2011 Ferrari 599

What's New for 2011

The 2011 Ferrari 599 GTO is all new.

Introduction

Ferrari is one of the best known and most desired marques in the world -- known for drop-dead gorgeous styling and performance that is just as pulse-quickening. The 2011 599 GTO represents the pinnacle (so far) from Ferrari, as the company's fastest road car ever built. In a nutshell, the 6.0-liter V12 produces 670 horsepower and can propel the GTO to a 208 mph top speed.

As the name suggests, the 2011 Ferrari 599 GTO is based on the 599 GTB Fiorano, which produces a not-so-paltry 612 hp. The GTO also takes a few playbook pages from the 599XX, Ferrari's rare racetrack-only variant. Besides the increase in power output, the GTO benefits from the use of lightweight composite materials and exotic metals to shave about 184 pounds from the 599 GTB's curb weight.

Bleeding-edge race technology is also prominently featured throughout the 599 GTO, with magnetorheological suspension dampers (we're assuming it sounds much better in Italian), carbon-ceramic brakes, a double-curve rear diffuser and a transmission that reacts almost as quickly as Ferrari's Formula 1 cars.

Ferrari will only build 599 examples of the GTO, many of which will initially be available to existing customers and prominent collectors only. Further complicating a 599 GTO acquisition is its estimated cost of $750,000. Ouch. Check back later once actual pricing is announced for complete specifications and driving impressions.