2010 Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano

The 599 GTB Fiorano is powered by a huge 6.0-liter V12 making 611 horsepower and 448 pound-feet of torque. Redline is a screaming 8,400 rpm and Ferrari has, of course, worked to optimize the engine sound at the top of the rev range.

Ferrari claims a 0-60 time of just 3.4 seconds and a 0-100 time of 7.4 seconds. Top speed is more than 200 mph. The F1-Superfast 6-speed gearbox can change gears in as little as 100 milliseconds. If you insist on doing the shifting yourself, there's a traditional manual setup with a clutch pedal available as well.

Ride quality is quite good for such a capable car, thanks to magnetically adjustable shocks and a system that optimizes response and comfort. In a maximum of just 1 millisecond, the system can process signals from the road or steering wheel and change the damping firmness. It also comes with a race-oriented stability and traction system called F1 Trac, which will intervene to nudge the driver gently back on course. The 599 GTB Fiorano doesn't completely forget about safety features; it does come with side airbags, in addition to phenomenally strong brakes.

At about 184 inches long, the 599 GTB is nearly as long as a mid-size car. With the classic profile of a grand-touring sports car, the 599 GTB Fiorano is a little more sculpted than some prior designs, with lines that flow up the hood and along the doors. The GTB Fiorano's hand-crafted interior is more richly appointed than other track-capable cars. Leather upholstery and carbon-fiber and leather detailing frame the cockpit, while controls are made in solid aluminum and adaptive racing seats have carbon-fiber side frames.

As with any Ferrari, anyone who's lucky enough to get to order one has full command of a seemingly endless list of customization options and upgrades. On the 599, they vary from carbon-ceramic brakes, a 4-point harness and cockpit roll bar for those headed to the track. Perforated leather seats, carbon-fiber trim and a navigation system are there for those more interested in touring in head-turning style.
The 599 GTB Fiorano replaced the 575M Maranello in Ferrari's lineup in 2006, and it hasn't changed significantly since then, although in typical Ferrari fashion a number of special-edition models have been introduced. Last year, Ferrari introduced an HGTE Handling package, while for this year, the very pricey 599 GTO, a special-built race-homologated 599, bows in a limited run of just 599 examples worldwide.
Head-turning looks; street-legal but track-capable; gorgeous Italian design and luxury
Ferrari has the laws of supply and demand mastered; it always builds far fewer cars than it could sell, leaving those without the means to buy a new one relegated to the late-model used lot while they get in line for one of the new ones. Ferrari owners are more interested in the status that Ferrari ownership gives them and in the sensory experience they get from driving one-- preferably on the track. The 599 GTB is one of the fastest cars available at any price, yet it's surprisingly comfortable. The 599 sports a 0-62 mph time of 3.35 seconds and a top speed of more than 208 mph, yet provides an unparalleled level of style and performance at any price.