Maserati Coupe
Encyclopedia
The Maserati Coupé and Spyder are grand tourer
s produced by Italian automaker Maserati
from 2001 to 2007. They have now been replaced by the GranTurismo
. The two nameplates refer to the four-seater coupé
and two-seater roadster
versions, respectively. Both models were based on the 3200 GT
, which was sold in Europe
, but not in the United States
. The Coupé and Spyder are both commonly referred to as the 4200 GT, which is an evolution of the prior model name and a reference to the increase in engine displacement
from 3.2 L (3217 cc) to 4.2 L (4244 cc).
The Spyder was first unveiled to the public at the 2001 Frankfurt Auto Show with the Coupé's debut following shortly thereafter at the 2002 Detroit Auto Show. Sales in the United States began in March 2002 for the Spyder and in May for the Coupé. The release of the Spyder heralded Maserati's return to the North American
market after an 11 year hiatus. Almost as soon as it was introduced, the Spyder was selected by Forbes
as the Best GT for 2001.
The Coupé and Spyder were designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro
of ItalDesign
, who also designed the Maserati Ghibli
. The cars were built at the Viale Ciro Menotti plant in Modena
, Italy
.
The Maserati Coupé is a true four-seater capable of comfortably seating two adults in the back. It has a wheelbase
of 104.7 inches (265.9 cm) which is about three inches longer than a Jaguar XKR and twelve inches (305 mm) longer than a 996 Series Porsche 911
. Overall vehicle length is 178.1 inches (4,523.7 mm), width is 71.7 inches (1,821.2 mm), and height is 51.4 inches (1,305.6 mm). Total curb weight is 3461 pounds (1,569.9 kg).
The Maserati Spyder is a soft-top convertible
that is electronically operated by a pushbutton on the center console. The top automatically stows beneath a hard cover that sits flush with the body in front of the boot. Both deployment and stowage of the top takes about 30 seconds. Arch-type roll bars are provided behind each seat. The Spyder's 96.1 inches (2,440.9 mm) wheelbase is 8.6 inches (218.4 mm) shorter than the Coupé's. Overall length is 169.4 inches (4,302.8 mm), width 71.7 inches (1,821.2 mm), and height 51.4 inches (1,305.6 mm). Curb weight is 3600 pounds (1,632.9 kg).
Both models utilize the shared platform based Ferrari/Maserati
4244 cc engine
which develops 390 PS at 7000 rpm with a peak torque of 450 newton metre at 4500 rpm.
Significant changes from the prior 3200 GT engine were the larger displacement
resulting from an increased cylinder bore diameter and the move to a naturally aspirated intake
that replaced the twin-turbo
approach Maserati had used for the previous 20 years, fundamentally because the powertrain is now Ferrari
based. The engine operates at a compression ratio
of 11.1:1 with the cylinders
configured in a 90° V8. The cylinder bore diameter is 92 millimetres (3.62 in) and piston stroke length is 80 millimetres (3.15 in). The engine shares many of the design features of modern racing engines, including dry sump
lubrication, a pump assembly located outside the crankcase, and four valves per cylinder. The 32-valve DOHC utilizes chain-driven, twin-overhead camshaft
s that provide valve actuation in less than 0.15 seconds, with the intake cams being controlled by variable valve timing
. The crankcase
and cylinder head
s are made from an aluminum and silicon alloy, giving the engine a relatively light weight of 405 pounds (183.7 kg).
is a six-speed that was available either as a GT (manual stick shift) or CC (Cambiocorsa) using paddle shifters. The GT version utilizes a foot operated clutch
, whereas the Cambiocorsa (Italian, meaning "race change") is a electrohydraulic manual transmission
that uses a Formula One
-type gearbox with hydraulic operation and electronic management operated by F1-style paddles behind the steering wheel, similar to the system used in Ferrari vehicles. The system allows the driver to choose between four different operating modes: Normal, Sport, Auto and Low Grip. Each of these programs is selected by means of console-mounted buttons, corresponding to different types of operating mode. By switching between the Normal and Sport modes, the driver can select between different electronic stability control
settings and, if installed, different active suspension
settings. The Normal mode provides a more comfortable ride, whereas the Sport mode stiffens up the suspension and provides fast gear shifts of around a quarter of a second. Automatic mode electronically handles shifting of the transmission, but allows the driver to rapidly revert to manual using the F1-style paddles. The Low Grip, or Ice mode, allows for smooth starting and gear changes on snow and ice.
