Review by CoMod Long of the / Carrera DIGITAL 124 DIGITAL 132 Ferrari 599XX 'As seen at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show' (23756/30532)
The 599XX, unveiled at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show, is a racing version of the 599 GTB. The car produces 537 kW (730 PS) at 9,000 rpm and features reduced weight thanks to the use of CFRP body parts, special alloys in the engine block, and a ceramic brake system. A new transmission shift setup enables gear changes in as little as 60 ms. The body and underbody are aerodynamically optimized to generate downforce of 280 kg at 200 km/h and 630 kg at 300 km/h. Furthermore, the car is equipped with 29/67-R19 front tires and 31/71-R19 rear tires mounted on 19×11J rims in the front and 19×12J rims in the rear.
The Ferrari 599XX features an innovative system in the trunk called Active Flow. These are fans that draw in a portion of the air flowing under the vehicle before it reaches the diffuser. However, only the small portion of the airflow that is just below the stall threshold is drawn in through a porous layer. Because this prevents air turbulence, the diffuser angle can now exceed the usual 7° without the airflow stalling, thereby generating greater downforce with the same aerodynamic drag. The drawn-in air is expelled through the dummy taillights. To reduce turbulence during exhaust, the airflow is made to vibrate at 800 Hz by piezo-controlled membranes, which has a positive effect on the cw value.
The vehicle costs over one million dollars, and the limited production run is capped at 30 units, which will be delivered to select customers.
(Source: http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ferrari_599)
But let’s get to the model— we’re already familiar with the design from its little brother, so it’s not really anything new. However, it has to be said that in the 124, the Ferrari comes across a little differently—much more aggressive, spirited, and powerful. The red paint job with the carbon fiber accents really suits it well.
All unnecessary embellishments on the chassis have been omitted, as we’ve already seen with the GT3. However, we’re once again dealing with a real heavyweight here. The chassis weighs in at 173g and the top adds another 65g, bringing the total weight to about 238g—similar to the DBR9. The axle on the Ferrari is also neatly mounted, just as it should be. The lighting is also sufficient and doesn’t shine out of the wheel wells.
The Ferrari 599XX now has the longest wheelbase of any modern sports car, which should actually ensure great handling. However, due to its fairly high curb weight, this supercar feels a bit sluggish and ponderous.
Personally, I don’t think the 599XX really fits in with the GTs. In terms of driving dynamics, it falls short here. That’s why I believe the 599XX will feel most at home among its peers. There, the playing field is level, and everyone competes in the same class.
CoMod Long
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*********Review by CoMod JoergW of theCarrera DIGITAL 124 / DIGITAL 132 Ferrari 599XX 'Homestead 2010' (23757/30533)
As already described in detail in the report on the 1:32 scale model, Ferrari has produced a production-based race car with the XX version. Instead of a long explanation, here’s an invitation to join us for a record-breaking lap at the Nürburgring: Through the Green Hell in under seven minutes!
And for those who prefer the full-size version, here’s a source where you can buy a used Ferrari 599xx with just 1,500 km on the odometer for just over 1.3 million euros: http://www.pkwradar.de
At a 1:24 scale , the car looks proportionally much more powerful and imposing than at 1:32—a real race car. The original shape comes across well; the model has been scaled down very effectively. Red and blue work well as base colors. I find the metallic effect of the blue Ferrari, in particular, to be very realistic and by no means “toy-like.”
The guide keel of the new swing arm rotates smoothly and has sufficient range of motion. Since the vehicle, at 240 grams, isn’t exactly light, the old swivel range would have reached its breaking point by now at the latest. That’s almost half a pound of mass shifting onto the keel area when cornering. In terms of handling, the car is no problem—it’s no sprinter, but it’s a reliable long-distance contender.
