Bosch Motronic fuel injection system feeds twelve 4-valve cylinder heads while a synchronized chaos of low-end engine parts, such as titanium connecting rods and forged aluminum pistons, explodes in a harmonic cacophony that defies description - but, I attempt nonetheless.
Power travels to the rear wheels through a rear differential for improved weight distribution. And travel it does. Revving the twelve-cylinder to its 7,700 rpm redline it catapults the substantial 1774 kg (3911 lb) GT forward with the alacrity of a hyper-extended rubber band. 100 km/h takes a mere 4.2 seconds from standstill, with 160 km/h arriving in a scant 9.8. To reach a quarter-mile it needs only 2.7 seconds more, at which time you'll be traveling at 188 km/h (116.9 mph). Keep the accelerator pressed, and the 550 is capable of reaching a terminal velocity of 318.7 km/h (198 mph).
Is that fast enough? Being that a closed-circuit racecourse, equipped with a straightway long enough to test this claim wasn't immediately available, we'll have to put our trust in Ferrari's usually conservative figures. That said, the lack of a suitable test track didn't get in the way of tempting fate and pushing the Ferrari 'slightly' beyond legal limits. What I deduced is that its 0.94 g lateral acceleration rating seems conservative as well. The 550 is rock steady during high-speed maneuvers, dancing over uneven pavement with the grace and composure of Galina Ulanova. Its nimble nature turns nirvanic when wide sweeping corners transform into tight twisting hairpins, its balance beyond any car I've ever tested.
The 550's agility doesn't come by chance. Its high tensile steel tube frame stiffens its overall structure while speed-sensitive steering, normal and sport adjustable suspension, stability control, and lightweight, 5-spoke 18-inch wheels with Z-rated tires work their magic. Speaking of magic, giant Brembo 4-piston brake rotors with 4-channel ABS bring all the excitement to an abrupt halt in a ridiculously short 34.1 meters (112 ft) from 100 km/h, with enough negative g's to indelibly stamp seatbelt indentations into the chest and stomach.
In the end, I have come to a major decision. I need to be rich. The Ferrari 550 Maranello is simply the best compromise of high-performance GT and civilized luxury conveyance to ever grace paved roadways. I'm not complete without one.
Power travels to the rear wheels through a rear differential for improved weight distribution. And travel it does. Revving the twelve-cylinder to its 7,700 rpm redline it catapults the substantial 1774 kg (3911 lb) GT forward with the alacrity of a hyper-extended rubber band. 100 km/h takes a mere 4.2 seconds from standstill, with 160 km/h arriving in a scant 9.8. To reach a quarter-mile it needs only 2.7 seconds more, at which time you'll be traveling at 188 km/h (116.9 mph). Keep the accelerator pressed, and the 550 is capable of reaching a terminal velocity of 318.7 km/h (198 mph).
Is that fast enough? Being that a closed-circuit racecourse, equipped with a straightway long enough to test this claim wasn't immediately available, we'll have to put our trust in Ferrari's usually conservative figures. That said, the lack of a suitable test track didn't get in the way of tempting fate and pushing the Ferrari 'slightly' beyond legal limits. What I deduced is that its 0.94 g lateral acceleration rating seems conservative as well. The 550 is rock steady during high-speed maneuvers, dancing over uneven pavement with the grace and composure of Galina Ulanova. Its nimble nature turns nirvanic when wide sweeping corners transform into tight twisting hairpins, its balance beyond any car I've ever tested.
The 550's agility doesn't come by chance. Its high tensile steel tube frame stiffens its overall structure while speed-sensitive steering, normal and sport adjustable suspension, stability control, and lightweight, 5-spoke 18-inch wheels with Z-rated tires work their magic. Speaking of magic, giant Brembo 4-piston brake rotors with 4-channel ABS bring all the excitement to an abrupt halt in a ridiculously short 34.1 meters (112 ft) from 100 km/h, with enough negative g's to indelibly stamp seatbelt indentations into the chest and stomach.
In the end, I have come to a major decision. I need to be rich. The Ferrari 550 Maranello is simply the best compromise of high-performance GT and civilized luxury conveyance to ever grace paved roadways. I'm not complete without one.
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