Ferraris 20,000-Mile Panamerican Journey

With less than 1,000 miles to go, Ferraris 20,000-mile Panamerican endurance stopped in Toronto yesterday on its way to New York. The journey kicked off August 24th in Belo Horizonte, Brazil and visited jungles, deserts and mountains in over 14 countries. Partnering with Shell to demonstrate the strong technical relationship between the two companies, this is the second trip of this kind; Shell and Ferrari took a similar trek in two 612 Scaglettis across China in 2005.

Two all-new 599 GTB Fioranos, Ferraris replacement for the 575 Maranello, underwent the 20,000-mile endurance test while being driven by journalists from around the world.  Both cars were 99 percent stock except for having a one-inch higher ride height to help the cars deal with the rough dirt roads, plus they were also fitted with an aluminum under tray such as you would find on a rally car to protect the under carriage from rocks. Other than the occasional broken wheel rim or punctured tire, both cars performed flawlessly and suffered no mechanical failure whatsoever. Shell provided all of the fluids for the cars and claims that they are the same ones the consumer can buy off the shelf or at the pump.

The stop in Toronto coincided with the Canadian launch of the 599 GTB, Ferraris most powerful V12 Berlinetta ever, boasting 611 bhp at 7,600 rpm on its way to an 8,400 rpm redline. The 6.0-liter V12 was developed directly from the Enzo, and has a specific output of 102 hp per liter, a first for a naturally aspirated production engine of this size. Torque output is 448 lb-ft at 5,600 rpm. 

For the 599 GTB, Ferrari adopted the latest evolution in Alcoas all-aluminum construction technology for the body and chassis.

Penned by Pininfarina, the 599 GTB is a classic GT design with just a subtle hint of aggression. The unique flying buttresses allow wind to pass through them and over the rear spoiler, contributing downforce. Pictures dont do the 599 GTB justice. It looks fantastic in person, although it is odd at first to see a recent Ferrari with only two circular taillights as opposed to four.

The steering wheel mounted manettino vehicle dynamics control switch integrates the F1-Trac traction and stability control systems, the F1-SuperFast Gearbox and the SCM (Magnetorheological Suspension Control) suspension to deliver the exact performance setting indicated by the driver. The five settings are Ice, Low Grip, Sport, Race & CST. In Race & CST mode the F1 superfast gearbox will perform a gear change in as little as 100 milliseconds. In all modes the SCM will change settings using a fluid in the dampers whose viscosity is modified by applying an electronically controlled magnetic field, at which point the F1-Trac will be calibrated to that specific setting. It can be switched off completely in CST mode.

The 599 offers a host of client customization options with four main areas of focus: Racing and Track, Exteriors and Colors, Interior and Materials, plus Equipment and Travel. Racing and Track options include Carbon Ceramic brakes, one piece 20-inch wheels, and a leather padded roll bar with four point racing harnesses. Exteriors and Colors feature a choice of 16 exterior paint colors, colored brake calipers and Scuderia wheel arch shields. Interior and Materials offers a carbon fiber steering wheel with LEDs, 12 interior leather trims and several carbon fiber interior trim pieces. Some of the Equipment and Travel options include a set of fitted luggage made of leather matching the seats, a premium Bose stereo as well as an iPod adapter. The thought of an iPod in a Ferrari struck me as amusing at first, but 30 percent of Ferraris worldwide market is North America. Prices for the 599 GTB Fiorano will be announced in a few weeks, and are expected to be in the mid $250K range.