Positioning:
The Ferrari 550 Barchetta represents the pinnacle of open-top grand touring performance for its era, catering to a discerning clientele seeking exclusivity and exhilarating driving dynamics.
Competitors:
Competed against other limited-production, high-performance luxury convertibles such as the Aston Martin DB7 Volante and Bentley Continental T.
Design Philosophy:
Blends classic Ferrari GT styling with a modern interpretation of a barchetta concept, emphasizing a pure driving experience.
Exclusivity:
Limited production run further enhances its desirability and collector status.
Engine Operation:
Details on V12 engine operation, lubrication, cooling, and ignition systems.
Transmission Operation:
Information on the manual gearbox, clutch operation, and differential.
Chassis And Suspension:
Overview of the suspension system, steering, and chassis components.
Braking System:
Description of the ABS braking system, brake fluid specifications, and pad wear indicators.
Electrical System:
Details on battery, charging system, lighting, and onboard electronics.
Interior Features:
Operation of climate control, infotainment, power accessories, and safety restraints.
Exterior Features:
Operation of convertible top mechanism, lighting, and body panels.
Pre Drive Checks:
Essential checks before starting the engine, including fluid levels and tire pressure.
Driving Operation:
Guidance on starting, shifting, braking, and parking the vehicle.
Maintenance Tasks:
Instructions for basic maintenance such as checking oil, coolant, and tire pressure.
Troubleshooting Basic:
Guidance on common dashboard warning lights and their meanings.
Tire And Wheel Care:
Information on tire pressure recommendations and wheel nut torque.
Depth:
Comprehensive owner-level information, covering operation, basic maintenance, and system identification.
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated V12
Displacement:
5.5 Liters (5473 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
85 mm x 80 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.1:1
Valvetrain:
DOHC, 4 Valves per Cylinder
Horsepower:
550 PS (543 bhp / 405 kW) at 7000 rpm
Torque:
608 Nm (448 lb-ft) at 5000 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Premium Gasoline (98 RON)
Crash Safety:
Specific crash ratings are not widely published for such low-volume exotics, but construction emphasizes driver protection.
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
ASR (Anti-Slip Regulation) Traction Control System
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger Airbags
Seatbelts:
Three-point Inertial Reel Seatbelts with Pretensioners
Audio System:
Factory fitted Ferrari or Alpine audio system with CD player.
Navigation:
Optional factory navigation system may be present on some models.
Performance Aids:
ASR traction control, ABS braking.
Connectivity Features:
Basic connectivity, typically focused on audio system integration; no modern Bluetooth or USB connectivity as standard.
Oil Change Interval:
Annually or every 10,000 km (6,200 miles), whichever comes first.
Major Service Interval:
Every 20,000 km (12,500 miles) or 2 years.
Engine Oil Type:
API SG/SH/SJ or higher; SAE 5W-40 Synthetic
Engine Oil Capacity:
12.7 Liters (13.4 US Quarts)
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze, 50% mix with distilled water
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 High-Performance Brake Fluid
Transmission Fluid Type:
Refer to manual for specific API GL-4 or GL-5 specification, SAE 75W-90 or 75W-140 synthetic gear oil.
Common Wear Items:
Clutch wear, exhaust system components, suspension bushings, and potential for minor electrical gremlins typical of older exotics.
Maintenance Importance:
Regular and specialized maintenance is crucial to preserve the performance and longevity of this high-performance V12 engine and its complex systems.
Manufacturer Legacy:
Ferrari has a long and storied history of producing high-performance sports cars and Formula 1 racing cars, synonymous with luxury, speed, and motorsport success.
Predecessor:
The 550 Maranello was the coupe predecessor to the 550 Barchetta.
Design Inspiration:
A Pininfarina-designed open-top variant of the 550 Maranello, inspired by classic barchetta racing cars.
Production Period:
2001-2005
Production Numbers:
Limited to 448 units worldwide.
Manufacturing Location:
Maranello, Italy
