2007 Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano

If an engine can be an icon, the Ferrari V-12 is one of the auto world’s greatest. From the original 125 Sport of 1947, to the recent 575 Maranello, V12 Ferraris have always delivered an exceptional driving experience; one that promises to be even more sublime in this ultra-sophisticated 599 GTB Fiorano. So let us once again enter the stable of the Prancing Horse, and meet the newest icon from the maestros of Maranello.

From the first moment that you punch the skinny pedal on the right in the 2007 Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano, you know that you’ve got a hold of something special.

It’s a feeling well known to dedicated Ferrari owners, and one that we at MotorWeek have happily experienced over the last quarter century, every time we test the latest of Maranello’s V-12 offsprings.

Today, in the year of Ferrari’s 60th anniversary, the 599 GTB Fiorano takes the engine configuration that propelled Enzo Ferrari’s first car, and pushes it to new heights.

This 6.0-liter V-12 produces a stunning 611 horsepower, and a massive 448 pound-feet of torque. It not only produces 96 more horsepower than its predecessor the 575 Maranello, but as it revs to a sky-high 8,400 rpm, know that its 102 horsepower-per-liter is an industry-first from a naturally aspirated production 6-liter engine.

The Enzo-derived all-aluminum powerplant also boasts electronically-controlled variable timing for its 48-valves and a lighter twin-plate low inertia clutch connected to our car’s rear-mounted F1-SuperFast 6-speed gearbox. It’s the newest and by far smoothest evolution of Ferrari’s high speed transmissions, derived from the firm’s ultra-successful Formula One racing program.

Steering wheel mounted paddles instantly trigger shifts that take a mere 100 milliseconds, or one can choose to run the gearbox in totally automatic mode, which is worlds smoother than previous efforts.

The drivetrain’s complex F1-developed electronics include a steering wheel mounted vehicle dynamics controller that allows the driver to select Ice, Low Grip, Sport, Race, and CST modes. This system integrates the stability control, new F1-Trac traction control, the gearbox, and the magnetic fluid suspension.

All this race-bred technology is housed in a lightweight all-aluminum chassis, which when covered with the sensual Pininfarina-styled Berlinetta alloy body, allows this 599 to weigh in at 93 pounds less than the 575 Maranello, and it all weighs in with lightning quick 0 to 60 runs in 3.7 seconds. That bests the last 575 we tested by 4 tenths. European cars with a special launch mode with computer controlled shifts are even faster.

The exhaust erupts with a glorious roar, as the V-12 rockets the 599 up to speed, with the top being over 205. Shift lights atop the available carbon fiber steering wheel help you keep up with the blinding acceleration.

The Fiorano’s speed is matched by tremendous traction as the combination of sophisticated vehicle dynamics, superbly balanced chassis, and sticky ultra-low profile rubber makes this the most agile Grand Turismo to ever wear the Prancing Horse.

But turning off all the electronics truly unleashes this mighty Italian stallion. With all 611 ponies reaching the rear tires, a deft touch is required to keep the rear wheels in line; that is if you want to.

Fortunately, optional carbon ceramic brakes that can stop a space shuttle are available just in case you see a black and white before they see you.

The only disappointment is the light touchy steering which doesn’t deliver the kind of feedback such a powerful car requires. 

No disappointment with the accommodations, however. The Fiorano cabin is a symphony of leather, carbon fiber and aluminum.

The dashboard’s flowing shape manages to look both modern and retro, without too much of either, and the instrument cluster mixes both analog and digital in a most efficient manner.

The carbon fiber shell and firm padding combine to give the ultra-deep power-adjust sport seats tremendous support and rigidity. This superb driver’s car also packs plenty of luxury amenities, including dual-zone climate controls, high-end audio, and Bluetooth cell phone connection.

And it can be personalized with a virtually endless selection of leather and trim options, as well as custom fitted luggage to make best use of the 11.3 cubic-foot trunk.

Or set up for the race track with an optional roll bar, or 4-point racing harnesses, and lightweight 20-inch wheels all around to replace the stock 19-inch front 20-inch rear combination.

And yes, it’s all incredibly expensive. Base price for the 599 GTB Fiorano is $280,295. That price includes $4,500 in gas guzzler tax, and $1,950 for dealer prep and transportation.

The 2007 Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano and its exquisite V-12 engine are so much more than just fast or expensive. They are both history and desire. They are the sights, the sounds, and the feel, that are unique to Ferrari. And 60 years after the first Ferrari V-12 roared to life, they easily live up to the enduring legacy of the Prancing Horse.