First Sight: Ferrari 599 GTB

Mon, 16 Jan 2006

Ferrari have announced the first details of their latest V12 berlinetta at the North American International Auto Show - the new 599 GTB. The new model is a direct replacement for the 575M Maranello and represents the latest interpretation of a theme that has seen such classics as the 250 GT, the 275 GTB, and the 365 GTB4 (Daytona).

According to Ferrari, the new car is a concentration of their most innovative and technologically advanced engineering solutions applied to a mid-front engined two-seater coup?. The result is a new benchmark for performance and driver involvement, including all-aluminium construction for the body and chassis. The new car has a 5,999cc V12 - derived directly from the Enzo Ferrari supercar - which produces no less than 620hp at 7,600 rpm for a weight/power ratio of just 2.6 kg per horsepower.

Designed by Pininfarina, the front face is an evolution of the 612 Scaglietti theme, with fingernail-shaped headlamps set on the fender and a smiling eggcrate grille in the bumper. The glasshouse is wrapped tightly around the occupants, giving more visual differentiation from the 612 Scaglietti and emphasizing the mid-front engine layout of the car. The plunging beltline ends in a new type of vent graphic for Ferrari, set high up on the front fender, while a second vent slot appears in front of the rear wheel to aid brake cooling. The most radical changes are confined to the tail of the car, which features a notably bubble-shaped rear glass, flying rear pillars and just two circular taillamps rather than the usual four.

The new car will be officially unveiled on 28 February 2006 at the Geneva Motor Show.