Ferrari's latest exotic car combines front-engined practicality with
stunning performance from the latest V-12 engine. This version of 599
has a 680 bhp V-12 with reduced weight to ensure fabulous straight-line
power. In addition, though, the handling has been improved with new
tires, stiffer suspension and improved electronics. Also new are
second-generation carbon-ceramic brake discs which are even lighter
than those used before.
GTO
- an old charismatic name
GTO (Gran Turismo Omologata) brings back a name used first by Ferrari
in 1962 when it decided to 'homologate' the 250 GT model, and it was
called 250 GTO. This meant that the car had been homologated - approved
- as a production car. GTO does have a special ring to it, and one
special to Ferrari. Also it is appropriate since the F599 GTO is a near
racer for the road, like previous Ferrari GTOs.
Ferrari quotes a top speed of over 208 mph (335 km/h) and a 0-60 mph
time of just 3.35 seconds, which is right up there in the exotic car
league. The latest version of the Ferrari V-12 provides the power,
upped to 680 bhp (500 kW at 8,250 rpm, while maximum torque is a
massive 457 lb ft (620 Nm) at the high speed of 6,500 rpm, as would be
expected on such a high-performance unit.
The extra power is derived principally from a racing-type intake system
with a new manifold with diffuser-type intake geometry. Also, there are
short inlet tracts designed to improve power delivery at high revs and
reduce losses. Losses are also reduced by a connection between the two
plenums at the front which compensate for variations in pulses of air
drawn in.
The engine is coupled to Ferrari's electronically controlled sequential
box which provides shifts in 60milliseconds.
Stiffer
suspension
To suit the semi-race aspirations of the car, both the springs and
anti-roll bars are stiffer than on the 599 GTB, while the stability
control has been revised to give maximum cornering power. It works in
conjunction with the F1-Trac traction control to give maximum adhesion
when accelerating out of corners.
Interestingly, Ferrari is still using magneto-rheological dampers,
which it says are second generation, whereas most manufacturers seem
not to be adopting them.
To improve performance, weight has also been reduced without any very
drastic changes. For example, the aluminum body is made from thinner
sheet while thinner glass is used in the greenhouse.
With improvements in the shape of the nose, the GTO generates downforce
of 320 lb (144 kg) at 125 mph (200 km/h). The flat underbody as also
been improved, while improved ducting to the brake discs and pads keeps
them cooler. In addition, discs are placed outside the brake discs to
ensure that hot air exiting the wheelarch stays as close to the body of
the car as possible to reduce drag. These resemble the drums used on F1
cars to improve brake cooling.
Work on the nose of the car was aimed at reducing the width of the wake
generated by the front and thus reduce drag. The front spoiler
incorporates a separate lower wing that increases downforce at the
front of the car and increases the flow of cooling air to the oil
radiator. On the flanks there’s a new sill design with a more
pronounced leading edge that improves the efficiency of the central
section of the underbody. The underbody itself incorporates a new,
lower front section with diffusers ahead of the
front wheels to optimise downforce, and a new double-curve rear
diffuser.
Wider
front tires
To reduce understeer, which Ferrari says is virtually eliminated, wider
tires are used at the front than in the past, and these are mounted on
20-inch wheels. These are extremely low-profile tires, of 285/30 at the
front on 9.5 inch rims, and of 315/35 on 11.5 inch rims at the rear.
The newly developed carbon-ceramic discs are lighter than before, and
are said to give more consistent performance. The discs are 15.70 x
1.50-inch (398 x 38 mm) at the front, and 14.17 x 1.30 inch (360 x 32
mm) at the rear.
As the 599 GTO is intended for high-speed use, the mode for driving ice
in the electronic control system for the engine, brakes and
transmission has been removed. Instead, the Manettino includes an 'Off'
setting instead to suit the aspirations of owners when they get to the
track.
Overall, another exotic car from Ferrari with its excellent weight
distribution of 47 per cent front to 53 per cent rear, which results
from the mounting of the engine behind the front wheels, and the use a
rear-mounted gearbox. The new model has a kerb weight of 3,538 lb
(1,605 kg )which compares with the 3,722 lb (1,689 kg) of the
Fiorano
599 GTB, a weight reduction of 184 lb 84 kg) which is not that much.
Even so, the F599 GTO is a superb car for just 599 owners, as this is
the number that Ferrari is building.
