The widely expected update of the 550 Maranello has been announced today by the Factory.

The name of the new 575M Maranello provides the clearest indication of its most characteristic feature, which is an engine that has been enlarged from the 5,500 cc of the 550 Maranello to around 5,750 cc with an increase in power and torque.

The ’M’ suffix is short for ’modificato’ (modified) and underlines how all areas of the outgoing model’s specifications have come in for a substantial rethink. Not least of which is, for the first time in a road-going Ferrari V12, the use of a F1-style gearchange. One area that was left pretty much alone was the car’s styling. The balanced lines and sober design have been left untouched.

Immediately apparent are the attractive new 18" wheels (special 19" split rims are an optional extra), and Pininfarina also incorporated a new headlight design, with body-colour surround and grey detailing, featuring Xenon technology bulbs for both full and dipped beam, and headlamp washers.

Other modifications are subtle and were designed to meet specific technical requirements. The shape and size of the front air intakes have been optimised to increase the flow of cooling air to the more powerful engine, and there’s a new, full-width front spoiler design to improve downforce. To offset the increased airflow through the engine bay, Pininfarina worked on the car’s underbody to help reduce the car’s drag and, at the same time, increase downforce. Similarly there are special fairings inside the wheelarches to reduce drag around the wheels without compromising downforce.

The 65° V12 retains the same twin overhead camshaft, four valves per cylinder layout, with crankcase, cylinder heads and sump all in lightweight aluminium. With the new 5,748 cc version of the V12, Ferrari set out to improve both power and torque across the rev range, with a resulting increase in power to 515 bhp (379 Kw) at 7,250 rpm, and in torque to 60 kgm at 5,250 rpm (588.6 Nm/435 lbs/ft). Overall torque is up on average 1.5 kgm (11 lbs/ft) between 1,000 and 4,000 rpm compared to the 550 Maranello.

Ideal weight distribution (50% over both front and rear axles with the driver aboard) was assured by the transaxle layout, with the gearbox in unit with the limited-slip differential.

In a first on a V12-engined Ferrari, the 575M Maranello has been equipped with a specially developed version of the F1-style gearchange, optimised for the power and torque of the new engine. The electro-hydraulic mechanism has been fitted at the rear of the car to reduce shift times to a minimum and to ensure optimum operating temperatures. The operating modes available are:

As far as the chassis is concerned, a major improvement in the car’s handling has been accomplished by introducing adaptive damping, with six sensors independently reading body and wheel acceleration. The system automatically adjusts the damper response according to the following parameters:

The already excellent braking system of the 550 Maranello has been further improved to meet the 575M Maranello’s higher performance levels. In particular, the Brembo set-up has been modified to increase fade resistance and improve pedal response. To achieve this the following modifications were carried out:

The electronic traction control parameters, just like on the rest of the Ferrari range, are divided into Normal and Sport: Normal for the best compromise between stability and comfort and more press-on driving, and Sport for maximum grip in corners without penalising comfort and stability.

Unsprung weight has been reduced by integrating the ABS/ASR sensors into the wheel hubs and reducing the weight of the wheel/tyre combination. In total, weight reduction on the front wheels amounts to 1.8 kilos (4 lbs) and 1.2 kilos (2.6 lbs) on the rear. The new tyres feature lower rolling noise levels, greater durability and better aquaplaning characteristics. In addition, a special 19" tyre (255/35 front and 305/30 rear) has been developed to equip the special-order split rims which offers more extreme handling characteristics, especially lateral and longitudinal grip, without sacrificing too much of the 575M Maranello’s ride comfort.

The 575M Maranello also offers a sensor that enables the driver to check tyre pressures in normal day-to-day driving.

The interior of the 575M Maranello has been completely redesigned to give the cockpit a more sporting, functional and dynamic feel in keeping with the car’s greater performance, and to increase the efficiency of the driving position. The main dials are now all in one single group in the driver’s direct line of sight with the rev counter in the centre. The new seats feature six-way power adjustment with a memory on the driver’s side.

In keeping with Ferrari practice, the 575M Maranello can be personalised to taste thanks to the wide range of options available from the Carrozzeria Scaglietti programme which, along with a selection of exterior and interior colours and materials, and equipment such as sat-nav, also offers track-oriented options.

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