The Ferrari 550 Maranello Sports activities Automotive

The Ferrari 550 Maranello – A detailed take a look at this traditional sports activities automobile’s efficiency, technical information, options, evaluating rivals, historical past, used pricesfrom Basic to ModernTHE CARThe Ferrari 550 MaranelloThe 550 sports activities automobile. The highest-of-the vary Ferrari 550 Maranello was launched in 1996 on the Nurburgring racetrack, with its title reflecting the 5.5 litre engine, and the situation of the Ferrari manufacturing facility.It was very a lot primarily based on the 4 seater Ferrari 456 GT, and was supplied in each a two seater GT Berlinetta and Barchetta convertible variations.With a tubular metal body chassis fitted to a lightweight aluminium physique, it had all spherical unbiased coil spring suspension, electronically adjustable shock absorbers, and anti-roll bars.There was energy assisted rack and pinion steering, plus 13 inch vented disc brakes on the entrance and 12.2 inches on the rear.It had a pc managed traction management system that consisted of Regular, Sport, and Off-modes. The system would scale back engine energy on the first signal that the rear wheels had been dropping grip.

This was complimented by the addition of ABS, which balanced entrance and rear braking when forces exceeded Zero.5g.The front-engined 550 automobile was designed by Pininfarina, and its styling quickly earned it the accolade of one of many traditional vehicles, with greater than ample leg and head room, and a small quantity of space for storing behind the seats.It had superb dealing with traits, and a drag coefficient of Zero.33. Gasoline consumption was 13 mpg within the metropolis.It featured a superbly appointed and spacious inside, with a boot providing ample room to retailer needed baggage.The Ferrari 550 BarchettaAt the 2000 Paris Motor Present, the Pininfarina-designed Ferrari 550 Barchetta sports activities automobile was launched as a 448 unit restricted version to commemorate the 50 12 months affiliation between Ferrari and Pininfarina.It differed from the GT variant in that it included a decrease windscreen, and rollover bars behind the seats.Apparently, previous to manufacturing that started in 2001, all 448 models had been bought.It was an out-and-out open prime automobile, and the folding smooth prime that was supplied needed to be operated by hand, and was not meant for use when travelling above 70 mph.THE ENGINEThe Ferrari 550 was powered by a 5.5 litre, V12, double overhead cam engine, with 4 valves per cylinder.It featured a variable size consumption manifold, titanium con rods, aluminium pistons, and a compression ratio of 10.eight:1.This developed 485 bhp at 7600 rpm, and 420 ft/lbs of torque at 5000 rpm, when it produced a prime velocity of 199 mph, and a Zero-60 mph time of four.2 secs.It was fitted with a six velocity guide gearbox, positioned on the rear, and in step with the driving wheels.THE COMPETITIONImmediate competitors for the 550 Maranello included: Aston Martin Vanquish, Lamborghini Murcielago, and Mercedes SL65 AMG

RACINGFerrari had no plans for the 550 for use on the observe.Nevertheless, in 1999, non-public enterprises developed and launched the Ferrari 550 GT sports activities automobile, and was entered within the FFSA GT Championship in 2001, and the Le Mans race in 2003.In 2001, Prodrive produced racing variations of the 550, however with no assist from Ferrari.Designated the 550-GTS, ten models had been constructed by 1995, and the automobile went on to win the FIA GT Championship in 2001.On account of the success of the 550-GTS, Ferrari modified their 575M to be used on the observe, and supplied it to privateers.SPORTS CARS FOR SALEIn phrases of the second hand market, a Ferrari 550 Maranello, in good situation, might command round $80,000, while a very wonderful instance might attain as a lot as $160,000.Within the Ferrari line-up, this was one other of their traditional vehicles.This marks the top of my Assessment of the Ferrari 550 Maranello sports activities automobile