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Ferrari looks for test drivers

  • By Paul Gover
  • Herald Sun
image The 599XX was one of two cars revealed this week at the Geneva Motor Show, alongside the 599 GTB Fiorano with a performance pack called the HGTE kit.

Do you have what it takes to be a Ferrari test pilot?

Probably not, but we all have to dream.

Kimi Raikkonen and Felipe Massa qualify on talent but now the Italian supercar company is easing the way for some of its most committed and cashed-up fans.

Anyone with a proven history as a Ferrari owner can help with testing and development of the latest Ferrari 599XX - provided they also have the cash to splash on their own test car.

Ferrari has already run a program with the Enzo FXX - which Michael Schumacher has as one of his personal cars, splashed in matt-black paint - and now it's doing the same with a 599XX which will only be available for use at special Ferrari-organised test track days.

The 599XX was one of two cars revealed this week at the Geneva Motor Show, alongside the 599 GTB Fiorano with a performance pack called the HGTE kit.

The letters stand for Handling GT Evoluzione and the pack runs to stiffer springs and rear anti-roll bar as well as A re-calibrated Manettino control system which adjusts the the 599 HGTE’s magneto- rheological shock absorbers for a more racetrack-like drive.

The Fiorano - named after Ferrari's private test track - also gets a lower ride height, grippier performance tires, an upgraded version of the F1-SuperFast transmission with faster shifts and improved accelerator response, and a raunchier exhaust.

Visually, the Fiorano picks up 20-inch wheels, a rear air diffuser and a cabin with carbon fibre seats trimmed in two-tone leather and alcantara.

There is no news yet on sales plans or prices for the 599XX or the Fiorano, but there is almost zero chance of either car coming to Australia.

Comments on this story

Displaying 1 of 1 comments

  • Im 28 Im half German half Spanish i live in Australia syd. i have what it takes i have the eye for speed i could pull 360 turns by the age of 14yrs with my eyes shut, iv got the blood that can take intence presher i can reef the tities off whateva engine you put in my lap and ill be the one to tell you what the problems are. If the car can last 60laps RED LINING EVERY GEAR AT 120% then the car is ok maybe. thats if the car is not on fire by the time im done with it! Burnin Petrol & Rubber is my life. I could never get inuff. its my life time goul&dream;. My Brother and i have always been very passionate about what we love most. he was always planes and i have only been cars hes 26yrs old and fly a big cargo frieght plane he got his private lic, his commercial lic and now hes the captain off his plane/flight crew and a stones throw away from flying a 747. Im happy for him hes got his life time gouls. i dont. my gouls are much bigger and i feel like its starting to cripple me. When i read this article it made my blood boil in helplessness. If only i had the chance to prove myself. If you wont some good upgrade for your cars please find the suzuci pikespeek verion &nasas; lightweightmat

    Steven Voigt of Australia. SYD Posted on 08 October 2009 7:25pm

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