The transmission gearbox
is located at the rear of the vehicle and is integrated in with the differential. This gives both the Coupé and Spyder a 48/52% weight distribution between the front and rear axle
s.
. The rear suspension is fitted with a toe-in regulator bar which enhances the precision of the drive train and provides balanced cornering. The front suspension layout incorporates “anti-dive” features to prevent nose-diving when braking. The suspension system is completed by front and rear anti-roll bars
.
Perhaps the most highly-regarded option is a computer-controlled suspension damping system called "Skyhook". This adaptive damping system uses coil-over shock absorbers and a set of six accelerometer
s that continually monitor the movement of the wheels and car body and transmits this information to a control unit. The vehicle's computer analyzes this data and coordinates it with the Cambiocorsa transmission and other Maserati safety systems. Skyhook then calculates, and recalculates, the data at least 40 times per second and instantaneously adjusts each shock absorber
accordingly. When placed in the Sport mode, the suspension firms up for better cornering.
pre-tensioners. Driving stability is provided by Maserati Stability Program (MSP) which became standard on the 2004 models and controls the engine and brakes to help the driver control the vehicle in extreme driving situations. The MSP system integrates four different vehicle systems - the anti-slip regulation traction control
(ASR), the motor spin regulation (MSR), electronic brake force distribution (EBD), and anti-lock braking system
(ABS). The wheels employ a high-performance Brembo
braking system with light alloy four-piston calipers and cross-drilled large ventilating discs.
system and hands-free GSM phone were also available as options integrated into the info center. Additional optional equipment includes xenon headlights, upgraded audio system and CD changer, electrochromic rear view mirror, rear parking sensors
, seat heaters, and cruise control
. Various interior trim packages were offered, including a leather headliner featuring a grosgrain pattern, and either a carbon fiber
kit or Briar wood kit sporting wood portions of the steering wheel, door trim, and shifter. Purchasers could even order custom Maserati luggage, made to match their car's interiors.
The Maserati GranSport is a modified version of the Coupé and Spyder that was first unveiled at the 2004 Geneva Motor Show. It is equipped with aerodynamic body cladding, a chrome mesh grille, carbon fiber interior trim, and special 19 inches (482.6 mm) wheels. It uses the Skyhook active suspension, with a 0.4 inch (10 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.
It is powered by the same 4244 cc, 90° V8 petrol engine used on the Coupé and Spyder. However, the engine develops 401 PS at 7000 rpm due primarily to a different exhaust system and improvements on the intake manifolds and valve seats. A six-speed paddle shift transmission comes as standard. The car is 178.1 inches (4,523.7 mm) long, 71.7 inches (1,821.2 mm) wide, 51 inches (1,295.4 mm) high and weighs 3704 pounds (1,680.1 kg).
. Vehicle weight was reduced by 550 pounds (249.5 kg) as a result of many stock components being stripped out: soundproofing, air conditioning, and the leather interior were left out, with the regular seats being replaced by racing seats. Carbon-fiber doors and hood replace the street car's steel components, and plexiglass replaces the side window glass. The result is a zero to 60 mi/h time of 4.0 seconds. A Trofeo racing series was organized for enthusiasts, with a per-race rental charge of about $20,000.
A Trofeo Light (or simply the Maserati Light) was also developed for use in various national and international racing series, including the Italian GT Championship
, Rolex Sports Car Series
, and FIA GT3 European Championship
.
The Maserati Coupé and Spyder special editions are primarily exterior trim packages that were only offered for certain model years or on a limited number of vehicles. They include:
Also, in 2004, a Vintage trim package was introduced. It includes chrome air-exhaust vents in the front fenders, a new polished wheel design, silver-finished brake calipers, and chrome door handles.
A 2004 Coupé 90th Anniversary edition was announced, but apparently never produced.
