REVIEWS AND ROAD TESTS

Off with the Top

Enzo Ferrari would have approved of the 550 Maranello, which is returning to the architecture he always preferred (front engine, rear wheel drive). "The horse is always placed before the buggy, not behind it," he liked to remind his engineers, who nonetheless designed a mid-engine architecture on several occasions.

This being said, the 550 Maranello remains not only the most exclusive and most powerful, but also the most exciting Ferrari. As a case in point, now the top is coming off, letting its driver get a suntan on the drive.The 550 Maranello has a remarkably comfortable interior, thanks to excellent ergonomics. Its wide and deep bucket seats are exceptionally comfortable and, generally speaking, it’s nice to see that since the release of the 550 Maranello, proper driving position has become a priority at Ferrari. With the 550, Ferrari has also made progress in the quality of manufacturing and in finishing. The first things you’ll notice about the 550 Maranello are its easy access, good visibility and extremely good instrumentation. Just close the door and you’re ready to go to the ends of the earth with this new Ferrari!There’s no question that before the 550, Maranello Ferrari had already demonstrated its expertise in front-engine architecture with the superb 456. But since it was a true 2+2, the need to provide enough room for passengers made it impossible to use a mid-engine solution. In contrast, the 550 Maranello is a two-seater in the strictest sense of the word. If you compare the two models, you’ll see that in general they have the same features.

On a test drive, your first impression is shaped by smooth controls, a smooth clutch and smooth shifting. This Ferrari is a modern automobile on par with the automotive industry’s best references, whether from BMW or Mercedes, not to mention all the distinction and raw power that comes with Cavillino drivetrain technology. The V12 purrs in the lower rpms and growls affectionately as it climbs higher. On board, indicator needles gyrate at the least provocation, but the 550 Maranello offers such consistent handling that domesticating its power is never a problem. However, the six- speed transmission is harder to tame and calls for a hand of steel to guide the lever through the nickel-covered gear box. As docile as it is feline and racy, the Ferrari 550 Maranello has absolutely staggering efficiency on the road and is unquestionably one of Ferrari’s most impressive accomplishments.

PROS
Staggering performance
Easy to drive
Constantly improved finishing

CONS
Astronomical price
Astronomical price
Astronomical price