Review Ferrari 599 and Buying guide

Review Ferrari 599 - When it involves recommending a automotive with a ‘future classic’ standing, few is additional of a foregone conclusion than a front-engined V12 Ferrari. The 599 GTB Fiorano was the Italian marque’s 1st all-new try of the formula within the twenty first century, commutation the 575M once it created its debut in 2006. Given the vast performance and everyday usability it showcases, it’d be a shame to treat it like associate investment and keep it barred away…

One of the best of the 599’s qualities is doubtless the engine. The 5999cc unit could be a detuned version of the powerplant found within the Enzo. during this application, it’s smart for 612bhp and 448lb foot. in contrast to the 575M, the chassis was created from atomic number 13, thus despite enhanced instrumentality levels and body each broader and longer than its precursor, weight remained nearly unchanged at around 1750kg. With a definite power advantage over rivals just like the Aston Martin beat and DBS, it had been the foremost potent automotive of its type: a three.6-second 0-60mph time is seven tenths further from the DBS, and a 207mph high speed is nearly 20mph quicker.

The Ferrari’s advantage became larger within the corners. Magnetorheological dampers feature electromagnets working on hydraulic fluid within, permitting every corner to exactly regulate the speed of damping reckoning on road conditions and driving vogue. This, combined with the F-Trac traction and stability system, helps it to feel imposingly agile and composed for a automotive of its size. the primary of its kind fitted to a Ferrari road automotive, F1-Trac is controlled by atiny low manettino activate the handwheel, giving varied degrees of slip angle.

Steep fuel bills aside, the 599 would be a reasonably straightforward automotive to measure with a day. settle for the actual fact that it's strictly a automobile and there’s many area within, whereas a 320-litre boot is larger than newest superminis. Any automotive oversubscribed through official Ferrari channels comes complete with a biennial warrant, thus any potential problems is coated, too.

Which one to buy?

For the primary 2 years of 599 production simply the one flavour was on the market, that the variations in early models come back right down to color and trim selections. Notable choices embrace the carbon ceramic brakes (steel brakes were commonplace, however the overwhelming majority of consumers upgraded) and a six-speed manual case in situ of the ‘F1’ semi-auto. Manual cars square measure very rare, with thirty oversubscribed worldwide throughout the 599’s six-year run.

From 2008 forward, those yearning for a additional focussed feel might take the HGTE pack. A £14,000 option, it consists of lower, firmer suspension, grippier tyres wrapped around 20-inch wheels, a faster response to the gear lever and throttle, and a louder system.

The 599 shaped the premise of variety of special edition cars. The 599 XX was a track-only technology showcase within the sort of the Enzo-based FXX. Power jumped to 720bhp whereas weight born by 270kg relative to the GTB, and a range of aero modifications helped the XX to supply 630kg of downforce at 186mph. solely twenty nine were designed. The XX Evo followed 2 years later, adding 20bhp, consideration thirty five kilos less (both enhancements thanks partially to new aspect exit exhausts), and gained mechanics modifications, the foremost noticeable of that was a Formula 1-style DRS system to stall the rear wing.

Using power gained from the 599 XX, the road-legal 599 GTO was discharged in 2010. 599 examples found homes with consumers, with changes consisting of an influence increase for the V12 taking figures to 661bhp (and torsion to 460lb ft), whereas over 100kg was cut from the GTB’s curbing weight.

While no convertible version of the 599 was oversubscribed, eighty militia Apertas were offered, primarily to the yank market. Its V12 was within the same state of tune because the GTO unit, however the roof - a fiddly, flimsy canvas affair - implies that it’s a automotive best suited to sunny days.

To celebrate sixty years of Ferrari race wins in Formula one, the complete discharged the 60F1. supported a HGTE pack-equipped GTB, it adds distinctive 20” alloy wheels and exterior graphics, and alcantara-trimmed seats within. As few as 5 were oversubscribed to United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland customers.

Performance and spec

Engine 5999cc V12
Power 612bhp @ 7600rpm
Torque 448lb ft @ 5600rpm
Top speed 207mph
0-60mph 3.6secs
Fuel consumption 21.3mpg
Gearbox Four-speed manual

Dimensions and weight

Wheelbase 2750mm
Length 4665mm
Width 1962mm
Height 1314mm
Weight 1753kg

Model History

Feb 2006: 599 GTB revealed at the Geneva Motor Show
2008: HGTE pack introduced, designed to sharpen the 599 driving experience
2009: Track-only 599 XX released. Very limited numbers, each cost approximately £1.2 million
Apr 2010: 599 GTO revealed, a road-legal variation of the 599 XX
2010: 80 examples of the open top 599 SA Aperta produced.
2011: 599 GTB 60F1 released. Based on the HGTE, it gained unique exterior decals and a new alloy wheel design
Dec 2011: 599 XX Evo develops the XX formula further. Features more power, less weight and more aggressive aero
2012: 599 production ends

Summary and prices

The 599 GTB still falls into the realms of affordability by Ferrari standards, with higher mileage listings starting at around £80,000. Add at least £30,000 onto that figure for HGTE-equipped versions, and the finest GTBs run to approximately £175,000. Looking for a manual 599? Well it may be tricky (and expensive) - only three right-hand drive manuals made it to the UK. A left-hand drive GTB manual, sold at auction in March 2015, fetched around £460,000.

The special editions all command very high values. Expect to pay over £300,000 for a 60F1 on the rare occasions they pop up. The GTO, even in left-hand drive form, is priced upwards of half a million, UK specific versions tend to fetch 50 per cent more. The Aperta currently hovers around the £800,000-£1 million mark. An example finished in Rosso Fuoco paint is due to go under the hammer at an RM Auctions event in January 2016.

Just finding a 599XX will be the tricky part. If you find anyone willing to sell, it’s worth bearing in mind that they cost approximately £1.2million when new, and they’re unlikely to have depreciated much...

Review Ferrari 599 and Buying guide