Motor Show: Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano

Ferrari's main objective with this model was basically to deliver its sportiest, most high-tech and most modern-feeling car yet. The chain-driven 5,999cc engine gave a pretty good start, with its twin overhead cams per cylinder bank with variable valve timing, 8,400rpm redline and torque output of 448lb-ft at 5,600rpm. It was developed specifically for the 599 GTB to make a distinctive noise, 'a pure V12 soundtrack from both the intake manifold and the exhaust system'.

As expected, many of the car's features have been influenced by the workings of Ferrari's F1 team and the so-called F-SuperFast gearbox is said to cut the gearchange response times down to just 100 milliseconds. The gearbox, which gives 'parallel' rather than 'sequential' shifts, has a fully integrated electronic management programme that incorporates a fully automatic mode as well as the Launch Control setting and the manettino, or selectable grip settings function. This integrates the stability and traction control systems with the magnetic suspension control and the gearbox allowing the driver to select an appropriate mode (Sport or Race), continuously monitoring road conditions and the speed of front and rear wheels to predict when extra grip is needed and intervening automatically when necessary. This set-up is said to allow for a 20percent increase in acceleration out of bends compared to traditional traction and stability control systems, as well as make for more predictable handling.

Designed by Pininfarina, the 599 GTB's aerodynamics have been smoothed-off under extensive wind-tunnel testing. It has a drag co-efficient - the ease with which it slips through the air - of just 0.336, which not only makes it very sleek indeed, but helps reduce rear-end lift. Its underbody, rear diffuser and 'flying buttress' rear end all aid downforce.

The final touches are made with bi-xenon headlights and LED taillights, with the interior finished in carbon fibre and aluminium with red or yellow dials and leather upholstery. New adaptive racing-style seats are fitted, with carbon fibre side support and a central grip handle for the passenger, if it all gets too scary. Equipment also includes dual-zone climate control, auto headlamps and rain-sensing wipers, a CD player and alarm. Options include satellite tracking, a carbon fibre steering wheel with LED rev display, carbon fibre trim package, carbon-ceramic racing brake discs, 20" one-piece wheels with run-flat tyres, four-point racing harnesses, a cockpit roll bar, Scuderia wheel arch shields and coloured brake callipers, as well as accessories for more everyday useage such as parking sensors, iPod connectivity and a specially tailored luggage set.

Ferrari proclaimed in Geneva that it had had a highly successful year in 2005, having delivered around 5,400 cars. These included 559 limited-edition Superamerica models and 834 612 Scagliettis, and almost every single car it sold had some bespoke features, selected from the Carrozzeria Scaglietti personalisation programme or by one-off request, which indicates a pretty high profit margin on each of those cars.

Ferrari's finances were separated from those of Maserati back in April (Maserati is now paired with Alfa Romeo within the Fiat Auto conglomerate) and, left to its own devices, it returned a €157m trading profit, 13.8% up on last year, as well as a 9.7% increase in turnover. Despite the unfavourable euro-dollar exchange rate, gains were made in the US, as well as in Italy itself, the UK, France and Switzerland, though the real money was made in 'new and emerging markets' - the Middle East, eastern Europe and South America. Ferrari even sold 82 cars through its brand-new dealership in China. The company expects another good year in 2006.

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