Ferrari 599 GTO

Why it matters

Revealed in 2010, the 599 GTO became only the third Ferrari road car to carry the Gran Turismo Omologato designation after the 250 GTO and 288 GTO. Its engineering was derived directly from the experimental 599XX program rather than created as a cosmetic edition of the 599 GTB. Internal friction reductions, revised intake and exhaust systems and more aggressive calibration raised the 5,999 cc V12 to 661 hp at 8,250 rpm. Weight fell by approximately 85 kg through thinner glass, extensive carbon fiber, lighter seats, simplified trim and optimized mechanical components. The six-speed F1 transmission delivered 60-millisecond shifts, while second-generation magnetorheological dampers, F1-Trac, a revised E-Diff and exceptionally direct steering created a tightly integrated chassis. Ferrari developed new aerodynamic solutions around the vented bonnet, wheel arches, front splitter, flat floor and rear diffuser, while specially designed wheel donuts controlled turbulence around the brakes. The GTO accelerated from rest to 100 km/h in approximately 3.35 seconds, exceeded 335 km/h and recorded a 1 minute 24 second Fiorano lap—faster than any previous Ferrari road car at its launch. Exactly 599 examples were produced. Its fusion of front-engined V12 drama with competition-derived response made the 599 GTO one of Ferrari's most significant modern limited-series cars.