Luca Cordero di Montezemolo President and Chairman of Ferrari, made it his personal goal in the early 90s to win the Formula One World Constructors' Championship once again for the first time since 1979. As a result of his efforts, five (5) driver's Championships and six (6) constructor's Championships were captured during an incredible run between 1999 and 2004. As regards the road cars, during the 1990s he resurrected the Ferrari road car business from heavy debt into solid profit, and during his tenure Supercar legends such as the F50, the Enzo and the La Ferrari were conceived. He authorized the use of the hallowed GTO name for just the 3rd time, the only person to do so besides Enzo Ferrari himself. After the 1962 250 GTO which dominated GT racing in the 1960s and is now widely regarded as not only the most hallowed Ferrari but the most valuable one, then came the iconic 1984 288 GTO which is the first in the series of contemporary Ferrari Supercars. 26 years later, the 599 GTO arrived to continue this iconic lineage, borne of motorsports heritage as was it’s predecessors. Montezemolo presided over a truly Golden Era for Ferrari and the the road-homologated version of Ferrari’s Corse Clienti 599XX, the 599 GTO, was undoubtedly the best front-engined Supercar under his tenure. Dubbed ‘The Fastest Ever Road-going Ferrari’ by the maker and the Press alike, on the 8th of April 2010, Ferrari SpA in Maranello released the first photos and information on the new 599 GTO, an extreme V12 Berlinetta developed to a specific performance-oriented brief. Production was to be limited to 599 special-ordered cars, approximately 125 of which were planned for the United States market. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the entire planned production for 599 units of the new GTO sold out immediately, even before the car could first be shown to the public at the 2010 Beijing Auto Show.

599 GTO at the 2010 Beijing Auto Show.

With thanks to @TFJJ for the pictures of our previously sold GTO.

Every effort went towards saving weight and replicating the 599 FXX’s extraordinary capabilities on the track, yet making the new 599 GTO genuinely usable on the highway. An impressive 100kg was shaved off the road car by the extensive use of all-new components such as a hydroformed exhaust that was ‘blown’ rather than stamped and welded, emitting as a result a glorious V12 sound. Thinner glass saved 5.5kg. Despite being wider than before, the forged wheels and titanium bolts saved 22kg, while Sabelt carbon fibre racing seats trimmed another 17kg. Accordingly, the more-powerful 599 GTO weighs 220 lb less than the standard GTB. Fundamental to the GTO’s performance was the innovative approach to chassis development which, for the first time on a production car provided an integration between a handling set-up tuned for a level of responsiveness that is close to the limit, with highly sophisticated electronic controls resulting in the almost complete absence of understeer. The 599 GTO was equipped with second-generation carbon-ceramic brakes which were lighter with better performance featuring new aerodynamic innovations, such as the F1-derived wheel venting donuts which increase aerodynamic efficiency and improve brake cooling. The carbon-ceramic brakes measure 15.7 inches by 1.5 inches in front and 14.2 inches by 1.3 inches at the rear. Stopping from 62 mph is accomplished in an impressive 107 feet. 20-inch Supersport tires developed by Michelin feature a wider front tyre for greater roadholding. The chassis gets new springs and a stiffer antiroll bar, and the suspension works with vehicle dynamic control and F1-Trac traction control. The 599 GTO’s more aggressive character is apparent in a number of styling elements derived from the 599XX. Aero is helped by a front spoiler with a lower wing that increases downforce and increases the cooling flow to the radiator. There's also a new sill design and a new double-curve rear diffuser. Comparing the performance of the 599XX to the 599 GTO puts the factory hotrod's performance in perspective:

• Only 599 units produced worldwide.

 

• 6.0 V12 engine with 661 horsepower and 457 lb-ft of torque - Top speed 208.

 

• Distinctive design elements, including a redesigned front spoiler, larger air intakes, and a prominent rear diffuser.

 

• Ferrari deliberately highlighted its high performance content and exceptional prowess, by giving it what is probably the most glorious badge in its history, GTO. This name also highlights the consistency with its product mission, the road homologated version of the 559XX.

 

• Aimed to collectors, purist clients loyal to the noble Ferrari tradition of blistering performance.

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