The MC Victory edition features carbon fiber body panels and interior trim, and was unveiled at the 2006 Geneva Motor Show to celebrate the racing success of the Maserati MC12
.
Grand tourer
A grand tourer is a high-performance luxury automobile designed for long-distance driving. The most common format is a two-door coupé with either a two-seat or a 2+2 arrangement....
s produced by Italian automaker Maserati
Maserati
Maserati is an Italian luxury car manufacturer established on December 1, 1914, in Bologna. The company's headquarters is now in Modena, and its emblem is a trident. It has been owned by the Italian car giant Fiat S.p.A. since 1993...
from 2001 to 2007. They have now been replaced by the GranTurismo
Maserati GranTurismo
The Maserati GranTurismo is a two-door 2+2 coupé produced by Maserati, it shares the platform of the Maserati Quattroporte V.-GranTurismo :...
. The two nameplates refer to the four-seater coupé
Coupé
A coupé or coupe is a closed car body style , the precise definition of which varies from manufacturer to manufacturer, and over time...
and two-seater roadster
Roadster
A roadster is a two-seat open car with emphasis on sporty handling and without a fixed roof or side weather protection. Strictly speaking a roadster with wind-up windows is a convertible but as true roadsters are no longer made the distinction is now irrelevant...
versions, respectively. Both models were based on the 3200 GT
Maserati 3200 GT
The Maserati 3200 GT is an automobile produced by Maserati from 1998 to 2001. The luxury coupé was styled by Italdesign, whose founder and head Giorgetto Giugiaro previously designed, among others, the Ghibli, Bora and Merak....
, which was sold in Europe
Europe
Europe is, by convention, one of the world's seven continents. Comprising the westernmost peninsula of Eurasia, Europe is generally 'divided' from Asia to its east by the watershed divides of the Ural and Caucasus Mountains, the Ural River, the Caspian and Black Seas, and the waterways connecting...
, but not in the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
. The Coupé and Spyder are both commonly referred to as the 4200 GT, which is an evolution of the prior model name and a reference to the increase in engine displacement
Engine displacement
Engine displacement is the volume swept by all the pistons inside the cylinders of an internal combustion engine in a single movement from top dead centre to bottom dead centre . It is commonly specified in cubic centimeters , litres , or cubic inches...
from 3.2 L (3217 cc) to 4.2 L (4244 cc).
The Spyder was first unveiled to the public at the 2001 Frankfurt Auto Show with the Coupé's debut following shortly thereafter at the 2002 Detroit Auto Show. Sales in the United States began in March 2002 for the Spyder and in May for the Coupé. The release of the Spyder heralded Maserati's return to the North American
North American
North American generally refers to an entity, people, group, or attribute of North America, especially of the United States and Canada together.-Culture:*North American English, a collective term used to describe American English and Canadian English...
market after an 11 year hiatus. Almost as soon as it was introduced, the Spyder was selected by Forbes
Forbes
Forbes is an American publishing and media company. Its flagship publication, the Forbes magazine, is published biweekly. Its primary competitors in the national business magazine category are Fortune, which is also published biweekly, and Business Week...
as the Best GT for 2001.
The Coupé and Spyder were designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro
Giorgetto Giugiaro
Giorgetto Giugiaro is an Italian automobile designer responsible equally for a stable of supercars and several of the most popular everyday vehicles driven today...
of ItalDesign
Italdesign Giugiaro
Italdesign-Giugiaro S.p.A is an automobile design and engineering company based in Moncalieri, Italy founded in 1968 by Giorgetto Giugiaro and Aldo Mantovani as Studi Italiani Realizzazione Prototipi S.p.A...
, who also designed the Maserati Ghibli
Maserati Ghibli
The Maserati Ghibli is a Gran Turismo car produced by Italian manufacturer Maserati in two generations: first from 1966–73, and again as the Maserati Ghibli II from 1992–97.- Ghibli I :...
. The cars were built at the Viale Ciro Menotti plant in Modena
Modena
Modena is a city and comune on the south side of the Po Valley, in the Province of Modena in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy....
