- Powerful 5.5-litre V12 engine
- Grand Tourer dynamics
- Supportive front seats
- High maintenance costs
- Heavy, long-travel clutch pedal slows gearshifts
- Relatively light steering
Overview
Released in September 1997, the Ferrari 550 was initially available as a two-seat coupe (the 550 Maranello), with a limited-run Barchetta convertible following in July 2001. Manufactured in Maranello, Italy, the rear-wheel drive 550 was powered by a 5.5-litre V12 petrol engine that was mated to a six-speed manual transmission.
The 5.5-litre V12 petrol engine had double overhead camshafts (per cylinder bank), a variable length intake manifold, four valves per cylinder, dry-sump lubrication and a compression ratio of 10.8:1. The 550 Maranello could accelerate from rest to 100 km/h in 4.4 seconds and had a top speed of 320 km/h.
Compared to its Ferrari F512 M , the 550 Maranello was 70 mm longer (at 4550 mm), 41 mm narrower (1935 mm), 142 mm taller (1277 mm) and had a 50 mm shorter wheelbase (2500 mm). The 550, however, had a transaxle layout whereby the six-speed transmission was positioned just ahead of the rear axle. The 550 had independent suspension front and rear with double wishbones, coil springs, anti-roll bars and electronically-controlled dampers.
| Body | Variant | Years | Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coupe | Maranello | 1997-02 | 5.5-litre petrol V12 | 6sp man. | 357 kW at 7000 rpm | 569 Nm at 5000 rpm |
| Convertible | Barchetta | 2001-02 |
Safety equipment
Standard safety equipment for the Ferrari 550 included dual front airbags, ABS and traction control.
Brakes
The 550 had 330 mm ventilated front and 310 mm ventilated rear disc brakes; the 550 was also fitted with a limited slip rear differential.
Features: Ferrari 550
Standard features for the Ferrari 550 Maranello included 18-inch alloy wheels with 225/40 ZR18 front and 295/35 ZR18 rear tyres, a six speaker sound system with CD player, climate control air conditioning, power adjustable front seats, leather upholstery, cruise control, front fog lights, remote central locking, power windows and mirrors, a tilt adjustable steering wheel, driver’s seat memory settings and an immobiliser.
Although the 550 Barchetta was supplied with a soft-top roof, it was recommended only for temporary use and for speeds below 110 km/h.
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