2002 Ferrari 575M Maranello F1
The launch of the 575M Maranello marks a new milestone for one of the most successful types of Ferrari designs – the sporty front engine 12-cylinder berlinetta. It follows in the footsteps of some of the most prestigious models in Ferrari’s history and above all represents a significant development of the 550 Maranello, which was launched in 1996 and is unanimously recognised as one of the most successful Ferraris ever.
The engine is described by the new numerical code, 575, an abbreviated indication of its capacity, increased to 5,750cc, offering a significant increase in both power and torque. The letter M, an abbreviation of “Modificata” or modified, underlines the fact that changes have been wrought to all areas of the model’s performance. Key amongst these, apart from the engine is the introduction of an F1 type gearbox, first time on a 12 cylinder Ferrari road car. The 575M is the ultimate two-person GT car available today, embodying all the technology, style and panache that Ferrari has at its disposal.
Styling
The goal of the 575M’s styling was retention of the elegant balance and appearance that invested the 550 Maranello with the status of an instant classic, fitting in perfectly with Ferrari’s return to a front engine high performance car. Modifications were limited to those required by the technical changes: different shape and size for the air intakes in the new front end of the car, with refinement of the aerodynamic and fluid-dynamic efficiency and a new treatment for the front spoiler providing negative lift and improved cooling for the new engine. The air intake on the bonnet did not change shape, but it too is larger in size to match the greater demands of the engine. Finally, the light clusters have been redesigned to produce a new aesthetic, with colour-coded headlamp bodies and grey surround, combined with xenon technology for the dipped beam, with headlamp washers in relevant markets. The wheels also feature a new design.
Aerodynamics
In terms of aerodynamics, the 575M Maranello represents the state of the art of applied Ferrari research in front-engined cars achieving targets of constant vertical load on the wheels, minimal sensitivity to side winds, and minimal drag. The increased demand for cooling made it necessary to increase the air flow inside the car and to re-examine the aerodynamics of the underbody, which was modified to introduce new raised channels that generate load but make the car insensitive to changes in ride set-up. Every detail of the underbody was analysed with care to generate the desired load and to decrease resistance. The ultimate optimisation focused on the air flow around the wheels, and special small fairing elements were introduced at the front and rear. All these changes maintain the already excellent values of aerodynamic efficiency, in spite of the new engine’s need for increased cooling.
Bodywork
The bodywork adopts the criteria of a classic front-engined two-seat Ferrari berlinetta. The car is built around a tubular steel frame to which the light aluminum alloy coachwork is welded with Feran. Consistent with the aerodynamic features, all apertures have been styled for efficiency and beauty. Fixed, integrated homofocal light clusters were designed to improve lighting, airflow, and wind noise. Foglights are similarly incorporated into the front bumper and the door windows are flush with the body work, and fitted with an automatic device for better all-round sealing.
Chassis
The frame of the 575M Maranello is welded from varied-section high tensile steel tubes. Torsional rigidity is 10,850lb-ft/degree, and flexional rigidity is 69lbs/inch. The highest standards of handling necessitate a strong chassis. The frame’s design benefits from Ferrari’s many years of racing experience and also guarantees total engineering safety in terms of unitary construction. The safety features are outstanding, particularly with regard to the strong central cage and protective peripheral elements constituting a high energy absorption system. Ferrari meets or exceeds the strictest safety standards. The light alloy fuel tank, protected by its inter-axle position, holds 27.7 US gallons and immersed fuel pumps.
Engine
The 65° V-12 engine in the 575M Maranello retains four overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, the block, heads and oil tank and the dual-filtered dry sump lubrication system of light alloy, with two scavenge pumps and one sender pump, separate reservoir and individual radiators of its predecessor. The objectives for the new V12 engine in the 575M Maranello were to increase both the power curve as well as the torque. It now has a maximum power output of 515bhp (379 Kw) at 7250 rpm and maximum torque of 434lb-ft at 5250 rpm (588.6 Nm) with an increase in mid-range torque of 11lb-ft between 1000 and 4000 rpm, when compared to 550 Maranello. These increases in performance across the board have been achieved through a variety of modifications applied to the motor, amongst which are a new crankshaft, ultra-thin pressed steel cylinder liners, a compression ratio raised to 11:1, improved cam timing, and revised forged aluminum alloy pistons. New fluid dynamics for the intake system improve efficiency, while a new exhaust system features variable back-pressure for optimal engine response. The cylinder head cooling system improves reliability despite the significant increase in performance.
