Ferrari 599 GTO: the engine, features and what to know when buying
The Ferrari 599 GTO is a limited-edition road car launched in 2010, based on the 599 GTB Fiorano and inspired by the track model 599XX. We delve into its engine, features, and what you need to know to purchase this rare automobile.
599 GTO in brief
The 599 GTO was officially unveiled on April 8, 2010. The GTO stands for 'Gran Turismo Omologato'. It's the road car version of the track model 599XX, and Ferrari claimed it was the fastest road car they had ever built at the time — it could lap the Fiorano track in 1 minute 24 seconds, a full second faster than the Enzo.
Production was capped at 599 units, with around 125 allocated to the US market. It's only the third Ferrari to bear the GTO name since the 1962 250 GTO and the 1984 288 GTO, but unlike its predecessors, it wasn't built for homologation to any racing series.
Engine and transmission
The car is powered by a 6.0-litre (5999 cc) V12 engine, producing around 670 hp at 8250 rpm and approximately 620 Nm of torque. According to the manufacturer, the 599 GTO can accelerate from 0-100 km/h in under 3.3 seconds, with a top speed exceeding 335 km/h.
The transmission is a six-speed robotised 'F1' unit with the 599XX shift program; the exhaust system is also borrowed from the 599XX. The car weighs around 1605 kg — roughly 100 kg less than the standard 599 GTB.
The 599 GTO and other 599 variants
The 599 GTB Fiorano was unveiled in 2006 in Geneva and was the first Ferrari GT with an aluminium chassis. Its 6.0-litre V12 churned out around 620bhp, with styling by Pininfarina. The 599 GTO became a more powerful, lighter and track-focused version of this model.
Other limited editions include the 599 SA Aperta — an 80-unit open-top version with the 599 GTO engine and gearbox, and the 599XX — a model designed solely for the track. The 599 GTO inherited the shift program and exhaust system from the 599XX.
What to know when buying a 599 GTO
This is a limited-series collectible car, so the most important thing is the paperwork: check the VIN, factory specification, number of owners and the full service history with an official Ferrari dealer. Ensure the car hasn’t been heavily restored or repainted.
The robotised F1 gearbox is known to wear out, so ask when it was last changed. If the car has ceramic brakes, inspect the disc condition, as replacement is expensive. Also, assess the age and condition of the tyres.
These cars are often kept as collectibles and driven infrequently, so it’s important to know how it was stored and if it was regularly started. When buying from abroad, check import documents and taxes in advance.
Version
The 599 GTO doesn’t have trim levels — it’s a single limited-series version.
599 GTO
2010–2011A limited-series road car based on the 599XX.
- 6.0-litre V12, around 670bhp
- Six-speed robotised F1 gearbox
- Around 100kg lighter than the 599 GTB
Comparison with other 599 versions
| 599 GTB Fiorano | 599 GTO | 599 SA Aperta | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who it’s for | Daily driver with GT spirit | For collectors and track enthusiasts | For collectors and convertible lovers |
| Power | Around 620 HP | Around 670 HP | With the 599 GTO engine |
| Body style | Coupe | Coupe | Convertible (soft-top) |
| Production run | Series model | 599 units | 80 units |
| Price in the used market (relatively) | €€€ | €€€ | €€€ |
Most buyers would prefer the 599 GTB Fiorano, while the 599 GTO is a collector's item — it's a rare, powerful car that's highly valued by collectors.
Pros
- A powerful 6.0-litre V12 engine
- Limited production run — 599 units
- Special track technologies from the 599XX
- Aluminium body and lighter construction than the 599 GTB
Cons
- Very high price and limited supply
- Robotic gearbox and ceramic brakes are expensive to maintain
- Due to its collector status, every detail matters — originality and documentation are crucial
Frequently asked questions
What does GTO stand for?
"Gran Turismo Omologato". Ferrari used this name only for the 250 GTO (1962), 288 GTO (1984), and 599 GTO (2010).
How many 599 GTOs were produced?
Production was limited to 599 cars, of which around 125 were allocated to the US market.
Is the 599 GTO suitable for daily use?
Technically, it can be driven on roads, but it's a collector's car, especially powerful. It's usually used sparingly and kept in collections.
Updated 2026-10-21 · Trim levels and equipment vary by market and model year — check the equipment of the specific car. · Translated automatically





























