As purely bullying as they can be in person, Lamborghinis are easy cars to like. Four decades ago, having achieved automotive perfection with the Miura, designer Marcello Gandini decided to leave cars behind and design a proper space vehicle for an age when men were regularly sent to the Moon. Ever since his Countach LP500 concept had its first outing at the 1971 Geneva Motor Show, Lamborghinis have looked exactly the same. Company owners and aerodynamic bits have come and gone but the essential shape is still the unbroken Countach wedge. Show your mom a Countach and the Murciélago LP670-4 SuperVeloce introduced 38 years later at the same show yesterday and she will nod in comfort and recognition.

Ferrari doesn't do that. Which is remarkable when you consider that if there was one company which could actually afford to sink into stylistic complacence and keep rehashing its old models, Ferrari would be it. Would someone complain if you could, akin to a Se7en, buy yourself a brand new retro 250 GT SWB with working brakes?

New Ferraris almost always clearly break with their predecessors. All they retain are subtle touches, like the tiny circular rear lights or the hood scoops. This design language has the effect of making new Ferraris frequently appear particularly alienating. Can you still remember the shock of first seeing the Enzo in 2002? Instead of the curvaceous, understated design of its contemporaries, the car was a dramatic jet fighter of sharp angles. People actively hated it: yet has it not become one of the icons of the decade? The same happened again three years ago when the 599 GTB replaced the aging 575 Maranello.

The 599 is a classic berlinetta in silhouette, yes, but the details were alien, jarring. All it took, of course, was some getting used to, and the car made everything else look dated, and that was even before you heard that front-mid-mounted V12 scream bloody murder and break all your ribs at the slightest blip of the throttle.

But the most graceful detail of the 599 was not up front with the engine but back above the rear haunches. It took quite a while to spot the incredible fact that the C-pillars were not mere pillars but flying buttresses more common on Gothic cathedrals than supercars. This solution created an elegant yet perfectly serviceable way to apply downforce on the rear wheels without tacking a rear wing on the trunk and breaking up the lines. It's hard to appreciate the sheer beauty of the arch on pictures. It's really something you have to see in person, because, although it's concealed on most photographs, Black Francis of the Pixies often makes his home beneath a 599's C-pillar.

So take another look. I think you may be able to spot Mr. Francis singing the chorus of Alec Eiffel, the third song on the band's fourth and final studio album, Trompe le Monde:

Now look again at the 599XX and the 599 GTB Fiorano HGTE and rejoice. The 70s may have had disco science and Daytonas but we also live in interesting times.

Photo Credit: Balázs Fenyő (Ferrari 599 GTB gallery), freschwill (Black Francis)

Peter Orosz, the editor of Hyperleggera, a website he fervently claims is not a car blog (although it really is, we don't care what he says - Ed.), pens Jalopnik's newest feature dubbed "Crazy Euro Car Boy." It's a series all about one Hungarian sometimes-motoring journalist's obsession with the cult of cars.

As expected, the 599 GTB Handling GT Evoluzione (HGTE) is primarily the addition of a modified suspension with grippier tires, stiffer springs and rear anti-roll bar plus adjustments to the ride height and shock absorbers for a sportier feel. Backing up the sportier feel is a slightly modified exterior including new wheels, subtle carbon fiber touches and a new three-layer paint job.

On the inside, the new HGTE gets a special two-tone Alcanatara leather interior with contrast stitching and the prancing horse logo embroidered with the words "Handling GTE" on the headrest, which will soon do battle with the Maserati Centurion.

FERRARI AT GENEVA WITH THE HGTE PACKAGE FOR THE 599 GTB FIORANO

Geneva, March 3rd 2009 – The 79th Geneva International Motor Show provides the venue for Ferrari to announce two new pieces of good news: the arrival of the Handling GT Evoluzione (HGTE) package for the 599 GTB Fiorano and the world debut of the 599XX which is aimed at a select group of clients. The latter new car incorporates the most advanced technologies resulting from Ferrari's road-going and F1 research. Many of the technological solutions it carries are being used for the first time and have been developed exclusively for this special car.

The HGTE package is designed to deliver even sportier, more dynamic driving, to highlight the 599 GTB Fiorano's positioning in the "sports car" segment. The technical modifications introduced with the HGTE Package to the car's set-up and tyres ensure tighter, more dynamic handling, with sharper cornering and improved responsiveness whilst still being easy to drive. The HGTE package further underlines the 599 GTB Fiorano's different mission from Ferrari's other current 12-cylinder, the 612 Scaglietti which, along with the 8-cylinder Ferrari California, represents the Grand Tourer personality of the Prancing Horse's current range.

