The Ferrari 575M is essentially an updated 550 Maranello featuring minor styling changes from Pininfarina. The 575M was replaced by the 599 GTB in the first half of 2006. Updates from the 550 included a renewed interior, but with substantial improvements mechanically, including bigger brake discs, a larger and more powerful engine, a different weight distribution, refined aerodynamics and fluid-dynamics and an adaptive suspension set-up (the four independent suspensions are also controlled by the gearbox, to minimize pitch throughout the 200-milliseconds shift time). Two six-speed transmissions were available, a conventional manual gearbox and, for the first time on a Ferrari V12, Magneti Marelli's semi-automatic 'F1' gearbox. The model number refers to total engine displacement in litres, whilst the 'M' is an abbreviation of modificato ("modified"). The Ferrari Superamerica is the open variant of the Ferrari 575 M Maranello. The Ferrari 550 Maranello was also an open variant, namely the 550 Barchetta. The appearance differed little, except for one important element: the old spyder still had a conservative roof construction, namely a canvas soft top, while on the Superamericea the roof was said to be "Revocromico". This roof, patented by Fioravanti, is one of a kind. The principle is simple: the glass roof hinges at the C-pillar so that it lies flat at the rear of the boot when open. It is therefore not a real spyder, but rather a particular type of targa. This is not the first time that Ferrari has used the Superamerica name. In the 50s and 60s, it was the name of the extremely exclusive and fast versions of Ferrari. These did not have the 3 liter V12, but often V12s with a displacement of around 5 liters. Specifications Bodywork Length: cm (in): 455 (179.1) Width: cm (in): 193 (76.2) Height: cm (in): 128 (50.3) Wheelbase: cm (in): 250 (98.4) Weight: kg (lb): 1690 (3726) Mechanics. Displacement: V12 5748 cc (351 cu in), front-mounted Valve gear: 48 Fuel system: Bosch Motronic injection Gearbox: 6-speed, semi-automatic Driven wheels: rear-wheel drive Left hand drive Maximum power: 532 hp at 7250 rpm Maximum torque: 589 Nm at 5250 rpm Maximum speed : 320 km/h (199 mph)