Back in November we ran a story about plans by Ferrari to produce a special edition 599 – the Ferrari 599 GTO – which would resurrect the most iconic of the Ferrari badges – the GTO.

Well it looks as if that story has been confirmed after EVO has an interview with Ferrari boss Amedeo Felisa who told them that the 599 has now been moved over to Ferrari’s ‘Sports Car’ division instead of residing at Maranello as a GT. Which apparently means the road is clear to produce a barn-storming road going version based on the 599XX to be badged the Ferrari 599 GTO.

Perhaps the GTO that resounds most in the petrol-heads consciousness is the 250 GTO. One of the most expensive cars on the planet now (you’ll be looking at a starting price of £18 million for one) just 39 were made. Not quite as high-profile – but a terrific car – is the 288 GTO. Something of a bargain for what it – basically the precursor to the F40 – it too is held in high regard by Ferrari lovers.

But it does look as if the 599 is about to become the lastest GTO from Maranello. Said to feature 700bhp from its V12, quicker transmission and a good dose of weight stripping, we should see a top speed well north of 200mph and a 0-60mph of around 3 seconds.

It could also be the swansong for Ferrari’s V12 as it seems almost certain the V12 will be consigned to history to be replaced by a turbo V8. Even in the next Enzo – the F70.

Source: EVO