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The 2009 Ferrari 612 Scaglietti gains some previously optional equipment as standard and adds several new features. This four-passenger, 2-door coupe is Ferrari’s flagship car, and is powered by a 540-hp 5.75-liter V12. A conventional 6-speed manual transmission is standard. Optional is a 6-speed “F1A” automated-manual transmission that uses a small console stick to engage reverse and drive.

Shifting is done through steering wheel paddles, but the transmission can be set to shift like an automatic. An electronically adjustable suspension offers Normal and Sport modes. An optional HGTS Package includes specific 19-inch wheels, a sport exhaust system, and revised suspension calibration and transmission shift programming. Carbon-ceramic brakes are also optional. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, and front side airbags.

Standard equipment now includes a panoramic sunroof with electronically adjustable tint. Also available are a Bose-brand audio system with satellite radio, iPod connector, wireless cell-phone link, heated front seats, rearview camera, and front-obstacle detection. All 612s are custom ordered from the factory and are available with a wide selection of paint and trim choices. This evaluation is based on preview test drives.

At the concept stage but very soon in production – the special one from Ferrari – Ferrari 599XX, is even more exciting than the hallowed Ferrari Enzo in the track performance department. Well from a driver’s point of view, it will be the most exciting and amazing large production model as it is based on the Fiorano, but noe very expensive. The 599XX is officially labeled a prototype, but industry rumors have tracking towords a very limited production run to only “loyal Ferrari customers” or something like that.

Ferrari has raised the redline all the way up to 9000 rpm, with some new internals allowing a power increase to a cold 700 horses. The 599XX, which should be getting an official production announcement sometime in the near future, rides on 19 inch racing slicks and also a dedicated suspension different from that employed in standard 599 donor cars. Carbon fiber is used extensively in the 599XX, even underhood, where carbon intakes and other bits save weight and add a little visual flair. The F1-style transmission also gets a reprogramming, with shift times now coming in a miniscule 60 ms, far quicker than even the most skilled clutch-and-lever operator.

The 599XX comes with slick tyres (29/67 R19 Front and 31/71 R19 Rear) specifically developed to maximise stability in cornering and increase lateral acceleration. They are fitted to 19 x 11J wheel rims at the front and 19 x 12J at the rear.The new 599 GTB Fiorano Handling GTE Package and the world preview of the ‘laboratorio tecnologico’ 599XX

Ferrari’s engineers have also used F1-derived “doughnuts” which partly cover the brake discs and wheel rim. These have the dual function of improving both aerodynamics and brake cooling.