General data  
Year/s of production 2002 – 2005
Presentation Maranello, 6 February 2002, Presentation F 2002, S/N 126047 and S/N 126982 (F1) Geneva Motor Show, March 2002
VIN span 125370 –
Number produced
Design Pininfarina
Manufactured by Ferrari S.p.A.
   
Technical specifications  
Chassis F 133 EB
Length 4550 mm
Width 1935 mm
Height 1277 mm
Wheelbase 2500 mm
Front suspension Independent wheel suspension, double delta wishbones, coil springs, electronically controlled aluminium gas dampers, adaptive set-up
Rear suspension Independent wheel suspension, double a-arms, coil springs, electronically controlled aluminium gas dampers, adaptive set-up
Front track 1632 mm
Rear track 1586 mm
Front tyres 8,5” x 18”, Speedline monolithic magnesium alloy wheels – 5 spokes design – tyre pressure sensors Tyres: Pirelli P Zero 255/40 ZR 18
Rear tyres 10,5” x 18”, Speedline monolithic magnesium alloy wheels – 5 spokes design – tyre pressure sensors Tyres: Pirelli P Zero 295/35 ZR 18
Front brakes Brembo ventilated and drilled disc brakes, 330 mm, Bosch ABS – version 5.3
Rear brakes Brembo ventilated and drilled disc brakes, 310 mm, Bosch ABS – version 5.3
Weight Approx.  1760 kg
Body material Aluminium
Body type Berlinetta – 2 seats
   
Engine  
Type F 133 E – front engine
Number of cylinders V12 – 65°
Displacement 5748 ccm
Bore and stroke 89 x 77 mm
Camshaft 2 overhead per cylinder bank
Valves 4 per cylinder
Compression ratio 11:1
Ignition Bosch Motronic M 5.2
Lubrication Dry sump lubrication, approx. 10 litres oil
Maximum power 515 hp – 7.250 rpm
Maximum torque 588,6 Nm – 5.250 rpm
Fuel management Bosch Motronic M 5.2
Gearbox Manual shift 6 speed + rev gearbox or electro-hydraulic ‘F1″ control unit, 40% limited slip differential, transaxle construction, Bosch ASR – version 5.3
   
Performance  
Top speed Approx. 325 km/h

Good to know:

575M Maranello – the new Ferrari GT
Copyright: Ferrari

Maranello, 6th February 2002. The key elements of the new 575M Maranello can be neatly summed up in the model name. In fact, the engine is described by the new numerical code, 575, as this is an abbreviated indication of its capacity, increased from 5500 to 5750 cc, resulting in an increase in both power and torque. The letter M, an abbreviation of ‘modified,’ underlines the fact that changes have been wrought to all areas of the model’s performance. Key amongst these, apart from the engine is the introduction of an F1 type gearbox, first time on a 12 cylinder Ferrari road car.

Styling
When it came to looking at the style of the vehicle, the thinking behind it is to retain the balance and sober looks, which invested it with the status of an instant classic, fitting in perfectly with Ferrari’s return to a front engine high performance car. Modifications were limited to those required to deal with the technical changes: different shape and size for the air intakes in the new front end of the car, with refinement of the aerodynamic and fluid-dynamic efficiency and a new treatment for the front spoiler. Finally, the light clusters have been redesigned to produce a new aesthetic, with colour-coded headlamp bodies and grey surround, combined with xenon technology for the dipped beam, with headlamp washers. The wheels are also a new design. On the aerodynamic front, the final iteration brings improved airflow around the wheels and there are small elements which reduce drag, while every detail of the floor has been designed to generate downforce while reducing drag.