A new Bosch Motronic injection system with double processor unit and four-sensor knock control system relies on signals from four accelerometers positioned on the crankcase, each capable of detecting the start of knock in each of the three adjacent cylinders, and making the necessary reduction in ignition advance to prevent any damage to the engine. Eight Lambda probes monitor the air-fuel mix in all operating conditions.
Transmission
The optimum weight distribution – a 50-50 split between the axles, with the driver on-board – has been achieved thanks to a transaxle design featuring a combined rear mounted gearbox and differential unit with conical torque and autolocking differential in the same unit. The gearbox architecture includes three bearings for the two shafts to limit deformation due to the transmission of very high torque, and a six-speed system with new multi-cone synchronisers. The synchronisation was completely revised and upgraded to guarantee shorter change times at high speed. Because the car’s top speed has been raised, the cooling system of the lubrication circuit has been carefully calibrated, starting from the aerodynamics of the external air intake on the wing to the larger coupling of the duct with the transmission oil radiator. Great attention was paid to the lubrication of every transmission component, especially those under greatest stress, the shafts and bevel gear pair, reducing losses due to leaks and incorporating dynamic oil level measurement to optimise losses due to motion vibration.
Optional F1 transaxle
The 575M Maranello is the first road-going Ferrari fitted with the electro-hydraulic “F1″ control unit. Aside from the clutch, the entire system is mounted at the rear of the car to minimise response time and ensure a favourable operating temperature. The F1 gearchange on the 575M Maranello has been refined in order to produce maximum efficiency from the use of the manual levers mounted on the back of the steering wheel, giving the best response for sports driving. The driver has two main ways of changing gear manually via the console-mounted controls: a more sporting setting and one aimed at a more relaxed driving style. Both are linked to an analogue control of the suspension damping. The principal benefits of the F1 change on the 575M Maranello are a quicker gear change coupled with control of the damping when gears are selected. Along with the manual F1 change, which Ferrari has produced as the primary use of the electro-actuated transmission, there are two further driver-selectable settings: fully automatic and low grip. A third mode (super fast), is automatically activated at very high throttle angles and speeds, changing gears faster than is possible with a conventional gearbox.
The co-ordinated management of the F1 gearbox setting, combined with the dampers and traction control, allows the driver to select a directed strategy for the cars behaviour at the touch of a button. One may choose either maximum sportiness (Sport setting) or outstanding comfort (Regular setting). An electronic control unit identifies the demands of the driver and assesses the operating conditions of the vehicle via a series of sensors, and then manages gear changes, controlling the clutch (there is no clutch pedal), gearbox and engine torque directly. The adoption of the Fl gearbox on the 575M Maranello is particularly noteworthy because of its ability to manage the extremely high torque and power peculiar to Ferrari 12-cylinder engines, a goal that required the detailed, precise fine-tuning of the F1 gearbox to match the characteristics of the new car.
The F1 control system improves on the following aspects of a conventional gearbox:
- Speeds up gear changes both up and down, and even allows the driver to change gears while accelerating it allows gear selection without removing ones hands from the steering wheel
- Improves the efficiency of the entire action because of the elimination of the clutch pedal
- Promotes safety by preventing driver error
- Protects the transmission and engine from over-revving caused by incorrect gear changes.
Co-ordinating operation of the F1 gearchange system with the damper system control also makes it possible to limit pitching during gear changes, increasing traction and maintaining a correct aerodynamic ride set-up. The Fl device keeps the driver constantly informed about the state of the system and the gear engaged via a special multiple signal cluster located at the centre of the main instrument panel.
Suspension
Unsprung weight of the 575M Maranello has been safely lightened yet further, to provide exact steering and perfect control of the car in all conditions, especially in those necessitating excellent overall dynamic balance. One of the major factors on the car’s road-holding is the new adaptive set-up, based on a system of independently controlled damping at all four corners of the car. The system selects the ideal ride height for any condition, with two choices: Sport, which is selected for a more sporting ride, improving traction, and Comfort, which gives a more comfortable ride, absorbing road bumps. The 575M has four wheel independent suspension with a transverse parallelogram structure and triangular arms, aluminum gas dampers with coaxial coil springs, and anti-roll bars front and rear.
