2004 FERRARI 575M NEW CAR BUYER'S GUIDE

What's New for the 2004 Ferrari 575M Maranello?
With significant modifications made to the aging Ferrari 550 Maranello to transform it into the Ferrari 575M Maranello two years ago, no major updates are made this year. A plaque dedicating Ferrari’s 50th year in North America is included in every 2004 Ferrari.

Advantages of the 2004 Ferrari 575M Maranello:

• Massive power from 515bhp V12 engine
• Able to custom tailor the 575M Maranello in a wide variety of colors, interior materials and trimmings

Objections to the 2004 Ferrari 575M Maranello:

• Chunky curb weight
• Lots of gee-whiz electronics add complexity to a finicky Italian sports car that doesn’t need it
• Hood scoop reminds us of a Camaro SS

Editor's Advice:
Looking for something that matches the softer edge of a gran turismo with the sharper reflexes and acceleration of a pure sports car? Perhaps the 2004 Ferrari 575M Maranello deserves a look. The cabin is dipped in luxury, and buyers can tailor this Ferrari to their personal tastes through Carrozzeria Scaglietti. Yet underneath its scooped hood, a 5.7-liter V12 engine that develops 515 horsepower at 7,250 rpm is ready to unleash a massive amount of thrust to the meaty 18-inch rear wheels through an F1-style gearbox and rear transaxle. Shifting through the gears using the paddles mounted to the steering wheel, the Ferrari 575M Maranello can rocket to 60 mph in a hair over four seconds despite its hefty 3,815-pound curb weight, and blasts through the 200 mph barrier if you’ve got the stones to keep your foot in it. Heavily fortified with electro-gee-wizardry, the 575M Maranello’s gearbox features Normal and Sport gear change programming, Automatic and Low Grip shift control modes, and is linked to the four independent electronic dampers for optimum body control dependent upon gear selection. Even the suspension is governed by software, with Sport and Comfort settings selectable by the driver. Additionally, the Automatic Slip Regulation (ASR) offers Normal and Sport settings. With so much road-hugging weight, a perfect 50/50 front/rear weight distribution might seem like overkill. For added adhesion to the road, buyers can opt for 19-inch wheels and tires. For improved ability to see the road, Xenon headlights illuminate the way. Comfortable and quick, the 2004 Ferrari 575M Maranello is a compelling GT.