The lights are fine. Very bright up front, but they don’t shine through, so they should also be suitable for night driving, like in 24-hour races. Visually, the car matches other 1:24 GT cars, but its heavy weight might put it at a slight disadvantage. It’s the same as almost always: cars of the same type still perform best when racing against each other. Maybe we’ll get 1 or 2 more colors… yellow is always easy to spot on the track ;-)
CoMod joergW
The 599XX, unveiled at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show, is a racing version of the 599 GTB. The car produces 537 kW (730 PS) at 9,000 rpm and features reduced weight thanks to the use of CFRP body parts, special alloys in the engine block, and a ceramic brake system. A new transmission shift setup enables gear changes in as little as 60 ms. The body and underbody are aerodynamically optimized to generate downforce of 280 kg at 200 km/h and 630 kg at 300 km/h. Furthermore, the car is equipped with 29/67-R19 front tires and 31/71-R19 rear tires mounted on 19×11J rims in the front and 19×12J rims in the rear.
The Ferrari 599XX features an innovative system in the trunk called Active Flow. These are fans that draw in a portion of the air flowing under the vehicle before it reaches the diffuser. However, only the small portion of the airflow that is just below the stall threshold is drawn in through a porous layer. Because this prevents air turbulence, the diffuser angle can now exceed the usual 7° without the airflow stalling, thereby generating greater downforce with the same aerodynamic drag. The drawn-in air is expelled through the dummy taillights. To reduce turbulence during exhaust, the airflow is made to vibrate at 800 Hz by piezo-controlled membranes, which has a positive effect on the cw value.
The vehicle costs over one million dollars, and the limited production run is capped at 30 units, which will be delivered to select customers.
(Source: http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ferrari_599)
But let’s get to the model— we’re already familiar with the design from its little brother, so it’s not really anything new. However, it has to be said that in the 124, the Ferrari comes across a little differently—much more aggressive, spirited, and powerful. The red paint job with the carbon fiber accents really suits it well.
All unnecessary embellishments on the chassis have been omitted, as we’ve already seen with the GT3. However, we’re once again dealing with a real heavyweight here. The chassis weighs in at 173g and the top adds another 65g, bringing the total weight to about 238g—similar to the DBR9. The axle on the Ferrari is also neatly mounted, just as it should be. The lighting is also sufficient and doesn’t shine out of the wheel wells.
The Ferrari 599XX now has the longest wheelbase of any modern sports car, which should actually ensure great handling. However, due to its fairly high curb weight, this supercar feels a bit sluggish and ponderous.
Personally, I don’t think the 599XX really fits in with the GTs. In terms of driving dynamics, it falls short here. That’s why I believe the 599XX will feel most at home among its peers. There, the playing field is level, and everyone competes in the same class.
CoMod Long
************************
*********Review by CoMod JoergW of the
As already described in detail in the report on the 1:32 scale model, Ferrari has produced a production-based race car with the XX version. Instead of a long explanation, here’s an invitation to join us for a record-breaking lap at the Nürburgring: Through the Green Hell in under seven minutes!
And for those who prefer the full-size version, here’s a source where you can buy a used Ferrari 599xx with just 1,500 km on the odometer for just over 1.3 million euros: http://www.pkwradar.de
At a 1:24 scale , the car looks proportionally much more powerful and imposing than at 1:32—a real race car. The original shape comes across well; the model has been scaled down very effectively. Red and blue work well as base colors. I find the metallic effect of the blue Ferrari, in particular, to be very realistic and by no means “toy-like.”
The guide keel of the new swing arm rotates smoothly and has sufficient range of motion. Since the vehicle, at 240 grams, isn’t exactly light, the old swivel range would have reached its breaking point by now at the latest. That’s almost half a pound of mass shifting onto the keel area when cornering. In terms of handling, the car is no problem—it’s no sprinter, but it’s a reliable long-distance contender.
The lights are fine. Very bright up front, but they don’t shine through, so they should also be suitable for night driving, like in 24-hour races. Visually, the car matches other 1:24 GT cars, but its heavy weight might put it at a slight disadvantage. It’s the same as almost always: cars of the same type still perform best when racing against each other. Maybe we’ll get 1 or 2 more colors… yellow is always easy to spot on the track ;-)
CoMod joergW
