The Superamerica is the convertible version of the 575M Maranello which was based on the 550 Maranello. The Pininfarina designed, V12 powered, front-engined, rear-driven 575M was Ferrari’s flagship GT at the time and in 2005, Ferrari decided to add a retractable hard-top version alongside the Berlinetta (coupé).
The innovative “Revochromico” roof is able to quickly rotate backwards 180 degrees to expose the cabin to the elements and when the roof is closed the opacity of the glass can be adjusted thanks to the electrochromic glass.
On the inside the roof switches, radio and instrument panel are surrounded by carbon fibre and the hand-stitched leather is a work of art in its own right.
The Superamerica was available with a manual or Ferrari’s “F1” gearbox operated with paddles placed behind the steering wheel. While this kind of gearbox is common today and it has seen significant improvements, at the time, it was state-of-the-art technology that was derived directly from Formula 1 and it all started with Ferrari.
When the 550 Maranello was introduced, it marked a big change in the company as the V12-powered flagship once again became front-engined after over 25 years. As the weight of the engine moved to the front, a transaxle was used, this moved the weight of the gearbox rearwards and combined with the differential for better weight distribution.
The 575M was essentially an upgraded version of the 550 which improved various aspects of the car. This Superamerica has further upgrades in the form of the GTC Handling Package, this improved dynamics and added carbon ceramic brakes which allows drivers to extract more from the car.
As is tradition the V12 is naturally aspirated and for the Superamerica power from the 5.7-litre engine was increased to 540hp, this meant that the car could reach 320kph, leading Ferrari to claim it as the fastest convertible in the world. Ferrari said that there was no compromise, despite being a convertible, the hard-top meant that it was still like a traditional Berlinetta.
Production was limited to just 559 examples, making this a rare car; only 20 of those were sold to the Japanese market.