Engine
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, with 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,) with 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, with a 50-50 split between the axles, with the driver on-board, has been achieved thanks to a transaxle design which features a combined rear mounted gearbox and differential unit with conical torque and autolocking differential in the same unit. The transmission on the new 575M Maranello is also fitted with 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 steering 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 with the control of the damping when gears are selected. Along with 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, with 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 with 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 with 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 with 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 with improved lateral and longitudinal grip. The 575M Maranello is also fitted with 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 with 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, with the rev counter in the centre. The seats are new, with six electronic adjustments and driver position memory. The dashboard and centre tunnel have also been redesigned. Also new are the steering 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, with racing and track options, exterior changes and colours, the treatment of the interior and choice of materials and equipment.

Technical specifications

Dimensions and weight Overall length 179.13 in. Overall width 76.18 in. Height 50.27 in. Wheelbase 98.43 in. Front track 64.25 in. Rear track 62.44 in. Weight3,815 lbs Fuel capacity 23 gallons (27,7 US gal)
Tyres Front 255/40 ZR 18 Rear 295/35 ZR 18
Brakes Front 13 x 1.3 in. Rear 12.2 x 1.1 in.
Engine Bore/stroke 89×77 mm 3.46×2.95 in. Unit displacement 479 cm3 27.8 cu. in. Total displacement 5,748 cm3 334 cu. in. Compression ratio 11:1 Maximum power 379 kW (515 bhp) @7,250 rpm Maximum torque 588,6 Nm (60kgm) @5,250 rpm
Performance Max. speed 202 mphManual gearbox 0-100 Km/h /0-62 mph 4.25 s 0-400 m 12.3 s 0-1000 m 22 sF1 gearbox 0-100 Km/h /0-62 mph: 4,2′ 0-400 m: 12,25′ 0-1000 m: 21,9′ 

The 2002 challenger is presented at Maranello
Copyright: Ferrari

Maranello, 6th February – The new Formula 1 car is called the F2002. At 11am, in the ‘Nuova Meccanica’ pavillion at Ferrari HQ in Maranello, the protagonist of the new Formula 1 season was given its official baptism. Shareholders, sponsors, dealers, journalists and, of course, the team behind the creation of the car gathered together as the star of the day was revealed on a rotating spot-lit podium.The event opened with an address from Antonio Ghini, Director of Communication and Brand Management, who presented the first video of the 575M Maranello, the latest conception from the Prancing Horse’s stable. And at the wheel of a brand new 575 the Scuderia’s official drivers, Michael Schumacher and Rubens Barrichello, made their entrance. The team’s test drivers, Luca Badoer and Luciano Burti, were not able to attend due to their commitments at today’s test at the Mugello circuit.Jean Todt then mounted the podium to welcome the drivers and invited them to lift the red sheet and reveal the real protagonist of the day, the F2002. Jean Todt was the first to address the guests: “Our strength is not due to our successes but to our failures which have made us stronger,” said the Managing Director of Sport, “and it is with this spirit that we prepare ourselves for the challenge of the 2002 season, knowing that our competitors will be stronger than ever. We have all the elements we need to progress but we must work hard to ensure nothing is taken for granted. I am very proud of this team, it’s a winning team. Now we have to see if this new chassis is not only beautiful but is also a good race car,” concluded Todt with a smile. In line with the traditional design team speeches, Ross Brawn, Rory Byrne and Paolo Martinelli, then presented in italian the principal technical characteristics of the new Ferrari.Naturally, the Cavallino drivers also expressed their feelings and hopes for the coming season. Rubens Barrichello spoke first: “I will give and do everything I can to bring this car to victory,” the Brazilian driver declared before handing the microphone to the World Champions, Michael Schumacher: “I am happy to be here”, exclaimed the German driver. “The motivation and objectives are the same: we want to be World Champion again. There is nothing better than winning with Ferrari and I will do everything possible so that we can continue winning together.” The presentation concluded with a speech from the President of Ferrari, Luca di Montezemolo, who thanked at length all those responsible for the new car, from its closest collaborators to the sponsors and shareholders. Paolo Fresco, President of FIAT and Paolo Cantarella, FIAT Managing Director, were also present.“Like always this is a very important moment,” President Montezemolo declared. “There are many new things this year, lots of innovations, but there are also many things that we have preserved. We are aware that we have reached the top but we are still hungry for victory. We must and will remain concentrated and humble, knowing that the competition will be difficult. But all the same we set out to win.” 

