 |
|
|
 |
|
||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||||||
|
|
This is part of the ItalianCar.net archive - go to ItalianCar.net now NEWS ARCHIVE 599 GTB named 'Fiorano'
Ferrari took the opportunity of the first public viewing of its latest 599 model at the Geneva motor show to christen it the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano - in celebration of the legendary Ferrari test track that has seen the genesis and development of so many world-beating race and road cars. The new model, the most powerful production car ever produced by Ferrari, combines the most innovative and technologically advanced features ever applied by Ferrari to a front-mid engined two-seater, and sets a new benchmark of excellence in terms of handling, driving pleasure and design. The 599 GTB Fiorano boasts stunning performance: its 6-litre V12 - developed from the engine in the Enzo supercar - develops 620 hp at 7,600 rpm and combines with an all-aluminium chassis (developed by Alcoa) and bodywork for a weight-power ratio of less than 2.6 kg/hp. It also features an innovative suspension system developed by Delphi. The Pininfarina-designed model replaces the 575M Maranello, which - together with the 550 Maranello introduced in 1996 - sold 5,700, a record for this flagship model for the Prancing Horse. Last year was a highly successful year for Ferrari. While maintaining the brand's exclusivity, Maranello worked hard to reduce the delivery time for new owners and to meet the demands of the new, fast-growing markets. The result was that approximately 5,400 cars were delivered in 2005. This impressive figure reflects the excellent performance of both the coupe and spider versions of the F430 as well as the 612 Scaglietti - 834 of which were delivered - and the contribution from the limited edition Superamerica of which 559 were built in total. Almost every car ordered in 2005 included personalisation features, selected either directly from the "Carrozzeria Scaglietti" Personalisation Programme or as one-off requests. Since 1997, in fact, Ferrari has been offering its clients the opportunity of using the Programme to enhance their cars and turn them into 'one-offs'. New options are added to the Carrozzeria Scaglietti Personalisation Programme each year and its content is extended to encompass each new model launched. The programme was named in honour of the great coachbuilder Sergio Scaglietti who often produced one-off bodies for Ferrari clients who wanted a truly unique car. The Ferrari Maserati Group was split up in April and 2005, concerning only Ferrari's activities posted revenues of EUR 1,289 million and had a trading profit of EUR 157 million, an increase of 13.8% on the previous year's figure. This significant improvement was linked principally to the increase in sales volumes and efficiency gains which were partially offset by negative impact of euro-dollar exchange rates. The 9.7% increase in turnover was contributed to in great part by North America (with approximately 8% more cars sold in 2005 than 2004), Italy, the United Kingdom, France and Switzerland. However, the new and emerging markets (the Middle-East, Eastern Europe and South America) also contributed quite substantially with sales growing significantly there. Thanks to our brand-new dealership network in China, in fact, a total of 82 cars were delivered there, a leap of around 100% on 2004. As a result, 2006 looks set to be another good year
for Ferrari, boosted by the introduction of the new Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano
which completes the overhaul of the entire range which started in 2004
with the 612 Scaglietti. © italiancar.com.au 19/03/06
|
||||||||
|
|
