599 HGTE Upgrade Package

Just spoke to my dealer and they have been advised today on an HGTE upgrade package for existing 599 owners. I know it includes wheels, tyres, springs and a thicker anti-roll bar amongst other items. I will have more details on Wednesday when I take my car in.

In the meantime anyone else have details?

 

In germany The price is 24000 Euro plus labour. U can omit The exhaust of you like. The prancing Horse in Front ans Back of The car as well as The Grill will also be changed, as will The technical Features.my tech at The f-dealership told me,thAt The different Suspension does make as huge difference. In germany there are by now only 8 kits available. Reg. EL

 

Still waiting for the price in the UK, I assume it also has the Software upgrades to speed up gearshifts and throttle response

 

Do you know what parts you get in this kit? Wheels, tyres, rear diffuser, exhaust?

 

i was told everything mentioned above including springs/suspension, alteration of motormanagement and gearboxchangetime and some minor carbon parts for the interior, no seats, no rear diffusor. I f u want, i can ask for the exact detailed list tomorrow and make it public on the forum. regards-e

nb: i wouldnt want the tires/wheels, but dunno, if the upgrade requires the different rubber composition, since i like the look of my standard ballpolished 20' rims better..

 

That would be great.

I'm not interested in the interior parts, just the exterior and suspension improvements including wheels and tyres and possibly exhaust.

 

I heard that the car needs to go to Italy for the upgrade. It will also take months for the entire process. I just got an allocation for a Sept build 599 and Im leaning more and more towards the HGTE package. Im hoping that I can use the Challenge wheels with that package. Im thinking that the wider front tires might be an issue. My dealer made the request and were waiting to hear back.

 

Ape,

Challenge wheels on the HGTE pack are not an issue. Lead engineer from HGTE development team was called when I was in the Atelier end of March 09. I wanted the HGTE pack but with the challenge wheels. This can be done without any effect on the handling. Ended up ordering the complete pack but with Challenge wheels in Grigio Corsa.

Cheers,

M

 

That's GREAT news! Thanks so much.

 

Anytime.

I notice you have a September build as well. They start building mine on September 2nd and I'll go pick-it up at the factory. Maybe I'll see yours in the delivery area Do you plan to keep your F430?

 

I drove one around Fiorano on Saturday. It handled very nicely.

 

Can you share your impressions about the differences between the HGTE and the normal 599?

 

As it's been a while since I drove a regular 599 it's hard to say but I did like the HGTE. It is still a big, heavy car and personally I perfer my smaller, lighter 8C especially the exhaust note. To me the 599 is not a track car but more of a Great GT car. The ride is softer in the 599 the 8C is stiffer. I like a stiffer ride but it is too stiff for some.

 

I sold the 430 yesterday. I put 26K miles on it and am ready for something different. My plan is to drive the 599 for about 2 years and then get the 430 replacement either as an addition or to replace the 599.

 

Some HGTE´s were present at Fiorano last weekend (during the RM auction). Here are some pics, which may be of help for your discussion.

Note also that there seem to be two different kind of front grilles available. And btw, personally I really like those wheels!

Ciao,

Lars T.
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

Love the wheels. Love the black grill on the Rosso car. Any more pics?

 

I saw and heard one of these cars at Forano 2 weks ago. They look great and sounded very raw. Abit like the 612 with pack.

Would be interesting to know how many secs arond fiorano this pack will do, for trackdays the 599 needs it.

 

In germany no. Your Dealer can order The kit and install it. What i have to find out tomorrow is, if The Hardware engine changes come with the kit. Regards-el

 

My F430 is up for sale since last week. I'm on the list for the replacement of the F430 as an addition to my 599. I hope it is going to be as mind-blowing as some people say.

 

Only 0.6 of a second is what I was told. HGTE feels much more stable during cornering. The standard 599 tends to "pitch and dive" going into a corner at high speed and the HGTE tends to do this less. Coming out of turn 1 (long right hander and going into turn 2 left hander) at Fiorano one feels the difference. Less roll on the HGTE. Car is also more stable under braking coming over the bridge and braking for the right hander. Overall, the ride doesn't feel a lot stiffer during normal driving. Imo they managed to make an already great handling GT handle even better but it is still not a track car. For that Ferrari has other things to offer.

 

I guess if money is no object, but I can think of quite a few better things to do with 24K.

 

Mr. G,
Was the extra weight of a 599 (3726) vs the 8c (3494) really that much of a difference given the extra 160 hp of the 599? How are you liking the 8c now that you have had it a while?
Erik

 

It's also the size that you feel and yes you can feel the difference a lot. The steering is also an issue on the track. The 599 ratio was too long for my taste.

I like the 8C a lot. They're both great cars. It's personal taste no right or wrong. The 8C also sounds much better which makes you feel that you're going faster even if you're not.

Best

 

The rear wheel looks too small on the HGTE no ?

 

I agree.....If I dont take delivery this week of a 599 I will be ordering the HGTE with Challenge Wheels