2011 Ferrari 599 GTO

The long-rumored Ferrari 599 GTO, based off of the 599XX, made its official debut today. The company describes it as "an extreme V12 berlinetta developed to a specific performance-oriented brief" and go a step forward to say it is the fastest road car ever. It will be limited to only 599 units and will be priced in the area of $450K. Those with the monetary backing and thirst for high speed action will be salivating at the opportunity to own one of these bad boys.

The Ferrari 599 GTO is powered by a V12 engine delivering a total of 670 HP at 8250 rpm with a maximum torque of 620 Nm at 6500 rpm. It rockets the car from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.35 seconds, while top speed goes up to 208 mph. Maybe the most impressive thing about the 599 GTO is the lapping time on the Fiorano test track: 1 minute and 24 seconds. For those of us keeping track, that’s faster than the Enzo’s time.

The sports car features new front splitter, side sills, diffuser and rear spoiler, a new vented hood, and ten-spoke, 20" wheels. It has a dry weight of 1495 kg and a weight-to-power ratio of just 2.23 kg/hp. The 599 GTO is also equipped with the latest, second-generation carbon-ceramic brakes which are lighter and offer better performance.

We dare any other automaker to try to top the performance of this maniacal machine. This car leaves McLarens and Porsches in the dust. Watch for the public debut of the Ferrari 599 GTO at the Beijing Auto Show. A conveniently chosen venue if we can say so ourselves. Major props, Ferrari. Maybe some time we can take this stunning beauty out for a test drive...pretty please (insert groveling here).

Updated 04/09/2010: Ferrari unveiled today an official video for the new 599 GTO. The video is in Italian, but its pretty cool to watch, so enjoy! Video after the jump.

Update 05/07/2010: New video from Ferrari! Click on the picture above to view the 599 GTO whip around the Mugello track!

UPDATE 06/24/2010: Another video featuring not just one....not just two...but three Ferrari 599 GTOs. Check it out after the jump!

UPDATE 06/29/2010: The British magazine EVO recently had the chance to get behind the wheel of the new GTO to take it out for a little ride. So, what does Chris Harris think about the car? Check out his test drive after the jump to find out!

UPDATE 07/07/2010: EVO’s Chris Harris takes the 2011 Ferrari 599 GTO out for a test spin on the legendary Fiorano race track. Take a look at the three-part video that follows the mind-boggling trip around the track by clicking here.

Updated 07/09/2010: Ferrari unveiled today a new image gallery with the 599 GTO on its natural habitat: on a race track! Enjoy!