Extreme Hankering - for a 575M
Discussion
Folks
Never had a Ferrari before (more of a Porsche/Mercedes person - have a couple 911s and an E55 AMG), but I'm getting an extreme hankering for a 575 Maranello. My race mechanic is fettling one for a customer of his and it makes a great noise, and looks utterly fabulous - the most handsome ferrari of the last decade (imho).
Trouble is - there don't seem to be too many about, and the ones I have seen are all flappy paddle. I really want an open-gate manual (for me, one of the most beautiful engineering touches on any car!).
I've a couple fo questions for you folks in the know:
1. Are there many manual examples out there - or are they mostly F1-style?
2. Any major problems/issues with the 575 that I should know about?
3. What are they like to live with - I'll use mine no more than 2-3,000 miles a year - will I get away with one annual service??
Cheers
Never had a Ferrari before (more of a Porsche/Mercedes person - have a couple 911s and an E55 AMG), but I'm getting an extreme hankering for a 575 Maranello. My race mechanic is fettling one for a customer of his and it makes a great noise, and looks utterly fabulous - the most handsome ferrari of the last decade (imho).
Trouble is - there don't seem to be too many about, and the ones I have seen are all flappy paddle. I really want an open-gate manual (for me, one of the most beautiful engineering touches on any car!).
I've a couple fo questions for you folks in the know:
1. Are there many manual examples out there - or are they mostly F1-style?
2. Any major problems/issues with the 575 that I should know about?
3. What are they like to live with - I'll use mine no more than 2-3,000 miles a year - will I get away with one annual service??
Cheers
Maybe consider a 550 - and add the bits neede to make it look / sound / feel like the 575.
My fave mechanic Roberto Grimaldi looks after a few 550s, seem to recall seeing one customer car with the engine updates (single big intake plenum instead of triple) at least.
Whack on a Tubi exhaust and Bob's your disgruntled neighbour!
My fave mechanic Roberto Grimaldi looks after a few 550s, seem to recall seeing one customer car with the engine updates (single big intake plenum instead of triple) at least.
Whack on a Tubi exhaust and Bob's your disgruntled neighbour!
Both are similar but 575 has sharper detailing around the lights, much better headlights, much better interior and fit/finish, which is particularly noticable on the move through lack of creaks/rattles.
Slightly more power than 550 and is epic with a manual gearbox and Tubi. Though on the 550 you also have the option of removing the centre pipe (different design on 575) which will give you pretty much the same power (lots).
Mine had a handling pack, but I dont necessarily subscribe to the myth that it's a bad car without, you need to try one and find out for yourself.
Slightly more power than 550 and is epic with a manual gearbox and Tubi. Though on the 550 you also have the option of removing the centre pipe (different design on 575) which will give you pretty much the same power (lots).
Mine had a handling pack, but I dont necessarily subscribe to the myth that it's a bad car without, you need to try one and find out for yourself.
bqf said:
How many 550's came to the UK??
I am tempted by them, but they don't look quite the same as a 575 - or am I totally wrong?
Must be manual though, so maybe the 550 is the way forward?
Any owners of either want to make a case?
Had both and both are great in their own way, 550 clutch is heavy and gearchange deliberate meaning you tend to live on (ample) torque, 575 (F1) feels much faster, tend to drive it harder as it's so easy to downchange and use all the power. 575 has updated cabin and feels better made (may be subjective)I am tempted by them, but they don't look quite the same as a 575 - or am I totally wrong?
Must be manual though, so maybe the 550 is the way forward?
Any owners of either want to make a case?
If i did it again I'd go 575 F1 everytime
Not been in 575, but had a (very) fast drive in 550. Made my 3200 GT Assetto Corsa (twin turbo + handling kit) seem a bit slow and barge-like. This one had suspension mods "like fiorano handling pack), but standard engine and brakes. Awesome neck-snapping accelleration and braking, doing boy racer style overtaking on single carriage way. Car never felt big or unwieldy ( I was PAX only 
I am totally in love with my 550, have been for 4 years and 47,000kms (30k miles). I have no desire to upgrade to a 575, I actually prefer the looks of the 550 (although minimally different) and power difference is small. I prefer the manual.
It has been an almost totally reliable machine, breaking down once with a clutch pressure group failure (although I did manage the 400 miles back to home) and a replaced ECU.
Annual cost has been a bit less than I had predicted. I've done 1 major, and other than that it's been minor annual services.
Awesome cars. Still quick, practical, and very handsome in my view. One thing that has struck me and continues to surprise me is that this car is still ingratiating itself to me. Demolishing kilometres on the Autobahn last Sunday showed her again doing what she does best: crush continents. I just feel good whenever I drive her.
