This is Ferrari’s harder, faster 599, a 700bhp supercar that’s set to revive the GTO name. Drawing inspiration from the £1m-plus, track-only 599XX, the 599 GTO is a limited edition Ferrari that will go on sale later in 2010.
Our spies scooped the new 599 GTO out on test at the Fiorano test track near Maranello, Italy. Read on for the full lowdown on the new arrival to revive the legendary GTO badge, standing for Gran Turismo Omologato.
What’s so special about the new 2010 Ferrari 599 GTO?
For a start there’s the power. The ‘regular’ 599 has an Enzo-derived 6.0-litre V12 that produces 611bhp and 448lb ft, but by raising the rev limit to a screaming 9000rpm, Ferrari’s Italian engineers are expected to squeeze around 700bhp from the engine. The torque output could climb to beyond 500lb ft as well.
With a pared-back interior featuring lots of carbonfibre, plus other weight-saving tricks throughout the car, the 599 GTO should weigh in at under 1600kg – a 599 normally tips the scales at 1690kg. Combine this lighter car with a quicker-shifting sequential manual F1 gearbox, plus stickier tyres, and the 599 GTO will shave a few tenths off its sibling’s 3.7 second 0-62mph time.
Expect a fully revised suspension set up as well. The 599 GTO will be much more focused than the 599 HGTE – think of it as the 599’s take on the 430 Scuderia theme.
Ferrari 599 GTO: the cosmetic overhaul
To make sure the 599 GTO stands out, there’ll be an exterior makeover not fully visible in our spy photos. The 700bhp supercar will get a more aggressive nose and deeper front splitter, more angular side sills, and a new rear bumper complete with vents just behind the rear wheels.
There’s also a huge rear diffuser which negates the need for a rear wing, though the GTO appears to have an enlarged bootlid spoiler judging by our scoop photographs. Other visual tweaks will include the 599XX’s black wheels and black roof.
With Lamborghini’s Murcielago LP670-4 costing £270k, we’d expect the Ferrari 599 GTO to come in around the £300,000 mark. There’s no word yet on how many GTOs will be made, but a run of between 500 and 800 cars has been speculated.
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