Geneva, 28th February 2006
The Geneva Motor Show provides the venue for Ferrari's unveiling of the new
Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano, the most powerful 12-cylinder berlinetta ever
developed at Maranello. This new model 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 absolutely stunning performance: its 6-litre
V12, which was developed from the engine that powered the Enzo supercar,
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 in that
great line of berlinettas, 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.
2005 was a highly 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 last year. This impressive figure
reflects the excellent performance of both the berlinetta and spider versions of
the F430 and the 612 Scaglietti (834 of which were delivered) as well as a
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 some 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 creations. 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.
The Ferrari Maserati Group was split up in April and 2005, concerning only
Ferrari's activities posted revenues of ¿ 1,289 million and had a trading profit of
¿ 157 million, an increase of 13.8% on the previous year's figure. This
significant improvement was linked principally to the increase in sales volumes
and efficiency gains which were partially offset by negative impact of euro-dollar
exchange rates.
The 9.7% increase in turnover was contributed to in great part by North America
(with approximately 8% more cars sold in 2005 than 2004), Italy, the United
Kingdom, France and Switzerland. However, the new and emerging markets
(the Middle-East, Eastern Europe and South America) also contributed quite
substantially with sales growing significantly there. Thanks to our brand-new
dealership network in China, in fact, a total of 82 cars were delivered there, a
leap of around 100% on 2004.
As a result, 2006 looks set to be another good year for Ferrari, boosted by the
introduction of the new Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano which completes a unique,
technologically cutting-edge product range, in which each model sets a
benchmark in terms of performance, driving pleasure and design. The new
12-cylinder two-seater completes the overhaul of the entire range which started
in 2004 with the 612 Scaglietti.
The Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano
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 stunning new all-aluminium two-seater that Ferrari is
unveiling 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
absolute 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 MUSIC OF THE V12 CREATED FOR THE ENZO
The technical specification of the engine speaks for itself: 5999 cm3
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 record maximum revs for an
engine of this displacement (apart from the Enzo). 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 clients 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 just 160 kg at 300
km/h. Similarly, the Cd - drag coefficient - is just 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 clients.
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, will be on show at the
Ferrari stand in Geneva.
Ferrari in Switzerland
Switzerland is Ferrari's sixth largest market after the United States, Germany,
United Kingdom, Italy and Japan. Ferrari Suisse, our 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. A total of 65% of the models
in Switzerland are 8-cylinders while 35% are 12-cylinders.
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.
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