivetrain: Rear-wheel-drive
Suspension: Independent Front and Rear
Brakes: All disc with ABS, Traction Control, Electronic Stability Control