You and I both know that the 1962 250 GTO and the 1984 288 GTO are the two vehicles in question; both were characterized by their performance and desire to compete in races. The full title is Gran Turismo Omologato, and homologation was the goal in both instances, even if the results were very different. The 250 had a successful career, but the Group B restrictions that gave birth to the 288 GTO prevented the Porsche 959 against GTO at Le Mans races that we all desired, making it the quickest and most coveted Ferrari road vehicle of its time.

The 599 is not the most apparent foundation for a light sports car. Despite having an aluminum body, it is a large vehicle with a 6-liter V12 crammed between the front wheels. Naturally, the route to sharper reflexes has adopted the tried-and-true formula: make it lighter and give it more power. However, what truly impresses, supports the £299,300 price tag, and supports Ferrari's claim that this is more akin to a 599XX with number plates than a 599 HGTE-Plus are the sheer quantity and breadth of the upgrades.

Starting off, engine power increases from 612 to 661 horsepower. That figure is so unbelievable even now that I have to keep squinting at it. Through a variety of adjustments, including DLC (Diamond Like Coating) for the tappets, superfinished cam lobes, a new form for the crankshaft weights, and a new design of piston skirt, internal friction has been decreased by 12%. Compression increases from 11.2 to 11.9, and breathing has undergone a complete makeover.