Official Pictures: Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano HGTE

Ferrari's range-topping supercar, the 599 GTB Fiorano, leaves very little to be desired. It has a massive, 612bhp V12 up front, two seats in the middle, and the driven wheels in the back.  That's oversimplifying things, but in my estimation it's probably the best overall roadgoing automobile you can purchase today.  But like anyone, Ferrari is unable to just leave well enough alone, which is why they've introduced the 599 GTB Fiorano HGTE.

HGTE stands for Handling GT Evoluzione, and that basically means that the HGTE is the slightly more hardcore version of the "regular" 599, if such a thing exists.  The idea behind the HGTE is to make the 599 more involving for the driver, as well as increasing it's agility and grip.  They've put out a bunch of pretty pictures, and I figured you'd all like to see them.

On the grip side of things, the HGTE gets a set of gorgeous 20" forged alloy wheels shod with sticky summer performance tires, and the static ride height has been lowered a bit to decrease body roll in cornering.  There's a bigger rear anti-sway bar, and higher spring rates.  Also, the settings for the fancy magnetorheological shocks have been recalibrated to provide sharper response to inputs.

The Enzo-derived, 6.0L V12 doesn't receive any significant modifications, beyond a throatier exhaust.  But, you know, 612bhp seems sufficient to me too.

(Note what appear to be the same coilpacks that VAG uses on the Golf on this Ferrari V12.  High five Bosch!)

On the electronics side of things, they've remapped the throttle response in the manettino "race" mode for faster reactions, as well as sped up the shifts in the race mode for maximum performance.

The interior gets a slightly racier feel, with suede-covered carbon-back racing bucket seats which are available with a bona fide 4 point racing harness, I suppose for that proper "track day" feel.

There are also all sorts of special embroidered seats and fancy kick panels and the usual goodies.  Doesn't it look a bit like... a Porsche in there?  All gray and serious looking?

The one way you know it's a Ferrari for sure though, is this:

It's got the Schumacher seal of approval!  Enjoy the rest of the high-resolution photos below.

I do like the interior in this tan and black two tone scheme.  That's a lot more Ferrari to me.