As previously reported, Ferrari engineers are hard at work on a convertible version of the 599 GTB Fiorano. Tentatively known as the 599 Barchetta, the car will be mostly identical to the regular 599, with a folding metal roof instead of a solid one. How will this exotic grand tourer look when it debuts next year? Have a look at our latest illustrations to find out.
The final name of the car is not known, but the Barchetta designation seems most likely. The ‘GTB’ portion of the name, which stands for Gran Turismo Berlinetta, will likely become Gran Turismo Spider, or GTS.
Due to the increased weight of a convertible roof, it’s possible Ferrari will boost engine output in order to offset the extra hundred-plus pounds. In the case of the 575 Superamerica — this car’s predecessor — output was boosted by 25 horsepower compared to the 575 Maranello coupe.
In coupe form, the 599’s motor cranks out 620 horsepower via 6.0 liters of displacement and twelve cylinders. Even with a horsepower increase, the convertible version will likely have a lower top speed than the Fiorano’s 205 mph.
The car is expected to debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March, with availability beginning in late 2009.
12/01, 5:51 PM
posted by:
Mutant@DCX
I’d tap that!
12/01, 6:19 PM
posted by:
atoms
me likes
12/01, 6:31 PM
posted by:
F3INT))AP3X
Looks pretty sweet but dare I say, am I the only person who likes the old school styling cues found on the new California?
12/01, 6:36 PM
posted by:
zeeck
nice, finally got rid of the “flying buttresses”
old school styling cues on the california? wha? maybe the grill and the hood scoop, but that’s about it…
12/01, 7:24 PM
posted by:
usernamehere
Is it just me or do a lot of the latest Ferarri’s look like a japanese car IMITATING a Ferarri?. This looks a lot better than the California ‘though- which I read somewhere was originally designed to be a Maserati and still looks like one. Regardless I would be very happy to own any one of them.
12/01, 7:36 PM
posted by:
cocksterS
F3INT – I will agree with you. We may be in the minority, but I do, indeed, find the California to be a “looker”
12/01, 9:20 PM
posted by:
jandrews90
I like the 599 GTB Fiorano but i don’t rly see the point in the convertible, why not just buy the new california? they look so alike anyways, same big ass
12/01, 9:27 PM
posted by:
projectzr1
The reason to buy a convertible Fiorano over a California is about 150 horsepower and the ability to say i have 4 more cylinders than you. Couple excuses you can use.
F3INT and ****sterS – good to know there are ppl out there that have the same views. i was losing hope.
12/02, 8:45 AM
posted by:
nkay
Id still go with the tin roof. It comes off as being a little to 1980′S Corvette to me. Nothing agaisnt that sort of thing though. I have to say im not partial to the 4 seater (or 3.5 whatever you want to call it) exotic GT convertible segment, it seems a waste. If I was to do the convertible performance thing I wouldnt venture furtherer than the BMW M6 Convertible, You get the styling, the horses and your girlfriends mates dont have to loose weight to squeeze into the back. It makes more sense holistically in a package like that. The 599 coupe looks stunning with a head of hair, the rag top really takes away from its strong aesthetic. But as I said, nothing against this sort of thing whatsoever.
12/02, 8:54 AM
posted by:
teahead
Very sweet. Definitely a highway cruiser as having a “back seat” helps that you can recline the seats some.
2-seaters like the F430 Spyder are good for city cruising, but not long distance trims.
Well…I might as well get them both…or all three: 599, F430, California.
LOL!
12/02, 9:38 AM
posted by:
scratchy
@ jandrews90
You buy a California to show that you are a connousieur with money and taste.
You buy the 599 GTS to show that you are the said connousieur’s boss.
12/02, 9:59 AM
posted by:
Z06ified
Not bad. Not as good looking as an Aston Martin, but not bad.
12/10, 5:06 PM
posted by:
Fastcarguy
The 599 GTB is my favorite new Ferrari–maybe my favorite of them all.
I think it’s possibly the best-looking Ferrari, and faster than everything except for the Enzo and racetrack-only cars. The Aston Martin DBS looks aggressive, but I would take this car any day over that one. It has a much more sleek, aerodynamic look, and I think it looks more like a sports car, while the DBS looks like more of a grand tourer. Besides, it’s so much faster than the Aston.