Archive for the ‘Ferrari 599 GTB HGTE’ Category

85b669e984rc opt Ferrari 599 China for $1.77M
A Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano is an exceptional piece of automotive art. Even more exceptional is the latest model equipped with the Handling GT Evoluzione package. More exceptional still is the limited-edition 599 HGTE made exclusively for the Chinese market. But even in this rarified territory, there exists one 599 HGTE China special that stands apart. We reported on it about a month ago, and it’s now been sold at auction.

The one-off Fiorano was hand painted by Chinese artist Lu Hao with a pattern reminiscent of the sought-after Ge Liln porcelain of the Song Dynasty. This unique example was sold on Tuesday to an anonymous collector from Shanghai, who paid the equivalent of $1.77 million for the privilege. The proceeds are earmarked towards helping aspiring Chinese automotive engineers to make it to Italy for further studies and an internship opportunity at Maranello. On hand for the auction event, held at the Red Gate Gallery in Beijing, were the artist, Ferrari executives, faculty members from the participating schools and none other than Michael Schumacher himself. Follow the jump for full details in the press release, and see more in our high-resolution image gallery below.

Model Year Ferrari Genuine Accessories available Fitted price (from) *
Pre-2008: Handling, Exhaust and Aesthetic kits £17,213
Post-2008: Handling, Performance, Exhaust and Aesthetic kits £19,703

* Final price will depend on specific kits required and model year of car. All prices are excluding VAT.

The full specification of each kit is detailed below:

1) Handling, includes:
Lower suspension (10mm)
New magnetorheologically controlled suspension calibration for the Manettino SPORT and RACE configurations
More rigid suspension springs (front + 17%, rear + 15%)
More rigid rear anti-roll bars (diameter increased to 25mm)
HGTE specific tyres with improved compound (8% more grip)
3-piece modular rims with reduced weight (forged spokes) and special new design

2) Performance (only available for post-2008 cars, from engine no. 122779), includes:
New exhausts silencers with two-tone finish tailpipes
Enhanced F1 gearshift actuation, with response times reduced to 85ms
New accelerator logic with modified mapping for improved throttle response

N.B. The Performance kit cannot be installed on cars with manual gearboxes.

3) Exhaust, includes:
New exhausts silencers with two-tone finish tailpipes

The Exhaust kit is designed for:
vehicles that cannot receive the software updates listed in the Performance kit since the engine was produced before assembly number 122779 (pre-2008)
all cars with manual gearboxes
clients who are only interested in modifying the styling and sound of their own cars
N.B. The Exhaust kit is included in the Performance kit, for cars post-2008.

4) Aesthetic, includes:
New design front grille with a special chromatic treatment
Burnished finish to Prancing Horse symbols on the front grill and rear boot lid

Ferrari showcased three of its latest supercars in the Sunday Times Supercar Runs at the Goodwood Festival of Speed: the innovative Ferrari California, the remarkable 599 GTB Fiorano with HGTE package, and the limited edition Scuderia Spider 16M. To the appreciation of packed crowds which lined the hillclimb under gorgeous blue skies throughout the weekend, Ferrari fans were thrilled by the distinctive growl and bark of the V8 and V12 engines that make the Prancing Horse cars such a fan’s favourite at this event.

In a remarkable demonstration of driving finesse and incredible agility, the Scuderia Spider 16M completed the 1.16 mile hillclimb in an incredible time of 59 seconds.

Watch the video here!

Michael Schumacher covered around 20 laps of Fiorano today at the wheel of the 599 GTB equipped with the Handling GT Evoluzione package that was recently introduced at the Geneva Show.

The seven-times World F1 Champion took to the track to try out the improved handling offered by the new set-up which emphasises the performance of this, Ferrari’s most powerful berlinetta.

The Handling GT Evoluzione package includes a lower, stiffer ride, a new tyre compound offering even better levels of grip, modified magnetorheological damper settings that improve body control and an even more sporty exhaust sound. The HGTE package also includes a number of styling touches that distinguish it from the standard production car, including a more aggressive front grille, specific 20″ rims and abundant use of carbon-fibre trim in the cockpit.

Schumacher took the 599 GTB HGTE to its very limits at the Fiorano track during one of the factory’s Pilota Ferrari driving courses. These are organised exclusively for Ferrari owners and four levels of courses are available – Basic, Advanced, Evolution and Challenge, along with a special On Ice course and a dedicated one for those wishing to race in the traditional one-make racing series, the Ferrari Challenge. The courses have been run in Italy for over 15 years and, more recently, courses have also been set up in the USA, China and, from 2009, in Japan.

With its Pilota Ferrari driving courses, Ferrari offers owners a comprehensive range of expert tuition designed to progressively instruct drivers in the art of performance driving, enabling them to appreciate even more the handling characteristics of their cars, and help them use their full potential in absolute safety, both on the track and on the road.