Ferrari 599 GTB Handling GTE Sport Kit Now Available as Aftermarket Package

Leaving no stone unturned in order to make a buck or two, Ferrari is now offering its recently launched Handling GTE (Handling Gran Turismo Evoluzione) sport package for the 599 GTB Fiorano also as a genuine aftermarket kit to existing owners of the V12 supercar. Depending on the customer's specific requirements and the age of vehicle, buyers can choose between two available packages.

According to Ferrari UK, the first HGTE pack is for pre-2008 599 GTB Fiorano cars and costs £17,213 ($28,300 US or €21,000). It consists of handling modifications, an exhaust system and a styling upgrades.

The second package, which is for post-2008 models equipped with the F1 transmission, is priced at £19,703 ($32,400 or €23,000) and comes with an additional performance kit. Mind you none of the above prices include VAT.

HGTE PACKAGE SPECS

1) Handling, includes:

• Lower suspension (10mm)
  
• New magnetorheologically controlled suspension calibration for the Manettino SPORT and RACE configurations
  
• More rigid suspension springs (front + 17%, rear + 15%)
  
• More rigid rear anti-roll bars (diameter increased to 25mm)
  
• HGTE specific tyres with improved compound (8% more grip)
  
• 3-piece modular rims with reduced weight (forged spokes) and special new design
  

2) Performance (only available for post-2008 cars, from engine no. 122779), includes:

• New exhausts silencers with two-tone finish tailpipes
  
• Enhanced F1 gearshift actuation, with response times reduced to 85ms
  
• New accelerator logic with modified mapping for improved throttle response
  

N.B. The Performance kit cannot be installed on cars with manual gearboxes.

3) Exhaust, includes:

• New exhausts silencers with two-tone finish tailpipes
  

The Exhaust kit is designed for:

• vehicles that cannot receive the software updates listed in the Performance kit since the engine was produced before assembly number 122779 (pre-2008)
  
• all cars with manual gearboxes
  
• clients who are only interested in modifying the styling and sound of their own cars
  

N.B. The Exhaust kit is included in the Performance kit, for cars post-2008.

4) Aesthetic, includes:

• New design front grille with a special chromatic treatment
  
• Burnished finish to Prancing Horse symbols on the front grill and rear boot lid
  

VIDEO: Ferrari Scuderia Spider, California and 599 GTB HGTE Tackle the Goodwood Hill Climb

One of the most popular events at the annual Goodwood Festival of Speed is the Sunday Times Supercar Run which sees some of the fastest and most powerful cars in the world race up the 1.16 mile hill climb. At this year's run that was completed on Sunday, June 5, Ferrari showcased three of its latest supercars - the limited run 510HP F430 Scuderia Spider 16M, the new California hardtop-convertible that's moved by a 460HP V8 and the 599 GTB Fiorano equipped with the HGTE sport package.

Below you can watch all three Prancing Horse models at the Sunday Times Supercar Run through an inboard video camera while we've also added an additional "over-the-shoulder" film of the California. According to the Italian sports car maker, the Scuderia Spider 16M was the fastest of the bunch completing the Goodwood hill climb in just 59 seconds.

Agnelli Grandson's Haute Couture Ferrari 599 GTB Blue-Jean Edition

When you're an heir to the Agnelli and Fiat fortune, you can have whatever car you want customized to your own personal - even bizarre- tastes. Take for example this Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano that is said to be owned by Lapo Elkann, the son of Alain Elkann, the writer, and Gianni Agnelli's daughter Margherita. The one-off Ferrari features a special two-tone matte paint job as well as a unique interior trim.

But while we can overlook the 599's unique paint scheme that combines a flat aqua color for the body with a flat dark blue finish for the rooftop, exterior mirrors, alloy wheels and the rear apron - diffuser, there's something definitely wrong with the interior. It's one thing seeing a blue-jean denim upholstery in a Fiat Panda and another in a high-performance and exclusive supercar like the 599.

Lapo, besides being uber-wealthy and constantly featured in gossip columns for his playboy lifestyle, also made world headlines in 2005 after a drug overdose with some middle-aged cross-dressers in a Turin apartment.

Ferrari to Perform Three British Debuts at Goodwood Festival of Speed

Italian supercar maker Ferrari will be showcasing three new models for the first time in the UK at next month's Goodwood Festival of Speed: the California coupe-convertible, the limited edition Scuderia Spider 16M and the beefed-up 599 GTB Fiorano with the HGTE package. All three supercars will participate at the Sunday Times Supercar Run.

Ferrari will also be represented at Goodwood by the Scuderia Ferrari team that will show off the 2008 Championship-winning F1 car driven by Marc Gene throughout the weekend while privately-owned cars entered in this year's event include a 1956 Ferrari 166 MM Barchetta, a 1961 Ferrari 196 SP Dino and a 1980 Ferrari 512 BBLM.

Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano HGTE Sport Package: New Wallpaper Gallery with 45 High-Res Photos

Feeding into our supercar lust, Ferrari published a new photo gallery of its tweaked 599 GTB Fiorano with the Handling GT Evoluzione sport package. Revealed for the first time at this year's Geneva Salon, the HGTE is in essence an optional pack designed to further improve driver involvement and agility, as well as to enhance the standard 599 GTB Fiorano's grip.

At a first glance it looks no different than the standard version. Take a second look and you'll see that it's sitting closer to the ground, it rides on newly designed 20-inch alloy wheels wrapped in high-performance tires while there's also a more aggressive front grille and new chromed tail pipes that promise to deliver a throatier exhaust sound.

Other changes include a modified magnetorheological damper settings for improved body control while the 599 GTB's interior has been enhanced with sportier seats embroidered with the words "Handling GTE" and plenty of carbon-fibre trim.