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2005 Ferrari Superamerica
The Ferrari Superamerica combines stunning Ferrari 12-cylinder berlinetta performance with a highly original, innovative take on the ever-versatile convertible.
The Superamerica is the first production car to adopt an innovative rotating roof which transforms it from a coupé to a convertible in just a few seconds. Derived from the 575M Maranello, the
Superamerica is available with either an F1-style or manual gearbox, and is fitted with the latest development of the classic V12 engine which produces 532 bhp. Thanks to the electrically operated rotating roof,
which incorporates electrochromic technology, the Superamerica is the world's fastest convertible berlinetta with a top speed of 199 mph.
The exclusive and unmistakably Pininfarina-designed Superamerica is produced in a limited series, just like the cars from the 1950s and '60s it's named after.
Styled by Pininfarina, the Superamerica retains the beautifully balanced proportions typical of Ferrari's V12 berlinettas, cleverly integrating the model's unique Revocromico™ roof. This
innovative feature integrates seamlessly with the car's lines thanks to the two side buttresses, a styling cue taken from some of Ferraris most classic models. The buttresses also provide roll-over protection along
with the roof structure itself.
Muscular curves characterise the whole rear section of the new Ferrari Superamerica and the car's sporting stance is further enhanced by the standard 19" split rims equipped
with Bridgestone Potenza RE050 tyres.
The Superamerica is just as exclusive inside as out with meticulously handcrafted leather trim and carbon-fibre detailing specific to this model. Additional on-board
storage space has been included, with a number of oddments holders as a well as a special compartment behind the seats. Clients may also opt to have the rev counter in either Rosso or Giallo.
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The Ferrari Superamerica's most important feature is the Fioravanti-patented rotating roof. Called the Revocromico™ roof to highlight its unique rearward rotating movement and electrochromic
glass technology, the supporting structure is in carbon-fibre.
Once the roof catch has been released, the Superamerica converts from a coupé to a drop top in less than 10 seconds. When opened, the roof folds
back and rests flush with the boot lid, while the rear window doubles as a highly effective wind deflector.
Another advantage this solution offers is that, even with the top down, the boot capacity is
unaffected. The boot can also be opened regardless of whether the top is up or down.
For owners who plan to use the car with the top down for extended periods, a special all-weather tonneau cover is
available which can easily be fitted.
The use of electrochromic glass for the Superamerica's rotating roof is a first in the automotive industry. The roof is around one square metre in size and the tint of
the glass can be modified using a 5-position switch located on the central tunnel.
In fact, the electrochromic glass, manufactured in collaboration with Saint Gobain, contains special electrochemical cells
which give a range of five different tint levels. At the very lightest setting, the amount of light coming into the cockpit is the same as a conventional glass sunroof, while at the very darkest setting only 1% of
solar rays filter through. It takes just under 60 seconds for the glass to go from the darkest to the lightest setting. When the engine is turned off, however, the glass automatically reverts to its darkest setting
to protect the cockpit.
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The Superamerica's engine is based on the most classical of all Ferrari's layouts – the V12. It features a 65 degree vee architecture with twin overhead cams per cylinder bank and four valves per
cylinder and the crankcase, cylinder heads and sump are all in aluminium alloy. In finest Ferrari tradition, the V12 also adopts a dry sump lubrication system.
The Superamerica's engine has been boosted to
deliver 532 bhp at 7,250 rpm (24 bhp more than the 575M Maranello). This extra power was achieved by the use of new higher flow intake tracts, an improved flow coefficient thanks to the optimisation of the
fluid-dynamic characteristics of the cylinder head inlet ducts and intake manifold. Similarly, the new exhaust system design reduces back-pressure.
The Superamerica has a transaxle layout featuring a
six-speed gearbox with multi-cone synchronisers. With regard to the F1-style gearbox, the introduction of the latest generation electronics not only makes for faster gear changing times in the manual Sport mode
(down to 180 ms), but also smoother automatic shifts in F1 A mode.
The Ferrari Superamerica chassis is based on the 575M Maranello with additional structural reinforcements for maximum rigidity. Adopting the innovative rotating glass roof in fact called for stronger
sill members, reinforcements in the chassis tubes around the central tunnel and A-posts, the external skin of which are now in steel rather than aluminium. The rear buttresses add to the structural reinforcements
carried out around the roof mechanism, while the rear firewall has been strengthened and additional bracing added around the transaxle area.
The Ferrari Superamerica's roadholding has been fine-tuned by
adopting active damping with four proportional-valve shock absorbers and six accelerometers. The system "reads" the road surface and adapts the damping almost instantly to suit. The driver can choose from two
settings: Sport and Comfort, which govern not only the damping but also the traction control and the F1 gearbox logic.
On request, the Superamerica can be fitted with the GTC Handling package which includes
a more sporting suspension set-up, a lightweight sports exhaust with a deeper rumble, red brake callipers, and CCM (Carbon Ceramic Material) brake discs (398 mm front and 360 mm rear).
As with all Ferrari models, the Carrozzeria Scaglietti Personalisation Programme allows clients to specify additional options for the Superamerica. The four areas covered by the Programme are: Racing
and Track, Exterior and Colours, Cockpit and Trim; Equipment and Travel. The Racing and Track area includes the GTC Handling package, but carbon-fibre racing seats can also be specified.
With regard to
Exterior and Colours, owners can supply their own colour sample that we will endeavour to match, or have Scuderia Ferrari shields mounted on the wings.
There is just as much freedom of choice for the
interior trim and travel options. For instance, clients may opt for Daytona-style seats with perforated inserts, a satellite navigation system, and even an exclusive four-piece luggage set tailored to fit neatly
into the Superamerica's boot.
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