Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano Becomes Novitec Rosso Race 848

STETTEN, Germany — Novitec Rosso, the German tuner of all things Ferrari, says it plans to build only three copies of its new Race 848, an extremely limited edition of the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano.

The Race 848 is so named because its twin-compressor version of the Ferrari 6.0-liter V12 has been tweaked to deliver 837 horsepower (SAE; 848 hp on the DIN scale). The supercharged engine gets revamped electronics, modified turbine blades, a new intake manifold, high-performance injectors and a sport air filter, among other modifications, resulting in a boost in torque to 621 pound-feet. Exhaust exits through high-performance headers and stainless steel quad pipes.

The Race 848 uses Ferrari's F1 Superfast six-speed gearbox, with longer carbon-fiber paddles for quicker shifts. Novitec Rosso says 0-60-mph acceleration takes less than 3.4 seconds, with top speed nudged to 214 mph.

An aero package bundles a new front lip spoiler, rear apron with integral diffuser, a rear wing and side sills with large air intakes to help cool the rear brakes. The car is painted matte white with gray accents and black trim.

The Race 848 rides on Novitec Rosso NF3 alloy wheels in a five-double-spoke pattern. Pirelli P Zero performance tires are mounted — 275/30ZR20 front and 355/25ZR21 rear. Brembo assisted in upgrading the brakes, which feature steel discs and six-piston calipers. The height-adjustable suspension can be raised up to 1.6 inches at lower speeds, and damping rates can be set to individual tastes.

Each bespoke cockpit will be outfitted to the customer's exact specifications. Among the special hardware are aluminum pedals and footrest, as well as a flat-bottom sport steering wheel rendered in carbon fiber and wrapped in leather.

Inside Line says: We can't wait for the Race 1000. — Paul Lienert, Correspondent