Review: Ferrari 599 GTO

Introduction

Dubbed the fastest ever road car from Ferrari, the production version of the 599XX concept-based 599 GTO has finally been revealed. The high-performance special edition vehicle will be limited to just 599 units. The vehicle brings all the hard work put in by the Prancing Horse’s engineers on perfecting the 599XX on the racetrack to a road-legal car.

Ferrari 599 GTO

What does it offer?

In a massive weight reduction effort, the 599 GTO comes with hollowed out anti-roll bars, carbon-ceramic brakes. A lighter transmission and slimmer wheel rims that help the GTO shed over 220lb from its 599 GTB incarnation. Fitted with a state-of-the-art Magnetorheological Suspension Control system, high-performance tires from Michelin and a new car-driver interface, the 599 GTO comes with track-specific driving settings that help improve vehicle performance.

The beauty

Thanks to a completely reworked chassis, the 599 GTO claims to have completely obliterated chances of understeer. With reworked bodywork allowing the vehicle to shed a lot of weight, the GTO comes with an upped performance potential with its 2.23 kg/hp weight-to-power ratio and 1,495 kg kerb weight.

The beast

The 599 GTO’s V12 engine comes mated to a F1-inspired six-speed gearbox that knocks off 670 ponies at 8250 revs per minute outputting a max 620 Nm of torque at 6500 revs per minute.

The thrill

Finishing a lap at Fiorano in just 1 minute and 24 seconds, the V12 Berlinetta-fitted 599 GTO is officially the fastest road-homologated model in Ferrari’s history. Performance improvements on the 2011 model include a displacement of 670 hp which is 58 ponies above the standard model. The car goes from 0-100 k/ph in just 3.35 seconds hitting max speeds of over 335 km/h (208mph).

Interiors

Slimmer aluminum panels and carbon-fiber bodywork complement a rather naked cabin that comes with fabric-wrapped racing seats, slim-gauge exhausts and thinner windows. The austerity of the cabin is contrasted by the red stitching and the Ferrari-yellow rev counter. With just enough room for a small piece of luggage on the rear shelf, the two-seater’s interiors are otherwise sparse.

Exteriors

Using their track experience with the 599XX, Ferrari engineers have fitted the 599 GTO with unparalleled aerodynamic components including revamped side sills, a new vented hood, a new front splitter, a new rear spoiler and double-curve rear diffuser as well as ten-spoke 20-inch alloys and carbon-ceramic brakes .

Should I buy one?

Buying one is certainly up to you. The GTO (Gran Turismo Omologata) tag is reserved for Ferrari’s best performers with previous bearers of this moniker being the iconic 1984 GTO and the 1962 250 GTO, both of which are highly-coveted collector’s cars today.

Price and availability

Ferrari will manufacture just 599 units of the 599 GTO with the vehicle retailing at a starting price of $426,000.

Picture Gallery

Ferrari 599 GTO

The 2011 Ferrari 599 GTO is the third of Ferrari's illustrious GTO series