FACTfile - Ferrari Superamerica – Page 2
Engine and Transmission
The Ferrari Superamerica is based in the most prestigious 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. 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 540 hp at 7250 rpm (25 hp more than the 575M Maranello). This extra power was achieved by the use of new higher intake tracts, an improved flow coefficient thanks to the optimization of the fluid-dynamic characteristics of the cylinder head inlet ducts and inlet manifold.
Similarly, the new exhaust system design reduces backpressure. The Superamerica has a transaxle layout featuring a six-speed gearbox with multicone 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 F1a mode.
Chassis and Bodywork
The Ferrari Superamerica chassis is based on the 575M Maranello with additional structural reinforcements for maximum rigidity. Adopting 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 skins of which are now I 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 chose 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 deeper rumble, red brake callipers, and CCM (Carbon Ceramic Material) brake discs (398 mm front and 360 mm rear).
Ferrari Essentials
Facts & Figures and Brief History of Marque.
FACTfiles
Get our in-depth reports on individual models
Features
Alfa Romeo have been happily selling diesels for years in Europe - they even outsell their petrol-engined cars. But this is the first diesel from Alfa for the Australia market - what will Australia make of it?
Features
The Ferrari 308 is a true classic: if you grew up watching Magnum PI then you'll certainly recognise the 308!
Wallpaper
Whether for inspiration - or just for love - we're sure you'll find the perfect car to adorn your computer screen here - as long as it's Italian
Features
Fiat, Alfa, Maserati, Ferrari, Lancia, Lamborghini – the classics, the latest and the hottest they all came to Canberra. See our photo mega pack featuring all photos from the day.
