Ferrari 599 GTO, Weight And Handling Optimized For Ultimate Control

Ferrari's latest exotic car combines front-engined practicality with stunning performance from the latest V-12 engine. This version of 599 has a 680 bhp V-12 with reduced weight to ensure fabulous straight-line power. In addition, though, the handling has been improved with new tires, stiffer suspension and improved electronics. Also new are second-generation carbon-ceramic brake discs which are even lighter than those used before.

GTO - an old charismatic name

GTO (Gran Turismo Omologata) brings back a name used first by Ferrari in 1962 when it decided to 'homologate' the 250 GT model, and it was called 250 GTO. This meant that the car had been homologated - approved - as a production car. GTO does have a special ring to it, and one special to Ferrari. Also it is appropriate since the F599 GTO is a near racer for the road, like previous Ferrari GTOs.

Ferrari quotes a top speed of over 208 mph (335 km/h) and a 0-60 mph time of just 3.35 seconds, which is right up there in the exotic car league. The latest version of the Ferrari V-12 provides the power, upped to 680 bhp (500 kW at 8,250 rpm, while maximum torque is a massive 457 lb ft (620 Nm) at the high speed of 6,500 rpm, as would be expected on such a high-performance unit.

The extra power is derived principally from a racing-type intake system with a new manifold with diffuser-type intake geometry. Also, there are short inlet tracts designed to improve power delivery at high revs and reduce losses. 

Losses are also reduced by a connection between the two plenums at the front which compensate for variations in pulses of air drawn in. The engine is coupled to Ferrari's electronically controlled sequential box which provides shifts in 60 milliseconds.

Stiffer suspension

To suit the semi-race aspirations of the car, both the springs and anti-roll bars are stiffer than on the 599 GTB, while the stability control has been revised to give maximum cornering power. It works in conjunction with the F1-Trac traction control to give maximum adhesion when accelerating out of corners.

Interestingly, Ferrari is still using magneto-rheological dampers, which it says are second generation, whereas most manufacturers seem not to be adopting them.

To improve performance, weight has also been reduced without any very drastic changes. For example, the aluminum body is made from thinner sheet while thinner glass is used in the greenhouse.

With improvements in the shape of the nose, the GTO generates down force of 320 lb (144 kg) at 125 mph (200 km/h). The flat under body as also been improved, while improved ducting to the brake discs and pads keeps them cooler. In addition, discs are placed outside the brake discs to ensure that hot air exiting the wheel arch stays as close to the body of the car as possible to reduce drag. These resemble the drums used on F1 cars to improve brake cooling.

Work on the nose of the car was aimed at reducing the width of the wake generated by the front and thus reduce drag. The front spoiler incorporates a separate lower wing that increases down force at the front of the car and 

increases the flow of cooling air to the oil radiator. On the flanks there’s a new sill design with a more pronounced leading edge that improves the efficiency of the central section of the under body. The under body itself incorporates a new, lower front section with diffusers ahead of the front wheels to optimize down force, and a new double-curve rear diffuser.

Wider front tires

To reduce under steer, which Ferrari says is virtually eliminated, wider tires are used at the front than in the past, and these are mounted on 20-inch wheels. These are extremely low-profile tires, of 285/30 at the front on 9.5 inch rims, and of 315/35 on 11.5 inch rims at the rear.

The newly developed carbon-ceramic discs are lighter than before, and are said to give more consistent performance. The discs are 15.70 x 1.50-inch (398 x 38 mm) at the front, and 14.17 x 1.30 inch (360 x 32 mm) at the rear.

As the 599 GTO is intended for high-speed use, the mode for driving ice in the electronic control system for the engine, brakes and transmission has been removed. Instead, the Manettino includes an 'Off' setting instead to suit the aspirations of owners when they get to the track.

Overall, another exotic car from Ferrari with its excellent weight distribution of 47 per cent front to 53 per cent rear, which results from the mounting of the engine behind the front wheels, and the use a rear-mounted gearbox. 

The new model has a kerb weight of 3,538 lb (1,605 kg )which compares with the 3,722 lb (1,689 kg) of the Fiorano 599 GTB, a weight reduction of 184 lb 84 kg) which is not that much. Even so, the F599 GTO is a superb car for just 599 owners, as this is the number that Ferrari is building.