Ferrari 599 GTB

Ferrari is on a trend when it comes to producing convertibles. First we caught a glimpse of the F430 Spider dazzled the world with its beauty and despite the new convertible look it has become Ferrari’s most popular model. Next we saw the Ferrari California. The jury is still out on this one.

Next in line is a new roadster version of the 430 Scuderia – which will make its official debut at Mugello sometime in November. But that isn’t all. New spy shots have recently surfaced and it looks like a convertible version of the 599 GTB Fiorano.

In the spy shot the Ferrari testing mule has a roof – but according to reports the roof is not fit on perfectly to the top of the car and the color does not match the body of the car. Many believe that Ferrari has plans for a successor to the Superamerica version of Fiorano’s 575 predecessor and the 550 Barchetta.

The former Ferrari was equipped with an unusual Fioravanti designed glass roof mechanism. This leads us to believe that this new model will use the same mechanism and will use a similar folding hard top. The convertible will most likely use Ferrari’s new quick-shifting SuperFast3 dual-clutch transmission to help shift the extra weight. We hope to have more details and pictured straight from Ferrari.

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.

Ferrari 599 GTB HGTE package now available as dealer option

The Handling GT Evoluzione (HGTE) package for the 599 GTB Fiorano was first revealed at this March’s Geneva Motor Show. After months of waiting, the package finally is now available and can be fitted at authorized dealers.

There are two options available. The Ferrari 599 GTB HGTE package for the pre 2008 models costs £17,213 (US$28,000) and includes handling, exhaust and aesthetic kits. For the post 2008 models the Ferrari 599 GTB HGTE package price is £19,703 (US$33,000) and includes handling, performance, exhaust and aesthetic kits.

The HGTE package is designed to deliver even sportier, more dynamic driving, giving a focal point of improving handling. The standard 599 GTB is criticized for leaning too heavily into corners when pushed to the limits, which in turn reduces turn in and leads to slower lap times. The HGTE package is expected to solve the problem well.

But you need to pay attention that the more expensive pack comes with handling improvements, better exhaust, more performance, and aesthetic touches, while the less expensive one misses out on the performance benefits.

The full specification of each kit is detailed below:

1) Handling, includes:
* Lower suspension (10mm)
* New magnetorheologically controlled suspension calibration for the Manettino SPORT and RACE configurations
* More rigid suspension springs (front + 17%, rear + 15%)
* More rigid rear anti-roll bars (diameter increased to 25mm)
* HGTE specific tyres with improved compound (8% more grip)
* 3-piece modular rims with reduced weight (forged spokes) and special new design

2) Performance (only available for post-2008 cars, from engine no. 122779), includes:
* New exhausts silencers with two-tone finish tailpipes
* Enhanced F1 gearshift actuation, with response times reduced to 85ms
* New accelerator logic with modified mapping for improved throttle response
N.B. The Performance kit cannot be installed on cars with manual gearboxes.

3) Exhaust, includes:
* New exhausts silencers with two-tone finish tailpipes
The Exhaust kit is designed for:
* vehicles that cannot receive the software updates listed in the Performance kit since the engine was produced before assembly number 122779 (pre-2008)
* all cars with manual gearboxes
* clients who are only interested in modifying the styling and sound of their own cars
N.B. The Exhaust kit is included in the Performance kit, for cars post-2008.

4) Aesthetic, includes:
* New design front grille with a special chromatic treatment
* Burnished finish to Prancing Horse symbols on the front grill and rear boot lid