The Ferrari Superamerica 45 was meant to be the successor to the 599 GTO, commissioned by New York based property developer, Peter S. Kalikow. The car was specified by Kalikow, celebrating 45 years since he first became a client of Ferrari[1]. It has exactly the same body as the Ferrari 599 GTO but the engine has been turbocharged. It was publicly displayed for the first time in Concorso d'Eleganza Villa D'Este on the shores of Lake Como in Italy on May 20, 2011 after fifteen months in the making.
| Superamerica 45 | |
|---|---|
 Ferrari Superamerica 45 at the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este 2011 | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Ferrari |
| Model years | 2011 |
| Designer | Pininfarina |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Supercars |
| Layout | FMR layout |
| Doors | 2 |
| Related | Ferrari 400 Superamerica S1 Pininfarina Cabriolet |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 6.0 L V12 |
| Transmission | Paddle Operated 6 speed Semi-Automatic |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 98.4 in |
| Length | 179.1 in |
| Width | 76.2 in |
| Height | 50.3 in |
Specifications
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Engine
editThe V12 Ferrari Superamerica 45, is based on the Ferrari 599, but includes a turbocharged engine, which has a 6.0 L engine 680 PS (500 kw; 670 bhp) and a torque of 620 Nm[2], achieving 0-60mph in approximately 3.3 seconds and a top speed of 208 mph (approx. 334 km/h)[3].
Transmission
editVery much alike to other contemporary Ferrari cars, Ferrari Superamerica 45 has the traditional 6-speed manual transmission as well as Ferrari's 6-speed "F1 SuperFast", operated by paddles behind the steering wheel[4].
Carbon Ceramic Braking Systems (CCBS) are used in the vehicle with the front calliper measuring 353 x 33mm and rear calliper measuring 328 x 28mm. Braking systems are controlled by an intelligent software that holds an internal memory, which computes real life feedback from road conditions and react smoothly in a fraction of second.
Design
editStyled internally and engineered by Ferrari's Special Project Division, unlike the 599 SA Aperta (convertible version of the 599), which has the cloth roof, the Ferrari Superamerica 45 features its carbon-fibre rotating hard roof[6] that does not restrict top speed. This design improves the aerodynamic efficiency and brings protection against the sideways of rain[3]. The roof of a basic 599 has a peak above the passengers' heads, however, the roof of Superamerica 45 is flattened and lowered requested by Kalikow[7]. Also, Kalikow wanted the roof to be hidden when it was hidden. The Ferrari team introducedthee integrated rear spoiler to fulfil his requests[7]. The whole body of the vehicle is finished in an exclusive Blu Antille paint (which matches 1961 400 Superamerica Cabriolet in Kalikow's collection), including the alloy wheels with a contrasting shine to the spokes.[8] Instead of metallic finish for the rear buttresses, the Ferrari Superamerica 45 also has them coloured in the Blu Antille paint. The front splitter, side skirts, rear diffuser are painted in dark blue to make contrast. There are also a unique chrome grille and twin air vents in the front fenders, glossy aluminum-trimmed A-pillars, exterior mirrors and door handles[9].
The interior of the vehicle consists of Cuoio (deep beige) leather trim and Blu Scuro (dark blue) carbon-fibre details on the dashboard. A latest-generation touch-screen infotainment system is also included[9].
Side notes
editThe Superamerica 45 made its public debut at Villa d'Este in May 2011, however, it was not yet officially delivered. The car owner, Kalikow, pin-pointed several details that need to be changed before the car is really ready. The changes were the lining on the roof, which are most likely to be changed to the same deep beige leather as the interior[4]. Furthermore, neither Kalikow nor Ferrari announced the price of the vehicle.
References
edit- ^ Ronny (2011, May 20). Ferrari superamerica 45 at villa d'este. (Article) Nikeride. Retrieved April 2 2014
- ^ Fastestlaps.com. (2011). Ferrari superamerica 45 lap times and specs. Retrieved April 2 2014
- ^ a b R. Reid (2011, May 23). "Ferrari Superamerica 45 one-off special edition is for bosses only" cnet.com. Retrieved April 2 2014
- ^ a b Sport Cars and the Concept. (2011, May). 2011 Ferrari sport cars superamerica 45. Retrieved April 2 2014
- ^ FerrariFiorano. (2006). Ferrari 599 gtb brakes. Retrieved April 2 2014
- ^ D. Mihalascu (2011, May 20). Ferrari's One-off superamerica 45 special drops its top at villa d'este. (Video). Retrieved April 2 2014
- ^ a b J. Barlow (2012, May 3). One on one. Ferrari Magazine. Retrieved April 2 2014
- ^ Brake Banzeen. (2011, May 19). Ferrari + america = ferrari superamerica 45. Retrieved April 2 2014
- ^ a b G. Kable (2011, May 19). Ferrari superamerica 45: One-off 599 created for wealthy american customer. Autoweek. Retrieved April 2 2014