The 550 Maranello proves that the balance between “perf” and luxury really can be achieved
A conflict, or indeed the conflict, that has always been existent in the world of sports car construction is finding a way to build something that is performance-oriented while not sacrificing too many of the “creature comforts” that lend themselves to a “pleasurable” driving experience. Ferrari continued the tradition behind this balance with their first front-engine car since the Daytona, the 550 Maranello and its Spyder version, the 550 Barchetta.
With the introduction of the 550 Maranello in 1996, we saw a phase in Ferrari history and development where the automaker came-to-grips with their own age. Their first front-mounted, 12-cylinder car since production of the 365 GTB/4 Daytona ended in 1973,1 the 550 Maranello reintroduced a classic, front-engine/rear-drive layout that was advantageous where it “lacked” in the eyes of some Ferrari enthusiasts. But the layout was beneficial to the dynamics of the car because it eliminated the previous need for long amounts of tubing to the cooling system, a demand previously placed by the Testarossa family’s rear-to-mid engine platform. The front-motor layout also eliminated the need for side-mounted radiators with side vents, or “strakes,” another key characteristic of the Testarossa and its updated successor, the 512TR.2
In the Maranello’s development, Ferrari tried to build a supercar that produced the same “driving emotions and exciting performance” as most cars of the same price/performance class, but without sacrificing “driveability and comfort.” In fact, Antiquecar.com, an online forum and magazine for the collector car enthusiast, observes that the 550 Maranello is unique in the sense that it doesn’t force its driver to “bend themselves into Bavarian pretzels” just to climb into the cab. The magazine also points out the Maranello’s strengthened sense of luggage space, along with other cues that pay close attention-to the “quality of life on board.”3
With its 5.5 liter, V12 up front, the 550 Maranello puts out 485 BHP at around 7,000 Rs, with 419 foot-pounds of torque at 5,000 Rs. The reason for this torque-heavy output on the bottom end is because of the V12 motor’s dual overhead-cam profile, along with a 48-valve (4 per cylinder) powertrain that allows for optimal airflow. But the real pinnacle of the Maranello’s performance, as with nearly every Ferrari, is at the top end, and the 550 car is reported to have been documented at a top speed of 199 miles per hour.4
With Ferrari, we often see a two-fold world, a world stuck between aesthetic and outright high-performance brute. The 550 Maranello then, upon introduction, must have caused a certain sense of confusion among motoring enthusiasts, because it’s a high-end sports car with a V12 in it, but with enough luxury to accommodate even the most discriminating of the Italian automakers’ highest-dollar clientele.
- Sal Alaimo Jr., (3/3/11) S. J. A.
