2005 Ferrari 575 Superamerica Preview

Flipping its Top for Attention

Ferrari convertibles, while beautiful performance machines, are not advanced when it comes to retractable roof mechanisms.

Up until now, Ferrari convertibles lagged behind the competition in terms of retractable roof mechanisms. (Photo: Ferrari North America )

While the competition has evolved to produce systems such as the sliding glass Targa roof on the previous Porsche 911, or Mercedes-Benz's space-saving folding hardtop, Ferrari has yet to advance from the simple electrically-folding fabric soft top. Model year 2005 marks a new era for Ferrari and its convertibles, as it is to introduce an innovative roof system for the front-engined 575 Superamerica.

The new Ferrari convertible is named after custom-designed Ferraris produced during the 1950s and 1960s, specifically designed with American markets in mind. The 575 Superamerica is the natural successor to the stylish and trendy 210, 400 and 410 models of the

The 575 Superamerica, specifically designed with American markets in mind, is the first vehicle in the world to feature the Fioravanti-designed 'Revochromico' convertible roof. (Photo: Ferrari North America)

past, but for one particular point - the new model is a convertible, whereas all previous models were fixed-head coupes.

The 575 Superamerica is the first vehicle in the world to feature the Fioravanti-designed 'Revochromico' convertible roof. The panel itself is comprised of electrochromic treated glass framed in carbon fiber. The electrochromic glass panel allows the driver to control the amount of light entering the interior via five separate tint settings from transparent to opaque black. At the touch of a button, the panel can go from light to dark in under a minute. The panel also rotates around the car's B-pillars, turning the Berlinetta body into a convertible in just 10 seconds.