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Star Car: Ferrari 599 GTO
2010-06-18 13:52
Ferrari's 599 makes it on to the open road at last, writes Maurice Lubatti
What's the world's most expensive new car? You'd have to go far to beat the Ferrari 599X, which, for €1,500,000, allows its driver the ultimate pleasure of the closed race circuit - since this project car will never be allowed to drive the open road.
But now the thrill-seeking car-lover won't need to dig quite so deeply into his or her pocket. For a quarter of that price-tag - an expected €320,000 - Ferrari has unveiled the F599 GTO, the roadgoing version of the car which debuts in a few weeks' time at the Beijing Car Show.
With a top speed of more than 335 km/h, the F599 GTO (or Gran Turismo Omologata) is for the time being the fastest Ferrari. Its V12 motor delivers 670 hp at 8,250 rpm, with maximum torque of 620 Nm at 6,500 rpm. Weighing in at 1,475kg, its power-to-weight ratio is 2.23; and it does 0-100kph in 3.35 seconds.
Shedding unnecessary weight has been the subject of particular attention, and it's been achieved largely through the use of composites: the windows, the brakes and exhaust system have all been substantially reduced in mass.
The 599 GTO benefits from a cutting-edge magnetic suspension system (SCM2) and carbon-ceramic brakes, which, over 100-0 kph, will bring you to a dead stop in just 32.5 metres.
Only 599 599s have been produced, and the small circle of privileged owners can expect vehicles to be ready from late June.
Maurice Lubatti