www.QV500.com - Ferrari 575 Part 1: 575M Maranello
 
Having been launched back in 1996, the years that elapsed until 2002 allowed manufacturers like Aston Martin to close on Ferrari’s 550. However, although it was still a superior car to Aston’s all new Vanquish, Ferrari upped the stakes with their revamped 575M. A sharper, faster and lighter GT, set up wise, the 575 features an advanced electronic adaptive damper control system that instantly configures itself according to road conditions. Weight is reduced to 1730kg, special attention being paid to improving the brakes with bigger Brembo cross-drilled and ventilated discs of 330mm at the front and 310 to the rear.
   

Redesigned lightweight wheels have improved brake cooling along with supplementary ducts carved out from each corner of the front bumper. The original 65º V12 has been enlarged from 5.5 to 5.75-litres, providing more power and torque throughout the rev range. Displacement is now 5748cc thanks to a bore and stroke of 89 x 77mm, these having been upped from 88 and 75mm respectively. Output is also increased, a 30bhp gain seeing 515bhp produced at 7250rpm while compression rises to 11.0:1 and there's re-mapped Bosch Motronic engine management. One of the most significant developments has seen customers afforded the option of two transmissions, Magnetti Marelli’s six-speed paddle shift F1 gearbox becoming available for the first time on a Ferrari GT. A more traditional six-speed manual is fitted as standard, but with the F1 option offering a choice of either fully or semi automatic shifting via paddles fixed either side of the steering wheel, a good proportion of customers have been opting for the expensive upgrade. Both versions boast an impressive 203mph top speed, 4mph up on the outgoing 550, making these Ferrari’s first front-engined production cars capable of exceeding 200mph. Acceleration differences between the F1 and manual versions are marginal with the standard car taking just 4.25 seconds to sprint to 60mph whereas the F1 box will get you there in 4.2.

 
Pininfarina were drafted in to update the 550's bodywork, but quite frankly, they made a pigs ear of the job. Much like their dismal transition from 512 TR to F512 M, fussy detailing and over styling have blighted the 575. It appears awkward and outdated at the front, especially in certain bright colours, Rosso Corsa lending the car a particularly unfortunate appearance. Lightweight steel bodywork features larger openings for the front grille and brake cooling ducts, these being housed in a re-profiled spoiler while the most disturbing changes are those Xenon projector headlights with body colour coded surrounds.
   

Otherwise, the 550’s shape has been subtly tweaked here and there, more wholesale changes being made to the cabin. An all new dash, instrument binnacle, door panels and seats are fitted along with a tidier transmission tunnel. 575 buyers can also comprehensively upgrade their vehicles with a host of optional extras, the most desirable being Sport seats with four-point harnesses, the Fiorano handling pack, leather customisation, fitted luggage and the gorgeous 250 GT-style diamond quilted parcel shelf. Huge 19-inch wheels are also optional for the first time. Launched during March 2002 at the Geneva Salon, the 575 went into production that summer. An even more extreme version was launched in October 2004 after being displayed at the Paris Salon, Ferrari's GTC 'Handling' enhancement having been conceived for those customers who want a more hardcore machine. It features carbon-ceramic brake discs (the first time they have been used on a front-engined Ferrari) and a further development of the Fiorano handling package (special springs and anti-roll bars, lowered ride height and upgraded power steering). The GTC 'Handling' upgrade also includes advanced electronic suspension control, a lightweight sports exhaust system, coloured brake calipers featuring the 'Brembo Carbon Ceramic' logo and modular 19-inch wheels fitted with special Pirelli P Zero Corsa tyres.