2004 Ferrari 575M GTC Overview

New GTC Package and Carbon-Composite Brakes Improve the Breed

Racing improves the breed, a statement true for thoroughbred race horses and those of the mechanical sort. Ferrari, the

Ferrari ups the ante with a tuned 575M, which features suspension tweaks and CC brakes. (Photo: Ferrari North America)

bespoke Italian supercar manufacturer best known for its racing heritage has always used its efforts in Grand Prix, Grand Touring and most recently Formula One to aid in the development of its production cars. Highly praised systems such as adaptive damping, which first appeared on the Mondial T, allowed traditionally harsh-riding cars to be more forgiving.

The F1 sequential gearbox first used in the F355 F1 and now available in many Ferrari and Maserati products allows for quicker gear changes than an average human's capabilities, while general advancements in

Crossdrilled CC discs proudly displayed through new three-piece alloys. (Photo: Ferrari North America)

engine technologies and drivetrain developments have raised the performance bar in the exotic segment.

The latest of such Ferrari road car advancements is the marque's ceramic braking system found in the Enzo supercar. A total of 349 of these critically acclaimed supercars accelerate, corner and brake better than any rival made since the Enzo went out of production. Up until this time, only a few specially built Porsche 911s and the new Carrera GT, plus a select handful of Mercedes-Benz AMG products feature carbon-ceramic brakes. While the braking technology is considered to be the best stopping force around, resistant to wear, tear and high heat, durable, lighter, stronger and better in every way than conventional metal discs, they're extremely expensive. But this won't be an issue for 575M buyers who want their car to perform to the utmost of its capabilities.