, Italy
Italy
Italy , officially the Italian Republic languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Italy's official name is as follows:;;;;;;;;), is a unitary parliamentary republic in South-Central Europe. To the north it borders France, Switzerland, Austria and...
.
Design
Wheelbase
In both road and rail vehicles, the wheelbase is the distance between the centers of the front and rear wheels.- Road :In automobiles, the wheelbase is the horizontal distance between the center of the front wheel and the center of the rear wheel...
of 104.7 inches (265.9 cm) which is about three inches longer than a Jaguar XKR and twelve inches (305 mm) longer than a 996 Series Porsche 911
Porsche 996
The Porsche 996 is the internal designation for the Porsche 911 model manufactured and sold between 1998 and 2005. It has since been replaced by the Type 997...
. Overall vehicle length is 178.1 inches (4,523.7 mm), width is 71.7 inches (1,821.2 mm), and height is 51.4 inches (1,305.6 mm). Total curb weight is 3461 pounds (1,569.9 kg).
The Maserati Spyder is a soft-top convertible
Convertible
A convertible is a type of automobile in which the roof can retract and fold away having windows which wind-down inside the doors, converting it from an enclosed to an open-air vehicle...
that is electronically operated by a pushbutton on the center console. The top automatically stows beneath a hard cover that sits flush with the body in front of the boot. Both deployment and stowage of the top takes about 30 seconds. Arch-type roll bars are provided behind each seat. The Spyder's 96.1 inches (2,440.9 mm) wheelbase is 8.6 inches (218.4 mm) shorter than the Coupé's. Overall length is 169.4 inches (4,302.8 mm), width 71.7 inches (1,821.2 mm), and height 51.4 inches (1,305.6 mm). Curb weight is 3600 pounds (1,632.9 kg).
Equipment
The Maserati Coupé and Spyder utilize the same vehicle systems – engine, transmission, suspension, and interior driver and front passenger controls and safety equipment. Their performance specifications are almost identical, with some reviewers claiming that the Coupé has better performance due to its lesser weight and more rigid body structure, while others measured faster performance from the Spyder. Both models came standard with 18 inch alloy wheels that originally had a 15-spoke design, but after 2003 most buyers chose the optional 7-spoke sport wheels which became standard by 2005. Maserati offered sixteen exterior colors, ten shades of leather interior along with the ability to select among colors for various interior details such as the piping and stitching used. Five colors for the Spyder's convertible top were also offered.Engine
Ferrari/Maserati engine
-Shared specifications:The Ferrari/Maserati architecture displaces between 4.2 L and 6.3 L, producing between and in street-legal configuration, and up to in track configuration...
4244 cc engine
Internal combustion engine
The internal combustion engine is an engine in which the combustion of a fuel occurs with an oxidizer in a combustion chamber. In an internal combustion engine, the expansion of the high-temperature and high -pressure gases produced by combustion apply direct force to some component of the engine...
which develops 390 PS at 7000 rpm with a peak torque of 450 newton metre at 4500 rpm.
Significant changes from the prior 3200 GT engine were the larger displacement
Engine displacement
Engine displacement is the volume swept by all the pistons inside the cylinders of an internal combustion engine in a single movement from top dead centre to bottom dead centre . It is commonly specified in cubic centimeters , litres , or cubic inches...
resulting from an increased cylinder bore diameter and the move to a naturally aspirated intake
Naturally-aspirated engine
A naturally aspirated engine is one common type of reciprocating piston internal combustion engine that depends solely on atmospheric pressure to counter the partial vacuum in the induction tract to draw in combustion air...
that replaced the twin-turbo
Twin-turbo
Twin-turbo refers to a turbocharged engine, in which two turbochargers compress the intake charge. There are two commonly used twin turbo configurations: parallel twin-turbo and sequential twin-turbo...
approach Maserati had used for the previous 20 years, fundamentally because the powertrain is now Ferrari
Ferrari
Ferrari S.p.A. is an Italian sports car manufacturer based in Maranello, Italy. Founded by Enzo Ferrari in 1929, as Scuderia Ferrari, the company sponsored drivers and manufactured race cars before moving into production of street-legal vehicles as Ferrari S.p.A. in 1947...
