Ferrari 550

Never one to divert any money or resources away from their F1 supremacy, Ferrari never offered full factory support to any of its models in the FIA GT series. But Prodrive of Great Britain were up for the challenge, and carried the flag for the Prancing Horse through the life of the 550, by building the cars themselves to meet FIA regulations until 2004 when they were contracted by Aston Martin. By moving the position of the engine slightly lower and further back than in the production car, Prodrive was able to achieve a better weight distribution. The screaming V12 was strengthened and liberal use of carbon fibre throughout the car help reduce the weight down to FIA standards. All together, it proved a powerful package, and sure to always be near the front of the pack. The 550 will be seen upfront in almost all races, with good brakes and sharp turn in. The high revving V12 can cause some trouble on corner exit, but be smooth and the car will drive like its on rails as you reach the high top end. Tire wear is on the low side, and a smooth driver can dominate on pit strategies by conserving the tires. Note that the Wieth 550 is reduced on horsepower. - Jerry Chen, Enis Dauti