The Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano (internal code F139) is Ferrari's 2-seat Gran Turismo flagship model, replacing the 575 M Maranello in 2006 as a 2007 model. The 599 GTB debuted at the Geneva Motor Show on February 28, 2006. Styling of the 599 GTB was handled by Pininfarina, under the direction of Ferrari stylist, Frank Stephenson. It is named for its total engine displacement (5999 cc), Gran Turismo Berlinetta nature, and the Fiorano Circuit test track used by Ferrari.A traditional 6-speed manual transmission as well as Ferrari's 6-speed sequential manual gearbox called 'F1 SuperFast' is offered. The e-diff active differential from the F430 is not used. However, the Manettino concept first seen in the F430 also appears in this car. Ferrari sourced the Delphi Corporation's MagneRide semi-active magneto rheological dampers of the car have mentioned that the MagneRide suspension gives the 599 a very comfortable ride but allows it to handle well at the same time
The first publicly recorded crash of a 599 GTB occurred when Car and Driver writer Aaron Robinson crashed one into the retaining wall of the Passo della Cisa in Italy, a few meters from a monument to Enzo Ferrari (for his finishing fourth in a 1919 hill climb on that same road). The car suffered only minor damage to the front right fender, and Robinson and photographer Mike Valente were able to drive it back to the factory.
Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne also crashed his 599 GTB in November 2007.
To market the 599 GTB in the Americas, Ferrari embarked on a 20,000-mile (32,000 km) trek from Brazil to New York in two cars. The two cars drove through 16 countries and had minimal (mainly suspension) changes made to the mechanicals.
Evo Magazine named the 599 GTB as the Car of the Year for 2006 despite strong competition from rivals Porsche and Lamborghini and other high-performance cars. The Stuttgart marque has been an evo Car of the Year favorite winning in 1998, 1999, 2000, 2003, and 2004. Even with the release of the brilliant 911 Turbo (997), it was denied from the list because the 911 GT3 (997) was considered more impressive. Notably, previous GT3s have won the eCOTY in '99 and '03, making the current car a fierce contender for the title. The Porsche came in second with 94.8 points just behind the 599 with 95.4 points. Lamborghini came in third with the redesigned and more powerful Murciélago LP640 garnering 93.4 points. The three supercar marques were clear front-runners with a wide gap ahead of the Chevrolet Corvette Z06 (89.6), Lotus Elise S (89.3), Jaguar XKR (87.0), Renaultsport Mégane (86.2), Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG (85.4) and Aston Martin DB9 Sports Pack (84.4).
Top Gear Magazine also named the 599 GTB as the Supercar of the Year 2006. However, the Jaguar XK was named overall Car of the Year chosen from the winners of several categories.
Although Ferrari estimated a 0–100 km/h time of 3.7 seconds, tests have achieved a better time. During a track test, Evo Magazine achieved a time of 3.5 seconds and lapped the Bedford Autodrome in 1.23.10, making it faster than the Ascari KZ1, the Porsche 997 Turbo and 996 GT3 RS, Ferrari F430, Lamborghini Gallardo '04, and the Chevrolet Corvette Z06. However, it was still slower than the Gallardo SE ('06) and three other supercars. Motor Trend timed an even better 0–100 km/h time of 3.2 seconds with a Ferrari test driver.
Road & Track also timed the 0–60 mph time at 3.2 seconds in a road test which appeared in the May 2007 issue.
Autocar UK had a comprehensive 599 GTB review which appeared in the May 16, 2007 issue.
The 599 GTB is also the first Ferrari ever to come with an iPod connection as standard.
The 599 GTB manufacturing process and the Maranello plant were featured on National Geographic Channel's series Ultimate Factories in 2006.
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