Fiorano pack on 575 - is it really a must have?

[Sneak]

I've test driven a few 550's and a 575 in my hunt and I've heard conflicting views (from people trying to sell me their cars) about the value of the FHP. From what I understand, the car sits lower on harder springs and has a brace in the engine bay-is there more to it?

Is it a must have as the boys on Top Gear insist or is this only if you mean to track the car seriously - even though it doesn't strike me as a regular track car...?

I understand why there's a price diff for cars with and without (was a £11k option) but is it worth waiting for the right car with the pack and paying the extra?

[MogulBoy]

Was tghe FHP really as much as £11k?

Not sure, but perhaps you are confusing the FHP with the HGTC pack that was available on the last 575s that included ceramic brakes???

[Obiwonkeyblokey]

I ahve a 575 without the pack and find it great for everyday use. When I first got it I thought about adding the pack but at 10k (ish) it seemed too much. If I had aspirations to track the car then I would have searched for a 575 with the pack, but for the road it suits me absolutely fine.

Others views may differ however. Either way its a fantastic car for the money at present. Good luck with the search.

[F355GTS]

It wi certainly help for resale, and sorted out a lot of body movement particularly under braking

(from evo) it comprises 15mm lower and stiffer springs, together with software changes to the ECUs controlling the dampers and steering. Red brake callipers and harder pads complete the upgrade

Cost was circa £2,200

[Andyt25]

Yes a must have..my brother in law has had 2 575 and the one with the FHP was def the better drive...more focused but still a great road car.

[Need For Speed]

I think it's a must have. If I was in the market for a 575, I wouldn't buy one without it.

[paulqv]

you should also read the reviews of the 575 as compared to the 550. My recolection is that some car magazines thought the 575 had changed quite a bit from the 550 in handling terms for the worse. The later handling packs were alleagedly to redress that balance?
Think it was EVO and Car reviews on this?

[NoelWatson]

paulqv said:

you should also read the reviews of the 575 as compared to the 550. My recolection is that some car magazines thought the 575 had changed quite a bit from the 550 in handling terms for the worse. The later handling packs were alleagedly to redress that balance?
Think it was EVO and Car reviews on this?

And Autocar. They tested the 575 in the 2002 handling test (without handling packs), and it came near last

[JohnGR]

I drive the 575 F1 (with the handling pack), it is superb!

The original 550 v 575 critique correctly claimed that the ride in the early 575's had been 'softened' for the US/Californian market and as a result produced a lesser vehicle than the 550.

The early road tests of the 575 F1 also highlighted the rather 'clunky' paddle shift which did not get enthusiastic reviews from hardcore drivers wedded to the view that the full Ferrari experience should require a skilled manual gear change technique from the driver!

The handling pack fixed the ride. I have driven a car without it, it is not 'essential' but is VERY recommended. If only for resale don't buy a car without it.

The F1 gearbox has been (I have been told) significantly enhanced in later cars (post 2002) by software improvements. (Someone more knowledgable than me will be along shortly to confirm or contest that assertion!). The elitist view that you are not a 'proper driver' if you choose a paddle shift over a full manual has also become a lot more muted as more 360/430 and especially Strad/Scud models have impressed on road and track. I would say the F1 box makes driving a 575 a pleasure everywhere. If your an open roads and track enthusiast you might choose to stick with a manual box. I suspect you will also save youself £££ over a few years.


John R