Ferrari 599 GTO: Previewing Maranello’s Fastest Road Car
Ferrari’s 599 GTO, limited to 599 units, brings race-derived technology and a 670hp V12 to the road, eclipsing previous models as the marque’s quickest production car.
Ferrari has revealed the 599 GTO, a limited-run supercar that takes its place as the fastest road-going model in the company’s history. Production is capped at 599 cars, each aimed at buyers seeking the closest experience to Ferrari’s experimental track machines without leaving public roads.
The 599 GTO is based on the 599XX, Ferrari’s advanced track-only car, and benefits from technology transferred directly from the racing programme. Maranello claims a Fiorano lap time of 1 minute 24 seconds, making it quicker than any previous Ferrari road car. The GTO’s 6.0-litre V12 produces 670hp at 8,250rpm and 620Nm of torque at 6,500rpm, while the car’s dry weight is kept to 1,495kg. That gives a weight-to-power ratio of 2.23kg/hp, translating to a 0-100km/h time of just 3.35 seconds and a top speed exceeding 335km/h.
Engine and performance upgrades
The V12 engine is closely related to the unit in the 599XX, but modified for road use and emissions compliance. It meets Euro 5 and LEV 2 standards, yet still delivers high-revving performance. Engineers have optimised airflow with a connection between the two intake plenums, and the exhaust system uses a 6-into-1 manifold derived from the 599XX. Shift times for the six-speed automated manual transmission are as low as 60 milliseconds, and the gearbox allows for rapid multiple downshifts, reflecting its motorsport roots.
The car’s chassis development focused on integrating a highly responsive handling setup with sophisticated electronic controls. New springs, a stiffer rear anti-roll bar, and the second-generation magnetorheological suspension (SCM2) work together with Ferrari’s latest F1-Trac traction control and VDC stability system. The steering ratio is more direct than the standard 599, and the overall effect is to minimise understeer and sharpen turn-in, while maintaining stability under braking and through corners.
Brakes, wheels and tyres
Braking is handled by Ferrari’s CCM2 carbon-ceramic system, designed for reduced weight and consistent performance under repeated heavy use. The GTO can come to a halt from 100km/h in just 32.5 metres, according to Ferrari. The car rides on 20-inch wheels, with wider front tyres (285/30 ZR20) and rears (315/35 ZR20) than the standard 599 GTB, aiming to improve lateral grip and quicken steering response. Rear roll rigidity is also increased to further reduce understeer.
Technical specification highlights
| Engine | 6.0-litre V12, 65° |
|---|---|
| Maximum power | 670hp (500kW) @ 8,250rpm |
| Maximum torque | 620Nm @ 6,500rpm |
| Transmission | F1 6-speed automated manual |
| Dry weight | 1,495kg |
| 0-100km/h | 3.35 seconds |
| Top speed | over 335km/h |
| Front tyres | 285/30 ZR20 |
| Rear tyres | 315/35 ZR20 |
| Brakes (front/rear) | 398x38mm / 360x32mm carbon-ceramic |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 17.5 l/100km |
| CO2 emissions (combined) | 411 g/km |
Position in Ferrari’s line-up
The 599 GTO sits above the standard 599 GTB Fiorano, offering a more focused, track-inspired experience for a small group of customers. Its badge recalls the legendary 250 GTO, but its closest mechanical relative is the 599XX. With its limited numbers and performance credentials, the 599 GTO is aimed squarely at collectors and drivers who want the most extreme road-legal Ferrari available at launch. For a look at the fate of one example, see Ferrari 599 GTO destroyed by fire after crash in Dominican Republic.
