Revell 1/24 Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano
KIT #: 85-4204
PRICE: $16.95 MSRP
DECALS: Several license plate options
REVIEWER: Scott Van Aken
NOTES: 2007 molding

HISTORY

The 599 GTB Fiorano (internal code F141) is an Italian gran turismo produced by Ferrari. It is the brand's two-seat flagship, replacing the 575 M Maranello in 2006 as a 2007 model.

Styled by Pininfarina under the direction of Ferrari's Frank Stephenson, the 599 GTB debuted at the Geneva Motor Show in February 2006. It is named for its total engine displacement (5999 cc), Gran Turismo Berlinetta nature, and the Fiorano Circuit test track used by Ferrari.

Drive train

The Tipo F140C 6.0 L (5999 cc) V12 engine produces a maximum 620 PS (456 kW; 612 hp), making it the most powerful series production Ferrari road car. Its 608 N·m (448 ft·lbf) of torque will also be a high for Ferrari's GT cars. Most of the modifications to the engine were done to allow it to fit in the Fiorano's engine bay (the original Enzo version could be taller as it would not block forward vision due to its mid-mounted position). The company claims a top speed in excess of 330 km/h (205 mph), 0–100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.7 seconds, and 11.0 seconds to 200 km/h (124 mph).

THE KIT

Molded in mostly white plastic with the usual clear and chrome sprues, the three bags all proudly state that these parts were molded in Poland. once the bags are opened (and they are held shut with tape, thank you Revell), one has an idea that this is by no means a small car. One thinks of sports cars, even luxury sports cars, as being somewhat small. This one isn't and seems as large as a 70's American full size sedan.

For certain there are a lot of parts to this one from its full Ferrari V-12 engine to the complete interior and detailed chassis. Even the fender wells are extra parts, something one rarely sees in car kits. The interior is very nicely done, and like many areas of the car, have decals that are to be fitted in place. With all that one is somewhat disappointed to find no seat belts or harness included with the kit, as even decals would have been nice. There are a ton of decals for the various dash instruments as well.

The kit has a piece of plastic mesh to use for the many vents that are on this car. A full diagram is provided to show how much of this to cut for each applications. The clear parts are nicely molded and all fit from the outside so one can wait until near the end of construction to insert these.

As usual from Revell, the instructions are superbly printed with 8 construction steps. Colors are provided as generic listings (this is not a Revell AG boxing), so one can paint as one goes, which is the norm for cars. No overall shade is recommended, but we all know Ferraris are supposed to be red. An interesting note is that there are specific decals for US and European vehicles. IOne is supposed to cut out the license plate decals and paste them on with white glue, thought the rest can be applied as normal water-slide markings.

CONCLUSIONS

A very nice kit that will be most welcomed by fans of exotic cars. Those who haven't gotten the bug yet will find that they will be well on their way with this one.

Rob van Kan sent in this information on the decal sheet: "Some of the license plates on the decal sheet are incorrect. There never has been a Dutch license plate starting with AZ and if there had been, it would've been for a 1978 vehicle. The font, furthermore, is WAY off the mark.
There is no Italian plate starting with MO, the current series is at ED when I write this and MO is only likely to come up years from now, if at all - I don't think O is included in the series (Our car, now a year old, is of the DZ series).
The other plates seem to be possible real plates.

I am a Dutchman living in Italy. This Revell quirk has irritated me for a long time. The fact that the Germans never took the trouble to inform themselves about Dutch plates - even for their DAF truck kits, which are Dutch trucks - is frustrating, to say the least, for Dutch modelers."

REFERENCES

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ferrari_599_GTB_Fiorano

November 2010

Thanks to me for picking this one up

If you would like your product reviewed fairly and quickly, please contact me or see other details in the Note to Contributors.

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