Wednesday 24th November 2004

New Ferrari Superamerica launches

575M Berlinetta with trick roof for USA only

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The Pininfarina-designed Ferrari Superamerica, a limited edition model that will premier at the Los Angeles and Detroit Auto Shows next January, combines Ferrari 12-cylinder Berlinetta power with a highly original, innovative take on the convertible concept.

The Superamerica is the first production car to employ an innovative rotating roof movement in combination with electrochromic technology developed exclusively for glass surfaces of these dimensions with Saint Gobain.

The Fioravanti-patented electric rotating roof movement allows the Superamerica driver to drop the top in 10 seconds flat, making it the world’s fastest convertible berlinetta (320 km/h top speed).

Derived from the 575M Maranello, the Superamerica features:

• F1-style or manual gearbox.
• Big 12-cylinder engine boosted to deliver 540 hp.
• Optional GTC Handling package, including high-tech features such as carbon ceramic brakes.

Ferrari calls the Superamerica’s unusual electric roof Revocromico to highlight the unique combination of its rearward rotation movement and electrochromic technology. It has a carbon-fibre structure and the boot capacity remains unchanged whether the roof is open or closed. The glass rear window also acts as a highly effective wind deflector when the roof is open. 

The use of electrochromic glass means that the driver can completely control the level of light entering the cockpit.  There are five tint levels available and the glass can go from dark to light in under a minute, at the touch of a button.

[rambofanso]

Oh dear, I'v gone all weak at the knees again!!
Ferrari seem to have it all right ingredients these days!
That Luca bloke certainly knows what's going to be on the 'Cool' board!

>>> Edited by rambofanso on Wednesday 24th November 10:00

[D-Angle]

Just don't leave the top down in the rain, you'll have two problems - as well as getting the interior wet, when you put the roof up you'll get a bucketload of cold water poured down your back.

[anjum]

I wonder if they've sorted the chronic scuttle shake that the 550 barchetta enjoyed?

I think it looks gorgeous!

[anniesdad]

Very trick indeed. Not as aesthetically pleasing as the Berlinetta, but as it's a V12 'Rari, I'll give it a

>> Edited by anniesdad on Wednesday 24th November 11:05

[Davey S1]

Sorry I would rather the Murcie Roadster to keep in my pad in the south of France

[wedgepilot]

Isn't it technically a targa-top if the rear window is permanently attached...?

Lovely looking car either way

[crbox]

Quote:
The use of electrochromic glass means that the driver can completely control the level of light entering the cockpit. There are five tint levels available and the glass can go from dark to light in under a minute, at the touch of a button. End Quote.

What a crop of sh*t. When was the last time you were pissed off because you glass roof let in too much light.
Manufacturer's can't resist stepping up the ante, when it comes to gadget overload.

[murph7355]

I guess you may feel differently if you lived in Arizona, St Tropez etc...