Styled by Pininfarina under the direction of Jason Castriota, the 599 GTB debuted at the Geneva Motor Show in February 2006.

[8] The 599 is named for its total engine displacement 5,999 cc (6.0 L), Gran Turismo Berlinetta nature, and the Fiorano Circuit test track used by Ferrari.

The new chassis results in more rigidity and contributes to the low dry weight of 1,690 kg (3,726 lb) as compared to its predecessor, the 575M.

Their aerodynamic effect was proven by Ferrari aerodynamicist Luca Caldirola with the wind tunnel testing.

The three spoke steering wheel housed controls for the car's electronic systems as well as a starter button.

The interior has a glove box, storage space in the door panels and combination of simple dials and buttons for operating the stereo, climate control and air conditioning.

The gearbox's shift times were faster in high-performance settings, while new engine software provided improved response.

The exhaust was modified to produce a more marked and thrilling sound under hard usage while still delivering the right comfort levels at cruising speed.

Exterior enhancements included two winglets on the C-pillars for improved downforce, a vented bonnet for improved engine cooling, darkened lexan tail lamps, a carbon fibre 'ducktail' rear spoiler aiding further in downforce, a large rear diffuser for improved under body airflow, tow hooks at the front and rear, additional ducts for improved cooling, a minimalist race interior with racing bucket seats along with an LCD display behind the steering wheel replacing all analogue gauges equipped with a roll-cage and lexan sliding windows.

The car was equipped with F1 inspired carbon ceramic brakes with crossed drilled rotors and a new race exhaust system.

On November 10, 2011, the first images of the 599XX Evoluzione surfaced, which had a radically restyled aero and exhaust package as well as electronic upgrades and Pirelli racing slicks.

[28] The 599XX Evoluzione weighed 35 kg (77 lb) less than the standard 599XX and the engine had slightly improved peak power of 540 kW; 730 hp (740 PS) and 700 N⋅m (516 lb⋅ft) of torque.

One of the key features of the Evoluzione is its active rear wing which can adjust automatically to provide increased cornering performance.The roadster variant of the 599, the SA Aperta, was introduced at the 2010 Paris Motor Show as a limited edition in honour of designers Sergio Pininfarina and Andrea Pininfarina, with the "SA" designation standing for both their names.

The SA Aperta utilised the higher performance engine and gearbox from the 599 GTO and has a 10 mm (0.4 in) lower ride height, thicker rear anti roll bar and recalibrated magnetic dampers.

The car has a removable soft top that was only intended for use in city driving and to protect the interior from rain.

The exhaust system was a modified version of the one used in the 599XX and the car has special 5-spoke wheels unique to the variant with a chromed finish along with a triple layer body paint.

The interior was also redesigned and has a two-tone colour scheme and the car has sports seats as standard equipment.

The car was based on the 599 HGTE chassis, that utilised stiff suspension, shorter springs and stiffer anti-roll bars.

Using finite element analysis and carbon fibre, the car's chassis was stiffened for the conversion to a convertible body style.

[36] The carbon fibre hardtop roof incorporates a rear screen and rotates around a horizontal axis behind the cabin, a mechanism similar to that of the 2005 Ferrari Superamerica.

The boot, also made from carbon fibre, has been redesigned to house the roof when open and to increase downforce at the rear of the car.

As well as being finished in Blu Antille, other key visual features include a chromed front grille, body coloured wheels, carbon fibre panels and special burnished aluminum A-pillars, wing mirrors and door handles.

The manual coupe car, painted dark blue with a white top half, was listed for sale in December 2018 for US$1.495 million at Tomini Classics in Dubai.