While based on the 599 GTB Fiorano with the same transaxle layout and engine type, this prototype is an extreme track car. Ferrari’s engineers have carried out extensive work on the engine’s combustion chambers and inlet and exhaust tracts. These modifications, combined with the fact that internal attrition has been reduced and the maximum revs have been boosted to 9,000 rpm, helped achieve the target power output of 700 hp at 9,000 rpm. Particular attention was also paid to cutting the weight of the engine unit components. This was achieved both by optimising forms - as in the new crankshaft - and adopting exclusive materials, as in the carbon-fibre used for the intake plenums. A new gearbox shift strategy cuts overall gearchange times to 60 ms.

The 599XX is characterised by an innovative electronic concept called the “High Performance Dynamic Concept” which has been designed to get the maximum performance from the car by managing the combination of the car’s mechanical limits with the potential of its electronic controls. The mechanical and electronic systems work together to get the maximum performance from the car under extreme high performance driving, for consistent lap times. The sporty handling has been improved thanks to the adoption of second generation SCM suspension system. Track usage is also made easier thanks to the new “virtual car engineer”, a screen in the car that provides a real-time indication of the vehicle’s efficiency.

The 599XX’s aerodynamics were honed in numerous wind tunnel test sessions with the result that the car now boasts 280 kg of downforce at 200 km/h (630 kg at 300 km/h). The front underside of the body is completely faired-in and the vents that channel hot air from the engine bay have been moved to the bonnet.

The “ActiflowT” system increases downforce and/or cuts drag depending on the car’s trim cornering conditions, courtesy of the use of a porous material in the diffuser and two fans in the boot which channel the air flow from under the car out through two grilles next to the tail-lights. Winglets have been added to the rear buttresses to increase downforce. while synthetic jets have also been incorporated into the rear of the car to control and smooth the air flow and to reduce drag.

Ferrari’s engineers have also used F1-derived “doughnuts” which partly cover the brake discs and wheel rim. These have the dual function of improving both aerodynamics and brake cooling.

In terms of the bodywork, composites and carbon-fibre have been widely used and the engineers drew on their experience in working with aluminium to reach the weight target. The development of increasingly high-performance materials has also benefited the carbon-ceramic material braking system. The brake pads are now made from carbon-fibre which means that the calipers are smaller whilst guaranteeing the same efficiency. The new racing carbon ceramic braking system also delivers shorter braking distances and is generally more efficient due to the weight saving.

The 599XX comes with slick tyres (29/67 R19 Front and 31/71 R19 Rear) specifically developed to maximise stability in cornering and increase lateral acceleration. They are fitted to 19 x 11J wheel rims at the front and 19 x 12J at the rear.

The ceremony was attended by Ferrari CEO Amedeo Felisa, Ferrari Asia Pacific Region manager Marco Mattiacci, driver Kimi Räikkönen and several other members of the Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro.

Amedeo Felisa reminded those present of the importance to Ferrari of the APAC market which delivered record results in 2008 with over 1,000 cars sold. Ferrari is, in fact, market leader in its segment with a 46% market share. China, where Ferrari has been present since 2004 through its joint venture with China Poly Technology Co., is the Company’s second largest APAC market with 212 cars sold, double-figure annual growth and the 500-owner ceiling reached in 2008. The Chinese dealership network also spans 10 cities: Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Dalian, Qingdao, Hangzhou, Chengdu, Chongqing and Nanjing.

The Company has focused particular attention on customer care in China resulting in the founding of the first Ferrari China Owners’ Club, a meeting and exchange platform for Ferrari clients, and the introduction of Pilota, the first Ferrari driving course to be staged in the country. A second driving course is already planned for Tokyo in Japan in the coming months. Other client services offered are: the Concierge Service, which allows clients communicate directly with Ferrari to enjoy a selection of exclusive services, and the Road Assistance Program, which provides fast, direct road-side assistance.

