First Impression: Ferrari 575M Maranello

The Ferrari 550 Maranello was the first two-door, front-engine grand tourer made by Ferrari since the Ferrari Daytona. In 2002, Ferrari decided to updated the 550. Pininfarina made minor changes to the styling and Ferrari replaced the 5.5L V12 engine and replaced it with a 5.7L V12. The car is called the Ferrari 575M Maranello. Ferrari produced the 575M from 2002 to 2006. During the production run, Ferrari had a GTC handling package available for the 575M for $23,500 extra. The GTC package includes improved Brembo brakes, a more performance-tuned suspension system, low-restriction exhaust system, and 19 inch wheels. Ferrari also had the 575M Superamerica, wich was a the convertible version of the 575M Maranello. 599 575M Superamerica were built, and the GTC handling package was also available for the 575M Superamerica.

I first saw the 575M at the July 2011 edition of Houston Cars and Coffee. The styling difference between the 550 and 575M is a Ferrari badge on the side of the 575M. The 575M has a more aggressive front bumper and slightly sleeker lines to improve aerodynamics. Other than the different engines, there is very little that differs between the 550 and 575M. The M in the 575M Maranello stands for "modificato" or "modified." because the 575M Maranello is a modified 550 Maranello.

The Ferrari 575M Maranello is powered by a 5.7L V12, paired with either a six-speed manual or six-speed "F1" electrohydraulic transmission, that produces 508 hp and 434 lb-ft of torque. It goes from 0 to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds and reaches a top speed of 203 mph. The 575M Superamerica has a 5.7L V12 that producese 533 hp and reaches a top speed of 199 mph. According to Auto Traders, the cheapest a 575M Maranello goes for is $79,000. The cheapest the 575M Superamerica goes for is $184,900. The 575M Maranello is a fast grand tourer.

The 575M has been featured in Bad Boys II, XXX: State of the Union, Carla Rubens, 21, and Auto Esporte. Top Gear reviewed the car during Series 1, Episode 4. Jeremy Clarkson and Damon hill were comparing the 575M to the Aston-Martin Vanquish. Top Gear featured the 575M again during Series 5, Episode 4, when it was being compared to the Aston-Martin Vanquish S. The 575M is playable in Test Drive Unlimited, Project Gotham Racing 2, 3 and 4, Forza Motorsport 2, 3 and 4, Ferrari Challenge, Ferrari: The Race Experience, OutRun 2006: Coast 2 Coast, and Need For Speed: Shift.

Final Thought: The 575M Maranello is an upgraded version of the 550 Maranello. The small exterior changes and a bigger V12 engine. Any grand tourer that can eclipse 200 mph is considered very fast. The 575M's successor, the 599 GTB, is a faster, quicker, more stylish car than the 550 Maranello and the 575M Maranello. Where you can get the 575M for under $100,000 on internet sites, the 599 GTB is newer and will cost at least $195,000 on Auto Traders. If you like an aggressive styling grand tourer, go with the 599. If you like a sleek designed car with less aggressive styling, go with the 575M. The 575M is a much better car than the 550 and makes the 550 obsolete.

CarJunkie

Photos taken from a digital camera.

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