The 6.0-litre V12 comes from the Enzo supercar, mildly modified to suit something that might be driven every day. Even so, it revs to 8400rpm and has 612bhp. To say the 599 is fast is like saying water is wet, but what's most impressive is the linear acceleration from less than 2000rpm. Manual or super-fast paddle-shift gearboxes are offered.

Traction and stability control systems and the electro-magnetic shock absorbers borrow Formula 1 know-how, and you can vary it all through a dial mounted on the steering wheel. This means you can set up the car to suit a novice or an expert, but it's always precise and stable. The ride is firm, but this is a 200mph car, remember.

The 599 is incredibly smooth and driveable for such a powerful car. The V12 produces an ever-changing soundtrack, depending on revs and throttle position, but it's always stirring. It's barely audible when cruising. There's road- and wind noise depending on road surface and speed, but less than you might expect.

Finding the money for a 599 is only half the battle. If your name's not already on the list, be prepared to wait for years for delivery unless you can persuade someone who's got one on order to sell (usually for well over the odds). Running costs will be huge, but if you can afford the car, that's really not an issue.

Ferrari build-quality standards are now as good as anyone's in most respects, and the choice of materials suggests quality throughout. You can choose between leather, carbonfibre and aluminium finishes, usually for a substantial surcharge.

Ferrari claims the 599's aluminium passenger cell is so strong and stiff that the car doesn't need lateral airbags. Whether that's the case or not, you get them anyway, as well as face-saving airbags, seatbelt pre-tensioners and all the crash-preventing traction and braking aids you could ask for. The 599 even meets pedestrian crash-protection requirements.

Forget the idea that supercars have hot, cramped cabins with windows no bigger than letterboxes - the 599's air-conditioned cabin is roomy enough for two burly blokes, has a sensible control and switchgear layout, and is easy to see out of. The steering is light for parking and you can hear the radio even at high speed.

There's been no attempt here to make anything other than a two-seater - Ferrari has the 612 Scaglietti for people who need more. However, the cabin is exceptionally roomy and there's even a fair-sized boot, with more space for luggage on the rear shelf.

There's no need to abandon creature comforts just because you want high performance. Leather, dual-zone climate control, powered seats, bi-xenon lamps with wipers, heated door mirrors, an MP3-compatible stereo system and Bluetooth phone recognition are fitted. You can have anything you want as long as you're prepared to pay.