The Ferrari California has attracted huge interest in Asia. The car, which is the latest addition to our high performance 8-cylinder range, sets a new standard in terms of technological innovation and design. Thanks to its track-derived DNA and leading-edge innovation, the Ferrari California will more than fulfil the expectations of even our most discerning clients, offering exceptional driving pleasure and fun behind the wheel as well as extreme versatility of use and in-car comfort. The first Ferrari Californias were delivered in Europe in the early weeks of 2009 while deliveries to countries outside of Europe will commence in June.

For those with a week memory, the Ferrari GG50 that was spotted by the folks over at Autogespot was created by Italdesign’s Giorgetto Giugiaro as a present for himself in celebration of his fifty years in the automobile design industry. From what we know, the vehicles still belongs to the Giugiaro family.

The GG50, which is based on the platform and mechanicals of the 612 Scaglietti, made its world premiere at the 2005 Tokyo Auto Show. While retaining the Scaglietti’s wheelbase at 2,950mm, the Ferrari GG50 spans 4,810mm in length, meaning its 90mm or about four inches shorter than the model it is based upon. It can accommodate four passengers in a 2+2 seating layout in which case it offers a loading capacity of 270 liters. With the rear seatbacks folded down, it’s loading capacity increases to 500 liters.

Power comes from the same V12 engine as the Scaglietti that produces an output of 540HP at 7,200 rpm from a displacement of 5,748cc (5.7-liters) and is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission.

As for the design? Let’s just say that we’ve seen better from Giugaro in his 50-year long career as a designer.

While based on the 599 GTB Fiorano with the same transaxle layout and engine type, this prototype is an extreme track car. Ferrari’s engineers have carried out extensive work on the engine’s combustion chambers and inlet and exhaust tracts. These modifications, combined with the fact that internal attrition has been reduced and the maximum revs have been boosted to 9,000 rpm, helped achieve the target power output of 700 hp at 9,000 rpm. Particular attention was also paid to cutting the weight of the engine unit components. This was achieved both by optimising forms - as in the new crankshaft - and adopting exclusive materials, as in the carbon-fibre used for the intake plenums. A new gearbox shift strategy cuts overall gearchange times to 60 ms.

The 599XX is characterised by an innovative electronic concept called the “High Performance Dynamic Concept” which has been designed to get the maximum performance from the car by managing the combination of the car’s mechanical limits with the potential of its electronic controls. The mechanical and electronic systems work together to get the maximum performance from the car under extreme high performance driving, for consistent lap times. The sporty handling has been improved thanks to the adoption of second generation SCM suspension system. Track usage is also made easier thanks to the new “virtual car engineer”, a screen in the car that provides a real-time indication of the vehicle’s efficiency.

The 599XX’s aerodynamics were honed in numerous wind tunnel test sessions with the result that the car now boasts 280 kg of downforce at 200 km/h (630 kg at 300 km/h). The front underside of the body is completely faired-in and the vents that channel hot air from the engine bay have been moved to the bonnet.

The “Actiflow” system increases downforce and/or cuts drag depending on the car’s trim cornering conditions, courtesy of the use of a porous material in the diffuser and two fans in the boot which channel the air flow from under the car out through two grilles next to the tail-lights. Winglets have been added to the rear buttresses to increase downforce. while synthetic jets have also been incorporated into the rear of the car to control and smooth the air flow and to reduce drag.
Ferrari’s engineers have also used F1-derived “doughnuts” which partly cover the brake discs and wheel rim. These have the dual function of improving both aerodynamics and brake cooling.

In terms of the bodywork, composites and carbon-fibre have been widely used and the engineers drew on their experience in working with aluminium to reach the weight target. The development of increasingly high-performance materials has also benefited the carbon-ceramic material braking system. The brake pads are now made from carbon-fibre which means that the calipers are smaller whilst guaranteeing the same efficiency. The new racing carbon ceramic braking system also delivers shorter braking distances and is generally more efficient due to the weight saving.

The 599XX comes with slick tyres (29/67 R19 Front and 31/71 R19 Rear) specifically developed to maximise stability in cornering and increase lateral acceleration. They are fitted to 19 x 11J wheel rims at the front and 19 x 12J at the rear.