599 GTB Fiorano with the Handling GTE package
When it first debuted, the 599 GTB Fiorano set a new standard in terms of performance that remains a benchmark for new sports car development to this day. Now Ferrari is introducing the new Handling GTE (Handling Gran Turismo Evoluzione) package for the model to further underscore its sportiness and handling.

The package includes a modified set-up with stiffer springs and rear anti-roll bar as well as new calibration settings for the magnetorheological shock absorbers when the manettino is at its sportier settings. The ride height has also been lowered which in turn lowers the car's centre of gravity. This combined with the new set-up helps improve body control. The package also includes specifically optimised tyres featuring a compound that offers even better grip.

The car's electronics have also evolved to ensure even more prompt response to driver commands. The F1 gearbox's shifts are now even faster in high-performance settings, while a new engine software strategy has improved accelerator response.

The exhaust silencer has also been modified with the result producing an even more marked and thrilling sound under hard usage whilst still delivering just the right comfort levels at cruising speed.

From a styling point of view, the package also includes some distinctively sporty exterior and interior features with carbon-fibre widely used in the latter. The 20" split-rim wheels are new with a special diamond-cut and matte silver finish. The rear diffuser is finished in matte black to underscore the car's new set-up and highlight the chromed tail pipes. The cabin is sportier too thanks to a sophisticated mix of full-grain leather, black Alcantara® and carbon-fibre trim.

The new seats are trimmed in a new two-tone combination of leather with black Alcantara® inserts, and the seat backs are trimmed entirely in carbon-fibre. Embroidered in contrasting stitching on the headrest are a Prancing Horse and the words "Handling GTE".

Photo Credit: autoblog.it

(Hat tip to Patrick!) [Asphalt.ch]

We're told to expect the Handling GT Evoluzione (HGTE) package to include newly designed 20-inch wheels wrapped in more aggressive rubber, stiffer springs, thicker antiroll bars, a retuned exhaust system and a new front grille. Expect the optional handling package to tack an additional $25,000 onto the 599's price tag.

The 599XX is Ferrari's rolling tester for the latest technological developments from the company's road-going and Formula One work. Although specifics haven't been revealed, Ferrari claims many of the systems implemented for the 599XX are being used for the first time and have been exclusively developed for the model.

We're extremely pleased by the announcement of the 599XX program, which seems like the GTB version of the Ferrari FXX. Everything Ferrari is saying about the F99XX is similar to what they said about the FXX and we can only hope this means they'll sell a limited number of track-only 599XX supercars to the super rich for the rest of us to gawk at.

Press Release: The new 599 GTB Fiorano Handling GTE Package and the world preview of the ‘laboratorio tecnologico' 599XX

Geneva International Motor Show provides the venue for Ferrari to announce two new pieces of good news: the arrival of the sporty, dynamic Handling GT Evoluzione (HGTE) Package for the 599 GTB Fiorano and the world debut of the 599XX which is a technological laboratory aimed at a select group of clients. The latter new car incorporates the most advanced technologies resulting from Ferrari's road-going and F1 research. Many of the technological solutions it carries are being used for the first time and have been developed exclusively for this special car.

In addition to the 599 GTB Fiorano equipped with the Handling GTE package and
finished in a new three-layer metallic Rosso, and the 599XX in a colour matching the
F2008, Ferrari clients and enthusiasts will also be able to admire this single-seater that
recently won the Prancing Horse its 16th Constructors' World title. On the stand there
will also be the full range of Ferrari road cars: the Scuderia Spider 16M in a Grigio
Titanio livery, the 430 Scuderia in Rosso Corsa and two Grand Tourer models, the
Ferrari California in Nero Metallizzato with a Sabbia interior and the flagship 612
Scaglietti. The latter will be displayed in the Atelier, a dedicated area where owners can
get a taste of the virtually endless personalisation options on offer to them.

[Source: Ferrari]

New from NOVITEC ROSSO: Bi-Kompressor V12 Engine with 808 hp / 594 kW and 823 Nm for the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano

A maximum rated power output of 808 hp / 594 kW, a peak torque of 823 Nm and a top speed of more than 340 km/h, all the result of a high-tech twin compressor conversion: NOVITEC ROSSO endows the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano with even more superlatives through professional tuning. The tuning is accompanied by an aerodynamic-enhancement kit developed in the wind tunnel, three-piece 21-inch wheels with correspondingly calibrated sports suspension, a high-performance brake system, and exclusive interior options.

