Geneva 2011: Novitec Rosso Supercharges the Ferrari 599 GTO to 888 Ponies

Ferrari's most exclusive and powerful series production model, the 599 GTO, doesn't seem fast enough for the aftermarket specialists at Novitec Rosso. This is why the tuning house brought to Geneva Motor Show the 599 GTO Bi-Kompressor, their own version of the Prancing Horse's fastest car.

As the name suggests, Novitec Rosso engineers fitted the naturally-aspirated V12 engine with two superchargers, raising the maximum output from 670 to 888 horsepower. The impressive increase in power can only be rivaled by that of the maximum torque, which goes up from 620 Nm/6,500 rpm (457 lb-ft) to 860 Nm/6,600 (636 lb-ft).

However, the boost in performance is not mind-blowing (compared to the regular model, that is) : the 0 to 100 km/h sprint is 0.15 seconds faster at 3,2 seconds, while top speed is slightly higher at 340 km/h (211 mph). The Novitec Rosso Bi-Kompressor also sprints from 0 to 200 km/h (124 mph) in a 9.1 seconds.

Other technical changes include the fitting of sports springs (however silly that may sound on a 599 GTO) and superlight forged wheels, which are among the lightest of their kind in the world, according to Novitec. The 21-inch front wheels are 22.9 lbs each (10 kg), while each of the rear 22-inch rims weighs 30.4 lbs (13.8 kg). A useful feature devised by Novitec for buyers who like to use their GTO's around town is the front-axle lift function that raises the front of the car by 40 mm to avoid hitting speed-bumps.

As for the exterior, the car shown in Geneva wears a special silver paint with yellow cross stripe on the bonnet and white patches on the doors, as a tribute to the Ferrari 250 GTO that won the Tour de France in 1964. Other changes include yellow brake calipers and blacked out taillights, third brake light, rear fog lamp and side markers.

By Dan Mihalascu

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Report: Ferrari said to Skip 599 Facelift and Bring All-New Model Based on the FF in 2012

It seems the success of the Ferrari FF, the production of which for this year has already been sold out, will affect the 599 GTB Fiorano as well. But in a good way, since it is being reported that Ferrari has cancelled the original plans for a 599 facelift and instead build an all-new car as a replacement. The plan was revealed by Motor Trend magazine, which noted that the new car will be derived from the FF featuring a mightier punch in the performance division. Ferrari plans to launch the new car in late 2012.

The car's naturally aspirated V12 engine will reportedly develop around 700 horsepower and will be based on the FF's 6.3-liter unit, using direct injection in order to be more fuel-efficient than the current 599. Aside from the power increase of around 80 horsepower, the 599's successor will be also lighter, due to the use of an aluminum frame made up of 20 different alloys.

It seems Ferrari will stick with aluminum, although Lamborghini and McLaren have switched to carbon fiber. The magazine quotes Ferrari technical director Roberto Fedeli who admits the car will use some composite panels as well.

The new 599 will make use of a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and a multi-link rear axle as is the case with the California, 458 and FF. The car will also benefit from the fitting of an electronic differential on the rear-axle, which will allow for greater handling flexibility according to the Manettino's position.

In tune with its performance-oriented character, the 599 replacement will not have all-wheel-drive like the FF. However, AWD could be offered as an option on the California in 2013.

By Dan Mihalascu

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Ferrari Unveils New Superamerica 45 Coachbuilt Special

Ferrari is once again showing off its coach-building capabilities with the release of its latest one-off special, the Superamerica 45, which will make its first public outing at this weekend’s Villa d’Este Concours d’Eleganza in Italy. It was built to order for New York billionaire, collector and former owner of the New York Post, Peter Kalikow, to celebrate the 45th anniversary of his Ferrari purchase in 1961.

Even though it was originally believed that the Superamerica would be designed by Pininfarina, the styling is the work of Ferrari Design with the engineering and manufacturing taking place in-house.

The Superamerica 45 is based on the Ferrari 599 and is distinguished by the custom bodywork and a rotating carbon-fiber roof. The latter incorporates a rear screen and works in a similar fashion to the one found in the older 575 Superamerica. Ferrari recently showed a limited edition drop top variant of the 599 called the Aperta, but this model featured a far more simple soft-top cover.

Other custom details include the double air vents on the front wing, a specific chromed front grille and burnished aluminium A-pillars, wing mirrors and door handles. The one-off Italian supercar is finished in an exclusive Blu Antille shade that matches the color of Kalikow’s 1961 Ferrari 400 Superamerica cabriolet nr. 2331SA. The vehicle’s alloy wheels are colored in the same hue while the roof and other carbon-fiber elements such as the front splitter, side skirts and rear diffuser are executed in a darker blue shade.

We don’t have any photos of the interior yet but Ferrari says the blue theme is carried over inside to the dashboard combined with Cuoio leather trim and Blu Scuro carbon fibre details.

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