A ‘double’ presentation for the new 575M Maranello
Copyright: Ferrari

Maranello, 2 March 2002 – A double rendezvous on Tuesday, March 5th for the international launch of the 575M Maranello, the new Ferrari GT: in coincidence with the press conference by the President of Ferrari and Maserati, Luca di Montezemolo (taking place at 12,00 by the Ferrari booth at the Geneva Motor Show), a 575M will be also displayed in the ‘Galleria Ferrari’ museum in Maranello.From Tuesday 5th and for the full month of March, visitors from all over the world will find a ‘Rosso Corsa’-red 575M Maranello on the 1st floor of the Galleria Ferrari, the level entirely dedicated to technological innovation.Through this double presence, international but local at a time, Ferrari wishes to offer all fans and Ferrari enthusiasts the opportunity of having a more direct contact with the new 12-cylinder and all its major technological innovation.

Ferrari at the Geneva Motor Show
Copyright: Ferrari

Geneva, 5 march 2002 ‘ The Ferrari Group is participating in the Geneva 72nd International Motor Show in a particularly positive moment for the Company. Just two days have passed since the beginning of the new F1 season – which promises to be even more interesting than the last one due to the presence of new, highly competitive teams – and Ferrari has started the year after a very successful 2001 with the introduction of new models and the announcement of a series of important communications.The year that has just passed was another record year for the Ferrari group, both in the racing and in the commercial and customer services sectors.The third consecutive Constructors’ World Title, together with the second Drivers’ Title, has again confirmed that Ferrari is capable, year after year, of maintaining its top position in F1 through its continual investment in technology and its team work. Thanks to the dedication of a strong dynamic team, once again Ferrari has achieved excellent results in a competitive environment that sees the world’s top manufacturers pitted against each other. A F1 season in which Ferrari has not only shown its superiority over two great rivals such as McLaren and Williams, but also its distinctly human side, with the feeling of deep loss it shared with the American population for the tragic events of September 11th which was manifest in the decision to race at Monza with unbranded cars with black nose cones.The success on the track was mirrored by significant progress in the commercial sector. Ferrari reached a new record in terms of sales to end customers (over 4,150 cars were delivered, with record sales for the year of 1,200 in the USA alone) and a further increase in its portfolio of orders. The preliminary 2001 financial figures show a very positive trend, with Group sales in excess of 1 billion Euros (893.3 in 2000) and a consolidated operating income of about 60 million Euros (45.6 in 2000).2001 marked another important record with the 550 Barchetta Pinifarina limited series: for the first time in the company’s history, a new model was designed, produced and delivered to its 448 clients within one year. Orders for the Barchetta had been received well before the start of production. This important achievement not only confirms Ferrari’s traditional know-how in the limited series segment, but also underlines the Company’s ability to constantly optimise the productive process based on a simple, dynamic and highly technological structure.Technological innovation is indeed the key to the Group’s success, and this success would not be possible without the continuous cooperation between Ferrari and its excellent technical partners worldwide. In order to officially acknowledge the commitment of Ferrari’s partners to supporting racing and GT production activities, the company announced the first edition of the ‘Podio Ferrari’ Award for Technological Innovation in 2001 which was won by Bridgestone and Brembo. The second prize-giving ceremony is due to be held in Maranello in the near future.2001 has also been marked by important organisational changes: Amedeo Felisa was appointed General Manager of the ‘Gestione Granturismo’ Department (road car production), and Jean Todt was appointed General Manager of the ‘Gestione Sportiva’ Department (all racing activities), joining the Board of Directors. This will guarantee an even more direct relationship between the racing and GT production activities, a crucial link for the continuous technological transfer from F1 to the road cars. A new Clients’ Racing Department, managed by Jean Todt, was created for the purpose of managing all non-F1 racing activities for both Ferrari and Maserati.The company’s increasing presence on the Internet, with the Ferrari (www.ferrariworld.com) and Maserati (www.maserati.com) websites, and with the recent launch of the new site dedicated to Ferrari owners (www.owners.ferrari.com), underlines Ferrari’s desrire to provide a new kind of service to customers and fans in addition to the more traditional technical, insurance and financial assistance services. The ‘Pilota Ferrari’ driving courses, taken by an increasing number of clients world-wide, the new product range offered by the Licensing & Merchandising Department, together with the new Ferrari Store to be opened soon in Maranello, are just a few moer examples of how the Group aims at excellence in all its areas of activity.In addition to this, a special International Exhibition will be held in Tokyo from April 25th to July 15th at the Contemporary Art Museum: ‘Ferrari and Maserati, Arte Dinamica’ will allow visitors from all over the world to see classic cars and the present-day production cars in a dramatic setting, especially created to underline their artistic value as well as their technological and performance characteristics.Finally, 2001 saw continual progress in ambitious projects aimed at continually improving the Group’s production facilities. The completion of the new Engine Manufacturing plant in Maranello and the construction of the new Maserati factory facilities in Modena are prime examples of the ongoing innovation process that is driving the Group towards the future.

