So what record did that Ferrari car break again? When the Italian maker came out to announce Ferrari’s record breaking drive down the Nurburging track, a lot of people had question marks on their faces. This is probably due to the fact that the Ferrari 599XX is track-centered and is not available, legally, for city-driving. No matter, the car still broke the lap record for production derived sports cars in Nurburginring, reinstating Ferrari’s top spot in terms of engine performance.

Apparently, it broke the 7-minute barrier on the 20.832 km track, leaving behind the Dodge Viper ACR and the Corvette ZR1 in its dust. The Viper finished the ring in 7:22:10, while the Corvette wasn’t too far behind with 7:26:40. Unlike the Ferrari, though, both of these car models are street legal, leaving most consumers with a “So what?” thought bubble.

Still, watching the Ferrari 599XX finish a lap on the Nurburging track is well worth 7-minutes of any car lover’s time. Never mind that you’ll probably never get to own one.

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Most people will just drool over a Ferrari and will think the performance of the red stallion is perfect. The handling of the Ferrari most of the time satisfies the consumers. Going for higher standards the Italian car maker created the HGTE or Handling GT Evoluzione.

The handling package was first revealed during the Geneva auto show last March. This week the Ferrari 599’s handling was put into test by none other than legendary Michael Schumacher who’s on the pedestal for winning the F1 championship seven times.

The HGTE is engineered to give the Ferrari owner a more dynamic and sporty driving experience. The package includes modifications on the springs, calibration of the shock absorbers, anti-roll bars, and lowering of the ride height.

Schumacher took the 599 for a 20 lap drive in Fiorano. The record of the Ferrari 599 in the circuit is recorded at 1 minute and 26.5 seconds. That is really considered a fast lap taking into consideration the record of the F40 which is 3.1 seconds slower. The F430 and the F50 take 3.6s more to finish a lap.

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Great news to all Ferrari fans! The Ferrari 599 GTB can now be modified with the brand new Handling Gran Turismo Evoluzione package. The new system boosts the suspension set up with the addition of new springs, readjusted shock absorbers, and antiroll bars. The height has been lowered and the famous Ferrari-exclusive 20-inch matte silver wheels are protected by tires that are more forceful.

Minor adjustments to improve the throttle response have been done to the speed demon’s V12’s software with its 611 horsepower. The retuned F1 transmission is now capable for even faster shifts.

To elevate the new kick-ass 599s with its GTE package, the modified 599s bear new grilles, special wheels, and a matte black rear diffuser. Of course, even the interior has been improved with its two-tone seats and carbon fiber trims.

The Handling GTE Package is expected to add $25,000 to the 599’s base price.

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