599GTB F1 Arrived - 997GT3 Gone - First Impressions and Pics

[lotuselan7]

Well been thinking long and hard as GT3 bought new end last year but not gelled. Thought about 997 Turbo S but decided for complete change.

Bought a 2008 599 in Red from Graypaul Edingburgh and traded the GT3. Got to say somewhat disappointed with loss on the GT3 and my local supplying Reading wouldn't even bid me on an 800 mile car. So much for these been halo cars and in high demand!

Any way drove the GT3 to Nottingham for swap (the 599 having been transported down the day before). Showroom is stunning must have 25 Ferrari and Masser incl a 599 GTO. My 599 looked the dogs and got to say impressed with the little things. Car came taxed 6 months, tank full (all 105 liters of it), when I asked if a cover would be thrown in, said yes new cover and charger supplied in its box. Got 2 1/2 years warranty as car had 7 months to run, then they address 2 more years. Gary at Graypaul a pleasure to deal with

First impressions, very impressed, very dramatic looking car, interior very luxurious, sat nav basic compared to Porsche but that's not I drive a car like this for. Car is quieter and more comfortable (much appreciated by SWMBO), throttle response not as sharp and brakes not as sharp (that may be down to fact the are CC and need some heat). When engine wakes up what a noise and response! and boy does it look good under that long bottom. Fuel economy on 130 miles back to Henley about 18mpg compared to 23 for GT3 but with my annual mileage not an issue. Had issues getting into my garage (width) and problems with hand brake holding on what is a modest slop drive way (is this usual). Am I happy you bet.
Had to swap insures to get reasonable quote but Chubb via Loktons came up trumps (thanks Vicky)

Here's a few photos.

[lotuselan7]

[lotuselan7]

[lotuselan7]

[lotuselan7]

[Chris Peacock]

Very nice,,, how much more would the GTO have been?.....

[lotuselan7]

[munch997]

Probably another 110-150k for a GTO.
Looks great, 599's I usually see are black or grey, so red is a nice change (if that makes sense for a Ferrari)

[lotuselan7]

Chris Peacock said:

Very nice,,, how much more would the GTO have been?.....

It was red and think it was around 350 big ones. looked good but not sure its worth that sort of money.

[jontysafe]

Looks FANTASTIC! Very jealous. What`s the performance like compared to the GT3? I would think a completely different drive.

[jayplay28]

Very nice Mark

[lotuselan7]

jontysafe said:

Looks FANTASTIC! Very jealous. What`s the performance like compared to the GT3? I would think a completely different drive.

Can only point to a few short full bore stabs at the throttle, but it certainly caught my other half out and that was only to 7K revs in 1 gear. Thrust is just huge with 612 BHP. Look forward to a few more drives.

GT3 has a very sharp throttle response but not the thrust.

[lotuselan7]

jayplay28 said:

Very nice Mark

Justin thanks.

[DayTrader]

munch997 said:

Probably another 110-150k for a GTO.

Try another 200k

[TKF]

lotuselan7 said:

GT3 bought new end last year ... my local supplying Reading wouldn't even bid me on an 800 mile car

Am I reading this right?

You bought a new GT3 last year and only did 800 miles in it?

[munch997]

DayTrader said:

munch997 said:

Probably another 110-150k for a GTO.

Try another 200k

I hadn't counted for the premium... thought they were 290-300k new?

[MrReg]

with regard to the slope/handbrake issue I had previously been told to leave them in first when you switch off. Certainly did that on the 430 & 458?

[CIE560]

they have an amazing road presence, mainly because of their size!! great looking machine though, congratulations

[lotuselan7]

TKF said:

Am I reading this right?

You bought a new GT3 last year and only did 800 miles in it?

Yes but in my defence I was living in Japan and didnt get back to UK till early August. On top of that work in London week days and have had to get new (to me) house sorted and see my kids on regular basis (live with their mum). Doesnt leave lots of time for just driving pleasure.

[andy355]

very nice. on the brakes, if they are like my Californias then they do need warming up but once used a couple of times they are awesome. Find i end up braking harder and later