Ferrari today took the
wraps off of its pentagram-wheeled 599 GTB Fiorano, which replaces the
575M Maranello. The Fiorano gets the new, six-liter V12 Ferrari’s had in
the lab for several years, working out how to wring 620 hp (at 7,600
rpm) from thousands of what appears to be haphazardly placed metallic
parts. It also rides atop a new, all-aluminum space frame, developed in
partnership with Alcoa, the lightness of which helps give the 599 a
zero-to-60 time of 3.7 seconds (though the SuperFast F1 gearbox offers
considerable assistance as well). It also has a magnetoheological
suspension system, which adjusts the dampers by applying an
electronically controlled magnetic field, kind of like a levitating
Maglev train.
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-aluminum two-seater that Ferrari is unveiling at the 2006 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 sport 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.
Little history
The 599 GTB Fiorano is the succesor of the Ferrari 575M Maranello
launched in 2002 - an updated Ferrari 550 featuring minor styling
changes from Pininfarina. Updates from the 550 include a renewed
interior, but with substantial improvements inside, including bigger
brake discs, a larger and more powerful engine, a different weight
distribution, refined aerodynamics and fluid-dynamics and an adaptive
suspension set-up (the four independent suspensions are also controlled
by the gearbox, to minimize pitch throughout the 200-milliseconds gear
shift). Two six-speed transmissions are available, a conventional manual
gearbox and, for the first time on a Ferrari
V12, Magneti Marelli’s semi-automatic (sequential) ’F1’ gearbox. The
model number refers to the engine’s capacity in litres, whilst the ’M’
is an abbreviation of ’modificato’ or ’modified’.
For 2005, the company developed a new GTC handling
package and Superamerica version (a limited run of 559 convertible
variants of the coupe), along with upping the power from 515 hp (384 kW)
to 540 hp (402 kW). A base-model 575M Maranello costs US$224,640.
The Music of the V12 Created for the Enzo
The technical specification of the engine speaks for
itself: 366 cu in displacement, a specific power output of 103
bhp/liter (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 optimize 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 V12 engine
delivers a maximum torque of 446 lb-ft 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 bhp 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
favor 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.
Styling and Personalization 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 personalization 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-fiber and
aluminum.
In addition to the steering wheel and
manettino, the central rev counter with a choice of red or yellow
background and solid aluminum 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-fiber 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 personalization options available for every
Ferrari model. Four areas are covered by this program: Racing and Track,
Exteriors and Colors, Interior and Materials, Equipment and Travel.
Interior and Materials
options include a new Enzo Ferrari-inspired carbon-fiber steering
wheel with LED rev display which can be specified along with a special
carbon-fiber 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.
The Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano boasts class-leading power
thanks to its 5,999cc V12 - derived directly from the Enzo Ferrari
supercar - which produces no less than 620hp at 7,600 rpm for a
weight/power ratio of just 2.6 kg per horsepower.
Ferrari
has adopted the latest evolution in its tried and tested all-aluminium
construction technology for the body and chassis. The unmistakable
Pininfarina design gives the Ferrari 559 GTB Fiorano aggressive yet
elegant lines which are perfectly integrated with the advanced
aerodynamic solutions adopted to reach the performance figures
attainable.
This new model is the symbol of Ferrari’s
production - the V12 berlinetta - and represents the latest
interpretation of a theme that has seen such classics as the 250 GT, the
275 GTB, and the 365 GTB4. The 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 type of model for the Prancing
Horse.
----
Most powerful V12 berlinetta
The front-mid engined Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano two-seater
replaces the 575M Maranello berlinetta (sold in Europe for around
200,000 Euros), of which, together with the 550 Maranello introduced in
1996, some 5,700 units have been produced. On the power side, the
Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano boasts a 6-litre V12, which was derived from the
engine that powered the Enzo supercar, developing 620 hp at 7,600 rpm.
With an Alcoa all-aluminium space frame chassis and
bodywork, weight-power ratio remains under 2.6 kg/hp. The new model is
named Fiorano after the circuit Ferrari uses to test the performance of
its track and road cars; the GTB comes as in Gran Turismo Berlinetta;
and 599 for the 5999 cc of its V12 engine.
Nothing
can express performance like figures. The new Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano
sprints from 0 to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds, with a top speed in excess of
205 mph.
Figures are expressed in the technical specification of
the engine too: 5999 cm3 displacement getting a specific power output of
103 hp/litre, and that’s without any direct or turbocharging. Such a
figure is a first for a naturally aspirated production engine of this
displacement.
The Fiorano’s engine delivers a maximum
torque of 448 lbs-ft at 5,600 rpm, pulling the car well at almost any
engine speed. The twin overhead camshafts per cylinder bank come with
continuously variable timing on both inlet and exhaust cams to optimise
torque delivery and drivability at both low and high revs. Chain driven
distribution reduces noise and is maintenance-free, while the
twin-plate, low inertia clutch in unit with the engine helps lower the
centre of gravity.
