anybody have a 575 superamerica? | FerrariChat

anybody have a 575 superamerica?

Discussion in '456/550/575' started by ross, Aug 30, 2007.

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  1. ross

    ross Three Time F1 World Champ
    Owner Silver Subscribed

    Mar 25, 2002
    37,973
    houston/geneva
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    Ross
    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?
     
  2. synchro

    synchro F1 Veteran

    Feb 14, 2005
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    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?
     
  3. ross

    ross Three Time F1 World Champ
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    Mar 25, 2002
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    houston/geneva
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    what do people think of this model? there are times when i like it and others when i dont...
     
  4. davelor

    davelor Karting

    Aug 2, 2006
    158
    Vancouver, BC
    Full Name:
    David Loretto
    its my favroite ferrari model of all time the perfect all-round car
     
  5. SonomaRik

    SonomaRik F1 Veteran

    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
     
  6. arnaget

    arnaget Formula Junior

    Nov 4, 2003
    553
    New York
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    Jason
    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.
     
  7. SonomaRik

    SonomaRik F1 Veteran

    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?
     
  8. carguyjohn350

    carguyjohn350 F1 Rookie
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    Mar 7, 2007
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    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?
     
  9. Qksilver

    Qksilver F1 Rookie
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    Feb 11, 2005
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    Electrochromatic I believe. Google is your friend!
     
  10. arnaget

    arnaget Formula Junior

    Nov 4, 2003
    553
    New York
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    Jason
    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.
     
  11. Finitele

    Finitele Formula 3

    Sep 26, 2007
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    DIR

    bump,
    great question, can any owner please to say?
     
  12. 575SA

    575SA Rookie

    Mar 10, 2007
    5
    Nashville
    Full Name:
    Karl M Frisch
    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.
     
  13. SonomaRik

    SonomaRik F1 Veteran


    Thanks, good info.

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

    tmario Formula Junior

    May 11, 2004
    337
    New York
    Full Name:
    Mario
    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
     
  15. SonomaRik

    SonomaRik F1 Veteran

    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
     
  16. bbshriver

    bbshriver Karting

    Feb 11, 2008
    121
    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..
     
  17. SonomaRik

    SonomaRik F1 Veteran

    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]
     
  18. bbshriver

    bbshriver Karting

    Feb 11, 2008
    121
    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 :D
     
  19. 134282

    134282 Four Time F1 World Champ
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    Aug 3, 2002
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    Carbon McCoy
    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.
     
  20. darth550

    darth550 Six Time F1 World Champ
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    Jul 14, 2003
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    Awesome! I learned another new car word...kinda like "Farfegnugen". :)
     
  21. Qksilver

    Qksilver F1 Rookie
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    I always thought it was electrochromatic.
     
  22. 134282

    134282 Four Time F1 World Champ
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    The glass is, indeed, electrochromic glass. But the roof for the Superamerica is called Revochromic, a patented name dubbed by Ferrari.
     
  23. Qksilver

    Qksilver F1 Rookie
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    #23 Qksilver, Feb 15, 2008
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
  24. 134282

    134282 Four Time F1 World Champ
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    LOL, I don't know.
     
  25. synchro

    synchro F1 Veteran

    Feb 14, 2005
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    ROFL
     

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