The
Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano was first unveiled to the public at
the 2006 Geneva Motor Show. It is the replacement front-engined
supercar for the Ferrari 575 Maranello.
The 599 GTB Fiorano is the most sophisticated and technologically
advanced front engined coupe to come from the Ferrari factory.
The spaceframe
aluminium monocoque
is a derivation of the one used on another of Ferrari's front
engined cars, the 612 Scaglietti.
However weighing 1610 kgs (3550 lbs) the 599 GTB Fiorano is
substantially lighter.
The 6 litre V12 engine of the 599 GTB Fiorano is a slightly
de-tuned version of the V12 found in the Ferrari
Enzo. But even with the slight taming of power, at 620 horsepower
it is the most powerful front engined Ferrari ever.
Other technological innovations that have been adapted from
existing Ferrari products include the 'Manettino' switch from
the Ferrari F430. This little
steering
wheel mounted device allows the driver to adjust the traction
control settings with quite literally, the flick of a switch.
On the F430 it is used to control the e-diff.
The 599 GTB Fiorano's optional F1 sequential
transmission has a shift time of less than 100 milliseconds,
almost as fast as the shifts on the track prepared Ferrari
FXX.
And finally the styling. Dictated by the wind tunnel more than
the stylists pen, the sweeping angular shape is a thing of beauty,
if not subtlety. In order to keep the engine cool and well fed,
the 3-part grille, bonnet vents, and lateral intakes are by
necessity, not design. However Ferrari's design house of choice,
Pininfarina, have managed to incorporate them into the overall
design with the expertise which has made them famous the world
over.