Ferrari are planning to introduce two new limited edition sports cars based on the 575M Maranello next year.

The first of these models to appear, a 'Superamerica', with a folding roof, will be presented at the North American International Motor Show in Detroit on 10th January.

The most notable feature of the Ferrari 575 'Superamerica' will be its folding electro chromatic glass roof developed along the principle of Fioravanti's LF concept.

Initially presented by Leonardo Fioravanti on his Alfa Romeo Vola concept at the 2001 Geneva Motor Show, Ferrari and Maserati have both been working hard to develop the idea for production use on their future drop-top models. It was considered for the Ferrari 430 Spider, while Maserati's next-generation Spyder will incorporate this new technology.

We first revealed that Ferrari was trialing the innovative Fioravanti roof concept back in March this year.

The 100% glazed roof section simply folds back along an axis behind the doors so that it can rest on top of the boot.

Other than for the obvious reason of maximum luggage space at all times, another advantage of the system lies in its simple and light-weight structure. The system can also be used on a rear mid-engined layout.

Ferrari have taken great care to design the bootlid so the roof folds away as unobtrusively as is possible. Once flipped over and secured open, the roof fits smoothly into a recessed section of the bootlid. It then sits snugly up against a raised lip which runs across the car, while on either side, it tucks into the redesigned bodywork which rises on each side to visually envelop the bulky Fioravanti-derived roof actuators.

The prototype of the 575 'Superamerica' with this roof design was presented secretively to a crowd of potential customers during the Pebble Beach Concours d'Élégance on 12 August.
 

Although the presentation was held in a highly secured area, with guards standing on either side of the car, information was provided regarding the car's technical specification and production future.

The electro chromatic glass section has five tint settings, including the possibility for having it 100% opaque. For security reasons, this opaque setting will also automatically feature when the car is parked and locked. Ferrari are presently working out issues regarding dust and debris build up on the glass.

A limited run of 499 examples will be assembled by Pininfarina, priced at around USD $325,000, and all destined for the US market, hence its scheduled unveiling in Detroit.

This close focus in the North American market follows closely in the footsteps of the 612 Scaglietti, the marque's latest 2+2 'Gran Tourer', which was premiered last January at the same show. The 5.75-litre V12 engine will in fact be presented in exactly the same specification as the 612 Scaglietti, producing 540bhp.

Available as an option on the 575 'Superamerica' will be the GTC handling pack, including 19-inch wheels, Brembo CCM carbon-ceramic brakes, uprated suspension, faster F1 gearbox and throatier exhaust note.

The second model based on the 575 M, to arrive later in the year, will be a stripped-out Challenge Stradale version, which will continue the theme of the successful 360 Challenge Stradale, with added styling touches being reminiscent of the successful 575 GTC FIA GT race car.

by James Granger & Edd Ellison