The 550 Maranello is Ferrari's up to the minute interpretation of the great front engined V12 berlinettas of the last century. The 550 has been built in the great Ferrrari tradition and does not concede anything to driveability and comfort.

The 550's aerodynamics was shaped in the wind tunnel. The hours of testing have made sure there is minimum drag and a constant vertical load on the wheels regardless of the car's set up. The body was designed by Pininfarina who, once again, has produced a great sports car that is low and wide with a cut off tail. Styling details include the air intake which is positioned low and incorporates the foglights at either end. The two hot air outlet bays in the front fender, between the door and wheel arch, are a design reference back to the great front end Ferraris such as the 250GTO. The rear end of the car has been left simple, it rises in the middle where a small spoiler links it to the roof. The tail includes the characteristic Ferrari double lights.

The 550 is laid out in a classical way with the engine in the front, powering the rear wheels. The 50 engine is a 12 cylinder , the chassis is a tubular steel frame with the light aluminum bodywork welded to it, and the gearbox is positioned at the rear for better weight distribution. The whole thing runs on low pressure cast magnesium wheels which are controlled by independent suspension. This suspension incorporates shock absorbers that have both normal and a sports setting that can be changed between by the driver with a flick of a switch on the dashboard. The ZF rack and pinion steering comes with Servotronic speed sensitive power steering. The fuel tank holds 30 gallons and is formed from a light aluminum alloy.