It’s only a couple of weeks since we first scooped the new Ferrari 599-based GTO – and now our spies have snared this blood red example on the roads around Maranello’s factory gates. It’ll be the first official Ferrari GTO sold since the 1980s 288 GTO.
Standing for Gran Turismo Omologato, the 599-spec GTO will produce some 700bhp from the regular car’s Enzo-derived 6.0-litre V12. Although none of the spec is confirmed yet, early brochures have spilled some of the technical detail and we understand that the GTO will rev to a neck-tingling 9000rpm.
The regular 599 develops 611bhp and 448lb ft, and the GTO version is tipped to top 500lb ft of twist. Make no mistake, this 599 will be as fast and furious as the Scuderia spec 430.
Ferrari’s new GTO: a lightweight diet
The GTO will pack a load of carbonfibre – the roof on this scarlet test car even appears to be fashioned from the black stuff – to bring the weight of the 599 below 1690kg.
Stickier tyres and a faster map for the F1 sequential gearbox should bring the 0-62mph time down to some 3.5sec.
Expect the 599 GTO to receive styling tweaks over the regular model, including aero tweaks and cooling vents.
When will we see the new Ferrari 599 GTO?
Later in 2010, with a run of some 500 cars planned. Prices are tipped to top £300,000. Start saving now.