2010 Ferrari 599

The 2010 Ferrari 599 previously optional carbon-ceramic brakes are now standard for 2010, along with a navigation system, rear parking sensors and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. Lusting after the 2010 Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano? it’s the most expensive Ferrari.

The 612-horsepower V12 takes the 599 to 60 mph in about 3.5 seconds before carrying on to a top speed of 205 mph. While it’s doing all that, the V12 is blaring its way to an 8,400 rpm redline with that intoxicating mechanical scream that has become a Ferrari trademark. So it’s indeed tremendously fast and sounds incredible — again, no surprise there.

If you want to nitpick, the steering effort is lighter at high speeds than many would prefer. The in-car electronics are also behind the times. Perhaps the main reason not to buy a Ferrari 599 is that the new Ferrari 458 Italia is a better car in most respects.

2010 Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano Coupe

The 2010 Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano is a two-seat coupe available in one trim level. Standard equipment includes 19-inch front and 20-inch rear wheels shod in performance tires, xenon headlights, an adaptive suspension system with magnetic dampers, carbon-ceramic brakes, rear parking sensors, automatic dual-zone climate control, power seats, leather upholstery and interior trim, a power-adjustable tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a navigation system and an eight-speaker Becker sound system with a CD player.

The optional HGTE package (Handling Gran Turismo Evoluzione) specifies stiffer springs and a beefed-up rear antiroll bar along with revised shock-absorber calibration, a lower ride height, a unique high-performance tire compound, quicker shifts from the F1 automated-clutch manual gearbox, more immediate throttle response and a throatier exhaust note. HGTE also adds unique exterior and interior styling cues.

Other options include different wheel designs, a space-saver spare tire, run-flat tires, front parking sensors, tinted rear windows, a carbon-fiber racing wheel with integrated LED shift lights, fully powered Recaro sport seats, an iPod interface, a six-CD changer and a Bose Hi Fi premium audio system. There are also innumerable exterior paint and leather color choices, and two carbon-fiber interior trim packages.

Ferrari offers a traditional six-speed manual transmission as standard or a six-speed single-clutch automated manual transmission with paddle shifters as an option. Fuel economy (as if you could possibly care) is 11 mpg city/15 mpg highway and 12 mpg combined.

Antilock disc brakes, stability control and traction control are standard. Notably, side and side curtain airbags are not available.

Unlike supercars of old, the 2010 Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano offers much more than a cramped cockpit with minimal accoutrements. The car’s many interactive systems (such as stability control, suspension settings and F1 gearbox response) can be adjusted via a knob on the steering wheel called the manettino — Italian for "little manager." The standard navigation system offers a tiny, antiquated screen and there’s no HD or satellite radio available.

In tight corners, the 599 GTB remains composed and poised, without a hint of body roll or squealing tires.