based. The engine operates at a compression ratio
Compression ratio
The 'compression ratio' of an internal-combustion engine or external combustion engine is a value that represents the ratio of the volume of its combustion chamber from its largest capacity to its smallest capacity...
of 11.1:1 with the cylinders
Cylinder (engine)
A cylinder is the central working part of a reciprocating engine or pump, the space in which a piston travels. Multiple cylinders are commonly arranged side by side in a bank, or engine block, which is typically cast from aluminum or cast iron before receiving precision machine work...
configured in a 90° V8. The cylinder bore diameter is 92 millimetres (3.62 in) and piston stroke length is 80 millimetres (3.15 in). The engine shares many of the design features of modern racing engines, including dry sump
Dry sump
A dry sump is a lubricating motor oil management method for four-stroke and large two-stroke piston internal combustion engines that uses external pumps and a secondary external reservoir for oil, as compared to a conventional wet sump system....
lubrication, a pump assembly located outside the crankcase, and four valves per cylinder. The 32-valve DOHC utilizes chain-driven, twin-overhead camshaft
Camshaft
A camshaft is a shaft to which a cam is fastened or of which a cam forms an integral part.-History:An early cam was built into Hellenistic water-driven automata from the 3rd century BC. The camshaft was later described in Iraq by Al-Jazari in 1206. He employed it as part of his automata,...
s that provide valve actuation in less than 0.15 seconds, with the intake cams being controlled by variable valve timing
Variable valve timing
In internal combustion engines, variable valve timing , also known as Variable valve actuation , is a generalized term used to describe any mechanism or method that can alter the shape or timing of a valve lift event within an internal combustion engine...
. The crankcase
Crankcase
In an internal combustion engine of the reciprocating type, the crankcase is the housing for the crankshaft. The enclosure forms the largest cavity in the engine and is located below the cylinder, which in a multicylinder engine are usually integrated into one or several cylinder blocks...
and cylinder head
Cylinder head
In an internal combustion engine, the cylinder head sits above the cylinders on top of the cylinder block. It closes in the top of the cylinder, forming the combustion chamber. This joint is sealed by a head gasket...
s are made from an aluminum and silicon alloy, giving the engine a relatively light weight of 405 pounds (183.7 kg).
Transmission
The manual transmissionManual transmission
A manual transmission, also known as a manual gearbox or standard transmission is a type of transmission used in motor vehicle applications...
is a six-speed that was available either as a GT (manual stick shift) or CC (Cambiocorsa) using paddle shifters. The GT version utilizes a foot operated clutch
Clutch
A clutch is a mechanical device which provides for the transmission of power from one component to another...
, whereas the Cambiocorsa (Italian, meaning "race change") is a electrohydraulic manual transmission
Electrohydraulic manual transmission
Electrohydraulic manual transmission is a type of semi-automatic transmission system, which uses an automated clutch unlike conventional manual transmissions where the driver operates the clutch. The clutch is controlled by electronic computers and hydraulics...
that uses a Formula One
Formula One
Formula One, also known as Formula 1 or F1 and referred to officially as the FIA Formula One World Championship, is the highest class of single seater auto racing sanctioned by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile . The "formula" designation in the name refers to a set of rules with which...
-type gearbox with hydraulic operation and electronic management operated by F1-style paddles behind the steering wheel, similar to the system used in Ferrari vehicles. The system allows the driver to choose between four different operating modes: Normal, Sport, Auto and Low Grip. Each of these programs is selected by means of console-mounted buttons, corresponding to different types of operating mode. By switching between the Normal and Sport modes, the driver can select between different electronic stability control
Electronic stability control
Electronic stability control is a computerized technology that may potentially improve the safety of a vehicle's stability by detecting and minimizing skids. When ESC detects loss of steering control, it automatically applies the brakes to help "steer" the vehicle where the driver intends to go...
settings and, if installed, different active suspension
Active suspension
Active or adaptive suspension is an automotive technology that controls the vertical movement of the wheels with an onboard system rather than the movement being determined entirely by the road surface...
settings. The Normal mode provides a more comfortable ride, whereas the Sport mode stiffens up the suspension and provides fast gear shifts of around a quarter of a second. Automatic mode electronically handles shifting of the transmission, but allows the driver to rapidly revert to manual using the F1-style paddles. The Low Grip, or Ice mode, allows for smooth starting and gear changes on snow and ice.
