550 Maranello, the long range drive

agp22 · 11-23-2008, 06:24 AM

Having traveled often on long road trips with various cars throughout Europe, driving non-stop for over 12-15 hours, I have experienced all sorts of comfort/discomfort, thrills and what not.

I have spent countless hours driving top Mercedes, Jaguars, Porsches and other great cars on long journeys.

Having used the 550 on trips that ranged into 5 hours, I didn't really know what to expect on this long trip that brought me to meet the Ferrarilife friends for FLED 1 in northern France.

I put about 8.000 km on it in the course of a bit over one week.

This goes to say that I spent several hours driving it, loaded with suitcases with gear for two persons for ten days (it's amazing the quantity of bags one can actually fit in that car), with various types of weather, but mostly cruising at reasonably high speeds (in the region of 230/240 Kmh).

The first thing you realize is that you tend to get much earlier than you would have thought to wherever it is you are going.

I thought I would feel uncomfortable after a while, but that never happened.

On the last sector, I drove it non-stop for 10 hours (except for fuel and sandwiches). The car was always as willing and able, the noise is perfectly muffled and yet clearly audible, the climate control works fine and once you get the hang of it, you can keep the cockpit very comfortable.

The suspension transmitted all the trust one requires keeping the car firmly in place under any driving circumstances, and does not "break your bones".

The brakes were always there, no fade, no jitter even under "emergency" actuation.

The instant power that manifests once you step on the accelerator, regardless of the speed you are driving at, is simply "from another planet".

The racer breed that it emanates is so bold, that you tend to forget your are hauling so much weight altogether.

The downside (for me), you will not go unnoticed anywhere.

In short, the greatest race-bred Grand Touring car I have experienced, and I recommend it.

Bart · 12-15-2008, 08:37 AM

It is nice to drive it on a long trip.

viscount aero · 01-03-2010, 12:49 PM

can't wait to take mine on a long road trip; the road beckons

JazzyO · 01-03-2010, 11:59 PM

Hey agp22, we haven't heard from you in a long time. Hope you're doing well.

Onno

agp22 · 01-04-2010, 05:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JazzyO

Hey agp22, we haven't heard from you in a long time. Hope you're doing well.

Onno

Doin' fine JazzyO, doin' fine. But VFB though...
Happy new year

agp22 · 01-10-2010, 03:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by viscount aero

can't wait to take mine on a long road trip; the road beckons

You have PCH heading North to SF, I'm sure you'll love it.

Good luck!

JazzyO · 01-10-2010, 08:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by agp22

Doin' fine JazzyO, doin' fine. But VFB though...
Happy new year

Good to hear, happy New Year to you and yours!

Onno

11-23-2008, 06:24 AM	#1
agp22 Owner Elite Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Ferrari Life Posts: 364	550 Maranello, the long range drive Having traveled often on long road trips with various cars throughout Europe, driving non-stop for over 12-15 hours, I have experienced all sorts of comfort/discomfort, thrills and what not. I have spent countless hours driving top Mercedes, Jaguars, Porsches and other great cars on long journeys. Having used the 550 on trips that ranged into 5 hours, I didn't really know what to expect on this long trip that brought me to meet the Ferrarilife friends for FLED 1 in northern France. I put about 8.000 km on it in the course of a bit over one week. This goes to say that I spent several hours driving it, loaded with suitcases with gear for two persons for ten days (it's amazing the quantity of bags one can actually fit in that car), with various types of weather, but mostly cruising at reasonably high speeds (in the region of 230/240 Kmh). The first thing you realize is that you tend to get much earlier than you would have thought to wherever it is you are going. I thought I would feel uncomfortable after a while, but that never happened. On the last sector, I drove it non-stop for 10 hours (except for fuel and sandwiches). The car was always as willing and able, the noise is perfectly muffled and yet clearly audible, the climate control works fine and once you get the hang of it, you can keep the cockpit very comfortable. The suspension transmitted all the trust one requires keeping the car firmly in place under any driving circumstances, and does not "break your bones". The brakes were always there, no fade, no jitter even under "emergency" actuation. The instant power that manifests once you step on the accelerator, regardless of the speed you are driving at, is simply "from another planet". The racer breed that it emanates is so bold, that you tend to forget your are hauling so much weight altogether. The downside (for me), you will not go unnoticed anywhere. In short, the greatest race-bred Grand Touring car I have experienced, and I recommend it. ... racing, it's life. Anything that happens before or after is just waiting... (Steve McQueen / Le Mans)

12-15-2008, 08:37 AM	#2
Bart Owner Join Date: May 2002 Location: Orange County, Calif. Ferrari Life Posts: 1,644	It is nice to drive it on a long trip. 12 cylinders or walk

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

01-03-2010, 12:49 PM	#3
viscount aero Owner Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Los Angeles, Ca Ferrari Life Posts: 390	can't wait to take mine on a long road trip; the road beckons

01-03-2010, 11:59 PM	#4
JazzyO Owner Elite Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Jersey, Channel Islands Ferrari Life Posts: 4,289	Hey agp22, we haven't heard from you in a long time. Hope you're doing well. Onno