anybody have a 575 superamerica?

whats it like? how does the top work? can you feel the extra power? is the gearchange faster than on the regular 575? how is the outward vision top -up, top down?

 

Both 575M SA owners here have remarked that the top opens and sometimes the rear latches do not engage. The solution seems to be that they remove the ignition key and start all over again.
Did Microsoft design the dodgy sunroof locking system?

 

what do people think of this model? there are times when i like it and others when i dont...

 

its my favroite ferrari model of all time the perfect all-round car

 

I am a bit of a fan regarding the 575SA and the 599

Much discussion regarding the viability of the SA in terms of holding value and being a collector type item. That is, will it after dropping in value somewhat be a desirable car none the less.

I feel it will be a sought after car. Last in line of the 575 series with apparently all the 575M features +.

like the Mondial T-Valeo, which is an acquired taste, the SA will be the same but the two will share a rarity and desirability which will make it a keeper. [I'm leaving out F1 vs stick issues]

Problem I see as the same in the Valeo is future maintenance: T's and the Valeo will have very specialized cost issues to maintain.
The SA will have possibly the roof issues which is very expensive.

Here are some specific questions on the SA:
1. Is there currently any roof issues: leaking, hydraulics, electronics?
2. is there a lack of warranty on this roof?
3. is there an issue where the roof will develop those common crystal problems of darkening and lightening where over time it just stays dark: breakdown in the elements.

thanks rik

 

So is the SuperAmerica's roof similar to the Maybach's -- in the sense that it can be electronically darkened or lightened for varying pass-through levels of light? I thought it was just mechanically operable such that one could flip-open/close it.

 

it is electronically darkened and lightened for light screens.

IT goes to total black upon key removal, to automatically lessen the sun's damage to the interior on motor shutdown.

However, I was under the understanding that the Ferrari was the first production car to have this freature. I believe the Maybach was earlier than the SA, SO???? what's the story?

 

So the roof is what they call electroluminescent or something like that right? Can anyone explain the science that makes that work? I am operating under the assumption that it involves electric curent passing "through" the glass some way. If so, I would assume that it would take more power to darken the glass, and if so, I would assume that that would be quite a battery drain when the car is switched off. Maybe I have a faulty understanding.

So as I said, can someone please give a basic explanation of the technical function of this marvel?

 

Electrochromatic I believe. Google is your friend!

 

This is the term used by the manufacturer of the roof.

http://www.open-air-feeling.com/v_teaserpages/te_lichtgestaltung_en.php

<excerpt>

The electrotransparent panorama roof of the new Maybach 62 is one of the most ambitious projects Webasto, as a supplier of vehicle roof systems, has ever completed.

Over just under three years of intensive collaboration with DaimlerChrysler, we have developed a high-tech car roof. This roof incorporates technical features that have never been seen before in the automotive industry. The remit was to satisfy the highest of all demands for comfort and quality. The Maybach roof comprises two fixed glass elements on the skin of the vehicle. Mounted at the front end of the roof is a panel made of safety glass with integral solar generator. At the rear there’s a panel made of safety glass under which there is a sliding headlining and an electrically switchable glass panel. A coffered structure is made of precious wood. It is fitted to the underside of the electrotransparent panel bestows a particularly noble ambience to the rear passenger compartment.

Those clients who the "Chauffeur" version of the Maybach 62, purchase a luxury car with a difference: the glass that extends the entire length and width of the roof.
We have succeeded in implementing a totally new and fascinating concept for the lighting of a car's interior. Its main features: switchable transparency and an illuminated sliding headlining.

 

bump,
great question, can any owner please to say?

 

I have had my SA for 1 year and put 2500 miles on it.
No roof issues - no leaking, no hydraulic issues, no electronic issues.
I know of no warranty available for the roof itself.
Only time will tell about the darkening/lightening - breakdown in elements. Mine shows no indications at this time but I also don't play with the switch much - just leave it dark all the time.
By the way - I have no intention of selling this car - plan on buying a 430 spider and having 2 Ferrari's. Had always in the past traded.

 

Thanks, good info.

dang, one less to search for....[think it to be a keeper, and future investment...but after more depreciation]

 

I purchased mine in the fall and love it. Most settled I've been, automotively speaking, in a long time. Mine has the GTC package and I'm not sure in this car it is necessary. I had a coupe 575 before and it would have been nice, but with this one, I cannot see myself driving on the track with it. I see it as an consummate GT and I'm not sure the extra firm ride suits it. In addition, I'm not sure if this makes sense, but I think the firm setting is not as compatible with the top open (I feel the flex a bit more).

Mario

 

Interesting. The top looks a bit weak in a way to make much of a diff on flex. Somehow one would think the flex to be near same top up/down: Intersting, thanks.
r

 

Were there any SA's made with the regular 6 speed?
The SA is one of my all time favorite cars, but I'm not sold on paddles.... I enjoy the practice, and effort in double clutching, rev matching etc..

 

Yes.

Currently there are two for sale: Ferrari of San Francisco, 6spd and one in Salt Lake from Harris Imports.

http://ferrarisanfrancisco.com/preowned/index.cfm?sFuse=ALT&iVehID=355&CFID=7702813&CFTOKEN=99631845

http://www.ferrariowners.com/cms/public/cmd/ViewSinglePage?code=POPUP_USATO

IMO, I love the color of the FofSF model......matches my 456 gotta have the set [dreaming]

 

I concur on that FoSF color...
Maybe those prices will continue to depreciate, and I'll find a way to make my fortune, and then I can get one!
Love the SA!
Now I have something to dream about again

 

Just as the Challenge Stradale is not the "360 Challenge Stradale", the Superamerica is not the "575 Superamerica". The roof is a "Revochromic" roof, whose name was patented by Fioravanti.

 

Awesome! I learned another new car word...kinda like "Farfegnugen".

 

I always thought it was electrochromatic.

 

The glass is, indeed, electrochromic glass. But the roof for the Superamerica is called Revochromic, a patented name dubbed by Ferrari.

 

AH I see...

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LOL, I don't know.

 

ROFL