Ferrari 575M Maranello
Ferrari chose the Geneva Motor Show for the official launch of its new GT car: the 575M Maranello.The key elements of the new 575M Maranello can be neatly summed up in the model name. In fact, the engine is described by the new numerical code, 575, as this is an abbreviation of its capacity, increased from 5,500 to 5,750 cc, resulting in an increase in both power and torque. The letter M, an abbreviation of ‘modificato” (modified), underlines the fact that changes have been wrought to all areas of the model’s performance. Key amongst these, apart from the engine, is the introduction of an F1-style gearbox, the first time this has been applied to a 12-cylinder Ferrari road car.

Styling
When it came to the style of the vehicle, Ferrari sought to retain the balance and sober looks of the 550 Maranello which had ensured it the status of instant classic, perfectly in keeping with Ferrari’s return to a front-engined high performance car. Modifications were limited to those regarding technical changes: different shape and size for the air intakes in the new front end of the car, with refinement of the aerodynamic and fluid-dynamic efficiency and a new treatment for the front spoiler. Finally, the light clusters have been redesigned, with colour-coded headlamp bodies and grey surround, combined with xenon technology for the dipped beam and headlamp washers. The wheels are also a new design. On the aerodynamic front, Ferrari’s engineers have improved airflow around the wheels by introducing small flaps to reduce drag, while the underbody has been designed to generate downforce while reducing drag.
Engine
The 12-cylinder engine in the 575M Maranello maintains the 65° vee angle, four overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, light alloy block, heads and oil tank and the dry sump lubrication system, with two scavenge pumps and one sender pump, separate reservoir and individual radiators. The objectives 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 bhp (379 Kw) at 7,250 rpm and a maximum torque of 60 kgm at 5,250 rpm (588.6 Nm,), with an increase in mid-range torque of 1.5 kgm between 1,000 and 4,000 rpm 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. In particular these involve an increase in capacity, a higher compression ratio, new fluid dynamics for the intake system and general changes aimed at improving the efficiency and the management system of the power unit.
F1 transmission and gearbox
The optimum weight distribution, with a 50-50 percent split between the axles with the driver on-board, has been achieved thanks to a transaxle design which features the rear-mounted gearbox in unit with the limited-slip differential. The transmission on the new 575M Maranello is also fitted with 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 gearbox on the 575M Maranello has been refined in order to produce maximum efficiency using the steering-wheel mounted paddle shift which is considered the ideal set-up for sporty driving. The driver can select two gear selection modes using a button on the central console: a more sporty change (Sport) or one aimed at a more relaxed driving style. Both are linked to the adaptive suspension damping. The principal benefits of the F1 change on the 575M Maranello are a quicker gear change coupled with the control of the damping when gears are selected. Along with the manual F1 change, 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 damping response for any condition, with two choices: Sport, which is selected for a more sporty ride, improving traction: Comfort, which gives a more comfortable ride, absorbing bumps and road asperities. The braking has also been modified to cope with the increased performance of the vehicle, especially in terms of fade and improved brake response. Changes have centred on improving cooling for the brakes with 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 with 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 assembly 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 with improved lateral and longitudinal grip. The 575M Maranello is also fitted with 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 with 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, with the rev counter in the centre. The seats are new, with six electronic adjustments and driver position memory. The dashboard and centre tunnel have also been redesigned. Also new are the steering wheel, the door trims and the style of the interior components. The 575M Maranello can also be specified to the customer’s requirements choosing from the Carrozzeria Scaglietti personalisation programme, which provides a wide selection of optionals with which clients may specify their car to suit their personal taste, including racing and track options, exterior colours, and interior colours, materials and equipment.

