599GTB - First Driving Impressions

The 599GTB is in a word, “perfect”.

I have spent a couple of days driving around in all kinds of traffic. Urban rush hour, nighttime, freeway, twisties etc and I have come to the conclusion that Ferrari have come close to perfection with regard to the driving “feel” of the 599.
Firstly, the F1 Superfast transmission: I have had just about every type of Ferrari derived F1’s. 355, 360, Maserati Cambiocorsa, CS, 575M and Superamerica. They all had their issues, but as each succeeding iteration was introduced it was better. The latest one before the 599 is in my Superamerica and it is smooth as silk, with a slight blip on upshifts to maintain engine speed through the change. It takes on a slightly more aggressive nature in Sport mode and shifts are quite abrupt yet still noticeable in terms of time taken for the shift to happen.
The 599 is a different breed of F1. The software is set up like the 612 in that it defaults to Auto on startup, and if you are simply driving around in traffic it works absolutely seamlessly. Shifts are imperceptible and the car is perfectly smooth through the upshift cycle. I have done most of my driving so far in Sport mode with Auto deactivated. The shifts are precise and happen so quickly that there is not a conscious sense of being “in” a shift. You’re in one gear and then you’re in the next. No drama no fuss. The engine revs so freely, and in first and second gear you are surprised by the red LED’s on the steering wheel appearing almost instantaneously. Bear in mind that they only light up at 6,000RPM

The engine feels infinitely elastic, like it will never bump up against a limiter or run out of breath. It revs like a small V8 and the exhaust note is visceral and deep. Very different to the 575. Throaty and purposeful, you don’t mistake it for anything but a Ferrari.

The car leaps of the line when you floor the throttle and it pulls evenly right through the rev range. The torque of this engine is incredible. The power and delivery make the car feel much smaller than it is and it handles as if it was connected to road by a powerful magnet. The real revelation is how crisply the car turns in when given steering input. The CC brakes are, as always, predictable and sharp. Driving this car is a wonderful adventure and even a casual drive round the neighborhood feels very special.

The interior is by far and away the best I have ever seen in a Ferrari and the ability to routinely personalize these cars to the extent that we can makes Ferrari unique amongst auto manufacturers.

My only criticism is that Ferrari insist on using Becker as a stereo equipment supplier and they make arguably the most user-unfriendly radios in existence. The manuals must be English translations from Italian translations of the original German and clearly much was lost in translation!

I believe that the 599 will mark a point in Ferrari’s history where they ascended to a whole new level of quality and performance and once again went way in front of all those that are following, gasping for breath trying to keep up.
I will revise this as I add miles and gain experience with this stunningly wonderful car.
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Great write up Alex, if your ever in Laguna Beach, lets meet up.

 

agree 100%. imho the 599 will become one of the greatest Ferraris ever produced.



nice description, it felt like i was riding shotgun in the 599

if you find some time could you please compare the 599 with the 575 SA.

interior, comfort, ride quality, handling etc.

of course its still early in the process, but if one had to choose, 599gtb or 575 SA. where would your vote be placed.

thanks in advance for any info


Cheers !!

 

Fantastic, great write up. I love the black/tan and the challenge wheels and sport seats I think are must have options.

When the 599 first was introduced, I didn't think much of it other than a 2 seater 612, but every review I've read always has the tone of "you really have no idea how amazing this car really is" and that article comparing 0-186mph times really puts into perspective that this car is the "real deal."

Enjoy!

 

Great writeup! Thanks for sharing your experience!

 

Great review...your sentiments are very much echoed by the 599 owner I met the other day, the car really performs well in all environments...

 

Thanks for the review,the only problem I have now, is the fact that my car has March completion and the wait is killing me.
Seeing your 599 and reading your impression doesn't help my case,as I've never been so impatient waiting for a new car (first new Ferrari ever).

 

I was able to see one in Irvine (PAG) leaving today.

Simply amazing car. It is just stunning to see on the road. The engine, it sounds magnificent. I probably looked like a deer in the headlights just standing there staring at it.

 

Im speechless, thank u Ferrari, thank u for the 599.

 

Thanks much for the write up. I had a feeling that this was going to be a very special car.

Dale

 

Great write up and by the way that's what I thought you would say.

 

bravo alexandre!

 

very nice review - look forward to more.
thanks!

 

Thanks for the write up Alex. Glad you're having fun

 

Thanks for that!

 

Awesome...!!! Thank you, Alex...! I'm glad to read such high praise about the 599 - I feel it's destined to be a classic...

 

Great review, thanks! And enjoy it!

 

I heard with the shift lights on the steering wheel that they illuminate at 6000 rpms and when in auto they do the same but dimmed. Can you turn them completely off because my guess is that they will get annoying when not in use and instead glaring at the beautiful red, or yellow sped tac.

Cheers.

 

thanks for sharing Alex...yes, i have a feeling this car will be seen as a landmark--a milestone...the quality, the performance, a massive game on from competitors--even from F-cars of past.

 

Who cruises as 6000+ RPM though?

 

Great review...I enjoyed it!

 

I do. Gears may vary, 5th is nice. Bring V1, choose roads carefully. Thank me later.

 

Congratulations and bravo!

What will you do with those has-beens, the SA and the CGT????



Enjoy and keep us abreast,



Cavallini

 

That's a question that came up quite a bit in the last week.
Right now the CGT stays put. Every time I take the cover off I can't help but marvel at what a piece of automotive art it is. It's like nothing else I own - a thoroughly modern supercar that sounds like a Le Mans racecar, made in relatively limited quantities and still very special to drive, especially on a track.

The SA is still the ultimate open top cruiser. Looks great, sounds even better with the X-OST and is truly a limited edition. It too stays.

The odd duck in the garage is the DB9 Volante which arrived almost a year late after Aston failed to tie the original one down in its container and smashed it and two other cars on its journey across the water. It just looks so damn good I can't really bring myself to toss it out!

 

then just keep them all!