First Impression: Ferrari 599 GTO

In 2010, Ferrari decided to take the 599 GTB Fiorano and modify it. Ferrari removed 220 lbs off the 599 while adding an additional 50 hp and 12 lb-ft of torque to the 6.0L V12 engine. The result is the is a quicker, faster 599. Ferrari calls the improved car the 599 GTO. It is only the third time that Ferrari has used the GTO designation. The other two times Ferrari has used the GTO designation are 250 GTO and 288 GTO.

I first saw the Ferrari 599 GTO at the 2011 Houston Classy Chassis: Concours d'Elegance. It looks just like the 599 GTB Fiorano, except for aluminum floors and the carbon fiber body. The black roof helps the 599 GTO stand out in a stadium filled with classic cars and modern supercars.

The Ferrari 599 GTO is powered by a 6.0L V12, paired with six-speed F1 gearbox, that produces 670 hp and 457 lb-ft of torque. It goes from 0 to 60 mph in 3.3 seconds and its top speed exceeds 208 mph. Prices for the Ferrari 599 GTO start at $426,000. It is quicker and faster than the 599 GTB Fiorano, but the 599 GTO costs nearly $100,000 more than the 599 GTB Fiorano. There are quicker and faster cars than the 599 GTO and at a fraction of the price.

Jeremy Clarkson of Top Gear reviewed the Ferrari 599 GTO during Series 16, Episode 2. It was 1.4 seconds faster around the Top Gear test track than the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano. The 599 GTO is playable in Test Drive Unlimited 2 and Asphalt 6: Adrenaline.

Final Thoughts: It is a fast car, but it does not warrant the $426,000 price tag. It is another stunning, fast Ferrari. Ferrari claimed that the 599 GTO is the fastest Ferrari production car, but the Ferrari Enzo is 12 mph faster than the 599 GTO.  It is a great car, but it is just too expensive for what it is.

CarJunkie
Photo taken from a digital camera.