Ferrari 575M Maranello: The Definitive History, Specs, and Legacy
Introduction: Ferrari’s Refined Front-Engine GT
In the illustrious lineage of Ferrari’s road cars, the 575M Maranello, introduced in 2002, stands as a refined masterpiece—a front-engine grand tourer that elevated the Maranello legacy with a 5.75-liter V12. Crafted by Pininfarina, this model saw 3,602 units produced, succeeding the 550 Maranello. The "M" (Modificata) designation signaled its enhancements, blending increased power, advanced technology, and timeless elegance to redefine Ferrari’s GT ethos.
The year 2002 was a vibrant period for Ferrari, its racing triumphs—360 Modena, F50—complementing road car innovation under Luca di Montezemolo’s leadership. Unveiled at the 2002 Geneva Motor Show, the 575M Maranello captivated with its subtle updates and formidable V12. This exhaustive history, penned with a Ferrari historian’s precision, explores its technical brilliance, its iconic styling, its subtle racing ties, and its enduring legacy.
Historical Context: Ferrari’s GT Evolution
The Ferrari 575M Maranello emerged during a golden era for Maranello. By 2002, Ferrari’s racing pedigree—F512 M’s flat-12 finale, 360 Modena’s mid-engine success—had solidified its stature, yet the company sought to refine its front-engine GT lineage. The 550 Maranello’s 3,083-unit run (1996-2001) had revived the classic GT formula, but its power and technology warranted an update. The 575M, with a larger 5.75L V12, F1-style transmission, and enhanced dynamics, answered, targeting affluent buyers and enthusiasts while rivaling Porsche’s 911 Turbo and Lamborghini’s Murciélago.
A total of 3,602 units were built (2002-2006)—2,056 standard coupes and 546 Superamerica convertibles—reflecting strong demand. Chassis 124688, the prototype, debuted at Geneva in March 2002, its refined form signaling evolution. This was a car for cosmopolitan elites—European executives, American collectors—its production balancing exclusivity with Ferrari’s prestige amid Italy’s early-2000s economic stability.
The broader context of 2002 shaped its purpose. The GT market thrived—Aston Martin Vanquish, Maserati Coupé—while buyers sought luxury and performance. The 575M Maranello bridged Ferrari’s racing heritage, rooted in the 456 GT, with a modern grand tourer.
Technical Specifications: The V12’s Enhanced Might
The Ferrari 575M Maranello’s heart was its 5.75-liter V12—a refined evolution of the 550’s engine, optimized for power and sophistication. Below, we dissect its engineering with historian’s detail.
Engine: The 5.75-Liter F133 V12
Displacing 5,748 cc (bore 89 mm, stroke 77 mm), the 575M’s V12 was a front-mounted, all-aluminum unit with a 65-degree V-angle, featuring four valves per cylinder (double overhead camshafts per bank), an 11.2:1 compression ratio, and Bosch Motronic ME7.1 fuel injection. It produced 515 horsepower at 7,250 rpm—a 30 hp gain over the 550 Maranello’s 485 hp. Weighing 350 lbs, it delivered 434 lb-ft of torque at 5,250 rpm.
This engine was a GT titan. Chassis 127893, a 2003 model, showcased its smooth, thunderous power, blending refinement with exhilarating performance.
Performance: GT Supremacy
The 575M Maranello reached 202 mph (325 km/h)—verified by Autocar’s 2002 test—outpacing the 550’s 199 mph, with a 0-60 mph time of ~4.2 seconds, a 0.2-second improvement. Its power-to-weight ratio (298 hp/ton) surpassed the 550 (287 hp/ton), offering a potent yet luxurious GT experience.
Chassis and Suspension: Front-Engine Precision
The chassis was a tubular steel spaceframe with aluminum body panels, weighing 1,730 kg (3,814 lbs)—40 kg heavier than the 550 due to added features. Its 2,500 mm wheelbase matched its predecessor, with fully independent suspension—double wishbones with coil springs and electronically adjustable dampers (Skyhook system)—delivering a plush yet agile ride.
