Ferrari revives the GTO moniker with its fastest ever road car.
Based on the insane 599XX experimental track car, the Ferrari 599 GTO retains every bit of hysterical power allowed for in a road going car. The exclusive limited edition berlinetta packs a high-strung V-12 and meshes advanced electronics with a responsive chassis, resulting in a record setting 1’24” lap time around the Fiorano racetrack. The 599 GTO (Gran Turismo Omologata) is the latest Ferrari to carry the famous GTO moniker and does so with pride. Just as the 1962 250 GTO and 1984 GTO were icons of Ferrari excellence, the latest GTO again shows Ferrari’s ability to build a symbol of performance.
Mounted behind the front axle of the Ferrari 599 GTO is a crazed 5,999 cc V-12 based on the same unit found in the 599XX. For road-going standards, the V-12 has received modifications to abide by Euro 5 and LEV 2 standards. Although it has been made road-legal, the V-12 still packs a powerful punch. Pumping out 670 horsepower at 8,250 RPM and 457 lb-ft of torque at 6,500 RPM, the Ferrari 599 GTO makes 50 more horsepower and 9 more lb-ft of torque than the GTB Fiorano. The increase in power was achieved through improved fluid-dynamics, intake geometry, and cylinder efficiency. The result is a smooth power delivery up to the maximum engine speed, sending the GTO to 62 mph in just 3.35 seconds, and hitting 124 mph in just 9.8. Shifting is seamless in the F1 6-speed transmission, taking just 60 milliseconds to change gears.
The most innovative aspect of the Ferrari 599 GTO is the integration of electronic controls and chassis setup. The goal of combining the two is to create a responsive and direct car that could be pushed to its limits. The GTO features new springs and a rear anti roll bar that work with the second-generation magnetorheological suspension control system (SCM2) and Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) to provide responsive and precise handling. To shed weight the 599 GTO got a bit of the F1 treatment with the use of composite materials and race-spec components to achieve a dry weight of just 1,495 kg (3,296 lbs.), and power-to-weight ratio of just 2.23 kg/hp.
The Ferrari 599 GTO benefits from state-of-the-art aerodynamics that not only reduces drag but increase downforce for improved stability. To reduce drag, Ferrari engineers have fitted wheel doughnuts, similar to those found in Formula 1. This device is fitted to the outside of a wheel and ensures hot air escaping from the brakes stays close to the body to lower drag. At the front, a new spoiler with separate lower wing sends cool air to the oil radiator and increases downforce. Underneath the GTO is a flat underbody with diffusers at both the front and rear axles. The increased downforce and reduced drag allow the GTO to achieve a top speed of over 208 mph while creating 317 pounds of downforce at 124 mph.
Further increasing the responsiveness and performance of the Ferrari 599 GTO are new high-performance wheels and tires, along with carbon ceramic brakes. The new 20-inch wheels measure a staggering 9.5 inches wide at the front and 11.5 inches wide at the rear, and are shod in 285/30 front and 315/35 rear Michelin Supersport tires. Stopping the 3,296-pound car are new Brembo carbon ceramic brakes. The fade-resistant brakes give the GTO a 62 –0 mph stopping distance of just 106 feet (32.5 m).
Inside the 599 GTO is a functional cabin with an efficient layout, designed to reduce driver distraction. The steering wheel features longer carbon fiber paddle shifters for easier shifting and integrated LEDs that display engine speed to the driver. A unique Virtual Race Engineer system has been fitted to display the car’s status and performance in an easily visible display.
The mind-blowing Ferrari 599 GTO will be made available to just 599 clients. The car will debut to the public at the 2010 Beijing International Motor Show, while an exclusive preview for Ferrari clients will be held on April 14th at the Military Academy at Modena. Pricing for the 599 GTO has not been released.
Engine:
Type: V12 – 65°
Bore & Stroke: 92 x 75.2 mm (3.62 x 2.96 in)
Unitary Displacement: 499.9 cc (30.51 cu in)
Total Displacement: 5999 cc (366.08 cu in)
Compression Ratio: 11.2:1
Maximum Horsepower: 670 (500 kW) at 8250 rpm
Maximum Torque: 457 lb-ft. (620Nm) at 6500 rpm
Transmission:
Type: F1 6–speed + reverse
Drive: Rear wheel
Performance:
Acceleration 0-62 mph: 3.35 seconds
Acceleration 0-124 mph: 9.8 sec
Top Speed: Over 208 mph (335 km/h)
Dimensions and Weight:
Length: 4710 mm (185.4 in)
Width: 1962 mm (77.2 in)
Height: 1326 mm (52.2 in)
Wheelbase: 2750 mm (108.3 in)
Front Track: 1701 mm (67.0 in)
Rear Track: 1618 mm (63.7 in)
Dry Weight: 1495 kg (3296 lbs)
Curb Weight: 1605 kg (3538 lbs)
Weight Distribution: 47% front – 53% rear
Fuel Tank Capacity: 105 liters (27.7 US gal/23.1 UK/gal)
Trunk Volume: 320 liters (11.3 cu ft)
Wheels and Brakes:
Front Wheels: 9.5 x 20 inches
Rear Wheels: 11.5 x 20 inches
Front Tires: 285/30 ZR20’’
Rear Tires: 315/35 ZR20’’
Brakes: Brembo carbon ceramic
Front Rotors: 398 x 38 mm (15.7 x 1.5 in)
Rear Rotors: 360 x 32 mm (14.2 x 1.3 in)
