The
verdict
Ferrari’s
599 GTB Fiorano flagship serves up astonishing pace from its Enzo-derived V12
yet also delivers surprising comfort. It all adds up to a crushingly capable
supercar.
1.
Exterior
The
Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano follows Ferrari’s edict for form following function, so
it’s perhaps not a classically elegant beauty. That means it’s designed to be
aerodynamically efficient, with every scoop, vent and surface honed to deliver
the best possible means of dealing with the air the 599 so easily punches
through. There is some form in that function though. The neat flying buttresses
at the rear and scalloping along its flanks add visual interest, though the 599
GTB Fiorano is purposeful rather than pretty.
2.
Interior
No
two 599s leave the Ferrari plant with the same interior; such is the level of
personalisation on offer. Leather, seat types, carbon finish packs and even a
steering wheel with gear shift lights – like an F1 car – are offered. The basic
architecture is good though, with four circular vents spouting out of the
dashboard and drilled aluminium pedals situated under the large, sculpted (and
starter button equipped) steering wheel. It’s a nice place to be, but those
extras aren’t cheap, and the supplementary screen among the main dials is more
etch-a-sketch than iPad in its graphics.
3.
Practicality
The
559 GTB Fiorano isn’t really about practicality, though it’s an able GT car
regardless. It’s a strict two-seater, though the rear shelf can be used for
luggage – naturally Ferrari offers fitted leather bags for extra. Likewise, you
can fill the boot with expensive, perfect fitting luggage if you tick the right
option box. Use your conventional luggage and the boot is still reasonably
capacious, particularly in a car capable of in excess of 200mph. Inside, cubby
stowage is limited, though there’s space for a black American Express card in
the glovebox – which is all that matters really…
4.
Ride and handling
The
599 GTB is loaded with technology and that carries through to its dampers.
They’re filled with magnetic fluid, which offers near infinite variability when
an electric current is passed through it. The result is a car that’s able to
tackle both tortuously twisty and bucking back roads with amazing composure,
yet corner flatly when pushed hard on a track. It’s this as much as anything
that makes the 599 GTB so accessible, and so easy to exploit. Those wanting
more focus can select Ferrari’s optional ‘Handling GTE’ pack, which does
exactly as you’d expect it to.
5.
Performance
That
the 6.0-litre V12 under the bonnet of the 599 GTB Fiorano is basically the same
engine that powered Ferrari’s Enzo supercar should tell you something about the
performance on offer. There’s lots of it, and the quoted 612bhp figure feels
conservative when you push the accelerator to the floor. Use the launch control
and it’ll reach 62mph in just 3.7 seconds and the official top speed is 205mph.
The transmission is a paddle-shifted system, it firing through its gears with
real precision at speed, though sometimes a bit clumsy around town.
6.
Running costs
If
you have to ask… Running any exotic Italian car is potentially financially
ruinous, and the flagship model more so than most. Insurance, road tax, fuel,
servicing, tyres and all other costs will be far more than anything ordinary,
but then you’re driving an extraordinary car. If you’ve the money required to
buy it in the first place then it’s highly improbable you’ll baulk at the
running costs – though the numbers look terrifying to mere financial mortals.
7.
Reliability
Ferrari
has taken a leaf out of its F1 team’s book regarding reliability. Back in the
bad old days Ferrari’s F1 cars struggled to finish races; now they lead from
the front and finish virtually all of them. The road cars have followed:
Ferrari’s confidence allows it to offer warranties on approved used cars, as
well as free roadside assistance. If you happen to breakdown somewhere remote
you can always call your pilot and helicopter to pick you up, too.
8.
Safety
It
might have hypercar power, but the 599 GTB is a cinch to drive. A steering
wheel mounted toggle offers the ability to select the amount of electronic
intervention from the stability and traction control systems. It’s best advised
to leave it all turned on when on the public road. Airbags, massive carbon
ceramic brakes equipped with ABS and a super strong structure should keep you
safe, too.
9.
Equipment
It’s
a Ferrari, which means the list price is just a starting point. The basic
standard specification covers exactly that – the basics – so bank on spending a
lot more. Even the Ferrari shields on the wings are optional and you’ll pay
more for a coloured speedometer. It’s well worth paying extra for the HGTE
handling pack as it adds not just suspension revisions, but different wheels,
some carbon interior trim and carbon fibre backed sports seats – all for a
reasonable premium.
10.
Why buy?
Because
you can. The 599 GTB Fiorano might be a supercar of the highest order, but it’s
also surprisingly useable. It’s easy to drive in traffic, and blends in quite
unlike the Lamborghini alternative. If you want the ultimate then there’s the
GTO version, which revives the revered badge and adds some insanity to the
599’s performance, while there’s also an open variant offered – the SA Aperta.
Both the GTO and Aperta are limited-run machines, with price tags to match, so
don’t be worried if you can’t have one – as the standard 599 is among the most
rounded supercars ever.
