Ferrari F599 Fiorano: The V12 Berlinetta That Redefined Power
Ferrari’s F599 GTB Fiorano arrived in 2006 with a 6.0-litre V12, delivering 620hp and setting a new benchmark for front-engined supercars.
Ferrari unveiled the F599 GTB Fiorano at the Geneva Motor Show in February 2006, introducing a new flagship for its front-engined V12 range. At launch, the F599 was the most powerful series production Berlinetta Ferrari had ever built, producing 620hp at 7,600rpm from its naturally aspirated 5,999cc V12. The engine, codenamed F140C, was directly derived from the Enzo supercar’s unit, marking a major technical leap for the marque’s grand tourers.
The F599’s V12 delivered more than 100hp per litre without resorting to forced induction, a rarity among production engines at the time. Peak torque reached 608Nm at 5,600rpm. Ferrari paired the engine with a standard six-speed manual gearbox, though most buyers opted for the optional F1 SuperFast automated manual, which promised shift times as low as 100 milliseconds.
Chassis development focused on both performance and comfort. The F599 introduced magnetorheological dampers (MagneRide), allowing rapid suspension adjustment for road or circuit use. The car’s aluminium spaceframe underpinned a body styled by Pininfarina, with Frank Stephenson overseeing the design. Aerodynamics were carefully managed, with features such as the ‘flying buttress’ C-pillars channelling airflow for stability at high speed.
Performance figures and technical highlights
Ferrari claimed a 0-62mph time of 3.7 seconds for the F599, with 0-100mph in 7.4 seconds and a top speed above 205mph. The car’s performance was matched by its electronics, including F1-Trac traction control and carbon-ceramic brakes, both derived from Ferrari’s Formula One programme. These features made the F599 not only the fastest Berlinetta to date, but also one of the most usable, with a focus on comfort and daily drivability.
| Engine | 5,999cc V12, naturally aspirated |
|---|---|
| Power | 620hp @ 7,600rpm |
| Torque | 608Nm @ 5,600rpm |
| Gearbox | 6-speed manual (F1 SuperFast optional) |
| 0-62mph | 3.7 seconds (claimed) |
| Top speed | Over 205mph |
| Kerb weight | Approx. 1,690kg |
| Designer | Pininfarina (Frank Stephenson) |
Legacy and the arrival of the 599 GTO
In 2010, Ferrari expanded the F599 line with the 599 GTO, a lighter, more track-focused variant producing 670PS (661hp) at 8,250rpm and 620Nm of torque. The GTO cut the 0-62mph time to under 3.35 seconds and raised top speed to over 208mph, making it the fastest road-going Ferrari at its introduction. The F599 series remained in production until 2012, when the F12 Berlinetta replaced it, pushing Ferrari’s V12 front-engined formula even further.
Buyers looking for the ultimate V12 Ferrari Berlinetta in the late 2000s found the F599 set a new standard for performance and technology in the segment. For more on its successor, see Gordon Ramsay Adds Ferrari F12 Berlinetta to His Collection.
