Ferrari 575M

With a very conservative design, this model appears later on the 550M to boast some technical innovations such as the paddle shifts system, located behind the wheel as in the same Formula 1.

The Ferrari 575M continues with the Italian tradition of classic yet durable design, smooth curves and zero innovation. It is the key to immediate acceptance. Only in short exceptions such as the Enzo (without discussing design criteria or whether it is “beautiful or not”), Ferrari has never decided to devote its efforts to innovation in formal design. It's obvious.

Companies like Renault or Citröen were always pioneers in design at the cost of harsh criticism in their presentations. But thanks to them consumers begin the process of accepting new trends, the future of design in the medium and short term.

Ferrari has a small and very demanding market, this has benefits and drawbacks. The benefit is that the customer is constant, who buys a Ferrari usually buys a second or exchange it for another Ferrari. The counterpart is that these customers remain very attached to the traditional, to a tightness, they do not want constant changes. Different is the aforementioned case of companies like Renault, since they are cars bought mainly by necessity, because they are accessible to a public who needs an economical car for everyday use, it is a diametrically opposite market.

It should be understood that far from being a criticism, this is an analysis that encompasses the scope of the impact of trends on buyers following the same brand over many years.

The Ferrari 575M features a 5.700 cm3 front V12 engine with 48 valves (Twin DoHCs). It develops a maximum power of 515 HP @ 7,250 RPM and a torque of 434 lbs ft @ 5,250 RPM. The V12 is electronically self-limited at 7,750 RPM. The power is transmitted through a 6-speed manual box with Formula 1Paddle shifts system. It's rear-wheel drive, like good thoroughbred. The high fuel consumption is typical of Italian sports cars, combined with the high weight... makes the 575M yield 4.25 km/l in the city and 6.8 km/l en route.

Performance: acceleration and maximum speed

0 to 100 km/h: 4.2 s
0 to 160 km/h: 9.5 sec
¼ mile: 12.2 s @ 190 km/h
Top speed: 325 km/h

Dimensions: approx

The Ferrari 575M is 4.549 mm long, 1.276 mm high and 1.934 mm wide. While the wheelbase is 2,500 mm. The weak point of the car is the weight of 1,730 kg, too much for a super sporty. The well-achieved weight distribution 50-50 front and back is salvageable. The diameter of the rims is 18 inches.

© Adrián Blanco 2005 — Prohibited the total or partial reproduction of text and/or images without explicit written consent of the author. —

por Adrian Blanco