Brakes
A car’s performance is determined not only by its acceleration and stability but also by the quality of its deceleration. Ferrari has further modified the braking system of the 575M Maranello with Brembo, applying methods from Formula 1 to the 4-piston calipers on 13″ front and 12.2″ rear rotors. To cope with the increased performance of the vehicle, especially in terms of avoiding fade and improving response under braking, changes have centred on improving cooling for the brakes with new pad material (Ferodo HP1000;) reduction in brake pedal effort and an increase in the level of assistance from the servo system. The ABS/ASR system has been uprated from version 5.0 to 5.3
ASR
As with the rest of the Ferrari range, the electronic traction control of the 575M can be set between normal and Sport. The new Maranello offers a unique driver-adjustable dynamic stability control system. Depending on the selected mode, the system intervenes by cutting off the torque delivered by the engine, or, coordinated by the ABS system, braking the two rear wheels independently. It is the first driver-controlled active anti-wheel spin system. The mode selection complements the suspension damping setting, giving the driver total control of the car’s lateral and longitudinal dynamics.
Wheels
The unsprung weight has been optimised in the following way: the ABS/ASR sensors are integrated into the wheel bearings and the weight of the tires and rims has been reduced. These changes have seen the weight of the complete front wheel come down by 4lbs and that of the rear by 2.6lbs. The tires have also evolved and now produce less noise, are longer lasting and perform better in aquaplaning conditions. A new optional tire, suitable for more extreme performance with improved lateral and longitudinal grip, has now been produced in a 19 inch size measuring 305/30 ZR19 at the rear and 255/35 ZR19 at the front respectively. The 575M Maranello is also fitted with tire pressure sensors, which mean that tyre pressures can be checked while the car is on the move, and even when the engine is off.
Interior
The interior of the 575M Maranello has been extensively revised in order to make it more sporty and functional. In keeping with the car’s increased performance, the aim has been to improve the driver’s interface with the car. All the dials have been grouped together in one single pod ahead of the driver, with the information-rich tachometer in the center. The seats are new, with six electronic adjustments and driver position memory. The dashboard and centre tunnel have also been redesigned. The new steering wheel is lighter, with a visible metal structure, and a brushed aluminum horn button and F1 gearbox levers where relevant. The door trims and the style of the interior components.
The more compact facia is complemented by the new instrument layout as well as a console that is shorter in spite of additional storage compartments. The new colour scheme and use of less black leather, contributes to the luminosity and sense of roominess.
The seats are new, with six motorized adjustments and memory on the driver’s side. The upholstery is coordinated with the door panels, also a completety new design featuring lighter more elegant door handles, to create a harmonious environment for the driver and passenger.
The changes have incorporated even the smallest details: the control panel of the climate system now includes other toggle switches and has improved graphics. The rear shelf sports new rubber trims that are both decorative and functional to improve luggage restraint and new belt attachments to increase the loading surface. A number of functional aspects were also improved, such as the new position of the fuel cap and boot release buttons, which now can be operated from outside the car with the door open.
Options
Like every new Ferrari model, the styling, equipment and some practical elements of the new 575M Maranello can he selected by the customer. The Carrozzeria Scaglietti programme, allows them to indulge their personal wishes and individual needs.
In the last few years Ferrari has developed personalisation options offered to customers in four areas, each consistent with its product philosophy its customers’ expectations:
- racing and racing circuits
- exterior and colours
- interior and materials
- equipment and travelling.
The vast choice offered in these areas means that every Ferrari can be custom-built.
The 575M Maranello’s racing personality can be accentuated with new racing seats with carbon frame and leather upholstery, four-point safety harnesses (with a choice of three colours), the “Fiorano handling” package and roll bar that furnishes the interior with carbon fibre elements. Also available are modular 19 inch wheels exclusively designed by Pininfarina with special tires.
For customers wishing to enhance every day use the range of options now include a new high power stereo system with eight speakers and a 200 Watt four channel amplifier with analogue signal processing, and an advanced radio-navigation system (not available in some markets). In terms of upholstery and accessories, customers may choose seats with “Daytona” upholstery, a set of luggage designed by Pininfarina for the boot and the pair of co-ordinated clothes carriers for the rear shelf.
The Carrozzeria Scaglietti programme is so flexible that it can even create a completely new colour from a sample provided by the customer. This extends to the bodywork and every element of the interior from the leather to the carpets or even the top stitching, which can be in a contrasting colour or of a different length and size.
Source: Ferrari
Official Website – www.ferrariworld.com
