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Maserati Coupe
| |
| Maserati Coupe/Spyder | |
|---|---|
| Maserati | |
| aka | 4200 GT/Spyder |
| Production | 2002 - (Still in Production) |
| Class | Gran Turismo / Sports Car |
| Body Style | 2+2 Coupe, 2-seat Spyder |
| Length | 178.07 in (169.4 in, Spyder) |
| Width | 71.7 in (71.7 in, Spyder) |
| Height | 51.4in (51.4 in, Spyder) |
| Wheelbase | 104.7 (96.1 in, Spyder) |
| Weight (Coupe) | 3,458 lbs (Dry) 3,480 lbs (Dry, Cambiocorsa) 3,678 lbs (Curb) 3700 lbs (Curb, Cambiocorsa) |
| Weight (Spyder) | 3,571 lbs (Dry) 3,594 lbs (Dry, Cambiocorsa) 3,792 lbs (Curb) 3,814 lbs (Curb, Cambiocorsa) |
| Transmission | ZF 6-Speed Manual, asymmetrical self-locking differential, rear-wheel drive (optional electro-hydraulic "Cambiocorsa" paddle shift gearbox) |
| Engine | 90 degree 4.2 litre (4244 cc) V8, 4 valves per cylinder |
| Power | 390 hp @ 7000 rpm, 330 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm |
| Similar | Jaguar XK Porsche 911 BMW 6-Series Mercedes-Benz SL |
| Designer | Giorgetto Giugiaro of Italdesign |
In 2002, Maserati launched the Coupe and Spyder, based on the 3200 GT, which is not sold in the United States. Both models have a normally aspirated 4.2 L engine producing 390 bhp (291 kW). The top speed is 177 mph (285 km/h), while 0-60 time is 4.9 seconds. The V8 engine was designed by Ferrari but built by Maserati. It has variable valve timing on the intake side only, while a highly developed version of this engine used in the F430 had variable valve timing on both intake and output sides.
The Spyder was first revealed to the public at the 2001 Frankfurt Auto Show. It made its United States debut at the Detroit Motor Show in January 2002.
Upon its release, the Maserati Spyder became the first Maserati sold in the United States since 1990; the Coupe was released shortly thereafter. They are also the first Maseratis to feature a normally aspirated V8. Maserati had been producing twin turbo engines for 20 years prior to the release of the 2002 Coupe and Spyder.
The two sportscars are available in two transmissions: GT, which is a traditional manual, or Cambiocorsa, in which upshift and downshift paddles are mounted on the steering wheel; this is intended to simulate Formula One driving.
The Coupe and Spyder are designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro of ItalDesign. The Spyder's 96.1-in. wheelbase is 8.6 inches shorter than that of the coupe. The Spyder seats two and the Coupe seats four.
Both models include an optional computer-controlled automatic damping system called "Skyhook", high-performance Brembo brakes, and an information center that combines audio and climate controls that is difficult to use. A global-positioning navigation system and hands-free phone are available as options. Both came standard with 15-spoke, 18-inch alloy wheels in 2002, but after 2003 most had the optional five-spoke sport wheels. Maserati offers a range of exterior colors and ten shades of leather interior; five colors for the Spyder's convertible top are also offered. Maserati owners can even order custom Maserati luggage, made to match their cars' interiors.
The Coupe ranges in price from US$82,633 - $86,877. The Spyder is slightly more expensive, costing US$87,252 - $91,415.
GranSport
The GranSport (the Spyder version is the 90th Anniversary Edition, not GranSport) is a modified version of the Coupe and Spyder with aerodynamic body cladding, a chrome mesh grille, carbon-fiber interior trim, and special 19 inch wheels. It uses the Skyhook active suspension, with a 0.4 in (10.2 mm) lower ride height, and the Cambiocorsa transmission is recalibrated for quicker shifts. The exhaust is also specially tuned to "growl" on start-up and full throttle.
A special MC Victory edition was unveiled at the 2006 Geneva Motor Show to celebrate the racing success of the Maserati MC12. This version featured extra carbon fibre body panels and interior trim.
The GranSport ranges in price from US$92,559 - $110,941.
Photos
2006 90th Anniversary Edition Spyder
2002 Maserati Spyder GT
Future
The future most likely will see a 4-seater Coupé and a 2-seater Spyder using the shortened floorpan of the Quattroporte. The body design will be similar to that of the Quattroporte, and the introduction of the new model is scheduled for 2006. Rumored engines include a 4.3 L V8 (revised 4.2, 400 bhp), a 5.0 L V8 engine producing 470 bhp (a bored-up 4.2), and a Ferrari-612 sourced 5.4 L V12 engine (540 bhp). Even a V6 Biturbo (approx. 400 bhp) based on the new V6 of the Alfa Romeo 159 is being considered. Many magazines suspect a 2+2 Coupé and 2-seater Spyder with a folding hard-top roof.
