FERRARI HAS ANNOUNCED that its performance-enhancing HGTE package for the 599 GTB Fiorano is now available in Australia.

The ‘Handling Gran Turismo Evoluzione’ package replaces the 599’s standard springs and rear anti-roll bars with stiffer items, and re-calibrates the car’s ‘magnetorheological’ shock absorbers to firm up damping force on demand.

The HGTE package lowers the suspension, moving the 599’s centre of gravity even closer to the tarmac for further improving handling.

It also includes sticky-compound tyres to increase mechanical grip, mounted on new 20-inch lightweight split wheels.

The 599 GTB’s 456kW 6.0 litre V12 is unchanged by the HGTE package, but software tweaks sharpen throttle response and the F1 automated manual gearbox shifts faster when placed in sports mode.

Similarly, the exhaust muffler has been modified to improve aural appeal.

Performance stats are not affected by the handling-oriented HGTE package, with the 599 still sprinting to 100km/h in 3.7 seconds, topping out at 330km/h.

The cabin is slightly dressier thanks to new two-tone leather, Alcantara-trimmed carbon fibre-backed seats, other carbon fibre interior highlights and a smattering of HGTE badges.

Available from authorised Ferrari dealers now, the 599 HGTE package retails in Australia for $65,000 - almost a tenth of the retail cost of a ’standard’ $677,250 Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano.

GALLERY » 2010 Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano HGTE Package