Ferrari 575M Maranello

Ferrari 575M Maranello
The M is for Modificato. And, boy, was the already glorious 550 Maranello modified to transform it into the 575M Maranello.

The V12 powerplant's capacity was increased to 5748cc. It now makes a mighty 515bhp at 7,250rpm. Yes, it's beaten by a Murciélago, but it is some 55bhp up on the more comparable Aston Martin Vanquish, with which it has more in common.

The 575M can be had with an F1-style sequential manual gearbox controlled by steering wheel paddles or the more traditional six-speed manual, complete with its 'clack-clack' polished metal gate.

Computer-controlled damping and an adjustable traction control system give the 575 incredibly high limits of adhesion, and the optional Fiorano handling pack enhances this still further.

That said, it's still a big and heavy car - it will never feel quite as pointy or nimble as a 360 Modena or as dramatic as a Lamborghini Murciélago or Pagani Zonda C12S.

Nonetheless, the Ferrari 575M Maranello is fast beyond your wildest dreams, being capable of 0-62mph in just 4.2 seconds and with a top speed on the sunny side of 200mph. This is a genuine supercar and make no mistake about it.

The fact that it's also light and easy to drive when you're not 'pressing on' and is plushly appointed inside, with plenty of luggage space, just adds to the car's appeal.