http://www.evo.co.uk/carreviews/evocarreviews/252430/ferrari_599_gto_road_test.html Article on the website - no doubt video will come soon as well.
"Strangely, it doesnt actually feel that much quicker in a straight line than a GTB" It sucks. Novitec twin superchargers are needed.
Nooow we're talking! Ferrari's are always more fun when boosted properly...fun worth gloating about in my opinion.
So..manufacturing specs (no doubt underestimated) of 0-100km/h of 3.3 with short gearing is not fast enough for you? Oh yes I forgot that straight line speed is all that matters
LOL HHHAHAHA Ohk you must be waxing sarcasitc or joking? The whole sentence: " Strangely, it doesnt actually feel that much quicker in a straight line than a GTB because the engine is now working in a chassis that can cope with the power. The great pitching, yawing episodes are gone. I do agree that boosting it would be even more amazing; more torque = more fun. But somehow I don't think the stock GTO's torque is lacking. If anything you'd nearly faint upon hard acceleration! 0-60 in 3.3 seconds?!
I used to enjoy EVO but of late I am picking up more and more of a bias towards a certain German manufacturer.
Chris Harris perhaps ? He's a HUGE porsche fan, and to be fair, Porsche's current 997 is very, very good...I can't get EVO here sadly so haven't read many CH articles but I do enjoy his video's on EVO website.
Perhaps you are correct. Needless to say the "oh every Porsche is perfect in everyway" is getting a bit much. The launch of a GTO is an event and the "matter of fact" way that article does not do the car justice.
On other brands forums , the ultimate goal is always to supercharge... Never heard anybody here talking about supercharging his ferrari.And all novitec threads usually receive negative comments.
You are correct. Novitec and tuner shops are trying to achieve with other cars what Ferrari has by itself, a personal connection and relationship with the car as built from the factory.
Ferrari is car art - doodlers are never going to be accepted by the purist. I think Novitec has a growing acceptance.
There's no mail here, everything will have to come via DHL, and there's no way I'm going to pay 500 a year for an EVO subscription. Personally I like some novitec products. Their wheels look superb, their suspension is good, the black lights look good on the 599. What I don't like is the supercharger kit...sure it makes the car very quick in a straight line but coming to corners, the chassis isn't designed to handle that sort of power (599xx only has 720 whilst the engine is good for at least 860 naturally aspirated). If I had a 599 I'd definately order the NF3 wheels, the front splitter, black tail lights and the lowering kit.
+1 Word for word what I wanted to say, except for the xx's power and engine tuning...didn't know that one
twin supercharging on these cars especially centrifugal blowers... are a half assed attempt at improving the car. The centrifugal superchargers perform well on a dyno but thats it. They offer very little under the curve power when compared to roots type and turbo applications. It is by far the worst way to "boost" a car. They become dyno queens and not being a whole lot faster in real world situations. And if I am going to risk my 30-50k engine... it better be because I am actually making my car faster, not just making a number on a dyno. They also just exaggerate the power band... These things are for amateurs. But thats just my opinion. Build a nasty all motor engine, or put turbos on. thats the only proper way to do it
I found the review to be down to earth and rather refreshing after all the hysteria that surrounds the 599 GTO. Interesting points: lack of traction on poor surfaces doesnt feel faster than GTB too noisy underengineered air-con and primarily - they may not be all sold yet! And do not be mistaken, Harris is one of the best journalists out there, he can smell bull**** for miles and has very spot-on comments. BTW in his last video test, he loved 458 Italia so much (and it blew GT3 into dust)
I agree Harris is definitely one of the better motor journalists out there but in response to your highlighted interesting points:- lack of traction on poor surfaces - As opposed to which other 600+ HP car? doesnt feel faster than GTB - But it is... too noisy - No such thing.......I have heard it and it is one of the best noises to come out of a car in a long time.. underengineered air-con - Dont think that will be a major concern for anyone.....anyway open a window! and primarily - they may not be all sold yet! - Agreed... It just seems to me that Harris is desperatley trying to find fault with the car and has had to dig real deep.....
But we all know that perfect cars are only made in Germany....thumbs up to the first magazine that arranges a GTO family reunion....
Let's wait for the video. It is clear from the article that Harris is not in love with the car, although he is quite impressed. It is also clear that Sutcliffe at Autocar is excessively enthusiastic, sounds like he's a Ferrari employee It is very difficult - and certainly a career-limiting proposition- for any journalist to rubbish a car that Ferrari have hyped so much and rely on for much-needed revenue. I am sure they'd do it if the car was rubbish, but it clearly isnt. Is it a great Ferrari? Undoubtedly yes. Is it a real GTO and the best thing they've driven? Maybe yes maybe no... I will wait until I drive mine to form an opinion. In the meantime let's not get too hung up on the reviews...Brand politics will play a huge role in them...
I hear the Porsche bias thing but I don't think it's totally fair to suggest CH has some anti-Ferrari bias when two of his latest personal cars included a 612 which was sold and replaced by a 512TR which I believe he still has......
Very quick but -seriously- who would ever consider modifying a GTO? It is the safest way to throw 350,000 EUR plus the modification cost down the toilet. If you want a fast car, buy a Nissan GT-R and take it to 750 BHP. Once you re done with it you can bet on finding another modified Nissan fan who will show you a bid to buy it... However on limited Ferraris this is equivalent to suicide. I know a friend with a twin turbo F50 who had trouble selling it at prices 25% lower than comparable unmodified cars. In the end he paid a fortune to have all the modifications removed and sold it almost instantly I also believe that Ferrari set up their cars optimally for the power they deliver and the weight they carry. You can always make a Ferrari go faster, grip harder or brake better, but I have yet to drive a modified Ferrari that felt more natural & balanced than the factory-standard car... Just an opinion
