What is it?
2007 Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano
What's special about it?
Ferrari borrowing from Chevrolet? It has to be a first. Maybe "borrowing" is too strong a word. "Sharing" is probably more accurate.
We're talking about the new Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano's suspension system and its use of Magneto-rheological (MR) shocks. They allow split-second adjustments by controlling an electrical current which flows through the fluid in the shock absorbers. It's a high-tech answer to an old problem, and one of the first production cars to use it was the 2003 Chevrolet Corvette (the Cadillac STS was the other). Ferrari claims the MR suspension system gives the new 599 a safer and more enjoyable driving experience by reducing roll and improving cornering grip. GM made similar claims back in 2003.
The traction and stability control system in the 599 is also similar to another Corvette system which has been around for awhile. Chevy called it "Active Handling Control," Ferrari calls its system "F1-Trac." It's basically enhanced stability and traction control that has some give to it before it shuts you down completely. In the Corvette it's either on or it's off, in the 599 there are varying levels available through the manettino vehicle-setup controller on the steering wheel. It even has a setting for better handling in the snow.
This replacement for the 575 Maranello also shares its front-engine layout with the Corvette, but that's about where the technology sharing starts to trail off between the two sports cars. Instead of a two-valve pushrod small-block, the new 599 GTB uses a twin-overhead-cam 6.0-liter V12 with continuously variable valve timing.
The setup sends a maximum of 620 horsepower at 7,800 rpm and 448 pound-feet of torque at 5,600 rpm to the rear wheels through either a six-speed manual or next-generation F1 gearbox. Ferrari claims this latest version of its F1 setup to be the quickest yet, with 0.1-of-a-second quicker shifts. The coupe's 0-to-60 time is down to 3.7 seconds, its top speed is over 205 mph.
Inside the 599, there's the usual mix of leather, carbon fiber and aluminum trim. It's only a two-passenger GT, so unlike the larger 612 Scaglietti there's nothing behind the driver and passenger aside from an enlarged cargo area that now measures 11.3 cubic feet. And like any Ferrari, there's a personalization program that offers everything from cockpit roll bar and four-point seatbelts to an F1-style carbon-fiber steering wheel with shift-light LEDs embedded in the rim.
Sales of the 599 GTB Fiorano begin later this year.
What's Edmunds' take?
The old Maranello had a more classic shape, but the styling details on the 599 give you more to look at from each angle. We can only hope the new chassis is up to keeping pace with the 620-hp engine. — Ed Hellwig
2007 Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano
What's special about it?
Ferrari borrowing from Chevrolet? It has to be a first. Maybe "borrowing" is too strong a word. "Sharing" is probably more accurate.
We're talking about the new Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano's suspension system and its use of Magneto-rheological (MR) shocks. They allow split-second adjustments by controlling an electrical current which flows through the fluid in the shock absorbers. It's a high-tech answer to an old problem, and one of the first production cars to use it was the 2003 Chevrolet Corvette (the Cadillac STS was the other). Ferrari claims the MR suspension system gives the new 599 a safer and more enjoyable driving experience by reducing roll and improving cornering grip. GM made similar claims back in 2003.
The traction and stability control system in the 599 is also similar to another Corvette system which has been around for awhile. Chevy called it "Active Handling Control," Ferrari calls its system "F1-Trac." It's basically enhanced stability and traction control that has some give to it before it shuts you down completely. In the Corvette it's either on or it's off, in the 599 there are varying levels available through the manettino vehicle-setup controller on the steering wheel. It even has a setting for better handling in the snow.
This replacement for the 575 Maranello also shares its front-engine layout with the Corvette, but that's about where the technology sharing starts to trail off between the two sports cars. Instead of a two-valve pushrod small-block, the new 599 GTB uses a twin-overhead-cam 6.0-liter V12 with continuously variable valve timing.
The setup sends a maximum of 620 horsepower at 7,800 rpm and 448 pound-feet of torque at 5,600 rpm to the rear wheels through either a six-speed manual or next-generation F1 gearbox. Ferrari claims this latest version of its F1 setup to be the quickest yet, with 0.1-of-a-second quicker shifts. The coupe's 0-to-60 time is down to 3.7 seconds, its top speed is over 205 mph.
Inside the 599, there's the usual mix of leather, carbon fiber and aluminum trim. It's only a two-passenger GT, so unlike the larger 612 Scaglietti there's nothing behind the driver and passenger aside from an enlarged cargo area that now measures 11.3 cubic feet. And like any Ferrari, there's a personalization program that offers everything from cockpit roll bar and four-point seatbelts to an F1-style carbon-fiber steering wheel with shift-light LEDs embedded in the rim.
Sales of the 599 GTB Fiorano begin later this year.
What's Edmunds' take?
The old Maranello had a more classic shape, but the styling details on the 599 give you more to look at from each angle. We can only hope the new chassis is up to keeping pace with the 620-hp engine. — Ed Hellwig
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