abstract
| - When it comes to producing true pieces of mechanical art, none are on the same level as Ferrari. The firm - based in Maranello, Italy - did it yet again with the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano, introduced at the 2006 Geneva Motor Show as the successor to the venerable 575M. Known simply as the 599 in Japan, the 599 GTB Fiorano got part of its name from Ferrari's private test track, called Fiorana Circuit, located at the company's headquarters. The exterior was penned by Japanese designer Kiyoyuki Okuyama, who took various cues from the legendary 250 from decades past and incorporated them into the new 599 with a more modern interpretation. One of the hallmarks of this fresh design are the "floating" C-pillars that hover independently of the window and help channel airflow to the rear trunk lid spoiler, greatly aiding the car's exceptional aerodynamic performance. This, combined with the car's diffuser on the rear bottom surface, accounts for a full 190 kg of downforce at maximum speed. The 599 came powered by a retuned version of the same 6.0-liter V-12 found in the formidable Ferrari Enzo. Its maximum output was rated at a whopping 611 HP, which translates to more than 99 HP per liter. Top speed of the car: a phenomenal 205 mph. In addition to the conventional 6-speed manual gearbox, a semi-automatic "F1 Superfast" transmission is also offered, making the 599 the quintessential road and track car.
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