575M Maranello – Technical specifications

Dimensions and weight Overall length 179.13 in. Overall width 76.18 in. Height 50.27 in. Wheelbase 98.43 in. Front track 64.25 in. Rear track 62.44 in. Weight3,815 lbs Fuel capacity 23 gallons (27,7 US gal)
Tyres Front 255/40 ZR 18 Rear 295/35 ZR 18
Brakes Front 13 x 1.3 in. Rear 12.2 x 1.1 in.
Engine Bore/stroke 89×77 mm 3.46×2.95 in. Unit displacement 479 cm3 27.8 cu. in. Total displacement 5,748 cm3 334 cu. in. Compression ratio 11:1 Maximum power 379 kW (515 bhp) @7,250 rpm Maximum torque 588,6 Nm (60kgm) @5,250 rpm
Performance Max. speed 202 mphManual gearbox 0-100 Km/h /0-62 mph 4.25 s 0-400 m 12.3 s 0-1000 m 22 sF1 gearbox 0-100 Km/h /0-62 mph: 4,2′ 0-400 m: 12,25′ 0-1000 m: 21,9′

Two-tone 456M GT ‘Scaglietti’
At the Geneva Motor Show, Ferrari is also introducing a special two-tone version of the 456M GT as a further example of the personalisation opportunities offered by the Carrozzeria Scaglietti personalisation programme, presently adopted by 90% of Ferrari’s clienteleIn the case of the 456M GT displayed on the Ferrari stand, and expressly designed for Michael Schumacher, the dominant characteristic is the two-tone paint finish. This elegant ‘tone on tone’ personalised colour mix was obtained through a specific study ‘ personally commissioned by Schumacher – on the chromatic tones of grey, then also applied to other exterior details as the wheel rims and the radiator grille.The personalised options are also extended to the car’s interior with the new graphics for the dials, whilst the cross-drilled brakes contribute to adding a more sporty note to the two-tone 456M GT ‘Scaglietti’. The tailoring process has also been applied to many leather interior details, such as the steering wheel, the door trims and the rear parcel shelf. The seats are characterised by micro-perforated leather to the central part, whilst the crimson stitching contributes to the even more personalised style of the interior. The final personalisation ‘touches’ are a special version of the hi-fi stereo system and the radio-satellite navigation system.

Ferrari in Switzerland
Switzerland is a very significant and stable market for Ferrari which accounts for 5% of the total Ferrari production. With 228 customer deliveries in 2001, Ferrari (Suisse) SA has a 26.7% market share in the sports car segment: the Ferrari density is no where higher than in the Swiss market. The 8cyl. range accounts for 65% and the 12cyl. range for 35% of the deliveries, which makes Switzerland one of the strongest markets for 12cyl. Ferrari.Ferrari (Suisse) SA, with headquarters in Nyon, imports and distributes Ferrari for the Swiss market throughout a dealer network of 10 dealerships.

