599 [2006-2012] Autocar Road test Ferrari 599 GTB

[Monster]

Ferrari 599
Test Date 15 May 2007 Price When New £179,890

For Mind-blowing performance, gorgeous cabin, looks, usability, handling

AgainstChassis settings not ideal for UK roads, F1 'box still a bit crude on downshifts

Background
The last time Ferrari launched a two-seat, front-engined V12 Berlinetta, it reminded us that the company doesn’t always make exceptional motor cars. The 2002 575M Maranello took a dynamic step backwards from the car it replaced, the 550 Maranello. Ferrari didn’t take kindly to the poor reception, and it would seem that those frustrations were channelled into the design of this car, the 599 GTB Fiorano.

The 599 presents a dazzling set of numbers. Its £184,980 list price isn’t so extraordinary in the face of its obvious competition, but few people expected Ferrari to give the car over 600bhp. In doing so, it has produced a sporting GT with the potential to outperform many more exclusive machines, most notably the Mercedes SLR McLaren.

It would be possible to trace the 599's heritage to the very first front-engined Ferrari road car, but in truth its lineage begins with the great 250 GT SWB and Lusso of the 1960s. These fast, dramatic machines with impossibly long bonnets continued through the 275GTB and Daytona until the company chose a mid-engined format for its range-topping V12 road cars from the mid-1970s to the late 1990s. The 550 Maranello signalled the return of the big V12 Ferrari with a long bonnet and nothing behind the driver but luggage and 100 litres of unleaded. We loved it.

The rest of the article at Ferrari 599 - Autocar.co.uk

 

[Merc1]

When it comes to sports cars it doesn't get any more inviting looking than this!



Beautiful.

M

 

[LaArtist]

^love this car..its so great

 

[Tarek]

Damn sexy car but still would take a SLR 722 over it!

 

[martinbo]

This is a nice quote from the article wrap-up:

Verdict


There are faster cars on sale, more expensive and more glamorous machines, but the 599 is currently the most complete GT ever conceived. It marries glamour and grace with a set of driving credentials only hampered by Ferrari’s decision to combine the chassis electronics into fixed groupings. Otherwise it is blessed with an exceptional engine and a fine cabin from which to control all that power, packaged in a body that is lighter than its predecessor’s.

Unlike the few other machines with similarly explosive performance, the 599 feels entirely amenable to everyday use. Visibility is good, and it even has reversing sensors. But a V12 Ferrari should be defined by the way it drives and, putting aside those damper issues, the GTB Fiorano is a car that renders the SLR redundant and questions the need to reach any further up the supercar ladder. The 575M blunder is now forgotten; long live the superb 599.

What a fantastic automobile: it looks terrific and goes like no other GT.

The only really relevant question to ponder here is... what colour?

 

[PanterroR]

The only really relevant question to ponder here is... what colour?

Here's the answer, Martin:



Simply, there's no better color than this one for this Ferrari, afaic of course.

 

[Merc1]

I agree, it just isn't fair that I can't afford one of these!

M

 

[Monster]

What a fantastic automobile: it looks terrific and goes like no other GT.

The only really relevant question to ponder here is... what colour?

I will go boring and pick Red, although a silver 599 look stunning as well

 

[Merc1]

Silver would be the last color I'd want on a Ferrari, way too dreary IMO. Red of course is better, but the darker one though I'm not sure what it is called. Silver is reserved for dull German cars, preferably Benzes and Audis.

M

 

[Monster]

Silver would be the last color I'd want on a Ferrari, way too dreary IMO. Red of course is better, but the darker one though I'm not sure what it is called. Silver is reserved for dull German cars, preferably Benzes and Audis.

M

I think the lighter colours better show off the lines and the curves on the 599 another photo....

Back on topic..... i haven't got much to say because this car is close to perfect.

 

[martinbo]

Here's the answer, Martin:

Simply, there's no better color than this one for this Ferrari, afaic of course.

Thanks Tyc...

Mmmm for Mmmmidnight Blue! Frikken gorgeous! I can't do it though. Blue on a Ferrari just isn't correct no matter how good it looks. It's in the same way that yellow just wouldn't be right on, say, an M6.

Silver, erm, kinda-maybe-no. Too insipid. I like that deeper red but it reminds me too much of red wine. I want to drink red wine. Not drive it.

Talking of yellow... this car looks dandy in that shade! Here's one of the pics I took of the 599 GTB at Auto Africa 2006:



Not that I could ever bring myself to own a yellow car. Anyone seen pics of a 599 in pearlescent white with a red interior? Intriguing...

Oh drat - I've just noticed that I've repeated a discussion from the 599 Picture Thread. Sorry. That leaves me to say that my choice would be the gun-metallic grey with a red interior...

I once voted for a 911 Turbo over this in my Maranello vs. Zuffenhausen thread. What a fking daft fool.

In my opinion this is probably the best car in the world right now, at any price.

 

[LaArtist]

ohh snap that is it.. i want that yellow one..
god damn thats hot
give me that one with red interior..and black piano wood / carbonfibre..

drooooooooooooooooooooool

 

[Merc1]

In my opinion this is probably the best car in the world right now, at any price.

Whether or not we agree that this is the best car in the world or not, this car at the very least does frame the argument. It very well could be.

M

 

[Mr. M]

The first time I saw this, I didn't like it. But it really came into its own as time passed and it looks fabulous. I hope I have the same reception for the GranTurismo penned by the same designer.

 

[martinbo]

The first time I saw this, I didn't like it. But it really came into its own as time passed and it looks fabulous. I hope I have the same reception for the GranTurismo penned by the same designer.

Yes, the 599 did even draw a slightly uncertain reaction from me at first sight. Then I got used to it overnight - and I was suddenly hooked. Funny thing is, I feel the same way about that new Mazza. It's just too lovely.

 

[PanterroR]

Yes, the 599 did even draw a slightly uncertain reaction from me at first sight. Then I got used to it overnight - and I was suddenly hooked.

Oh, same here, Martin...

You remember this: I appologize and i withdraw...

 

[martinbo]

Heh heh - yeah Sash, I remember that clearly. Ah - the good times...

 

[PanterroR]

Heh heh - yeah Sash, I remember that clearly. Ah - the good times...