The transmission gearbox
Transmission (mechanics)
A machine consists of a power source and a power transmission system, which provides controlled application of the power. Merriam-Webster defines transmission as: an assembly of parts including the speed-changing gears and the propeller shaft by which the power is transmitted from an engine to a...
is located at the rear of the vehicle and is integrated in with the differential. This gives both the Coupé and Spyder a 48/52% weight distribution between the front and rear axle
Axle
An axle is a central shaft for a rotating wheel or gear. On wheeled vehicles, the axle may be fixed to the wheels, rotating with them, or fixed to its surroundings, with the wheels rotating around the axle. In the former case, bearings or bushings are provided at the mounting points where the axle...
s.
Suspension
The Maserati Coupé and Spyder both have a light alloy double wishbone suspensionDouble wishbone suspension
In automobiles, a double wishbone suspension is an independent suspension design using two wishbone-shaped arms to locate the wheel. Each wishbone or arm has two mounting points to the chassis and one joint at the knuckle. The shock absorber and coil spring mount to the wishbones to control...
. The rear suspension is fitted with a toe-in regulator bar which enhances the precision of the drive train and provides balanced cornering. The front suspension layout incorporates “anti-dive” features to prevent nose-diving when braking. The suspension system is completed by front and rear anti-roll bars
Sway bar
A sway bar or anti-roll bar or stabilizer bar is a part of an automobile suspension that helps reduce the roll of a vehicle that is induced by cornering or road irregularities. It connects opposite wheels together through short lever arms linked by a torsion spring...
.
Perhaps the most highly-regarded option is a computer-controlled suspension damping system called "Skyhook". This adaptive damping system uses coil-over shock absorbers and a set of six accelerometer
Accelerometer
An accelerometer is a device that measures proper acceleration, also called the four-acceleration. This is not necessarily the same as the coordinate acceleration , but is rather the type of acceleration associated with the phenomenon of weight experienced by a test mass that resides in the frame...
s that continually monitor the movement of the wheels and car body and transmits this information to a control unit. The vehicle's computer analyzes this data and coordinates it with the Cambiocorsa transmission and other Maserati safety systems. Skyhook then calculates, and recalculates, the data at least 40 times per second and instantaneously adjusts each shock absorber
Shock absorber
A shock absorber is a mechanical device designed to smooth out or damp shock impulse, and dissipate kinetic energy. It is a type of dashpot.-Nomenclature:...
accordingly. When placed in the Sport mode, the suspension firms up for better cornering.
Safety
Both vehicles are equipped with front and side driver and passenger airbags as well as seat beltSeat belt
A seat belt or seatbelt, sometimes called a safety belt, is a safety harness designed to secure the occupant of a vehicle against harmful movement that may result from a collision or a sudden stop...
pre-tensioners. Driving stability is provided by Maserati Stability Program (MSP) which became standard on the 2004 models and controls the engine and brakes to help the driver control the vehicle in extreme driving situations. The MSP system integrates four different vehicle systems - the anti-slip regulation traction control
Traction control system
A traction control system , also known as anti-slip regulation , is typically a secondary function of the anti-lock braking system on production motor vehicles, designed to prevent loss of traction of driven road wheels...
(ASR), the motor spin regulation (MSR), electronic brake force distribution (EBD), and anti-lock braking system
Anti-lock braking system
An anti-lock braking system is a safety system that allows the wheels on a motor vehicle to continue interacting tractively with the road surface as directed by driver steering inputs while braking, preventing the wheels from locking up and therefore avoiding skidding.An ABS generally offers...
(ABS). The wheels employ a high-performance Brembo
Brembo
Brembo S.p.A. is a manufacturer of automotive brake systems, especially for high-performance cars and motorcycles. It was established in Bergamo, Italy in 1961. Soon after the company was formed, it specialised in disc brakes, which were exclusively imported from the United Kingdom at the time...
braking system with light alloy four-piston calipers and cross-drilled large ventilating discs.