Ferrari Challenge ‘ Trofeo Pirelli 2002
In its 8th consecutive year, the Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli has established itself as one of the most respected and professional Gentleman Racing series. Since the beginning, Swiss drivers have actively participated in the European section. With 14 drivers for the forthcoming season, Switzerland reached the highest participation in history and comes second after Germany in the European Market.

Ferrari Club Switzerland
Ferrari (Suisse) SA collaborates with the official Ferrari Club Switzerland. This club has been founded in May 2001 with a new structure in order to offer the members national and local club events. Since its foundation, 400 Ferrari owners have joint the Club and meet regularly.

575M Maranello and Maserati Coupe most beautiful in the World for Automobilia
Copyright: Ferrari

 Maranello, 14th November 2002- This week in Milan, the International Jury of ‘Automobilia’ met to study the forty cars selected to compete in various categories. The Jury was presided over by Bruno Alfieri and was made up of people from the world of art and design, including Gillo Dorfles, Heinz Mack and Bruno Sacco and representatives from Italy, France, Great Britain, Germany, United States and Peru. They selected winners of the 2002 ‘Most Beautiful Car in the World’ prize.The category for sports cars was won by the Ferrari 575M Maranello which scored 16 points, as well as recording the greatest number of votes for overall favourite. In second place came the Maserati Coupe on 10 points.It is an important decision for the Ferrari group, confirming the two marques efforts in terms of technical innovation and style, achieved in close collaboration with the major exponents of Italian design and style around the world: Pininfarina in the case of the Ferrari 575M Maranello and Giugiaro for the Maserati Coupe.The prizegiving ceremony will take place in Milan next March.

 Best of the Best Sports Cars: 575M Maranello
Copyright: Ferrari

16 March 2003 – Robb Report, the US luxury lifestyle magazine, has named the Ferrari 575M Maranello as winner of the ‘Sports Cars’ category in its 15th annual ‘Best of the Best’ special issue, which will hit newsstands on May 22.Culminating a year’s search for the luxury world’s most extraordinary products and services, ‘Best of the Best’ features the premium-quality automobiles, boats, jewels, vacations, wines, spirits, cigars, fashion and other lavish items.The Ferrari 575M Maranello has earned the honours enjoying ‘an exclusivity usually reserved for treasures from past eras.’ According to Robb Report Editor-at-Large Paul Dean, the 575M Maranello extends Ferrari’s legacy ‘a length or two ahead of any contemporary sports car reared for speed and exhilaration.’ Recognized in the ‘Best Sports Car’ category were the BMW Alpina Roadster, Dodge Viper SRT-10 and Porsche 911 Targa.

 The 575M Maranello voted car of the year by Forbes, USA
Copyright: Ferrari

Maranello, 17 September 2003′ First again! The exclusive bi-monthly ‘Forbes FYI’ has chosen the 575M Maranello as ‘car of the year 2003’. In the opinion of the magazine, ‘though it isn’t Ferrari’s new car this year, the 575 is the very essence of the sporty drive’. The noted magazine from overseas clearly states the ‘it is not possible to find a better car’. Particular attention was paid to the V12 515bhp engine, which, once the pedal is pressed, gives ‘such an intense and thrilling response that would be literally shocking if it wasn’t for the fact that the car really is entertaining to drive.What makes the Ferrari 575M unique in the combination of unique elegance and exuberent, sporty performance. Forbes particularly appreciated the version with racing seats that make the driver feel that at the wheel he is ‘Schumacher in the making’. 

