Back in 2002, Ferrari brought out the 575M, which followed the 550 Maranello that had been around for about six years. That “M” at the end? It means modificato – yeah, that’s Italian for “modified” – highlighting how Ferrari really went to town on changing a bunch of stuff in it. The designers kept a lot of the original looks, sure, but they didn’t leave the engine, transmission, or driveline untouched; those got some serious reworking.
Even though it’s essentially a 550 with a facelift, as far as looks go, that facelift is why some 575s produced later kind of felt outdated compared to newer models around. Funny enough, though, nowadays that “outdated” look actually works in its favor. There’s barely any difference in used market prices between the 550 and 575M, but since the 575M’s a younger model, you’re more likely to score one with low miles in solid shape.
Honestly? If it’s got an automatic transmission, you’re looking at around $100,000 for a decent 575 Maranello. And that’s a steal, considering how the 575M really does outdo the 550 across the board.
Ferrari 575 Maranello Review
Powertrain and Performance
The Ferrari 550 and the Ferrari 575M Maranello F1 seem close at first glance, but they each bring a unique flavor to the table. The engine’s a big deal between them. And while some might think the 575M is just the 550’s engine slightly bulked up, it’s actually a completely refreshed, modernized powerhouse. You could say it’s like a classic rock song covered by a modern band, keeping the soul but adding a fresh, fierce beat. The 575M’s 5.7-liter V12 isn’t just stronger; it feels more awake, more alive, with 515 hp and 434 lb-ft of torque, ready to surge forward at any second. The 575M comes with the F1-style gear shift as an option. It’s actually the first time we saw a car meant for regular roads using this kind of tech on a V12 engine.
Even if the 575M’s quicker, it’s not breaking records. A 4.2-second sprint from 0-60 beats the 550 by only 0.2 seconds, and sure, it cuts a couple of seconds off the 550’s Nurburgring lap time with an 8:05. Now, don’t get me wrong, those numbers matter, but any driver going for the 575M isn’t counting tenths of seconds as they do for the F430. They’re chasing something else, that thrill you feel in the pit of your stomach when you hit the gas.
But, the Ferrari Maranello 575 does outpace the 550 in all the ways that feel right. Top speed? 205 mph versus the 550’s 199 mph — and that’s not nothing. Ferrari’s never one to skip over details, either, dropping a little weight here and there to trim the 575M’s heft down to 1,730 kg. Still, it’s no featherweight, but every ounce counts in making a car feel just that bit sharper. In the end, the 575M isn’t just a faster supercar; it’s a whole new feeling on wheels.
Exterior and Interior Styling
When we look at the Ferrari’s design, it is clear that Ferrari’s goal was to hold on to that classic balance without getting too flashy. They didn’t go overboard—changes stuck to what was essential for the technical tweaks under the hood. The front air intakes? They’ve been reworked into a shape that pulls in just enough extra air for cooling the engine. Then there are the Pininfarina-designed headlights, color-matched to the car with a gray frame, using high-end xenon lights.
The 575M Maranello’s interior got a full overhaul—the dashboard, the center tunnel, all of it. The gauges? All bundled in a single cluster directly in front of you, rev counter dead center. It’s also got a fresh steering wheel, new door panels, and a redesigned layout for the interior pieces. And if that was not enough, Ferrari’s Carrozzeria Scaglietti could tweak the look and feel, letting customers decide the features and interior adjustments.
Rarity
The 575M is not particularly a rare car since Ferrari made 2056 (plus 559 Superamerica). However, the 575 GTZ, based on 575 and developed by Zagato, is a rare Ferrari with only 6 exampled produced. That also makes it a pricey prancing horse with auction prices ranging between €880,000 and €1,050,000.
Ferrari 575M Maranello Specs:
- Engine Type – front, longitudinal 65° V12
- Total displacement – 5748.36cc
- Maximum power – 379 kW (515 hp) at 7250 rpm
- Maximum torque – 588 Nm (60 kgm) at 5250 rpm
- Top speed – 325km/h
- Acceleration 0-100 km/h – 4.25 sec or 4.20 sec F1 gearbox
- 0-400 m – 12.30 sec or 12.25 sec F1 gearbox
- 0-1000 m – 22.00 sec or 21.90 sec F1 gearbox
- Price – $60,000 to $200,000 or an average of $450,000 for Superamerica variant
