Car of the Day - Ferrari 575 GTC

Car of the Day - 2004 Ferrari 575 GTC

Ferrari had obviously been watching privateers develop their 550 into a successful GT Racer and decided to enter the picture with their own GTC version of the 575.

Starting in 2001 with the Prodrive 550 and continuing on in 2003 with the Italtecnica built cars, the front engine V12 Berlinetta was having great success in international GT Racing, a class win at LeMans in 2003 a highlight.

The Ferrari 575 GTC (c-compitizione) Berlinetta was built for to meet FIA GT and GrandAm championships rules. The GTC is basically a new car with a tubular spaceframe chassis with composite body panels. Weight and aerodynamics are obviously two of the main ingredients of a successful competition GT car and Ferrari spent a considerable amount of time in the wind tunnel. The GTC gets a flat underbody and rear diffuser that meets FIA/ACO regulations. There is also an adjustable front spoiler and split rear wing with Gurney flap. Overall weight has been reduced to 1150 kg (2,530 lbs)

The engine also received extensive modification starting with a increase in stroke to take the displacement from 5748 cc to 5997 cc. Changes to cam timing and the Marelli engine management plus the addition of FIA regulation 31.8mm restrictors resulted in an increase in power to 600 bhp.

Several gear options were available for the sequential 6-Speed Gearbox with the longest option delivering a theoretical top speed of 335 km/h (208 mph).
The gearing for Monza allows an effective top speed of 288 km/h (179 mph) and that for Estoril 270 km/h (168 mph). A triple plate carbon fibre clutch assembly is attached to the sequential box

Double wishbone suspension is found on all four corner with adjustable damping, adjustable anti-roll bar and anti-dive geometry at the front. Front and rear track have both been increased Brakes are by Brembo with 6-pot callipers at the front and 4-pot callipers at the rear.

The 575 did not meet with as much success as the privateers 550’s however it was still a formidable race car. Race record and individual car histories will be developed as further parts for this car of the day.

Rod Halligan