While Ferrari increased the size of the already awesome
V12 engine to 5748cc, it is the Formula 1 derived transmission
for which the 575M Maranello is most famous, as this was
the first road going car to be equipped with the technology.
New design 18-inch alloy wheels were used, while much work
had gone into incorporating subtle changes to reduce drag
and generate more downforce. The 65-degree, DOHC, 48-valve, V12 engine was reworked
not only to enhance power but also to spread torque evenly
across the rev range.
The light alloy V12 developed an awesome 515bhp
at 7250rpm while churning out 588.6Nm of torque at 5250rpm.
More importantly, the engineers were able to better spread the torque
band, making the engine far more tractable.
Amoung the other important features of the 575M was the new rear transaxle, which provided an optimum 50-50 split between the axles. The transmission was fitted with a new electro-hydraulic
F1-type control unit mounted at the rear of the car in
order to minimise response time.
Performance figures quoted by the manufacturer indicated
a claimed 324 km/h top speed and a zero to 100 km/h time
of 4.25 seconds, making it the fastest and quickest front
engined car then in production.