Ferrari 599 Coupe (2006–2012): The V12 GT That Still Feels Like A Special Occasion
I remember the first time I slid into a Ferrari 599 Coupe and thumbed the big red starter button. The cabin quivered, my shoulders relaxed, and that 6.0-liter V12—borrowed from the Enzo’s bloodline—cleared its throat like Pavarotti. On a cool morning with an empty stretch of motorway, the 599 doesn’t just accelerate; it edits distance. And yet, when I tried it on rough roads later that day, it rode with a surprising grace for something with over 600 hp. Grand tourer first, supercar second. Or maybe both at the same time. That’s its magic.
Here at AutoWin we meet owners who’ve turned these cars into memory machines—ski weekends, sunrise coffee runs, the occasional impromptu tunnel concert. They also ask for practical touches, like custom interior protection. We’ll get to those floor mats in a bit. First, the car that makes them necessary.
Ferrari 599 Coupe (2006–2012): History, Design, And Why It Still Stops Traffic
Launched in 2006 as Ferrari’s flagship V12 grand tourer, the Ferrari 599 Coupe (often called 599 GTB Fiorano) was a Pininfarina shape penned under Frank Stephenson’s watch. Long hood, tight hips, and those flying-buttress rear pillars that managed both drama and real aero benefit. Underneath, it’s aluminum spaceframe sophistication and race-derived electronics.
- Engine: 6.0-liter naturally aspirated V12 (5,999 cc) derived from the Enzo
- Output: 612 hp (620 PS) and 448 lb-ft (608 Nm)
- 0–60 mph: 3.3–3.7 seconds (conditions and spec dependent)
- Top speed: ~205 mph
- Gearboxes: F1 single-clutch automated manual (most common) or ultra-rare 6-speed manual
It was also the first production Ferrari to pair its e-diff (electronic differential) with a sophisticated traction suite. The manettino on the steering wheel—familiar from the F430—lets you dial in the car’s character from “it’s wet, behave” to “let’s have a day.” Magnetorheological dampers keep the body calm without punishing you. The result? A grand tourer that’ll do Bordeaux to Milan in one shot, and feel light on its feet at the end.
Driving The Ferrari 599 Coupe: A V12 That Makes Every Mile Feel Like A Win
I noticed right away how usable it is. Trundle through town and, yes, the F1 gearbox can fidget at parking speeds—single-clutch life—yet once you’re rolling it snaps off shifts with a purposeful thwack. The steering is honest and quick without early-2000s Ferrari nervousness. On a fast B-road the front bites cleanly, those big carbon-ceramic brakes (fit on many cars, standard later) bleed speed with two-finger precision, and the chassis takes a set that inspires you to keep going. On rough tarmac, the adaptive damping does the heavy lifting; I’ve driven smaller, newer sports cars that felt busier.
- Only about 5,400 599s were built worldwide, adding to its desirability.
- The HGTE pack (from 2009) sharpened things with stiffer springs, quicker shifts, and new wheels.
- Manual 599s? Rumored to be fewer than 40 worldwide—collector catnip.
Ferrari 599 Coupe Ownership: The Real-World Bits (Costs, Quirks, Comfort)
- Fuel economy: You buy a 6.0-liter V12 with your eyes open—think low teens mpg. Worth it every time you uncork it.
- Service and wear: F1 clutch life varies by use (city crawling is the enemy). Carbon-ceramic brakes are brilliant but expensive to replace; many cars will never need discs, but pads aren’t cheap.
- Known quirks: Sticky interior buttons (a Ferrari classic of the era), occasional damper leaks, and infotainment that feels period—let’s say charmingly noughties.
- Usability: Comfortable seats, decent boot for a weekender, and cabin quiet enough to hear your kids argue about playlists in the back… if you had rear seats (you don’t). It’s a two-seater GT with excellent road-trip manners.
Is The Ferrari 599 Coupe (2006–2012) A Smart Buy And A Sound Investment?
Back in 2006, a well-specced Ferrari 599 Coupe stickered at around $310,543—eye-watering then, still bracing now. But value is a different conversation. Limited numbers, historical significance (the last era of naturally aspirated front-engine V12 GTs from Maranello), and the way it drives have seen values stabilize and, in good examples, appreciate.
- Top spec premiums: HGTE cars sit higher; manuals are in their own stratosphere.
- Condition is king: Documented service history and clean inspections matter more than color (though Rosso with crema still turns hearts).
- Long view: As a blue-chip modern classic, a well-kept 599 feels like money parked in your garage—with a soundtrack.
Ferrari 599 Coupe vs Rivals: The V12 GT Playground
Car | Engine/Power | 0–60 mph | Top Speed | Character |
---|---|---|---|---|
Ferrari 599 Coupe (2006–2012) | 6.0L NA V12 / 612 hp | 3.3–3.7 s | ~205 mph | Effortless GT with supercar bite |
Aston Martin DBS (2008–2012) | 5.9L NA V12 / 510 hp | 4.0 s | 190+ mph | Romantic, softer edge, Bond tux vibes |
Lamborghini Murciélago LP640 (2006–2010) | 6.5L NA V12 / 631 hp | 3.3 s | 211 mph | Wild, dramatic, less GT comfort |
Ferrari 599 Coupe (2006–2012) Parts And Accessories: Make Yours Yours
Every Ferrari 599 Coupe deserves a cabin that looks as sharp as it drives. One easy win: floor mats that actually fit, don’t curl, and keep gravel from the paddles. At the AutoWin e-shop, you’ll find mats tailored specifically for the 2006–2012 599—proper coverage, factory-like fit, and materials that won’t give up after a rainy weekend in the Alps.
- Vehicle-specific patterns for the 599 cabin footprint
- Premium materials that stand up to everyday use (and the occasional espresso spill)
- Color and trim options to suit classic or touring builds
Final Thoughts: Why The Ferrari 599 Coupe Still Feels Special
Honestly, I wasn’t sure at first if the Ferrari 599 Coupe would feel as alive in 2025 as it did when it launched. It does. The bandwidth is enormous: calm GT one minute, spine-tingling supercar the next. With limited production, authentic motorsport DNA, and that operatic V12, it’s a modern classic that earns its place—whether you’re chasing mountain passes or just the perfect parking spot at dinner. And if you’re going to keep one, protect that interior properly; start with tailored mats from AutoWin and enjoy the long game.
Ferrari 599 Coupe (2006–2012) FAQ
- Is the Ferrari 599 Coupe reliable? For a V12 exotic, yes—when maintained. Prioritize specialist inspections, documented servicing, and healthy F1 clutch readings.
- What’s the difference between a standard 599 and HGTE? HGTE brings stiffer springs, revised damper tuning, quicker gearbox mapping, and wheels/tyres for sharper response.
- How rare is the 6-speed manual 599? Extremely—reported to be fewer than 40 worldwide, commanding significant premiums.
- What should I look for when buying? Clutch wear, damper condition, brake life, sticky buttons, and a clean ECU scan. Original spec and service history add value.
- Are there easy interior upgrades? Yes—vehicle-specific floor mats from AutoWin protect carpets and freshen the cabin without compromising OEM style.