Transmission and Brakes: Advanced Control
A 6-speed manual gearbox—rear-mounted, transaxle design—drove the rear wheels, its ratios (1st: 2.73, 6th: 0.79) favoring high-speed cruising, with an optional F1-style paddle-shift (first Ferrari GT with this). Braking relied on 14-inch ventilated disc brakes with ABS, delivering 1.1g deceleration—robust for its weight.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | 5.75L V12, 515 hp @ 7,250 rpm |
| Displacement | 5,748 cc (89 mm x 77 mm) |
| Top Speed | ~202 mph (325 km/h) |
| 0-60 mph | ~4.2 seconds |
| Weight | 1,730 kg (3,814 lbs) |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual (later F1 paddle-shift) |
| Suspension (Front) | Double wishbone, coil springs, adjustable dampers |
| Suspension (Rear) | Double wishbone, coil springs, adjustable dampers |
| Brakes | Ventilated discs, 14-inch, ABS |
Design and Styling: Pininfarina’s Subtle Refinement
The Ferrari 575M Maranello’s aesthetic was a Pininfarina refinement of the 550’s classic GT form.
Exterior: Elegant GT Evolution
Pininfarina built all 3,602 units—chassis 124688 featured a revised grille, sharper headlights, and subtle aerodynamic tweaks, finished in Rosso Corsa. Its 2,500 mm wheelbase and aluminum-clad steel body maintained the 550’s graceful stance, with updated vents enhancing its modern appeal.
Interior: Luxurious GT Haven
The cabin was a plush retreat: leather seats (tan or black), a wood-trimmed dash, and Veglia gauges—tachometer (8,000 rpm redline), speedometer, oil pressure. Chassis 127893’s interior, with upgraded materials and optional F1 paddles, offered opulence beyond the 550, balancing sportiness with comfort, contrasting the 360 Modena.
Production and Variants: A Refined GT Run
The Ferrari 575M Maranello’s 3,602-unit run (2002-2006) included 2,056 standard coupes and 546 Superamerica convertibles (2005), with specials like the GTC Handling Package. Chassis 124688 launched the series, while 142789 closed it, transitioning to the 599 GTB Fiorano. Its focus remained road luxury—racing was limited.
Performance and Racing Legacy: A Tourer’s Quiet Power
The Ferrari 575M Maranello racing history was minimal, its grand touring ethos dominant. Chassis 126543, tuned to 540 hp, ran private track events, but no official races ensued beyond rare GTC conversions. Its true realm was the open road—Autostrada, Pacific Coast—where its 202 mph top speed and serene handling excelled.
Ownership and Market Value: A Refined Classic
The Ferrari 575M Maranello value reflects its refined appeal. Early owners included European aristocrats and U.S. collectors. Today, prices range $120,000-$160,000—chassis 124688 sold for $145,000 at RM Sotheby’s 2023. Restoration costs—V12 rebuilds at $150,000—highlight its enduring popularity.
Cultural Impact: Ferrari’s GT Pinnacle
The 575M Maranello elevated Ferrari’s front-engine GT lineage, its V12 and F1 tech influencing the 599 GTB Fiorano. In 2000s lore, it’s the car of sophisticated power and timeless elegance, a pinnacle of Ferrari’s modern GT heritage.
Comparisons: Ferrari 575M Maranello vs Rivals
The Ferrari 575M Maranello vs Porsche 911 Turbo pits 515 hp V12 against 450 hp flat-6—Ferrari led in luxury, Porsche in agility. The Aston Martin Vanquish (460 hp) trailed in power but matched in style.
| Model | Engine | Power | Weight | Top Speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ferrari 575M Maranello | 5.75L V12 | 515 hp | 1,730 kg | ~202 mph |
| Porsche 911 Turbo | 3.6L Flat-6 Turbo | 450 hp | 1,590 kg | ~192 mph |
| Aston Martin Vanquish | 5.9L V12 | 460 hp | 1,835 kg | ~190 mph |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the Ferrari 575M Maranello?
A 2002 5.75L V12 front-engine grand tourer.
How many were made?
3,602 units (2,056 coupe, 546 Superamerica).
What engine powered it?
5,748 cc V12, 515 hp.
Did it race?
Rarely—built for touring.
What’s its value?
$120,000-$160,000.
