2002 Ferrari 575M Maranello news, pictures, and information

The 12 cylinder engine in the 575M Maranello, maintains the 65 degree V angle, four overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, the light alloy block, heads and oil tank and the dry sump lubrication system, wîth two scavenge pumps and one sender pump, separate reservoir and individual radiators. The objectives fixed for the new V12 engine in the 575M Maranello were to increase both the power curve as well as the torque. It now has a maximum power output of 515 CV (379 Kw) at 7250 rpm and maximum torque of 60 Kgm at 5250 rpm (588.6 Nm,) wîth an increase in mid-range torque of 1.5 Kgm between 1000 and 4000 rpm, when compared to the previous engine fitted to the 550 Maranello. These increases in performance across the board have been achieved through a variety of modifications applied to the 12 cylinder. In particular these are an increase in capacity, a higher compression ratio, new fluid dynamics for the intakes and more general changes aimed at improving the efficiency and the management system of the power unit.

F1 transmission and gearbox

The optimum weight distribution, wîth a 50-50 split between the axles, wîth the driver on-board, has been achieved thanks to a transaxle design which features a combined rear mounted gearbox and differential unit wîth conical torque and autolocking differential in the same unit. The transmission on the new 575M Maranello is also fitted wîth the electro-hydraulic 'F1' control unit mounted at the rear of the car, in order to minimise response time and to ensure a favourable operating temperature. The F1 gearchange on the 575M Maranello has been refined in order to produce maximum efficiency from the use of the manual levers mounted on the back of the §teering wheel, as this gives the best response for sports driving. The driver has two main ways of changing gear manually via the console-mounted controls: a more sporty change (Sport) or one aimed at a more relaxed driving style. Both are linked to an analogue control of the suspension damping. The principal benefits of the F1 change on the 575M Maranello are a quicker gear change coupled wîth the control of the damping when gears are selected. Along wîth the manual F1 change, which Ferrari has produced as the primary use of the electro-actuated transmission, there are two further options which can be selected: automatic and low grip.

Chassis and a new adaptive ride set-up

As for the chassis, one of the factors which has the biggest impact on the car's road-holding is the new adaptive set-up, based on a system of independently controlled damping at all four corners of the car. The system selects the ideal ride height for any condition, wîth two choices: Sport, which is selected for a more sporty ride, improving traction: Comfort, which gives a more comfortable ride, absorbing road bumps. The braking has also been modified to cope wîth the increased performance of the vehicle, especially in terms of avoiding fade and improving response under braking. Changes have centred on improving cooling for the brakes wîth new pad material (Ferodo HP1000;) reduction in brake pedal effort and an increase in the level of assistance from the servo system, and the ABS/ASR system has been uprated from 5.0 to 5.3. As wîth the rest of the Ferrari range, the electronic traction control can be set between normal and Sport. The unsprung weight has been optimised in the following way: the ABS/ASR sensors are integrated into the wheel bearings and the weight of the tyres and rims has been reduced. These changes have seen the weight of the complete front wheel come down by 1.8 kg and that of the rear by 1.2 kg. The tyres have also evolved and now produce less rolling noise, are longer lasting and perform better in aquaplaning situations. Furthermore, a new tyre, available as an option, has now been produced in a 19 inch size, which is suitable for more extreme performance wîth improved lateral and longitudinal grip. The 575M Maranello is also fitted wîth tyre pressure sensors, which mean that tyre pressures can be checked while the car is on the move.

Interior and personalised options

The interior of the 575M Maranello has been extensively revised, in order to make it more sporty and functional. In keeping wîth the car's increased performance, the aim has been to improve the efficiency of how the driver controls the car. All the dials have been grouped together in one single pod ahead of the driver, wîth the rev counter in the centre. The seats are new, wîth six electronic adjustments and driver position memory. The dashboard and centre tunnel have also been redesigned. Also new are the §teering wheel, the door trims and the style of the interior components. The 575M Maranello can also be specified to the customer's requirements by Carrozzeria Scaglietti, which allows customers to chose their own styling, equipment and alter the functionality of the vehicle to suit their personal taste, wîth racing and track options, exterior changes and colours, the treatment of the interior and choice of materials and equipment.