Ferrari 599 GTO revealed

The Maranello-based company has confirmed details of the 599 GTO ahead of its official launch at the Beijing Motor Show later this month. The road-ready street car is based on the experimental 599XX track car.

It has already proven its race-track credentials too. The 599 GTO set a record lap time at the company's Fiorano test track in Maranello with a time of 1:24.

Developing 500kW at 8250 revs and 620Nm at 6500 revs, the six-speed GTO hits 100kmh in just 3.35 seconds with a top speed of more than 335km/h. Despite the increase in power over the 599 GTB Fiorano, fuel consumption and CO2 emissions improve slightly to 17.5 litres/100km and 411 g/km respectively.

Widespread use of composite materials and components from Formula 1 have kept the car's overall weight down to 1605kg - 80kg less than a Holden Commodore Omega.To match the performance, it gets the latest, second-generation carbon-ceramic brakes which are lighter and offer better performance.

There are also new aerodynamic innovations, such as the wheel doughnuts which increase aerodynamic efficiency and improved brake cooling. A different tyre set-up with wider front tyres helps improve roadholding.

Ferrari has thrown in what it calls the "virtual race engineer'' device, which provides the driver with instantaneous information on performance. Apart from new springs and a stiffer rear anti-roll bar, the car also features Ferrari's second-generation magnetic suspension system.

Local prices and specifications will be announced when the car arrives next year. In Europe the GTO costs $461,238 but its local price is tipped to be significantly more. However, the size of your bank account will not guarantee pole position behind the wheel of Ferrari's newest sportscar.

"Cars will only be sold to Ferrari's most valued customers worldwide," according to Edward Rowe, a spokesman for Ferrari importer Ateco Automotive Ltd. Rowe says many of these customers will already have a stable of Ferraris in their garages.

Even though 10 Australian and New Zealand customers have expressed interest in the new 12-cylinder 599 GTO, not everyone will be able to walk into a showroom and order Maranello's latest weapon. With just 599 being made, many already have customer names to them.

Australia has not been allocated a specific number of cars but only a handful are expected to arrive early next year. "We have no definitive number of the car we'll get," Rowe says.

The GTO gets its first public airing at this month's Beijing Motor Show - recognition that China is emerging as one of the brand's strongest global markets.