This car is Ferrari's range topper, and replaced the F512M (the last variant of the Testarossa from 1984). Since the Boxer was introduced in 1973, the top of the range Ferrari has been mid-engined, but with the Maranello Ferrari has gone full circle and gone back to a front engined, rear wheel drive format. Introduced in 1996, the Maranello is named after Ferrari's own private test track, where much of the development of it's F1 and road cars takes place.
It has a 5.5 litre V12, which produces 479bhp, and 419lb/ft of torque. This propels the car to a top speed of 199mph and it goes from 0-60mph in 4.6 seconds. A fast car indeed!
The interior has only 2 seats, (unlike the similar Ferrari 456, which has an additional pair of small rear seats), and is trimmed in Connolly leather. It also has the traditional Ferrari chromed gate around the gearlever. The exterior styling is not to everybody's taste, as some do not consider it to be dramatic enough for such a high performing Ferrari. From some angles it can actually look like a big Japanese sports coupe, which when compared to the far out styling of the Lamborghini Diablo is a bit tame. Having seen one in the flesh though, I can certainly say it has incredible street presence, and looks good!
UT Models make this model, and it is not too bad. They improved the model later on by adding detailed brake calipers and discs (which this car lacks) which greatly improve it's looks. In total, 4 model companies have made the 550 in 1:18th, Maisto, Bburrago, UT Models and Mattel (Hotwheels) and in my opinion, the UT version is the best. Currently (2001) the Mattel version is the only one available, as since 1999 Mattel have had the exclusive rights to build models of Ferrari's. The interior on this model looks good, and the engine detail is OK (like many UT's, the engine is not a separate piece, but rather part of the chassis mold) and as mentioned, this particular one does not have detailed brakes. The paint finish and general quality of the model is very good however, and it gets 6.5/10 marks.
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