2005 Ferrari Superamerica Preview

Ferraris can sometimes be troublesome, as at least one publication with an executive-driven long-term model that spends more time in the shop than on the road can attest. Thus, it was not terribly surprising that after a morning of flawless test runs, the new 2005 Ferrari Superamerica's slick retractable carbon-fiber and electrochromic glass top failed to work before hundreds of assembled reporters at the vehicle's "unofficial" introduction in Los Angeles. Fortunately, Ferrari officials had a sense of humor about the snafu, and the assembled press began drinking tasty Italian wine and soon stopped noticing the problem.

Limited-production Ferraris are nothing new, and with interest waning in the 575M Maranello as loyal buyers wait for the upcoming 600 Imola replacement, the Italian supercar builder has created the Superamerica to spark some interest in the outgoing car.

Penned by Pininfarina and equipped with a unique targa-style, electrochromic glass-panel convertible roof engineered by Leonardo Fioravanti, the Superamerica's driver can select from five different levels of roof tint to control the amount of light entering the cabin. For open-air motoring, the panel slides back, rotates, and stows within view above the rear deck within 10 seconds...when it works. Ferrari calls the roof Revochromic, which makes us think of mirrored sunglasses.