2000Ferrari550Ferrari 5502000 Ferrari 550 MaranelloCoupeCoupeRWDItalyThe 550 Maranello carries over unchanged for the 2000 model year.Legendary V12 engine design, luxurious interior, stunning looksHeavy for a performance car, 360 Modena offers superior performance for less money.Introduced to the U.S. market in 1997, the 550 Maranello was an instant hit with both the Ferrari faithful and the general American public, due in no small part to its striking appearance. As a replacement for the outgoing 512M, itself an evolution of the '80s icon, mid-engine Testarossa model, the 550 signaled a return to Ferrari's legendary V12/front-engine/two-seat design philosophy that had endeared earlier models, such as the Daytona and 275 GT, to fans of the prancing horse. This time around, Ferrari had lofty goals in mind for their highest-performing GT car. Specifically, they wanted a car that could meet the driving needs of their most demanding customers while simultaneously providing a level of comfort and convenience previously unavailable in a Ferrari. Named after the town from which all Ferraris originate, the 550 Maranello combines high-tech luxury features with a powerful 480-horsepower V12 engine to create the ultimate Gran Turismo car. The Bosch Motronic fuel injection system feeds into a four-valve-per-cylinder head while low-end engine bits, like titanium connecting rods and forged aluminum pistons, contribute to light weight and durability. Power travels to the rear wheels via a six-speed transmission that is operated by a classic Ferrari gated shifter, topped by an aluminum knob. This transmission is incorporated into the rear differential for improved weight distribution. Riding on a high tensile steel tube frame, the 550 sports such performance aids as speed-sensitive steering, adjustable suspension (with settings for normal and sport), Brembo four-piston brake rotors with four-channel ABS, stability control, and lightweight, five-spoke 18-inch wheels with Z-rated tires. But, as stated earlier, performance is only part of the 550 equation. Creating an environment of pure bliss, even when lap times aren't a primary concern, meant addressing luxury and comfort issues as well. The Maranello answers with eight-way adjustable seats (five of which are even power!), a tilt/telescoping steering wheel, bright analog gauge displays, and automatic climate control with sun radiation sensors for improved accuracy. Behind the seats is a large shelf with room for golf bags and even leather straps to keep them from scuffing the interior panels during high G turns. A trunk-mounted CD changer is standard, as are automatically sealing windows for an airtight cabin at triple-digit speeds. Yes, the 550 Maranello offers performance to impress the yacht club guys and convenience to keep the better half happy. Better yet, for 2001 there's going to be a limited production run of ragtop 550s. But if the performance aspects of a Ferrari interest you more than luxury accoutrements, keep in mind that a 360 Modena stickers for $50,000 less than the Maranello while offering superior performance. 2Unlimited2Unlimited2UnlimitedNANANA12NAV12480 hp @ 7000 rpm419 ft-lbs. @ 5000 rpm179.3 in.76.2 in.50.3 in.3726 lbs.98.4 in.NANANANANANANANANAStandardStandardOptionalStandardNot AvailableStandardNot AvailableRating = Not TestedRating = Not TestedNot TestedNot TestedNot TestedNot TestedNA8 mpg / 13 mpgInsurance costs can vary greatly for this vehicle, depending on such factors as driver age, driver gender, teenage drivers in the household, driving records, theft loss data for your particular geographic region, miles driven per year, and other widely variable factors. Additionally, some companies charge a premium for certain makes and models, while others do not.N/A$203,8007.35%$1,350$6,400No Holdback550 MARANELLO (6M): 5.5L V12 DOHC MPFI 48-valve engine; premium unleaded fuel required; engine oil cooler; 30 gal capacity fuel tank; 6-speed manual transmission with overdrive; rear wheel drive; limited slip differential; 4-wheel drilled ventilated disc brakes with 4-wheel antilock braking system; selectable drive control system; power rack-and-pinion steering with vehicle speed sensing assist; front independent suspension with triangular arms, aluminum gas dampers, coaxial coil springs and anti-roll bar; rear independent suspension with triangular arms, aluminum gas dampers, coaxial coil springs and anti-roll bar; driver selectable suspension settings; driver's and passenger's power remote body-colored heated exterior mirrors; front foglights; magnesium alloy wheels; P255/40ZR18 front tires, P295/35ZR18 rear tires; automatic climate control with sun radiation sensors; tinted power windows with automatic opening and closing feature for optimum sealing; AM/FM stereo, cassette, trunkmounted 6-disc CD-changer; power door locks; analog instrumentation; driver's and passenger's airbags; driver's and passenger's side airbags; anti-theft system with engine immobilizer; rear window defroster; seating capacity of 2, front bucket seats, driver's seat includes 8-way direction control; power lumbar support; Connolly leather interior, full carpet floor covering, aluminum gear shift knob; leather-wrapped steering wheel with tilt and telescopic adjustment; rear storage shelf with leather straps; tool kit and car cover.