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Ferrari to Produce Open Top 550 Maranello.  One of the world's most spectacular cars, Ferrari's 550 Maranello, is blowing
its top - in a bid to boost sales! The firm will introduce an open-top car, based on the mighty 550, to sell alongside the 360 Modena Spider.
The sensational news, confirmed by Ferrari insiders, means the marque no
longer faces being overshadowed by the Mercedes SLR, currently being developed with McLaren. With a revised tail and a 20mm shorter wheelbase, the still-secret 550 Maranello Spider is said to have
strong overtones of the 275GTS/4 NART Spider and 365GTS/4 Daytona Spider from Ferrari's glorious past. However, with only 200 to 250 cars planned and no wealthy backer, Ferrari did not
have the budget to develop a powered hood. And sources say the Ferrari F50-style manual roof is for emergency weather protection and not suitable for high-speed driving. The body has been stiffened to
make up for the loss of a roof, while the rear suspension has been recalibrated. Otherwise, the Spider is mechanically identical to the coup¥?, with a storming 485bhp from the car's fabulous 5,474cc V12. It
is set to be officially unveiled in the autumn. |
