2004 Ferrari 575M

Review

New GTC Package and Carbon-Composite Brakes Improve the Breed

Racing improves the breed, a statement true for thoroughbred race horses and those of the mechanical sort. Ferrari, the bespoke Italian supercar manufacturer best known for its racing heritage has always used its efforts in Grand Prix, Grand Touring and most recently Formula One to aid in the development of its production cars. Highly praised systems such as adaptive damping, which first appeared on the Mondial T, allowed traditionally harsh-riding cars to be more forgiving.

The F1 sequential gearbox first used in the F355 F1 and now available in many Ferrari and Maserati products allows for quicker gear changes than an average humans capabilities, while general advancements in engine technologies and drivetrain developments have raised the performance bar in the exotic segment.

The latest of such Ferrari road car advancements is the marques ceramic braking system found in the Enzo supercar. A total of 349 of these critically acclaimed supercars accelerate, corner and brake better than any rival made since the Enzo went out of production. Up until this time, only a few specially built Porsche 911s and the new Carrera GT, plus a select handful of Mercedes-Benz AMG products feature carbon-ceramic brakes. While the braking technology is considered to be the best stopping force around, resistant to wear, tear and high heat, durable, lighter, stronger and better in every way than conventional metal discs, theyre extremely expensive. But this wont be an issue for 575M buyers who want their car to perform to the utmost of its capabilities.

So, you want Ferraris high-tech carbon-ceramic braking system? All you have to do is check off the options box and hand over E22,620 ($28,000), plus $217,890 for a 575 M with 6-speed manual gearbox, or $228,339 for a 575 M with the six-speed F1 gearbox, but theres a catch: you have to get the brakes with a special "GTC" package. With the GTC handling pack fitted, the suspension has been fettled with to include additional transverse stabilizers plus modified electronically-controlled shock absorbers.

Considering that the regular 575M reportedly handles quite well, I can only imagine what these additional sports alterations have done. Stiffer settings on the dampers as well as lower unsprung weight from the light disc brakes and alloy wheels mean that the car will be marginally nimbler when it comes to taking corners on smooth surfaces. On the contrary, the tauter suspension will mean that it could find itself loosing contact with the road on rough road surfaces, while ride and comfort in all cases will be.

As for its exterior, the 575 Maranello with the GTC package looks identical to any other 575 M, but for two things; first, a set of three-piece 19-inch lightweight alloy wheels in a 5-spoke star pattern, and second, slightly different tailpipes for the tuned exhaust system. Ferrari can fit the GTC handling package to post-production cars, but a price hasnt been announced as of yet.

The 575Ms engine was updated last year with an increase of 250 cubic centimeters over the outgoing 550 Maranello, and continues forward unchanged in the current car. Rated at 515-hp at 7,250 rpm, the 5,748 cc V12 makes an impressive 434 lb-ft of torque at 5,250 rpm. If youve never heard the deep throaty rumble of a large-displacement Ferrari V12 and then experienced the shrill scream of its mechanical note at high revs, then youve been missing out on something truly special.

Of course, unless you live in Beverly Hills or a similarly privileged neighborhood the chance of seeing a 575M is unlikely. Such cars are mere dreams for "common" folks, which is exactly the exclusivity that makes them all the more desirable for those that can ante up the fare to take one home. And those few will appreciate the new carbon composite brake and GTC packages, and without doubt check that options box.