The steering wheel-mounted manettino vehicle dynamics
control switch, originally developed for the 1996 Formula One season,
has been taken a step further for the new Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano. It
now integrates the stability and F1-Trac traction control systems, the
F1-SuperFast gearbox and the SCM (Magnetorheological Suspension Control)
fluid suspension (see below).
The GTB Fiorano, earns
its way onto this list for its sheer beauty. It features gorgeous
proportions and stunning styling, done by long-time Ferrari partner,
Pininfarina. Its beauty is combined with what Ferrari boasts is the most
powerful engine for a 12-cylinder berlinetta ever. The six-liter V12,
developed from the engine that powers the Enzo super car and paired with
a new-generation F1 gearbox that makes its debut on the car, delivers
620 horsepower.
Inside, the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano
cabin is trimmed in 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 light-emitting diodes (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 and motion sensors.
----
Tests drive impressions
The new Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano has parking sensors and a
navigation system with a big colour screen. It has as many speakers
(11) for its Bose sound system as it does air intakes. It has headlight
washers and power seats that not only have heat, but also
power-adjustable side bolsters and lumbar supports.
The
599 is bigger than its predecessor, the 575 Maranello, with more trunk
space (240 litres) and more fuel capacity (105 litres) for greater
range; its cabin is roomier, more comfortable and better equipped. And
its suspension features magnetic ride control technology first used by
Cadillac, of all companies.
Rated at 612 horsepower, the 3,722-pound 599 GTB rivals
many barely legal, slightly disguised racecars with its 6.1-pound/hp
weight-to-power ratio. Launched properly and shifted via the improved
F1-Superfast six-speed transmission, Ferrari claims a 3.7-second 0-to-62
mph (100 km/h) time. The wind-tunnel-tested Pininfarina-sculpted
body and undercarriage produce more than 400 pounds of downforce at 186
mph on the way to a claimed top speed in excess of 200 mph. The
optional carbon-ceramic brake discs look like they came directly from a
Le Mans racer. The semiactive suspension works miracles on nearly any
surface. Yet the two-seat coupe can be driven comfortably, safely and
with confidence all day, every day while it carries 11.3 cubic feet of
luggage - custom-tailored.
The unmistakable
12-cylinder shriek of the V12 under hard acceleration changes to a
guttural hum at part throttle and nearly disappears at cruising speeds
where wind noise is the only indication of pace. With 11 airflow paths
through and around the car helping to create the discernable downforce,
it seems only natural to hear the wind rushing over the car when
traveling over 100 mph.
With a claimed 3.7-second 0
to 60 mph time, the 599 is a blisteringly fast car, with slingshot
acceleration pretty much no matter what gear you’re in, or how fast
you’re already going. Top speed is more than 205 mph.
The new transmission software actually allows the clutch
and gearshift to operate simultaneously, whereas it would once push the
clutch in, change gears and release the clutch one step at a time.
The
599 GTB’s transmission is able to shift gears in 100 milliseconds (0.1
second), compared to the 575M’s 250 ms, or even the F430’s 150 ms. To
put this in perspective, current Formula 1 racecars shift in about 50
ms.
The 599’s traction control system, dubbed F1
Trac, uses the same operating logic and software as the F1 cars to
manipulate the brakes and throttle in low-traction situations (which
happen a lot, when you have 620 horses going to the rear wheels). The
result is simply amazing: despite the two-seat Ferrari’s massive power
and torque, you can barely feel the traction control working even when
you’re fully on the gas out of a corner: there’s none of the stuttering
or hesitation you feel with most traction or stability control systems
and the car’s javelin-like forward motion seems barely impeded at all.
The
car remains so flat while cornering and so connected to the surface
that all the usual indicators (body roll, tire squeal, sliding) of a car
"being out of shape" are virtually erased. We found the only method to
determine the traction envelope was by gauging neck muscle strain under
braking and cornering.
Its weight distribution is actually 47 per cent front/53
per cent rear, giving it handling that’s more characteristic of a
mid-engined sports car than one with a V12 in front of you. The rear end
will only step out if you explicitly ask it to and even then, only if
you’ve dialled the F1-style manettino rotary selector on the steering
wheel past its normal mode and into ’sport’ or ’race’ which
progressively relaxes the traction control, speeds up gearshifts, alters
the suspension’s reactions and makes the throttle response more
aggressive.
The body and structure are all-aluminum
and despite its extra size, the 599 is actually 20 kg lighter than the
575. It also concentrates 85 per cent of its mass within its longer
wheelbase. The aluminum structure is not only lighter but it’s stiffer
than steel which improves both refinement and performance. ’Refinement’
because a stiffer body is actually quieter and ’performance’ because it
allows engineers to more precisely tune the suspension - and that
further improves refinement because the suspension doesn’t have to be
overly stiff to compensate for a wobbly body.
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