2005 Ferrari 575 Superamerica Preview

Continuing its advancements in convertible roof design, Ferrari also found an innovative way to stow the Revochromico roof panel

Ferrari found an innovative way to stow the Revochromico roof panel without taking up any space when retracted. (Photo: Ferrari North America)

without taking up any space when retracted. Unlike traditional soft top roofs which either fold up under a cumbersome-looking exterior tonneau cover, or take up much of a sports car's tiny trunkspace, the Superamerica's roof simply swings back to rest between the B-pillar and the trunklid, leaving the 575M's 185 liters (6.5 cubic feet) of cargo space untouched. When retracted, the upright rear window acts as a wind buffer.

Although the new flip-top roof is the Superamerica's biggest highlight, Ferrari hasn't forgotten about the spirit of the prancing horse, namely the components under the hood. The badges on the tail may say 575 but under the hood, Ferrari has tweaked the rip-roaring 5.75 liter V12 to 540 horsepower and 489 lb-ft of torque, a healthy increase from the stock 575 M's 515 horsepower and 434 lb-ft of torque. The additional punch from the revised motor makes the 575 Superamerica the world's fastest convertible with

Ferrari is asking a premium of 20 percent over equivalently equipped coupe models, not like that will slow down the sale of the 500 versions available. (Photo: Ferarri North America)

a top speed of 320 km/h (200 mph), exceeding the Lamborghini Murciélago and Pagani Zonda C-12 S roadsters.

Like the 550 Barchetta, the Superamerica's predecessor, the new model will be produced in limited numbers totaling 500 units. As with the 575 M, a variety of options are available for the deep-pocketed buyer, ranging from Ferrari's state-of-the-art 'F1' six-speed sequential gearbox ($12,500 USD estimated), to the recently released GTC handling package (a $37,000 USD option which includes ceramic brakes and revised suspension tuning), to a set of luxurious hand-crafted suitcases, tailored to fit within the 575's trunk. Ferrari is asking a premium of 20 percent over equivalently equipped coupe models, and as usual the car will be worth every penny.