Tuesday 8th May 2007

The Ferrari 600 GTO

Mystery bespoke supercar appears on the web

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The 'official' image of the 600 GTO

Are we soon to see another bespoke Italian supercar? Following on from the Enzo-based P4/5 built last year by Pininfarina, and the recent Zagato one-off Maserati Coupe, there are rumours doing the rounds on the web of a Ferrari 599-based car.

According to an American forum post, the CAD image below has been leaked from the design studio and subsequently authorised, and the actual photo image (right) is the first official glimpse of the car. There’s no official word on which design house is carrying out the project, although some sources are quoting Pininfarina once again.

Apparently, the car gains a new carbon fibre body to reduce weight, and there are further weight loss measures inside. Although Air con, leather and a stereo will remain, the loss is projected at 285kg.

The changes to the 599’s styling are described as ‘subtle’ and apparently ‘meld the ovoid grilles of past models with modern F1 design cues’. The aerodynamic changes apparently add 26% extra frontal and 23% extra rear downforce at 120mph.

The 'leaked' CAD image

The car – dubbed ‘600 GTO’ – was apparently commissioned as one of three cars from a North American customer some nine months ago. The original forum post runs with the rumour that this owner wishes to revive the NART name (North American Racing Team – founded by Ferrari importer Luigi Chinetti in 1958 and entrant in some of the worlds major motor races for many decades) for the purposes of a racing championship dedicated to the new car if enough are made.

We’ll await further news before reporting any more, but the car is expected to be unveiled on September 12th at the Frankfurt Auto Show.

[sprinter885]

"subtle" isn't the word ! Try "invisible"- or turn up the brightness..

[RobPhoboS]

Not those bloody horrible lights AGAIN... ARGH STOP IT !

[zaktoo]

Better?

[pharle]

Not a massive fan of the parrot-fish lips

[JWBCoulson]

IS IT NOT THIS?: www.vandenbrinkdesign.com/

[Dr S]

285 kg weight loss sounds like we're on for a winner here

[scotty_917]

I think the front of the Maserati Gran Tourismo looks better IMHO!

[Mr Whippy]

Nice official pic

Yes it might look like that when it's made, by chance, but I very much doubt thats anything from Ferrari's CAD people...

Dave

[runnersp]

As long as they don't call it GTO...

[Diverted]

Weird grille. I preferred the Vandenbrink design effort which does a more coherent and pleasing job of homage to the GTO.

[sprinter885]

Thanks Zaktoo- definitely clearer As far as JWBC post goes- I don't see this as the M Vandenbrink design. This looks poss. a tad more aggressive-could be nice when finished-but do like the VDenbrink look.

Edited by sprinter885 on Tuesday 8th May 14:29

[Mr_C]

nice pic....

... can they take one in the light next time though.

[Michiel Mobiel]

JWBCoulson said:

IS IT NOT THIS?: www.vandenbrinkdesign.com/

No, it's not.

My sources told me that this 600 GTO 'NART' is NOT a Pininfarina venture.

[frankmehta]

the new masser definitely kicks a**. dunno about the others but the front silhouette reminds me of the 599 GTB

[sprinter885]

frankmehta said:

the new masser definitely kicks a**. dunno about the others but the front silhouette reminds me of the 599 GTB

Welcome to PistonHeads. p.s. any relation to the East African Rally guy of (several) years ago?

[anniesdad]

frankmehta said:

the new masser definitely kicks a**. dunno about the others but the front silhouette reminds me of the 599 GTB

As per the article, it is actually based on the 599 GTB .

The supposed increase in downforce front and rear is interesting. I'm assuming the 599 GTB to have had extensive wind tunnel testing?

[stephen300o]

if its going to lose a lot of weight it might upset a few enzo owners,

ps. whats wrong with 599 lights?

[Michiel Mobiel]

zaktoo said:

Better?

Why the trouble?
Here's the factory-image that has been used.
Just stretch the nose cone a bit, add two vents in the bonnet and there she is...

[matthaus]

i wish they would make an f60 for this anniversary.. the enzo was far far to early to be 'it'

[errek72]

Diverted said:

Weird grille. I preferred the Vandenbrink design effort which does a more coherent and pleasing job of homage to the GTO.

Must..fight..sleep..eyelids..getting..heavy..
What is this, the automotive equivalent of a powerpoint presentation?
Looks more like a Datsun with a Maybach sign than a Ferrari. And that Nart is the most lame redesign since the latest Porsche 911.

Aren't italian cars supposed to be leading the design trend? Where are the fresh new ideas?
This one is a rebodied 550 made in 2003 but looks lightyears ahead of either of the above.