12.01.2005 The 17th North American International Auto Show taking place this week, bigger, bolder and more important than ever, has seen the debut of the Ferrari Superamerica, the world's fastest convertible

The 17th North American International Auto Show in Detroit is taking place this week. Bigger, bolder, and more important than ever before, the USA's premiere automotive event has seen the debut of the Ferrari Superamerica, which takes its place as the world's fastest convertible berlinetta.

The Detroit Motor Show, actually started in a 'Belles Beer Garden' way back in 1907, when 33 vehicles from 17 carmakers were informally presented. Now in its 89th year, the last 17 of those being accorded with 'international' status, this motor show has in recent years grown very rapidly in stature.

This year car giants from across the globe have once again chosen the Detroit Motor Show to unveil a raft of new and important models, right in front of what is the world's most valuable marketplace.

The US giants have all made a big splash over the last two days as they bid to outdo each other on their home turf. Ford have a whole host of new cars on show, from the tough-looking SYN US to the unique Fairlady, as arch-rival General Motors unveil two cutting-edge new concepts, the GM Sequel and GMC Graphyte, that contrast with two out-and-out new performance machines, the Corvette Z06 and Cadillac STS-V. Meanwhile, Chrysler have weighed in with the twin HEMI-powered Jeep, and new production Dodge Charger, both these vehicles bigger and bolder than ever before.

From Europe, the German prestige marques are taking the this motor show more seriously than ever before. Mercedes-Benz have revealed the new M-Class, VW presented the new Jetta, Porsche unveiled a new 911 Convertible, BMW stormed in with the new M5, while Audi are offering the Allroad 'Quattro' concept. Other European big hitters include the brand new Jaguar sports coupe concept, and the powerful new Range Rover 'Sports'.

In the Japanese corner Lexus led the way with the LF-A 'super sports car' concept, while at the other end of the scale Nissan have revealed the AZEAL, a sharply styled, entry-level coupe concept. Honda have taken the wraps off their first US-targeted pick-up, while Mazda have weighed in with an SUV 'crossover' concept.

Into this heady mix comes the three Italian sports car manufacturers: Ferrari, Maserati and Lamborghini. Ferrari, never wishing to be outdone by anyone, have presented in public, for the first time, the 'Superamerica', a 575 M derived sportscar, that offers a unique glass folding roof system, as well as giving the mid-size, V8-engined, 360 Modena-replacing F430, its North American debut.

Emphasising just how important Ferrari regard the North American new car market, this is the second consecutive year that the Maranello-based marque have presented a model at the show for its 'World Premiere'. Last year in Detroit it was the turn of the 5.75-litre V12-powered 2+2 'Gran Tourer', the 612 Scaglietti.
 

The 17th North American International Auto Show taking place this week, bigger, bolder and more important than ever, has seen the debut of the Ferrari Superamerica, the world's fastest convertible

The Fioravanti-patented rotating roof concept allows the Superamerica driver to electrically drop the top in 10 seconds flat, making it the world’s fastest convertible berlinetta (320 Km/h top speed)

The 17th North American International Auto Show taking place this week, bigger, bolder and more important than ever, has seen the debut of the Ferrari Superamerica, the world's fastest convertible

The 17th North American International Auto Show taking place this week, bigger, bolder and more important than ever, has seen the debut of the Ferrari Superamerica, the world's fastest convertible

The 17th North American International Auto Show taking place this week, bigger, bolder and more important than ever, has seen the debut of the Ferrari Superamerica, the world's fastest convertible

The Pininfarina-designed Ferrari Superamerica combines Ferrari 12-cylinder berlinetta performance with a highly original, innovative take on the convertible concept


The brand new Pininfarina-designed Ferrari Superamerica combines Ferrari's usual 12-cylinder berlinetta performance capability, with a highly original, innovative take on the convertible concept.

The Superamerica is the first production car to adopt an innovative rotating roof movement in combination with electrochromic technology developed exclusively for glass surfaces of these dimensions, with Saint Gobain.

The Fioravanti-patented rotating roof concept allows the Superamerica driver to electrically drop the top in 10 seconds flat, making it the world’s fastest convertible berlinetta (320 Km/h top speed).

Derived from the 575M Maranello, the Superamerica is available with either an F1-style or manual gearbox. Its big 12-cylinder engine has been boosted to deliver 540 hp too. The new car can also be fitted with the GTC Handling package which offers Ferrari’s very latest high-tech features including carbon ceramic brakes.

The Superamerica’s unusual electric roof has been dubbed Revocromico, to highlight the unique combination of its rearward rotation movement and use of electrochromic technology.

It has a carbon-fibre structure and the boot capacity remains unchanged whether the roof is open or closed too. The glass rear window also acts as a highly effective wind deflector when the roof is open.

The use of electrochromic glass means that the driver can completely control the level of light entering the cockpit. There are five tint levels available and the glass can go from dark to light in under a minute, at the touch of a button.
 

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10.01.2005

For Ferrari, 2005 opens with two important debuts at the Detroit Motor Show: the 'World Premiere' of the new Superamerica, designed by Pininfarina, and the US launch of the F430