Ferrari 575 M Maranello (about $215,000; final prices will be set soon)

By : Michael Frank

The "M" in the new 575 M Maranello stands for "modified," with an increased displacement of 5.75 liters, versus the 550 Maranello, which was, of course, 5.5 liters. The engine is still up front, still one of the prettiest sounding V-12s you will ever get to hear, but shifting can now be made via a Formula 1-style paddle unit that resides behind the steering wheel. Power is up to 515 horsepower, 0-60 times have dropped to four seconds and top speed is up to 202 miles per hour, if you're in a very big hurry.

But whenever and wherever you drive the new 575 M, it will be a bit more "intelligent" than the 550, thanks to an adaptive suspension that not only reacts to potholes but, based on the overall road conditions, will also raise or lower the ride height of the car so that suspension travel is optimized for either a sport or comfort setting. And by the way, having been in the 550, we can tell you that this was already a remarkably civilized car, given the amazing performance capabilities.


No shifter here, just winged levers behind the steering wheel.

The newest Ferrari 575 M also gets bigger brakes and tire-pressure monitors, so you can stop more easily should you be driving even faster. And in case you're driving too fast for the pressure in the tires, the car will warn you to back off and go get some air.