2005 Ferrari Superamerica

Review

Flipping its Top for Attention

Ferrari convertibles, while beautiful performance machines, are not advanced when it comes to retractable roof mechanisms. While the competition has evolved to produce systems such as the sliding glass Targa roof on the previous Porsche 911, or Mercedes-Benzs space-saving folding hardtop, Ferrari has yet to advance from the simple electrically-folding fabric soft top. Model year 2005 marks a new era for Ferrari and its convertibles, as it is to introduce an innovative roof system for the front-engined 575 Superamerica.

The new Ferrari convertible is named after custom-designed Ferraris produced during the 1950s and 1960s, specifically designed with American markets in mind. The 575 Superamerica is the natural successor to the stylish and trendy 210, 400 and 410 models of the past, but for one particular point - the new model is a convertible, whereas all previous models were fixed-head coupes.

The 575 Superamerica is the first vehicle in the world to feature the Fioravanti-designed Revochromico convertible roof. The panel itself is comprised of electrochromic treated glass framed in carbon fiber. The electrochromic glass panel allows the driver to control the amount of light entering the interior via five separate tint settings from transparent to opaque black. At the touch of a button, the panel can go from light to dark in under a minute. The panel also rotates around the cars B-pillars, turning the Berlinetta body into a convertible in just 10 seconds.

Continuing its advancements in convertible roof design, Ferrari also found an innovative way to stow the Revochromico roof panel without taking up any space when retracted. Unlike traditional soft top roofs which either fold up under a cumbersome-looking exterior tonneau cover, or take up much of a sports cars tiny trunkspace, the Superamericas roof simply swings back to rest between the B-pillar and the trunklid, leaving the 575Ms 6.5 cubic feet of cargo space untouched. When retracted, the upright rear window acts as a wind buffer.

Although the new flip-top roof is the Superamericas biggest highlight, Ferrari hasnt forgotten about the spirit of the prancing horse, namely the components under the hood. The badges on the tail may say 575 but under the hood, Ferrari has tweaked the rip-roaring 5.75 liter V12 to 540 horsepower and 489 lb-ft of torque, a healthy increase from the stock 575 Ms 515 horsepower and 434 lb-ft of torque. The additional punch from the revised motor makes the 575 Superamerica the worlds fastest convertible with a top speed of 200 mph, exceeding the Lamborghini Murciélago and Pagani Zonda C-12 S roadsters.

Like the 550 Barchetta, the Superamericas predecessor, the new model will be produced in limited numbers totaling 500 units. As with the 575 M, a variety of options are available for the deep-pocketed buyer, ranging from Ferraris state-of-the-art F1 six-speed sequential gearbox ($12,500 estimated), to the recently released GTC handling package (a $37,000 option which includes ceramic brakes and revised suspension tuning), to a set of luxurious hand-crafted suitcases, tailored to fit within the 575s trunk. Ferrari is asking a premium of 20 percent over equivalently equipped coupe models, and as usual the car will be worth every penny.