Ferrari has named its new car the 599 GTB Fiorano in celebration of the legendary Ferrari test track that has seen the development of so many race and road cars at its first public showing at the 2006 Geneva International Motor Show.

This new model, the most powerful production car ever produced by Ferrari, combines the most innovative and technologically advanced features ever applied by Ferrari to a front-mid engined two-seater, and sets a new benchmark of excellence in terms of handling, driving pleasure and design.

The Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano boasts stunning performance: its 6-litre V12, which was developed from the engine that powered the Enzo, punches out 620 hp at 7,600 rpm and combines with an all-aluminium chassis and bodywork for a weight-power ratio of less than 2.6 kg/hp.

The Pininfarina-designed Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano replaces the last berlinetta, the 575M Maranello, of which - together with the 550 Maranello introduced in 1996 - no fewer than 5,700 have been produced, a record for this flagship model for the Prancing Horse.

The Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano also owes a debt to Alcoa for its all-aluminium space frame, and to Delphi for its innovative suspension system.

Last year was a successful year for Ferrari. While maintaining the brand's exclusivity, Maranello worked hard to reduce the delivery time for new owners and to meet the demands of the new, fast-growing markets.

The result was that approximately 5,400 cars were delivered in 2005. This impressive figure reflects the excellent performance of both the coupe and spider versions of the F430 as well as the 612 Scaglietti - 834 of which were delivered - and the contribution from the limited edition Superamerica of which 559 were built in total.

Further confirmation of the unique appeal of Ferrari's cars came from the fact that almost every car ordered in 2005 included personalisation features, selected either directly from the "Carrozzeria Scaglietti" Personalisation Programme or as one-off requests. Since 1997, in fact, Ferrari has been offering its clients the opportunity of using the programme to enhance their cars and turn them into truly unique products. New options are added to the Carrozzeria Scaglietti Personalisation Programme each year and its content is extended to encompass each new model launched.

The programme was named in honour of Sergio Scaglietti as it is inspired by the same spirit that drove the great coachbuilder when he first began working with Ferrari, often producing glorious one-off bodies for clients who wanted a truly unique car that went beyond even the Prancing Horse's signature innovation and excellence.

Named Fiorano after the circuit Ferrari uses to hone the performance of its track and road cars; GTB as in Gran Turismo Berlinetta after the most famous Ferrari berlinettas ever built; and 599 to reflect the displacement of its V12 engine divided by 10.

The new all-aluminium two-seater that Ferrari unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show is summed up rather succinctly by its own name and delivers everything that this promises. The Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano, in fact, sets a new benchmark of excellence in the sports car world.

This new model was designed with several specific objectives in mind: to surpass the intense driving pleasure of such renowned models as the F40, to guarantee stunning performance courtesy of its highly innovative content and technology transfers from the F1 single-seaters, and to deliver superior standards of roominess, comfort, ergonomics and safety. The result is the pinnacle of achievement in terms of thoroughbred Ferrari sportiness and technology.

The new Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in an astonishing 3.7 seconds and boasts a top speed in excess of 330 km/h. However, it is still the new model's uniquely innovative content that guarantees superior driving pleasure, handling and sportiness.

The technical specification of the engine speaks for itself: 5,999 cc displacement, a specific power output of 103 hp/litre (a first for a naturally aspirated production engine of this displacement).

Twin overhead camshafts per cylinder bank boast continuously variable timing on both inlet and exhaust cams to optimise torque delivery and drivability at both low and high revs. A twin-plate, low inertia clutch in unit with the engine also helps lower the centre of gravity. Chain driven distribution reduces noise and is maintenance-free. The Fiorano's engine delivers a maximum torque of 608 Nm at 5,600 rpm and means that the car pulls well at all engine speeds.

The new model's breathtaking sportiness is due in part to high maximum revs for an engine of this displacement. Its maximum power output is 620 hp at 7,600 rpm with a maximum engine speed of 8,400 rpm. Particular attention was also paid to fuel consumption which is the same as in the previous model, under similar use, despite a significant leap in performance. Development work for the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano also focused specifically on the distinctive sound the engine makes, reducing mechanical resonance in favour of a pure V12 soundtrack from both the intake manifold and the exhaust system. This not only enhances driving pleasure but makes for a quieter ride inside the cabin itself.

