Ferrari 599 to go topless
Prancing horse's brawny V12 coupe set to spawn an alfresco derivativeFerrari is developing an open-topped version of its V12-powered 599 GTB Fiorano, according to company president Luca di Montezemolo.
Montezemolo made the revelation in the UK, where he had gone to address the media and automotive businesses.
The addition of a convertible would further broaden the 599 range, which over the past few months has been bolstered by the addition of the HGTE (for Handling Gran Turismo Evoluzione) package, racetrack-only 599XX and fire-breathing 599 GTO -- both pictured.
Montezomolo hasn't given away too many details about the proposed 599 convertible -- which would slot into the line-up above the folding-hardtop California -- other than to say: "This is a very unusual car and it will certainly surprise you.
"It's only going to be available to a very select number of clients who've been asking us for an open-top version of the 12-cylinder for quite some time now. We won't be unveiling it at a show though. Instead we'll be organising private presentations."
Ferrari's most recent V12-powered convertible was the 575M Superamerica, which featured an electrochromic glass panel roof that rotated 180 degrees at the rear to lie flat over the boot.
The Superamerica used the higher-output tune of the V12 engine, rated at 403kW and Ferrari marketed it as the world's fastest convertible, with a top speed of 320km/h. The GTC handling package was optional.
A total of 559 Superamericas were built from 2005-06, and the awkward build number followed Enzo Ferrari's philosophy that there should always be one fewer car available than what the market is demanding.
In his discourse to the UK press, Montezemolo went on to elaborate on Ferrari's role in the world automotive industry and the outlook for the sector given the fuel consumption and emissions commitments now in place.
"One of the focuses of our constant drive for technological innovation is emissions reduction," he said.
"So far, we have achieved significant results that will continue to improve as time goes on. In fact, we've already unveiled an innovative 12-cylinder hybrid based on our experience with KERS in Formula 1."
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