There is a 458 on the way but the 550 is staying.
Onno
It has been an almost totally reliable machine, breaking down once with a clutch pressure group failure (although I did manage the 400 miles back to home) and a replaced ECU.
Annual cost has been a bit less than I had predicted. I've done 1 major, and other than that it's been minor annual services.
Awesome cars. Still quick, practical, and very handsome in my view. One thing that has struck me and continues to surprise me is that this car is still ingratiating itself to me. Demolishing kilometres on the Autobahn last Sunday showed her again doing what she does best: crush continents. I just feel good whenever I drive her.
There is a 458 on the way but the 550 is staying.
Onno
Thanks for all the replies so far, especially from satisfied owners. Seems that the 550 and 575 each have their loyal devotees!
Genuinely, I really can't decide between the two. I suspect I'll have to drive both, but then I'm not sure there is any noticeable performance difference?
The only thing in the back of my mind is the gearchange - I really think I have to have a manual. The F1 575 (£56k at Lancaster) looks great, but I just can't get away from wanting a manual gearchange - I hate the paddleshift in my E55 AMG - it's always in manual anyway.
Genuinely, I really can't decide between the two. I suspect I'll have to drive both, but then I'm not sure there is any noticeable performance difference?
The only thing in the back of my mind is the gearchange - I really think I have to have a manual. The F1 575 (£56k at Lancaster) looks great, but I just can't get away from wanting a manual gearchange - I hate the paddleshift in my E55 AMG - it's always in manual anyway.
bqf said:
Thanks for all the replies so far, especially from satisfied owners. Seems that the 550 and 575 each have their loyal devotees!
Genuinely, I really can't decide between the two. I suspect I'll have to drive both, but then I'm not sure there is any noticeable performance difference?
The only thing in the back of my mind is the gearchange - I really think I have to have a manual. The F1 575 (£56k at Lancaster) looks great, but I just can't get away from wanting a manual gearchange - I hate the paddleshift in my E55 AMG - it's always in manual anyway.
Once you get properly used to an F1 change you'll wonder why you spent so long stirring a stick Genuinely, I really can't decide between the two. I suspect I'll have to drive both, but then I'm not sure there is any noticeable performance difference?
The only thing in the back of my mind is the gearchange - I really think I have to have a manual. The F1 575 (£56k at Lancaster) looks great, but I just can't get away from wanting a manual gearchange - I hate the paddleshift in my E55 AMG - it's always in manual anyway.
I changed for my 550 to 575 F1 specifically to get the F1 having experienced the CC box in my Wife's Maserati Spyder, which as it happens has to be the worst F1 style box I've ever drivenF355GTS said:
Once you get properly used to an F1 change you'll wonder why you spent so long stirring a stick I changed for my 550 to 575 F1 specifically to get the F1 having experienced the CC box in my Wife's Maserati Spyder, which as it happens has to be the worst F1 style box I've ever driven
Hate to disagree, but I do. I don't like the F1 in the 575 as much as I do the manual in the 550. It's an analog GT (well some electronic systems but a very analog feel to the car) and it's a different drive than a V8 Ferrari. On my 458 order, there is no manual option but if there was, I would still go for the DCT. But for the 550, I prefer the manual. Different type of car, put to different use using a different drive style. I changed for my 550 to 575 F1 specifically to get the F1 having experienced the CC box in my Wife's Maserati Spyder, which as it happens has to be the worst F1 style box I've ever drivenOf course - that doesn't mean that your opinion isn't perfectly valid! It's just the way that I personally feel about the 550/575. I know that many will disagree with me and that is perfectly fine. It's just that you said that once you (meaning anyone) have driven the F1 you won't go back, and I can't agree with that.
Onno
FWIW, this months Glasses Guide shows that the 550 is worth £10400 more at trade value than the 575 manual, and £9675 more than the F1 box. All on [02] reg with 41000 miles. Intriguingly, the 550 has risen by £1000 this month, and the 575 by only £725. As best that can tell, the only other car to rise in value this month is the 911 C4S Targa, but I haven't checked all 1900 pages!
I've had my 550 for 6 years now, and is without doubt the best car I've ever driven. Reliable, fast, nimble, and an absolute dream to own and drive. I wholeheartedly agree with the OP though, manual is the only way to go!
I've had my 550 for 6 years now, and is without doubt the best car I've ever driven. Reliable, fast, nimble, and an absolute dream to own and drive. I wholeheartedly agree with the OP though, manual is the only way to go!
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