Ferrari Superamerica
Take a 200mph Ferrari 575 Maranello, chop off its metal roof and replace it with a carbon fibre and glass panel, and you get the most desirable convertible on the planet. Enter Ferrari's new 575 Superamerica, which also lays claim to being one of the coolest and most indulgent cars ever built.
The newcomer will be sold in limited numbers, and the production run of 559 (one less than marketing bosses thought they could shift) has already been snapped up. The price? If you stick with the six-speed manual box, ?191,000 will cover it. Fancy the paddle-operated F1 system? That will be ?198,800. Needless to say, value for money wasn't Ferrari's top priority. Instead, it set engineers to work on the unique roof mechanism.
The system has been developed by Italian firm Saint Gobain, and as well as opening or closing in only seven seconds, its electrochromic glass offers five levels of tint. The darkest setting (selected via a switch on the centre console) lets in one per cent of light, and at its clearest it is similar to a conventional sunroof.
But with such speed of operation, if the sun is shining, you will probably just hit the roof control switch. With the top resting on the rear deck, little more than a gentle breeze disturbs the cabin, so occupants get to enjoy the sound of the engine in perfect clarity. And the 5.7-litre V12's deep howl is so intoxicating, you will not even care if it is raining.
Ferrari has squeezed more power out of the huge 575 unit to negate the 60kg weight gain from chassis stiffening in the change to cabrio. The result is 548bhp, a 199mph top speed and 0-60mph in only 4.25 seconds. Bosses claim the Superamerica is the world's fastest convertible.
Buyers can even choose a sportier suspension and braking set-up for the car, and at ?14,445 the firm expects at least 40 per cent of owners to opt for this 'HGTC' pack. It works brilliantly in combination with the F1 transmission, sharpening the handling and allowing you to enjoy the power in perfect safety. On the road, you will rarely approach the limits of the huge rear tyres or trouble the F1-inspired carbon-ceramic brakes, but it is nice to know Ferrari's engineers have tested it to the limit and beyond to ensure a special driving experience.
Keen drivers will still prefer the tin-top's stiffer structure and more controlled suspension, but this car treads a fine line between road-burner and boulevard cruiser. The hood is fantastically simple, and the re-styled rear takes years off the familiar 575 design. Ferrari will have disappointed more than one person by building only 559 Superamericas.
Paul Bailey
Sexiest Ferrari ever.
QuoteSexiest Ferrari ever.
I like it a lot better than the 612.
love the roof design.
I don't really understand why they launched this new variant when a completely new car is just around the corner (due as a '06 model I believe). But, it does sounds awesome and I am not anticipating the redesign (early sketches have indicated nothing good).
Pics?
QuotePics?
Havent you seen one?
(http://basketballboards.net/forum/images/smilies/ttiwwop.gif)
(http://www.carbodydesign.com/vehicles/ferrari/2004-11-24-superamerica/Ferrari%20Superamerica%204.jpg)
Link (http://retractable.free.fr/pics/fesuperam02.jpg)
Go to that link
QuoteLink (http://retractable.free.fr/pics/fesuperam02.jpg)
Go to that link
NO! DONT GO TO THAT LINK! :rolleyes: :lol:
Honestly, I don't really like the way it looks. The standard 575 looked much better. The part right behind the seats doesn't look right and the headlights look like the add-ons you rice out a Civic with in Need For Speed Underground 2.
The link picture looks like a 3rd gen Supra and a 4th gen Supra Targa mixed in one - it's long (esp. the nose) and has pretty straight sides. Doesn't flow well. :(
QuoteHonestly, I don't really like the way it looks. The standard 575 looked much better. The part right behind the seats doesn't look right and the headlights look like the add-ons you rice out a Civic with in Need For Speed Underground 2.
The link picture looks like a 3rd gen Supra and a 4th gen Supra Targa mixed in one - it's long (esp. the nose) and has pretty straight sides. Doesn't flow well. :(
Look at the link I posted...theres a nicer picture there.
I did, the supra comments starting with "the link pic" are about that pic. ;)
I love this car. We should start a fund so I can buy one, since no one else here appreciates it.
QuoteI love this car. We should start a fund so I can buy one, since no one else here appreciates it.
That seems unlikely. :lol:
QuoteI love this car. We should start a fund so I can buy one, since no one else here appreciates it.
I appreciate it. And it costs about 200K, so I dont think the fund is plausible :lol:
QuoteQuoteI love this car. We should start a fund so I can buy one, since no one else here appreciates it.
I appreciate it. And it costs about 200K, so I dont think the fund is plausible :lol:
Okay, how about 90K for a Viper then?
QuoteQuoteQuoteI love this car.? We should start a fund so I can buy one, since no one else here appreciates it.
I appreciate it. And it costs about 200K, so I dont think the fund is plausible :lol:
Okay, how about 90K for a Viper then?
still not plausible :lol: 10 dollars for a Viper sticker, maybe :lol:
QuoteQuoteQuoteI love this car.? We should start a fund so I can buy one, since no one else here appreciates it.
I appreciate it. And it costs about 200K, so I dont think the fund is plausible :lol:
Okay, how about 90K for a Viper then?
Where should I send the money? :rolleyes:
Some guys just seem to worship the prancing horse. :rolleyes: :D
QuoteI love this car. We should start a fund so I can buy one, since no one else here appreciates it.
I really appreciate it, but like Run Away says, Ferrari should get rid of the ricey Civic headlight add-ons. ugly. :wacko: