Ferrari's 2008 599 GTB Fiorano uses the same 6.0L V12 screaming beast that is found in the Enzo. Putting out 620 horsepower and redlining at 8,400 rpm, it also does 448 pound-feet of torque, almost all of which is available at only 3,500 rpm. Mash it, and all 12 cylinders let out a roaring melody, pushing you toward 60 mph in three and a half seconds. Take your foot off the pedal, and the motor unwinds in a series of sweet backfire pops, reminding you just how closely related this engine is to its racing parentage.

The drivetrain is a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive setup, with the engine and transmission mounted very close in-board-so much so, Ferrari calls the 599 a front-mid engine design. The "SuperFast" paddle-controlled transmission is a six-speed clutchless manual that is able to change gears in about 100 milliseconds.

Stopping the car are big vented discs all around, and the car is supported by a new magnetic-fluid suspension system. Developed in cooperation with Delphi, the fluid can change viscosity when electric charge is passed through it. This system allows minute adjustments in suspension firmness many times a second, resulting in virtually no body lean and endless grip on just about every kind of paved road.

This type of suspension also allows for more user control. A steering wheel-mounted "manettino" knob allows the driver to literally dial in how much driving help he or she wants. The suspension can be set more or less firm, the engine redline can be altered, the throttle response can be increased, and the shift speed made faster.

The Fiorano includes a very intelligent race car-derived traction and stability control system that is adept enough to actually improve lap times. The responsiveness of these systems can also be altered according to the driver's preferences.

Going fast is important in any Ferrari, but in the Fiorano, it means going fast very comfortably. Inside, the power-adjustable seats have high bolsters and are trimmed in supple leather. A leather-wrapped dashboard, leather covered console, and a leather steering wheel accompany the seats, and even the door trim and headliner are leather.

If you prefer carbon fiber over leather, choose a carbon fiber package, and the doors, shifter, dash and steering wheel's leather are replaced with the lightweight material. Front and rear parking sensors are available, as is a navigation system.

Model Strengths

Blistering performance; gorgeous styling; luxury to match the price tag.

Model Changes

The Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano, new a year ago, continues into the 2008 model year largely unchanged. The same V12 engine (borrowed from the Enzo) and clever Magna-ride suspension technology persists, making the 599 is the ultimate driver's car from the most famous sports car manufacturer. A garage door opener, colored seat belts, and Challenge Stradale ball polished wheels are new options, while the carbon ceramic brake system and the battery charging pre-wire kit are no longer available.

Model Value

It may cost more than four times as much as a Corvette Z06, but the 2008 Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano is a supercar that can handle the commute. The Fiorano combines race car performance with a truly upscale interior and luxury options that include a navigation system and parking sensors. The 599 GTB is one of the best performance cars available and it may be one of the most comfortable as well.

The Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano is Ferrari's 2-seat Gran Turismo flagship model, replacing the 575 M Maranello in 2006 as a 2007 model. The 599 GTB debuted at the Geneva Motor Show on February 28, 2006. Styling of the 599 GTB was handled by Pininfarina, under the direction of Ferrari stylist, Frank Stephenson. It is named for its total engine displacement , Gran Turismo Berlinetta nature, and the Fiorano Circuit test track used by Ferrari. Tipo F133F 6.0 L V12 engine produces a maximum 620 CV , making it the most-powerful series production Ferrari road car. Its 608 N·m of torque will also be a high for Ferrari's GT cars. Most of the modifications to the engine were done to allow it to fit in the Fiorano's engine bay . The company claims a top speed in excess of 330 km/h , 3.7 second sprint to 100 km/h , and 11.0 to 200 km/h . A traditional 6-speed manual transmission as well as Ferrari's 6-speed sequential manual gearbox called 'F1 SuperFast' is offered. The e-diff active differential from the F430 is not used. However, the Manettino concept first seen in the F430 also appears in this car. Ferrari sourced the Delphi Corporation's MagneRide semi-active magneto rheological dampers. Reviewers of the car have mentioned that the MagneRide suspension gives the 599 a very comfortable ride but allows it to handle well at the same time. The Fiorano also sees the debut of Ferrari's new traction control system, called F1-Trac. Reportedly tuned using inputs from 7-time Formula 1 World Champion Michael Schumacher, the system supposedly allows a competent driver to lap the Fiorano test track at just 1 second behind Michael's time. Other technical details: Acceleration claimed by Ferrari Economy The first publicly recorded crash of a 599 GTB occurred when Car and Driver writer Aaron Robinson crashed one into the retaining wall of the Passo della Cisa in Italy, a few meters from a monument to Enzo Ferrari . The car suffered only mino