This is an early 612 with an F133F engine. In 2008, the engine went through major upgrades, along with the chassis, and earned a new type designation of F133H. The F133H was the last of the F133 series engines, which included the F133A for the 550, the F133E for the 575M, F133F for the 612, F133G for the Superamerica, and F133H for the OTO. Except for the F133A, which was 5.5 liters, all the rest were 5.75 liters. Taz Terry Phillips
sidetrack, i have been offered with 2 575Ms which are extremely tempting but i have no idea how good is a 575M, its so cheap that i might get it as a daily and its all less than 10K miles. i know that it has a similar engine like my OTO, but if it shifts much slower than mine, it will be off putting. What should i look for and expect?? Thank u so much.
John- I am prejudiced since I have a 575M, but they are excellent, very attractive Ferraris that have proven to be relatively bullet-proof for maintenance. Same engine and transaxle as the early 612 except for manifold and ECU differences. Minimum shift time for a 575M in Sport is 220 ms (180 ms for HGTC), but that is still way quicker than a manual shifter. I usually drive mine in Normal, except when in a hurry, and use it just like a manual shifter car, so it works fine. Interior is classic Ferrari and very similar to the F430, exept no Mannetino. The performance is nearly identical to the 612, except cornering is usually a bit better because of wider wheels (8.5J and 10.5J vs 612's 8J and 10J) and lighter weight. The Maranellos have gone through heavy depreciation and 575Ms are a really good buy right now. A $250K car for as little as $80K. The best ones (2005 HGTC models with CCM brakes) are ~$120. Plus, they are a modern Daytona and very pretty. Cannot go wrong with one, I believe. No intention of selling mine. Taz Terry Phillips
thanks so much, im worried if its got the same po-going effect like the 612/599 when driving in less enthusiastic mode. The transmission plus soft suspension magnifies the slowlyness of the tranny.
I'm still amazed each and every time I see a video of the production of a Ferrari engine. The overall process from start to finish and sheer attention to detail and use of technology to ensure perfection just blows my mind.
John- If you use the paddles all the time and treat it like a manual transmission, even lifting slightly on upshifts in the lower gears, especially when cold, the car drives very smoothly. I have never tried the Auto mode, so have no idea how well it works. I drive mine in Normal except when in a hurry. Taz Terry Phillips
I hope it's ok to add some of my own experience with the 575 to the discussion you guys are having? I had a 575 that I loved as well, and agree with what Taz has said about using the paddles full time to help dampen the pogo effect they have. I drove mine in F1 mode exclusively as well, and tried automatic mode a couple of times, just to see what it was like. The 575 doesn't pogo at all when it's in auto mode because the computer shifts at such low RPM's. From what I could tell, Automatic mode was programmed to shift through the gears with fuel mileage & clutch wear in mind, since it shifted from gear to gear so quickly in the RPM range. My 575 didn't pogo at all in Sport Mode either. It definitely pogo'd the most, when it was cold and in normal mode F1. This never bothered me, since if I was in normal mode I was usually just cruising around anyway. When I wanted to give it hell, I'd just switch to Sport, & the quickness of the actual shift itself was more than fast enough to eliminate any time the car had to shift it's balance at all. It was a GREAT car, and absolutely beautiful inside & out. The design has really stayed timeless, since the majority of people that would approach me for a peek at the gas station or similar, usually thought the car was a brand new model. They are an unbelievably attractive price right now, especially for what you're getting. I would still have mine if not for an accident back in December that totalled it. I would absolutely buy another one, but I went ahead & took the opportunity to upgrade to the 599. I have to say that I'm surprised, and a little mad to read what John said about the 612 STILL having the pogo issues. I haven't been in a 612, but assumed Ferrari had learned their lesson after having to introduce the HGTE package for the 575 to please their customers having problems with pogoing. The 612 should have never come out with ANY suspension issues after that, but it looks like they had to make mid production changes AGAIN. Knowing that, I'd definitely steer someone toward a nice 575, or maybe even a 550, before telling them to buy a 612.
my 599 had the po-going effect too! im sure u do. but its less so than the 612, i been explained that the V12s has more torque and coupled with a soft suspension the affect is puke inducing to less trained females in my car. it mostly happens around town in cruising mode. I really hate it and it is as bad as the V10 M5/M6s. im sure with the double clutch, this affect will go away, it never is an issue when in full attack mode, but why it sucks so bad when in town driving for a car design to do a little of that baffles me. Im also surprised that u guys didnt think its much of an issue with the 575s however.
John- Mine does not pogo at all in Normal or Sport and I have really not heard any complaints in the 456/550/575M forum about any of those cars. Mine does have the heavy duty Fiorano Handling Package, which includes a steering ECU, larger rear anti-roll bar, and shorter, stiffer springs. These components can be retrofitted to a 575M for about $3000. Taz Terry Phillips