F1-SUPERFAST GEARBOX

The new generation F1 gearbox that debuts on the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano is a further development of the F1 gearbox used on all of the models in the Ferrari range.

The F1-SuperFast system enhances the car's high-performance capabilities by using the elastic energy within the transmission components, together with the integrated electronic engine and gearbox management programmes, to speed up gear change times. The various stages involved in changing the gears are implemented in parallel (non-sequentially) and this results in exceptionally fast gear shifting. In fact, it cuts overall gear-shift times to just 100 ms. The system is integrated with the manettino and the driver is still free to choose between either the Automatic mode or the Launch Control setting which offers smoother starts from standstill.

F1-TRAC

The experience built up over thousands of kilometres of Formula 1 testing and racing by Ferrari's drivers is now being made available to ensure customers have access to cutting-edge road-holding, safety and stability. The system continually monitors the speed of both front and rear wheels and features predictive software that estimates the maximum available grip in advance, compares this information with the vehicle dynamics model stored in the control system, and adjusts its reactions to suit, optimising traction by modulating power delivery.

The result is easier, smoother high-performance driving, thanks to maximum grip out of bends (a 20% increase in acceleration compared to a traditional traction and stability control system) and predictable handling even in extreme situations. The F1-Trac is integrated with the manettino which adapts the car's behaviour to the driving conditions: the Sport setting provides the best balance between stability and performance on the road while Race ensures clients maximum performance combined with consistently brilliant handling. The F1-Trac system is another world first for Ferrari.

SCM (MAGNETORHEOLOGICAL SUSPENSION CONTROL) SUSPENSION

Unlike traditional oleodynamic systems, magnetorheological (MR) fluid suspension systems react instantly to road conditions and driver inputs, thanks to the fact that the dampers use a fluid the viscosity of which is modified by applying an electronically controlled magnetic field.

What this means in practice is greatly improved body control which in turn directly improves handling and road-holding thanks to optimal tyre grip in all road conditions. The result is a much safer and more enjoyable driving experience courtesy of reduced roll and greater control when accelerating, braking and cornering. This is the very first time the SCM (Magnetorheological Suspension Control) suspension has been used on a high performance sports car.

EVOLUTION OF THE MANETTINO

The steering wheel-mounted manettino vehicle dynamics control switch, originally developed for the 1996 Formula 1 season, has been taken a step further for the new Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano.

The manettino integrates the stability and F1-Trac traction control systems, the F1-SuperFast gearbox and the SCM (Magnetorheological Suspension Control) fluid suspension. This means that the driver can select the correct setting for the grip conditions at any given time. The manettino's readouts are displayed on the new on-board Multi Display unit so that the information important to each specific setting is instantly available to the driver (e.g. lap times, tyre temperature and pressure or trip computer readouts).

AERODYNAMIC EFFICIENCY

Lengthy testing in the wind tunnel at Ferrari plus various simulations have yielded exceptional results in terms of both downforce and drag. The optimisation of the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano's underbody, the rear diffuser and flying buttresses have resulted in an aerodynamic load of 160 kg at 300 km/h. The Cd - drag coefficient - is 0.336.

STYLING, ACCESSORIES AND PERSONALISATION OPTIONS

The Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano is a strikingly sculptural car. The design is so supple, in fact, that each new angle brings something new to light. Its forms say it all about its extreme sportiness yet still retain a unique sophistication.

A balance has been struck in the interior between the car's sporty vocation and the feeling of intimacy and safety that only skilled hand-crafting and detailed personalisation can achieve. The passenger areas of the car are trimmed in sumptuous leather while the driver area and controls boast more high-tech detailing in carbon-fibre and aluminium.

In addition to the steering wheel and manettino, the central rev counter with a choice of red or yellow background and solid aluminium passenger controls, the new Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano also boasts attractive new styling cues including a central grip to provide extra support for the passenger and new adaptive racing seats featuring carbon-fibre side rests. Other standard accessories include front bi-xenon headlamps and rear LED lights, dusk and rain sensors, dual-zone climate control, electrically adjustable steering-wheel column, hideaway radio/CD player and key with integrated volumetric anti-theft device with motion sensors.

The Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano also benefits from an already vast choice of personalisation options available for every Ferrari model. Four areas are covered by this programme: Racing and Track, Exteriors and Colours, Interior and Materials, Equipment and Travel.

The Racing and Track options include CCM (Carbon Ceramic Material) brakes, 20" Challenge one-piece rims with run-flat tyres, four-point harnesses and a cockpit roll-bar. The Scuderia wheel arch shields and coloured brake calipers complete the look for sportier customers.

Interior and Materials options include a new Enzo Ferrari-inspired carbon-fibre steering wheel with LED rev display which can be specified along with a special carbon-fibre trim kit for the door panels, instrument panel, gear stick surround and sill kick panels. Various types of leather trim are also available for the seats and interior too. Travel and Equipment accessories include front and rear parking sensors, iPod-friendly set-up, satellite anti-theft system and a luggage set specially tailored to fit this model.

In addition to the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano and the F2005 single-seater, an F430 Spider, an F430 and a 612 Scaglietti, all of which offer the Prancing Horse's signature performance, elegance and driving pleasure, are on show at the Ferrari stand in Geneva.

Switzerland is Ferrari's sixth largest market after the United States, Germany, United Kingdom, Italy and Japan. Ferrari Suisse, Ferrari's regional headquarters in the country, is located at Nyon near Geneva and has been controlled directly by Maranello since 1993. Ferrari Suisse is headed by Giulio Zauner.

With 284 Ferraris registered last year, Switzerland now boasts the highest per capita number of Ferraris of any nation in the world.

Ferrari Suisse imports and distributes Ferraris through a network of 10 well established dealerships which also offer a comprehensive assistance service. Switzerland is home to a great many Ferrari collectors, including some with a special interest in Formula 1. It also produces a large number of GT Championship, Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli and Shell Historic Challenge participants.

Technical Specifications

Dimensions and weight
Overall length   183.7 in   4665.98 mm
Overall width   77.2 in   1960.88 mm
Height   52.6 in   1336.04 mm
Wheelbase   108.3 in   2750.82 mm
Front track   66.5 in   1689.1 mm
Rear track   63.7 in   1617.98 mm
Dry weight   3482 lb*   1580.828 kg
Kerb weight   3722 lb*   1689.788 kg
Boot (trunk) capacity   11.3 cu ft   319.982 litres
Fuel tank capacity   23.1 gal   105.013 litres
Weight distribution   47% front 53% rear
Brakes
Front   13.9 x 1.3 in
Rear   12.9 x 1.1 in
Engine
Type   65° V12
Bore/Stroke   3.62 x 2.96 in   91.948 x 75.184 mm
Unit displacement   30.51 cu in   506.522 cc
Total displacement   366.08 cu in   5998.953 cc
Compression ratio   11.2:1
Maximum power   456 kW** (620 CV) at 7,600 rpm
Maximum torque   608 Nm (448 lbft) at 5,600 rpm
Maximum revs per minute   8,400 rpm (with limiter)
Specific output   103 hp/l   76.807 kw/litre
Transmission
Gearbox   (six gears + reverse) Manual or F1
Electronics
Tyre Pressure and Temperature Monitoring System TPTMS CST Stability and Traction Control with F1-Trac
Tyres
Front   245/40 19''
Rear   305/35 20''
Suspension
Magnetorheological damping Control (SCM)
Performance
Maximum speed in excess of 205 mph/330 km/h
0-100 kms   3.70 s
0-200 km/h   11 s
Fuel Consumption
Urban cycle   32.7 l/100 km;   CO2: 750 g/km
Extra urban cycle   14.7 l/100 km;   CO2: 337 g/km
Combined   21.3 l/100 km;   CO2: 490 g/km
European Community directive on consumer information 1999/94/EC 95990029
CO2 Emission
Combined   490 g/km*

* European market version, manual gearbox
** For reasons of homogeneity, engine power is expressed in kW, in accordance with the International System of Units (SI.) The brake horse power (bhp) can be calculated as follows: 1 kW = 1.34 bhp

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