At the GIMS 2002, Ferrari presented the 575M Maranello. The Ferrari 575M Maranello follows on from the 550 Maranello, which marked the return of the front-engined V12 2-seater GTs after 23 years of the “Berlinetta Boxer” layout (365 GT4 BB, 512 BB, Testarossa, 512TR and F512M).
If from a stylistic point of view the changes are minor between the 550 and the 575M; it is essentially on the technical level that the modifications were concentrated. The 575 model number refers to total engine displacement in centiliters, whilst the «M» is an abbreviation of Modificata («modified»).
Thanks to the increased engine displacement from 5474 to 5748 ccm, the power increases from 485 PS to 515 PS and the torque from 570 to 589 Nm between the 550 and 575M. In addition to a more powerful engine, Ferrari adds larger diameter brakes and a more finely tuned adaptive suspension.
But the most significant development on the 575M is undoubtedly the arrival of a 6-speed F1-type robotised gearbox. This was a first for a Ferrari V12, before it became the norm from the 599 Fiorano onwards (although about 30 units of the 599 left the factory with a manual gearbox). Developed by Graziano Trasmissioni, it shifted gears in 200 milliseconds. The shifting also controlled the active suspensions to minimize pitch throughout the shift time.
In 2005, Ferrari introduced the optional GTC Handling Package for the 575M Maranello, which included Brembo Carbon Silicon Carbide brake discs, stiffened suspension, sports exhaust and new 19-inch wheels. The package was a reference to the 575 GTC race car, which was competing in the FIA GT Championship.
The same year saw the launch of a limited edition (559 units) of the Ferrari Superamerica, a convertible version of the 575M Maranello. It featured an electrochromic glass panel roof which rotated 180° at the rear to lie flat over the boot, taking 60 seconds for operation. With its V12 raised to 540 PS, it was the fastest convertible in the world with a top-speed of 320 km/h.
In 2006, the 575M served as a technical basis by Zagato to build the 575 GTZ. Only 6 units were assembled. That was the year the 575M Maranello was replaced by the 599 Fiorano, after 2056 units produced (plus 559 Superamerica).
