The Affluent Page Magazine Presents Untamed Stallion

By Author: John Santos
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The late Enzo Ferrari is widely quoted as saying that the best Ferrari is the next one, and indeed, the limited edition Ferrari 599 GTO embodies that philosophy in both design and performance. There are many ways to define the best of anything, but if you use the fastest lap times for a street car on Ferrari's Fiorano test track as a measure, the GTO now wears the crown. It is the latest in a long line of so-called traditional 12-cylinder, front-engine Ferraris that date to the earliest days of the company in the late 1940s.

This ultimate Ferrari is essentially a street version of the extremely limited 599XX advanced experimental track car, according to Ferrari CEO Amadeo Felisa. He explains through translation in the company's launch video that the company's goal with the GTO is to construct a front-engine car that nobody will ever be able to equal in performance. And it looks as if they hit their target, because the GTO happens to be the fastest road car ever made by Ferrari—besting even the legendary Enzo Ferrari supercar.

The significance of this amazing car extends to the GTO name. According to Ferrari, ...
... the car is inspired by the 599 GTB, which set a lofty standard. The GT designation stands for Gran Turismo (Grand Touring) and represents the ultimate in beauty, luxury, and comfort, while the B (in GTB) stands for Berlinetta (coupe) body style. The O in the newest version is for Omologata, which refers to the historical homologation—racing requirement—that a certain number of street versions of a race car had to satisfy in order to compete on the track. These Omologata cars were typically the top performers in Ferrari's lineup, as the 599 GTO is today.

Ferrari engineers combined traditional techniques (like higher power and lower weight) with advanced electronics and refined aerodynamics to create the ultimate street car.

If greater horsepower leads to happier drivers, then 599 GTO owners are sure to be among the happiest in the world. Engineers took the Enzo-derived 5.99-liter V12 from the GTB and wrung out an additional 52 horsepower—for an impressive 670hp at 8,250 rpm—and mated it to their latest and most complex F1 gearbox, which can rip shifts in a mere 60 milliseconds. They used composites and other lighter-weight materials to shave nearly 200 pounds from the GTB body in several areas, including the greenhouse (cabin), brakes, body panels, transmission, and even the exhaust system, resulting in a curb weight of 3,538 pounds. Aerodynamics, chassis tuning, and electronics that help keep the car handling on the very edge of adhesion round out the package. Even tires and brakes were included in the makeover.

It's not as though the GTB is a performance slouch. In fact, it offers one of the most incredible driving experiences of any car on the road, with massive acceleration, a prodigious grip for cornering, and incredible braking, all enhanced by the magical cacophony of 12 cylinders screaming under the hood. But Maranello has upped the performance ante by a noticeable margin.

According to Ferrari, the GTO can thunder to 62 mph in a mere 3.35 seconds (about half a second quicker than the GTB), with a top speed of 208 mph—definite supercar territory. And it hits these performance marks in a package that is as much rolling artwork as it is an engineering marvel.

Speaking of engineers, the car includes a Virtual Race Engineer system that feeds drivers real-time performance and status data on a dashboard computer screen. Ferrari didn't release many other details of the interior other than enhanced paddle shifters that are larger and constructed of carbon fiber. However, a price sheet reportedly leaked on the Internet shows all manner of aluminum, carbon fiber, Alcantara, and leather choices, as well as some GTO-specific options, including a roll bar and historic GTO stripes.

With the GTO, Ferrari has created an exclusive vehicle that is likely to be an instant collectible. Estimates for a $500k list price may be moot, because sources say production is limited to 599 total units, and if you aren't already on the handpicked buyer list at the factory, you will probably have to work your dealer and broker contacts to chase the rare vehicle that makes it to the resale market. For years, the legendary Enzo sold at the million-dollar mark and higher, even with a list price in the $600k range. The similarity of the GTO styling to the GTB and absence of over-the-top looks may keep prices from reaching the million-dollar mark, but look for the GTO value to linger at lofty heights driven by the market for years to come, as Ferrari collectors and aficionados around the world fight to add this latest cavallino to their stable.

CEO Felisa, says Ferrari wants to build a vehicle that will always be remembered in the history of our cars, and it seems they have succeeded...at least until they make the next one.

Ferrari, www.ferrari.com, 201.816.2600

Ferrari 599 GTO

Manufactured — Italy

List Price — $500,000 (est.)

Available — 2011 (sold out)

Engine — 5.999-Liter V12

Horsepower — 670 hp @ 8,250 rpm

Torque — 457 lb.ft @ 6,500 rpm

Layout — Front engine

Transmission — 6-speed F1 gearbox with paddle shifters

Drivetrain — Rear-wheel Drive

Fuel Economy — N/A

Wheelbase — 108.3 in.

Length — 185.4 in.

Width — 77.2 in.

Curb Weight — 3,538 lbs

Top Speed — 208 mph (manufacturer est.)

Acceleration — 0-62 mph 3.35 sec (manufacturer est.)

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