The engine is an all alloy V12 with 48 valves, four camshafts, variable inlet geometry, a variable back pressure
exhaust system, dry-sump lubrication, titanium conn-rods, etc.... The transmission
is mounted together with the differential in the transaxle at the rear of the car
to improve the weight distribution, the latter being almost 50:50. Traction control and selectable electro-hydraulic
suspension are fitted, as is power assisted steering, ABS and At the Paris Motorshow in 2000 Ferrari unveiled an open version of the 550, called the 550 Barchetta. This
is mechanically the same as the coupé; visually the roof is removed, the cockpit features carbon-fibre trim, the windscreen shortened and a revised upper rear
bodywork fitted, the latter including two fixed, leather clad roll hoops. These revisions increase the drag coefficient from 0.33 to 0.41.
Out of sight, the structure has been strengthened to
compensate for the loss of rigidity due to the lack of the roof, whilst the windscreen surround has been reinforced to
act as a roll-bar in the case of the car rolling. No proper soft-top is provided,
there being only an 'emergency' roof in case of adverse weather conditions, only usable up to 80km/h.
The first production front-engined two-seat Ferrari since the Daytona,
the 550 Maranello was, like almost all its predecessors, designed by Pininfarina
and features various design cues from classic Ferraris. With extensive
work in the wind-tunnel a drag coefficient of 0.33 was achieved whilst
(perhaps more significantly) a car capable of well over 300km/h was developed
without any wings or prominent aerodynamic devices. The body is a steel
frame to which are welded light alloy panels.
an
electronic brake distribution system.
Other modifications include an improved braking system,
modified wheels, an electronic tyre pressure monitoring system, modified
headlights, redesigned instrumentation and revised air ducting in the front
spoiler. The drag coefficient remains the same at 0.33.
Late 2004 saw a new 575M-based concept appear, the Superamerica. Using a novel rotating electro-chromatic roof it was a coupe-convertible with a difference.
Click here for images.
April 2002 saw the 550 replaced by the 575M Maranello, the M standing for 'Modificata' (modified). Basically a heavily revised and developed
550, the main change is the increased engine capacity, up to 5748cc. The new unit gives a significant
increase in power, up to 515bhp @ 7,250rpm. The electro-hydraulic F1 type
gearchange becomes available (for the first time on a V12 Ferrari), whilst adaptive suspension
also makes an appearance, with 'Sport' and 'Comfort' settings for the independently controlled damping.
Technical Details
| Engine | 5474cc (85x77mm) 65° V12 48V dohc (per bank) with 485bhp @ 7,000rpm (550)
5748cc (89x77mm) 65° V12 48V dohc (per bank) with 515bhp @ 7,250rpm (575M) |
| Suspension | front : double wishbones and coil springs
rear : double wishbones and coil springs switchable dampers with 'Sport' and 'Normal' settings wheelbase : 2490mm |
| Brakes | ventilated discs all round (diameter : front 330mm, rear 310mm)
all with Brembo 4-pot callipers, servo assistance and ABS |
| Transmission | 6 speed manual plus self-locking diff
electro-hydraulic system with steering-wheel paddles optional on 575M |
| Steering | rack and pinion with speed sensitive power assistance (ZF)
2.2 turns lock-to-lock (575M : 2.1) |
| Kerb weight | 550 : 1,690kg (both Barchetta and coupé)
575M : 1,730kg |
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Various pictures of the FIA GT 550 in action.
See our picture gallery index for images from museums, motorshows and events.
There are also wallpapers/desktop backgrounds available to download, including the GT 550.
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