looking into buying a 599 GTB is there a model year that is best or were there no real improvements made over the manufacturing period?
I believe you are in the UK where model years don't exist....... Most Ferraris have improvements introduced on a fairly random basis My best guess is there's a list year already here if significant otherwise a standard buying advice thread such as last month's will tell most all you need to know https://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/threads/starting-to-learn-about-the-599-gtb-fiorano.639990/ Thinking about it I also suspect you have accessed via a UK website a fantastic real owner experience - trust his advice
seems the 2008 cars onwards have a different ECU which can take the software upgrade to HGTE spec for throttle response and gear changes
yup 2008 onwards 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 this for the factory HGTE upgrade
For US models that is from serial number 156938 in 2007 for the newer ECUs that are compatible with the full HGTE upgrade kit.
Howard, If you''re able to locate them in the isles (or on the mainland), go for a factory-installed / optioned HGTE model (available 2009-2012 in the EU). Very few were manufactured. You will not regret it. Cheers and happy hunting.
thanks but i think i will find the HGTE model a bit harsh...I'm definitely looking for comfort over performance!
Also I believe steel brakes available standard on 2007 with CCB optional then 2008 on has CCB standard.
Howard- No, the engine number is not the same as the last 6 of the VIN. Neither is the assembly number the same. Get a 599 owners manual and do some reading. In general, the later a 599 you can afford, the better, and HGTE is even better but only available from CY 2009.
Howard, I've owned an early 2007 599 GTB and now a 2011 HGTE, so I can clearly vouch that the "myth" of HGTE models having a "harsh ride" is definitely unfounded! As a matter of fact if I recall correctly, the GTB (with Daytona seats) rode much harder with its specified Pirellis. My current HGTE still rides on Pirellis but these were redesigned differently by Pirelli specific for HGTE models the MR dampers were also reset by Ferrari to a different ECU setting. I've taken my HGTE (with original Recaro-sourced Carbon Fiber race seats) on long drives with my wife (who loves the ride of our SL55-AMG) and she believes the GTB rode harder. After a few months of rough rides with the Pirellis on my GTB, I bought a set of Michelin Pilot Supersports which made the ride much more supple without negatively affecting handling. Soon as the Pirellis wear out on my HGTE, I'll immediately switch to Michelin Pilot Sport 4S (K2) for better handling with softer ride.
599 depreciation analysis Basically prices are mileage dependent with HGTE adding like $30k if I remember correctly. Doesn't matter what year you get. One of these days I need to get one.
HGTE was not available from the factory until CY 2009, MY 2010 in the US. Earlier claimed HGTEs are kit installations and do not increase value by $30K.
Terry, I’m aware of that fact. Sorry if I wasn’t too clear. HGTE was initially supplied earlier in the EU manufactured in CY2009 as MY2010, but before being made available in the US. I mentioned that since Howard lives in the U.K. If I’m not mistaken (and I stand corrected), most if not all HGTE models in the US were manufactured in CY2010 since Ferrari typically supplies new cars to the EU and U.K. first. My MY2011 has a late May 2011 manufacturing plate, though I’m not certain when Italian manufacture dates/months start for the next MY. I also recall an ad for a 2011 HGTE with a manufactured date of Sept 2011! Likewise, I saw another ad for a 2012 HGTE that came from EU, yet we all thought the HGTE model ended in 2011. It had a very high VIN (manufactured in early CY2012) that was in line with the Alonso variants and for that matter, the Gonzales ones too.
Good call on the Michelin Pilot Super Sports! I just received my new to me 2007 GTB with brand new Perelli P zeros. I have brand new Michelin pilot super sports on my Maserati GTS, I’d like to put brand new Michelin pilot super sports on my Ferrari as well even though the P zeros are brand new. I was getting slack on another forum here as to why I would bother changing them when they are new. You answered that question
I'm in the same position with the Pirelli P zeros. I'm driving as much as I can to be done with them!