Ferrari 599 GTB: Novitec Rosso Fiorano Bi-Kompressor

Motoring Channel Staff - 5/Nov/2008

Stetten, Germany — Ferrari's 599 GTB is the Italian marque's current king of the hill, powered by the same V12 as the Italian company's famed Enzo commemoration super car.

The 6.0-litre V12 that powers the Ferrari 599 GTB gives Ferrari's famous GTB sports car an incredible rush of speed, but some customers weren't satisfied with 'only' 456kW (620hp) @ 7600rpm.

And neither was German tuner Novitec.

Instead of going down the normal route of new pistons, bigger airbox, freer flowing exhausts and this sort of thing, Novitec just whacked a pair of mechanically driven superchargers on, and the result is explosive. And it's so expensive we can't even tell you the price tag.

Saying that Novitec whacked a couple of spinners on the engine is simplifying the operation however, as modifying a Ferrari engine is not like tuning a Windsor V8.

According to Novitec, the V12 engine is boosted by cogged-belt driven high-performance superchargers that produce a maximum boost pressure of 5.6 psi (0.39 bar), which is very low boost, which ensures the engine's longevity.

The German tuning group says the twin mechanical superchargers are a lubricated by their own dedicated oil circulation, and that the pre-compressed air is then cooled down to a level conducive for added power by a large intercooler that itself is cooled by a dedicated water cycle. 

Furthermore, a specially designed intake manifold with high-performance injectors and sport air filter ensure air and fuel is delivered at the required (increased) levels.

Other additions to the boosted Ferrari 599 GTB include custom exhaust manifolds calibrated to the twin compressors, and a stainless-steel quad sport exhaust system with a tailpipe diameter of 90 millimeters, which is made in-house by Novitec. 

According to Novitec, the exhaust note "can be adjusted using the 'manettino' switch on the steering wheel from 'sporty yet discrete' to 'definitely sounds like racing.'

The modified V12 Ferrari engine is controlled by Novitec's own engine management system.

Peak power and torque levels have risen by 138kW (188hp) and 215Nm respectively, and the power output and performance levels are as follows:

Power: 594kW @ 7800rpm 
Torque: 823Nm @ 6300rpm
0-100km/h: 3.5 seconds
Top Speed: 340km/h

While peak torque and power have risen significantly thanks to the low pressure 'chargers, the zero to 100km/h dash has improved by two tenths of a second from 3.7 to 3.5 seconds, which puts the Novitec Rosso 599 GTB Fiorano Bi-Kompressor on par with Nissan GT-R twin turbo super car.

Using the F1 transmission, whose six speeds have been tuned by Novitec for more urgency when accelerating, the Ferrari 599 GTB Bi-Kompressor blasts the zero to 200km/h sprint in less than 10 seconds (9.7 secs) and can roar from zero to 300km/h in 25.5 seconds.

Top speed has increased 10km/h over the factory 599 GTB to 340km/h thanks to the engine mods, but also the inclusion of wind-tunnel tested aerodynamic body work.

As well as 3-piece 21-inch alloy wheels fitted with 275/30 ZR 20 front and 355/25 ZR 21 rear tyres, the hardcore V12 Ferrari gets a front lip spoiler attached to the production bumper that reduces lift on the front axle.

This is balanced out with an upgraded rear diffuser that can optionally be combined with a rear spoiler to improve downforce at the rear.

There's also new rocker panels that calm the airflow between the wheel houses, complete with large air inlets that help cool the rear brakes. Novitec also offers the aerodynamic upgrades ina clear-coat carbon-fibre.

Other upgrades that be ordered include sports suspension, 'exclusive' interior appointments and a high performance Brembo brake package comprising front and rear rotors measuring 405mm and fitted with large 6-piston calipers. 

Novitec has created one of the fastest Italian exotics with its 599 GTB Fiorano Bi-Kompressor model, which is sure to cost a pretty penny when everything is included - such as the push-button adjustable suspension, big brakes and sporty interior upgrades.

The twin supercharged engine upgrade can be ordered for a measly €46,900 if you already own a Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano, and the price on a brand newey is not given, suggesting if you have to ask, you can't afford it.

Though it doesn't have the prestige or the cachet value, we can't help think the money would be better spent on a Nissan GT-R, which is almost as fast out of the box and much more affordable.

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