To the Ferrari faithful, the introduction of the 1997 550 Maranello was cause for celebration. This car is the performance leader among Ferrari's "volume" sports cars. Its best lap time at the Fiorano test track is some three seconds faster than that of the F512M. The 550 Maranello marks a return to classic Ferrari form\emdash a berlinetta (coupe) powered by a V12 engine driving the rear wheels. The company sums up the 550 Maranello as, "Performance at no compromise." In recent years, Ferrari has made significant improvements in the quality, reliability and drivability of its cars. In particular, ergonomic improvements include an 8-way adjustable driver's seat. Styled by Pininfarina, the shape of the 550 Maranello is thoroughly modern, yet it incorporates traditional Ferrari styling cues, especially those of the highly acclaimed Daytona coupe of the early 1970s.
The 1997 Ferrari 550 Maranello is available as a single model. The newest Ferrari is powered by a 5.5-liter 48-valve V12 engine that puts out a whopping 485 horsepower. The powerful V12 can propel the 550 to almost 200 mph, and the huge ventilated Brembo brakes combined with a 4-channel anti-lock brake system (ABS) can assuredly bring it back to a standstill. The interior is like that of a luxury car, featuring dual airbags, leather trim, an adjustable steering wheel, an 8-way adjustable driver's seat, automatic air conditioning, and a Sony AM/FM stereo with CD changer. Rounding out the sleek Pininfarina-designed exterior are 18-inch magnesium alloy wheels.