Ferrari 599 GTO: fastest ever Ferrari road car
09.04.2010   -   Owen Ready
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The new Ferrari 599 GTO not only revives a classic Ferrari name, but is also the fastest road-going prancing horse ever, Enzo included.

Don't let the familiar bodywork fool you - this is far more than simply a two-tone 599. The extra air intakes and outlets, integrated rear spoiler and carbon fibre diffuser all combine to create 144kg of downforce at 200km/h (124mph), helping the GTO stick to the road.

And it's a good job because the 599 GTO's 6-litre V12 engine delivers 661bhp. Along with extensive weight saving - thanks to a thinner aluminium body and lighter glass - top speed is 208mph, while 0-62mph takes just 3.35 seconds. Enormous ceramic brakes mean that it'll stop just as quickly.

But the 599 GTO isn't just about straight-line performance; its other party-piece is race track-inspired cornering ability. Ferrari has developed a whole series of electronic controls which maximise the car's on-limit handling and, according to the press release, "the result is the almost complete absence of understeer and a truly communicative chassis."

So it's understandable that the GTO's interior features grippy fabric seats in lieu of the standard Fiorano's plush leather-lined cabin.

A new steering wheel features gear-shift lights in its upper rim and the classic Ferrari manettino switch. This allows the driver to select different car settings including 'Race' and 'CT-off' (traction control off) for when you want to show off on the track.

The dashboard also features a 'Virtual Race Engineer', a system that monitors the status of the car and shows the driver exactly how it's performing. And no, a radio isn't included.

Just 599 Ferrari 599 GTOs are to be built and although a price hasn't yet been announced, don't expect too much change from £290,000.


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