Autocar Road test Ferrari 599 GTB

monster · 05-16-2007, 04:28 AM

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Ferrari 599
Test Date 15 May 2007 Price When New £179,890

For Mind-blowing performance, gorgeous cabin, looks, usability, handling

AgainstChassis settings not ideal for UK roads, F1 'box still a bit crude on downshifts

Background
The last time Ferrari launched a two-seat, front-engined V12 Berlinetta, it reminded us that the company doesn’t always make exceptional motor cars. The 2002 575M Maranello took a dynamic step backwards from the car it replaced, the 550 Maranello. Ferrari didn’t take kindly to the poor reception, and it would seem that those frustrations were channelled into the design of this car, the 599 GTB Fiorano.

The 599 presents a dazzling set of numbers. Its £184,980 list price isn’t so extraordinary in the face of its obvious competition, but few people expected Ferrari to give the car over 600bhp. In doing so, it has produced a sporting GT with the potential to outperform many more exclusive machines, most notably the Mercedes SLR McLaren.

It would be possible to trace the 599's heritage to the very first front-engined Ferrari road car, but in truth its lineage begins with the great 250 GT SWB and Lusso of the 1960s. These fast, dramatic machines with impossibly long bonnets continued through the 275GTB and Daytona until the company chose a mid-engined format for its range-topping V12 road cars from the mid-1970s to the late 1990s. The 550 Maranello signalled the return of the big V12 Ferrari with a long bonnet and nothing behind the driver but luggage and 100 litres of unleaded. We loved it.

The rest of the article at - ONLY REGISTERED AND ACTIVATED USERS CAN SEE ALL LINKS - CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Merc1 · 05-16-2007, 05:24 AM

When it comes to sports cars it doesn't get any more inviting looking than this!

Beautiful.

M

The Artist · 05-16-2007, 06:57 AM

^love this car..its so great

atuv · 05-16-2007, 07:09 AM

Damn sexy car but still would take a SLR 722 over it!

martinbo · 05-16-2007, 07:11 AM

This is a nice quote from the article wrap-up:

Quote:

Verdict

There are faster cars on sale, more expensive and more glamorous machines, but the 599 is currently the most complete GT ever conceived. It marries glamour and grace with a set of driving credentials only hampered by Ferrari’s decision to combine the chassis electronics into fixed groupings. Otherwise it is blessed with an exceptional engine and a fine cabin from which to control all that power, packaged in a body that is lighter than its predecessor’s.

Unlike the few other machines with similarly explosive performance, the 599 feels entirely amenable to everyday use. Visibility is good, and it even has reversing sensors. But a V12 Ferrari should be defined by the way it drives and, putting aside those damper issues, the GTB Fiorano is a car that renders the SLR redundant and questions the need to reach any further up the supercar ladder. The 575M blunder is now forgotten; long live the superb 599.

What a fantastic automobile: it looks terrific and goes like no other GT.

The only really relevant question to ponder here is... what colour?

The Emperor · 05-16-2007, 07:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by martinbo

The only really relevant question to ponder here is... what colour?

Here's the answer, Martin:

Simply, there's no better color than this one for this Ferrari, afaic of course.

Merc1 · 05-16-2007, 07:24 AM

I agree, it just isn't fair that I can't afford one of these!

M

monster · 05-16-2007, 07:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by martinbo

What a fantastic automobile: it looks terrific and goes like no other GT.

The only really relevant question to ponder here is... what colour?

I will go boring and pick Red, although a silver 599 look stunning as well

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Merc1 · 05-16-2007, 07:49 AM

Silver would be the last color I'd want on a Ferrari, way too dreary IMO. Red of course is better, but the darker one though I'm not sure what it is called. Silver is reserved for dull German cars, preferably Benzes and Audis.

M

monster · 05-16-2007, 08:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Merc1

Silver would be the last color I'd want on a Ferrari, way too dreary IMO. Red of course is better, but the darker one though I'm not sure what it is called. Silver is reserved for dull German cars, preferably Benzes and Audis.

M

I think the lighter colours better show off the lines and the curves on the 599 another photo....

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Back on topic..... i haven't got much to say because this car is close to perfect.

05-16-2007, 04:28 AM	#1 (permalink)
monster Fanatic Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Sydney Posts: 1,135 My Mood: Thanks: 384 Thanked 289 Times in 207 Posts	Autocar Road test Ferrari 599 GTB - ONLY REGISTERED AND ACTIVATED USERS CAN SEE ALL LINKS - CLICK HERE TO REGISTER Ferrari 599 Test Date 15 May 2007 Price When New £179,890 For Mind-blowing performance, gorgeous cabin, looks, usability, handling AgainstChassis settings not ideal for UK roads, F1 'box still a bit crude on downshifts Background The last time Ferrari launched a two-seat, front-engined V12 Berlinetta, it reminded us that the company doesn’t always make exceptional motor cars. The 2002 575M Maranello took a dynamic step backwards from the car it replaced, the 550 Maranello. Ferrari didn’t take kindly to the poor reception, and it would seem that those frustrations were channelled into the design of this car, the 599 GTB Fiorano. The 599 presents a dazzling set of numbers. Its £184,980 list price isn’t so extraordinary in the face of its obvious competition, but few people expected Ferrari to give the car over 600bhp. In doing so, it has produced a sporting GT with the potential to outperform many more exclusive machines, most notably the Mercedes SLR McLaren. It would be possible to trace the 599's heritage to the very first front-engined Ferrari road car, but in truth its lineage begins with the great 250 GT SWB and Lusso of the 1960s. These fast, dramatic machines with impossibly long bonnets continued through the 275GTB and Daytona until the company chose a mid-engined format for its range-topping V12 road cars from the mid-1970s to the late 1990s. The 550 Maranello signalled the return of the big V12 Ferrari with a long bonnet and nothing behind the driver but luggage and 100 litres of unleaded. We loved it. The rest of the article at - ONLY REGISTERED AND ACTIVATED USERS CAN SEE ALL LINKS - CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

05-16-2007, 05:24 AM	#2 (permalink)
Merc1 Contributor Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Aurora IL USA Posts: 4,955 Thanks: 363 Thanked 672 Times in 346 Posts	Re: Autocar Road test Ferrari 599 GTB When it comes to sports cars it doesn't get any more inviting looking than this! Beautiful. M

05-16-2007, 06:57 AM	#3 (permalink)
The Artist Shaolin Shadow Boxer Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Sweden Gothenburg Posts: 11,414 My Mood: Thanks: 122 Thanked 712 Times in 444 Posts	Re: Autocar Road test Ferrari 599 GTB ^love this car..its so great

05-16-2007, 07:09 AM	#4 (permalink)
atuv Enthusiast Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 307 Thanks: 0 Thanked 14 Times in 14 Posts	Re: Autocar Road test Ferrari 599 GTB Damn sexy car but still would take a SLR 722 over it!

05-16-2007, 07:24 AM	#7 (permalink)
Merc1 Contributor Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Aurora IL USA Posts: 4,955 Thanks: 363 Thanked 672 Times in 346 Posts	Re: Autocar Road test Ferrari 599 GTB I agree, it just isn't fair that I can't afford one of these! M

05-16-2007, 07:49 AM	#9 (permalink)
Merc1 Contributor Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Aurora IL USA Posts: 4,955 Thanks: 363 Thanked 672 Times in 346 Posts	Re: Autocar Road test Ferrari 599 GTB Silver would be the last color I'd want on a Ferrari, way too dreary IMO. Red of course is better, but the darker one though I'm not sure what it is called. Silver is reserved for dull German cars, preferably Benzes and Audis. M

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