Ferrari at the 74° Geneva International Motor Show
Copyright: Ferrari

Geneva, 2nd March 2004 – The 2004 Geneva Motor Show will be an exciting one for Ferrari with several unveilings. In addition to the European launch of the new all-aluminium 12-cylinder 2+2, Stand 1053 in Hall 1 will also be hosting the world previews of the new GTC Handling pack for the 575M Maranello, and the new Challenge Stradale-inspired personalisation options for the 360 Modena and Spider.The GTC Handling pack for the 575M is also the first to offer carbon-ceramic brake discs, already adopted on the Enzo and the Challenge Stradale, for a front-engined Ferrari, and represents a further evolution in the strong personality of the Maranello. As is clear from its name, which refers to the transfer of the handling characteristics of the version used in the FIA-GT Championship to the road-going model, the GTC Handling option offers an even more thrilling driving experience, thanks to its new track-derived components. Apart from the effectiveness of the new brakes developed in collaboration with Brembo, this is a further development of the Fiorano handling package (special springs and anti-roll bars, lowered ride height, upgraded power steering), with additional advances in electronic suspension control. The new personalisation option also includes an exhaust system with an even deeper, characteristic rumble, newly designed exhausts, coloured brake callipers featuring the ‘Brembo Carbon Ceramic’ logo, and modular 19″ wheels fitted with special Pirelli P Zero Corsa tyres (255/35 ZR19 front and 305/30 ZR 19 rear). This combination of advanced new components offers drivers even headier performance from an already firm favourite with devotees of the Maranello 12-cylinders.With regard to the 360 Modena and Spider, Ferrari is also using the Geneva Show to unveil a new Racing exhaust and carbon kit (specifically on the 360 Spider), developed to offer customers yet another personalisation choice. Both components are derived from the Prancing Horse’s experience with the Challenge Stradale.These road-going model-oriented innovations are being unveiled at Geneva in the same week as the 2004 Formula 1 season gets underway in Melbourne, Australia. The Ferrari Marlboro team comes to the grid this season as the holder of the Constructors’ World title (2003 brought Ferrari’s 13th championship title and the fifth in succession), and with Michael Schumacher as the reigning Drivers’ World Champion for the sixth time in his career, the fourth in succession with Ferrari. Showcased on January 26th at Maranello, the F2004 will be defending the colours of the Scuderia from the very first race of the season. Once again, it will be in the capable hands of Michael Schumacher and Rubens Barrichello, supported by Luca Badoer, Ferrari’s official test-driver for the seventh consecutive year. Over 5,000 kilometres of tests went into the development of the new single-seater in February alone in the run-up to a Championship that promises to be very thrilling indeed, with almost all of the world’s leading constructors vying to snatch Ferrari’s crown.2004 promises to be a particularly important year for the Ferrari Maserati Group as a whole, in terms of its new sales presence in the Russian market and its growing position in the Chinese one. Both Prancing Horse and Trident models will be racing through Sweden, Finland and the cities of St Petersburg and Moscow in the third week of March as part of a 10,000-mile rally through north-east Europe in very difficult driving conditions, while June 5th will see the official opening of the new showroom in Shanghai. The move into Russia brings to 46 the number of world markets in which Ferrari operates directly, via a strong network of over 200 dealers. This highlights the specific yet constant growth of the marque’s presence across the world, a fact that has gone hand in hand with the astonishing track victories and impressive sales records it has delivered over the last decade.Ferrari is also extending its activities in the Licensing and Merchandising sector with the opening of the new Ferrari Store in Rome and the Ferrari Shop at Malpensa Airport, Milan, in late March-early April. The opening of these two new sales outlets comes in the wake of the success of the Ferrari Store in Maranello and the Ferrari Shop at Bologna’s Marconi Airport, and is part of the plan announced two years ago by President Luca di Montezemolo to open Ferrari Stores and Shops in the world’s leading capital cities and airports. Ferrari also recently signed a series of major agreements which will further enhance its quality partnerships in the development of products under licence for the main market segments. The agreements range from those with well established partners such as Mattel, Electronic Arts, Tod’s, Girard-Perregaux and Fila, to more recent additions such as Olympus, Lego, Montegrappa and Acer.The Ferrari Maserati Group expects to close the 2003 business year with a consolidated turnover of approximately 1,260 million Euros, with an increase of 4% over the previous year. However, its operating profit is expected to drop somewhat as a result of changes in exchange rate with the dollar and significant investments made in developing the Maserati range.

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