599 HGTE vs retrofitted HGTE

Roupin- There were several different kits with varying levels of equipment. Some were for early 599s (7.1.1) that were not compatible with the shock and F1 ECUs of the 7.3.2 HGTE option.

Courtesy of Boardwalk Ferrari:

599 HGTE Retrofit kits
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For your 599, we offer the HGTE Retrofit kit which includes...

Handling package - consisting of new more rigid springs and rear anti-roll bar as well as new calibration for the magnetorheological shock absorbers when in the sporty positions of the Manettino (SPORT and RACE positions). The handling features a better response time and a feeling of increased compactness without unduly compromising driving comfort. The car’s ride height has also been reduced and therefore the center of gravity lowered still further, which helps with the reduction of weight shift. The lowering of the center of mass combined with the new setup helps to reduce the squat and dive as well as pitch and roll, with the resulting benefit to the car’s dynamic performance.

This setting reduces the static roll and rolling movements on the tracks as well as pitching. This gives the car faster turn-in and less under-steer effect. The car’s performance has also been improved with new tires which have been specially optimized for this package. They are characterized by a compound that helps to allow even more effective grip for better road holding combined with excellent ease of control.


The front tires are fitted on modular rims with increased rigidity and a larger track. This improves axle performance which facilitates turn-in.

These results are achieved through both mechanical and software changes:
• Lower suspension (10mm)
• New magnetorheologically controlled suspension calibration for the Manettino
SPORT and RACE configurations
• More rigid suspension springs (front + 16%, rear + 10%)
• More rigid rear antiroll bars (diameter increased to 24.5 mm)
• Tires with improved compound
• Modular rims with reduced weight and special new design

The kit also adds a strong styling component: the 20” modular rims with new design and finishing treatment. The rims have a forged flange to benefit weight. The design of the spokes is highlighted by a diamond surface treatment with a technical matte transparent trim called “Silver Corsa”.


Performance package - NOTE-This kit cannot be installed on cars with manual gearboxes. Cars with VIN 156938 and greater can use this kit or HGTE Exhaust Kit part number 70001493 which is mufflers only.

The installation of the “HGTE Performance” kit, which includes the replacement of the mufflers, exhaust pipes and new software settings, offers the client faster response of the engine controls. This enhances the car’s dynamic qualities which can be best experienced on the track.

In performance driving conditions, the F1 gearbox activation is now more rapid. Indeed, thanks to optimized electronic control, the response time of the gear change command system has been reduced by 20 milliseconds during downshifting. A further enhancement involves engine control, which includes
accelerator logic with modified mapping that enhances the rapid increase in revolutions along the wide engine use field.

In addition, this kit includes exhaust tailpipes which are further enhanced in the rear ¾ views by the black chroming treatment on the side surface. The styling characteristics of the tailpipes are combined with a modification of the exhaust muffler. The sound produced by the car is more pronounced and exciting, especially for sports use, while maintaining a good level of comfort at cruising speed.

Exhaust - Mufflers only upgrade

Asthetic (exterior only) -
Together with the other kits, or individually, this kit completes the “customization” of the exterior. It enhances the front area with the use of a grille with a special chromatic treatment where the Prancing Horse has a more definitive appearance due to a special brushed-finish treatment. The Prancing Horse with the same treatment is also available on the rear lid.



Please give us a call regarding the HGTE kits. They can be done individually or as a whole.

 

Man, you guys are great --learn so much here. Thanks!

 

My factory HGTE has red color Rev. Counter ! I believe it was also an option to choose white or not.

 

HGTE was an option package, and many of the other options were still available. Seems like there was an owner who did not like the HGTE wheels, and specified Challenge style wheels instead, too. Same size tires fit both, so except for the HGTE front wheels being 1/2" wider, not much of a change.

 

Can't understand anyone wanting Challenge wheels over HGTE. The quality of the HGTE wheels is FAR superior and far more expensive. Was this perhaps a Chinese whisper because I can't think anyone would. The rumour of someone not wanting a factory kit with headrest logo delete seems a little far fetched as well. Why would you? Not saying you are wrong Taz, just can't see it happening, maybe a wives tale?

 

I have seen the HGTE pkg with Challenge wheels. I agree. The HGTE pkg wheels look way better and separates the HGTE from the rest. Different tastes...

 

I like the HGTE wheels better, too, and they were available as a separate option on late 599s. Different strokes for different folks, though. Not worth looking for the reference on Challenge wheels, however.

 

It belonged to a member here who ordered the car new. The thread with pictures was also revived recently.

 

Do you have a link to the thread by any chance. I'd love to see it. I did a search but could not find it.

 

Here it is:
http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/612-599/248361-599-hgte-one-one-final-spec.html