As for the Ferrari F430, NOVITEC ROSSO relies on mechanically supercharging the six-liter four-valve V12 engine of the F599 with two compressors for boosting performance. The cogged-belt driven high-performance superchargers produce a maximum boost pressure of 0.39 bars, and are a lubricated by their own dedicated oil circulation. The pre-compressed air is then cooled down to a level conducive for added power by a large intercooler that itself is cooled by a dedicated water cycle. A specially designed intake manifold with high-performance injectors and sport air filter round out the conversion on the intake side.

In addition, NOVITEC ROSSO installs custom exhaust manifolds calibrated to the twin compressors, and the NOVITEC ROSSO stainless-steel quad sport exhaust system with a tailpipe diameter of 90 millimeters. The exhaust note can be adjusted using the 'manettino' switch on the steering wheel from 'sporty yet discrete' to 'definitely sounds like racing.'

The NOVITEC ROSSO engine management coordinates the perfect interaction of all conversion components. It not only ensures maximum power yield but also exemplary smooth running and maximum longevity.

Compared to the production engine the NOVITEC ROSSO Bi-Kompressor V12 gains 188 hp / 138.4 kW for a new maximum of 808 hp / 594 kW at 7,800 rpm. At the same time peak torque grows by 215 Nm to a new peak of 823 Nm at 6,300 rpm.

In combination with the F1-Superfast transmission, whose six speeds are even faster and more precise to select thanks to longer NOVITEC ROSSO carbon shift paddles, the tuned F599 delivers performance on the highest super sports car level: The sprint from rest to 100 km/h takes just 3.5 seconds. 200 km/h are reached after just 9.7 seconds. And a sprint time of 25.5 seconds from 0 - 300 km/h places the tuned two-seater firmly among the fastest accelerating sports cars in the world. Top speed is more than 340 km/h. The NOVITEC ROSSO Bi-Kompressor engine conversion is available for 46,900 Euros.

Such performance places extreme demands on perfectly balanced aerodynamics. The NOVITEC ROSSO designers went into the wind tunnel to develop aerodynamic-enhancement components that add some visual pizzazz to the 599 and make it more aerodynamically efficient. The front spoiler lip is attached to the production bumper and reduces lift on the front axle. Its aerodynamic counterpart in the rear is the rear diffuser that can optionally be combined with a rear spoiler.

The NOVITEC ROSSO rocker panels calm the airflow between the wheel houses and with their large air inlets optimize the supply of cooling air to the rear brakes.

All NOVITEC ROSSO aerodynamic-enhancement components are also available in a clear-coat carbon-fiber version. The exterior can be further refined with black side markers and black taillights as well as with LED auxiliary brake light and reversing light.

The extensive high-performance package for the 599 also includes custom-tailored NOVITEC ROSSO NF3 light-alloy wheels with high-performance tires from PIRELLI. The tree-piece wheels with five double spokes measure one inch more in diameter than the stock wheels. The front axle is fitted with size 9Jx20 rims and size 275/30 ZR 20 tires. The rear wheels in size 12.5Jx21 with size 355/25 ZR 21 tires provide maximum traction.

These king-size wheels offers space for the high-performance brake system developed in cooperation with Brembo. The brake uses the largest components currently legal for street use. The front and rear features steel discs with diameters of 405 millimeters and six-piston brake calipers. Together they offer an optimal combination of maximum stopping power and endurance.

Bound and rebound of the height-adjustable NOVITEC ROSSO sport suspension can be adjusted to each 599 owner's individual preferences. In addition the suspension also offers a highly useful lift feature that is activated by pushing a button in the cockpit. The front of the car can be raised by 40 millimeters to navigate safely past obstacles such as parking ramps or speed bumps without scraping the front apron. The suspension automatically reverts to its original position once the car reaches a speed of 80 km/h.

NOVITEC ROSSO offers the ultimate refinements for the interior of the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano. The list of options ranges from a leather/carbon-fiber sport steering wheel with flattened bottom for easier entering and exiting, to aluminum foot pedals, to a completely new interior in any color and material combination imaginable.

[Novitec Rosso]

The fact that this car seats only two, has a fire red interior, obnoxiously huge wheels and rubber-band tires, blacked out tail lights and tint dark enough to keep the cabin cool in the desert, only adds to its mystique. We can't wait to see the emails bound to result from this one — "Damn Eye-talian/Saudi oil syndicate has too much damn money! They're taking our jobs!" [TheRealJDM via Cardoman]

Look, the Ferrari is dirty! It's parked next to a curb. Its down there in the grit and dirt just like every other car. We never thought we'd see the day, but there it is.