2006 Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano

As typical of all Ferrari unveilings, the long anticipated release of the 2006 Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano was certainly far from a let down. Though she bears a remarkable resemblance to her sister, the Ferrari 612 Scaglietti, the differences imposed stand out in both styling and performance.

The most obvious and noticeable styling difference is the addition of the flying buttress C pillars. This unique design feature was intentioned to redirect the airflow over a sedate and much less noticeable rear lip spoiler. The design of the complimentary undertray gave her a high degree of stability without sacrificing performance at top speeds. This gave the 599 GTB Fiorano a marked increase in the down force with an aerodynamic efficiency without the addition of clumsy or detracting wings or spoilers. Great care was taken to create a sportier and more aggressive styling factor than the 612 Scaglietti.

The 599 GTB Fiorano was aptly named for her heart, the 6.0 Litre F133F V12, which enhances her displacement at 5999 cc’s. This sweet queen was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show on February 28th, 2006, and as anticipated was received warmly and with great admiration.

The 6 Speed semi-automatic transmission powers the Gran Turismo Flagship model from 0 to 62 miles per hour in a heart stopping 3.7 seconds. She was given a smaller wheelbase than her sister, the 612 Scaglietti, along with a few additional readjustments to produce a unique car with its own distinction while carrying out the family resemblance with style and dignity.

Ideal weight distribution was reached at 47/53, front/rear. The curb weight at 3700 pounds decreases the typical Ferrari weight by nearly 300 pounds when compared to the average model, the 575M Maranello.

As of this writing, the 599 GTB Fiorano is the most powerful road car produced by Ferrari, and is considered by most to be the best handling on top of the most stable out of the Ferrari family. The Enzo-sourced engine was slightly modified for the better, though the modifications were done to allow it to sit in the Fiorano’s engine bay. The increase in power and performance were an offset of necessity.

Ferrari’s MagneRide suspension system gives the 599 GTB Fiorano a smooth angelic ride, and reviewers were quite impressed the impact the newer suspension system had on the road handling effect. Ferrari also introduced their brand new traction control system, the F-1, on the 599 GTB Fiorano model with phenomenal success. Ferrari claims that this system will allow nearly any competent driver to lap the ever famous Fiorano test track in just one second under the established time set by Formula 1 World Champion Michael Schumacher. While this theory has yet to be proven, it was definitely the goal in mind while creating the F-1 system and has at the very least increased stability ten fold.

The Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano has the traditional 6 speed manual transmission for those who thrive on the power right under their fingertips. The F-1 SuperFast, which is Ferrari’s signature sequential manual gear box is also available, giving the driver a rush of adrenaline with every gear. The signature sequential manual gear box gives the drive full control over shifting gears while eliminating the possibility of making a shifting error, as well as the need for a traditional clutch.

The Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano provides a significant driving experience for a significant price, the base car runs about $250,000. Although typical of Ferrari standards, small details that other car manufacturers never even consider are pristinely delivered. The 599 GTB Fiorano even comes with a standard iPod connection.

It’s rumored that in 2008 Ferrari will release the 599 GTB Fiorano as a convertible. There is also talk of releasing a track ready version soon after that. These rumors are unconfirmed, but there’s always hope that the rumors are more than mere myth.

The 2006 Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano has been commissioned as a feature car in the video game series Gran Turismo, Gran Turismo HD for the new Playstation 3, and was also featured on the game’s cover. These are all firsts for Ferrari and prove that the company still has longevity and the ability to reach the younger crowds as well as the older timeless driver generation. This commemorates their initial journey into the United States, as two cars were driven through more than a dozen countries and approximately 20,000 miles to debut in America. The trip required a few tiny modifications to the suspension, but otherwise both cars took to their shakedown trip quite well.

The shakedown trip turned out better than a review drive taken by a Car and Driver writer and photographer. Slamming into the retaining wall at the Passo della Cisa in Italy, the car held up amazingly well. Despite being a bit shaken up, both the driver and passenger were perfectly fine, and with minor fender damage, the car was driven back to the factory for inspection and repair. Ironically, they missed the monument of dedication to Enzo Ferrari by only a few feet. The crash itself proved that Ferrari had successfully raised their safety standards as they had hoped to do previously.

The 2006 Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano is an inspired piece of artwork, with quality craftsmanship, the power to match the stealth and capable lines, and an aggressive stance to encourage a new breed of Ferrari enthusiasts. Despite her high price tag, she is already in higher demand than originally estimated. Since her debut at the Geneva Motor Show, she has been pursued heavily by Europeans, Italians, and Americans.

With her 448 ft/lb torque coupled with her 620 horses, she is rocket disguised as a car. With her four point harness and her cockpit roll bar, just sliding into the pristine leather seats and you know that she can fire you up and shoot you to the moon. Ferrari certainly wasn’t lacking in pulse quickening beauty queens, but nevertheless, they delivered one of the most drool inspiring vehicles that one can possibly buy in the market today.

Engine / Performance

• 6.0L 65 V12, mid-front mounted
• Displacement 5,999cc
• Maximum power: 611 bhp @ 7,600 rpm
• Maximum Torque 449 Ib-ft @ 5,600 rpm
• 0.60 mph: 3.7s
• Top speed 205+ rnph

Chassis / Body

• New generation all-aluminum space frame
• Aluminum body
• Dimenssions: length 184 in, width 77 in, height 53 in.
• Curb weigth 3,722 lb
• SCM Magnetoreological suspension system
• Weigth distribution: 47% front, 53% rear

Electronic / Tires

• Control for Stability and Traction (CST with F1-Trac
• F1-Trac optimizes traction by modulating power delivery
• Steering wheel: F1 inspired with Engine Start and Manettino
• Manettino controls integrated vehicle systems
• Tire pressure and Temperature Monitoring System (TPTMS)
• Wheels: 19 front and 20 rear
• Tires 245/40ZR front 305/35ZR rear

Transmission / Gearbox

• Transaxle architecture with rear mounted gearbox
• 6 speed F1-Superfast Gearbox with paddles
• 6 speed manual transmission

© 2007 Kiersten Stetser and Ken Leonard for www.sport-cars.org

April 1, 2008, 11:24 am