Ferrari 599XX and HGTE to debut at Geneva Show

Ferrari 599XX

Ferrari will unveil two new 599 variations at the 79th Geneva International Motor Show, the sporty, dynamic 599 Handling Grand Turismo Evoluzione (HGTE) and a technological test bed 599XX that combines the lessons learned from the FXX program with the ideas showcased on the Mille Chili car.

The 599XX won’t quite be extreme as the Mille Chili (one thousand kilo) car, but we’re still expecting the 599XX to have many of that car’s features. Ferrari has been developing active aerodynamics with Imperial College London and a version of this technology will be on the car, possibly as extreme as the Mille Chili’s ‘synthetic jets,’ which are holes in the rear underbody that open to alter the airflow.

The engine will still be based on the 599′s 6.0-liter V12 (no downsized and turbocharged unit here) but power should be up to around 700 bhp, with the motor possibly running on biofuel. There’ll also be a massive weight saving over 200kg (440lb), plus gearbox tweaks, and different suspension, brakes, wheels and tires.

The 599XX is however expected to stop short of having a shortened platform or electric drive element, while the Mille Chili’s fixed driving position might also not be a favorite of the 30 or so customers that will buy a 599XX.

Like the FXX, only a handful will be built and aimed at a small select group of clients who will then help Ferrari develop the future Ferrari cars-the 599XX will not be intended for road use, and cannot be used for racing either.

You probably won’t be able to get a 599XX unless you have a long history of owning several other Ferraris and are truly “loyal” with a ton of cash.

Ferrari claims the 599XX is a ‘laboratorio tecnologico’-that’s technical laboratory to you and me-and that the ‘new car incorporates the most advanced technologies resulting from Ferrari’s road-going and F1 research. Many of the technological solutions it carries are being used for the first time and have been developed exclusively for this special car.’

The 599 GTB Fiorano was initially developed under the F139 code and has been around for nearly three years since its debut in Geneva 2006. With the 599 HGTE, which is basically a handling-packed equipped car, expect split-rim lightweight 20 inch wheels, different Pirelli P-Zero tires, plus tweaks to the magnetorheological fluid suspension, thicker anti-roll bars, stiffer springs, new front grille, and a F1-gearbox, enough to take the latter down to a Scuderia-matching 60 milliseconds. There should be a new sports exhaust too, so we can hear the 612bhp V12 in all its glory. Expect the optional handling package to tack an additional $25,000 onto the 599′s bottom line.

The two new arrivals will be introduced to the international media by Ferrari Chairman Luca di Montezemolo on the opening day of the Show, March 3rd, at 10 am.

In addition to the 599 GTB Fiorano equipped with the Handling GTE package and finished in a new three-layer metallic Rosso, and the 599XX in a color matching the F2008, Ferrari clients and enthusiasts will also be able to admire this single-seater that recently won the Prancing Horse its 16th Constructors’ World title. On the stand there will also be the full range of Ferrari road cars: the Scuderia Spider 16M in a Grigio Titanio livery, the 430 Scuderia in Rosso Corsa and two Grand Tourer models, the Ferrari California in Nero Metallizzato with a Sabbia interior and the flagship 612 Scaglietti. The latter will be displayed in the Atelier, a dedicated area where owners can get a taste of the virtually endless personalization options on offer to them.

Ferrari 599 HGTE

Mille Chili

Ferrari FXX

Source: carmagazine.co.uk, bushautoblog.com, autojab.com, autoweek.com, carandsuv.co.nz and us.mg203.mail.yahoo.com

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