Interior
The Coupé and Spyder came standard with an information center that combines audio and climate controls. An optional GPS navigationAutomotive navigation system
An automotive navigation system is a satellite navigation system designed for use in automobiles. It typically uses a GPS navigation device to acquire position data to locate the user on a road in the unit's map database. Using the road database, the unit can give directions to other locations...
system and hands-free GSM phone were also available as options integrated into the info center. Additional optional equipment includes xenon headlights, upgraded audio system and CD changer, electrochromic rear view mirror, rear parking sensors
Parking sensors
Parking sensors are proximity sensors for road vehicles which can alert the driver to unseen obstacles during parking manoeuvres.Parking sensors generally fall into two categories.1. Electromagnetic parking sensors...
, seat heaters, and cruise control
Cruise control
Cruise control is a system that automatically controls the speed of a motor vehicle. The system takes over the throttle of the car to maintain a steady speed as set by the driver.-History:...
. Various interior trim packages were offered, including a leather headliner featuring a grosgrain pattern, and either a carbon fiber
Carbon fiber
Carbon fiber, alternatively graphite fiber, carbon graphite or CF, is a material consisting of fibers about 5–10 μm in diameter and composed mostly of carbon atoms. The carbon atoms are bonded together in crystals that are more or less aligned parallel to the long axis of the fiber...
kit or Briar wood kit sporting wood portions of the steering wheel, door trim, and shifter. Purchasers could even order custom Maserati luggage, made to match their car's interiors.
GranSport
It is powered by the same 4244 cc, 90° V8 petrol engine used on the Coupé and Spyder. However, the engine develops 401 PS at 7000 rpm due primarily to a different exhaust system and improvements on the intake manifolds and valve seats. A six-speed paddle shift transmission comes as standard. The car is 178.1 inches (4,523.7 mm) long, 71.7 inches (1,821.2 mm) wide, 51 inches (1,295.4 mm) high and weighs 3704 pounds (1,680.1 kg).
Trofeo
The Maserati Trofeo is a racing version of the Coupé that was introduced in 2003. It utilizes the stock engine that provides 420 PS due to a revised engine mapping and a modified free-flowing exhaust that uses a baffle-free mufflerMuffler
A muffler is a device for reducing the amount of noise emitted by the exhaust of an internal combustion engine. A US Patent for an Exhaust muffler for engines was granted to Milton and Marshall Reeves in 1897....
. Vehicle weight was reduced by 550 pounds (249.5 kg) as a result of many stock components being stripped out: soundproofing, air conditioning, and the leather interior were left out, with the regular seats being replaced by racing seats. Carbon-fiber doors and hood replace the street car's steel components, and plexiglass replaces the side window glass. The result is a zero to 60 mi/h time of 4.0 seconds. A Trofeo racing series was organized for enthusiasts, with a per-race rental charge of about $20,000.
A Trofeo Light (or simply the Maserati Light) was also developed for use in various national and international racing series, including the Italian GT Championship
Italian GT Championship
The Italian GT Championship is an Italian sports car series founded in 2003 and organized by the Automobile Club d'Italia and the Commissione Sportiva Automobilistica Italiana . It replaced a previous supercar-based championship which ran from 1992 until 2002 when it was folded due to a lack of...
, Rolex Sports Car Series
Rolex Sports Car Series
The Rolex Sports Car Series is the premier series run by the Grand American Road Racing Association. It is a North American-based sports car series that was founded in 2000 under the name Grand American Road Racing Championship to replace the failed United States Road Racing Championship...
, and FIA GT3 European Championship
FIA GT3 European Championship
The FIA GT3 European Championship is a sports car racing series organized by the Stéphane Ratel Organisation and regulated by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile . It is a championship derived from the international FIA GT1 World Championship, but meant to provide competition for more...
.
Special editions
- 2005 Spyder 90th Anniversary
- 2006 Gransport LE
- 2006 Gransport MC Victory
Also, in 2004, a Vintage trim package was introduced. It includes chrome air-exhaust vents in the front fenders, a new polished wheel design, silver-finished brake calipers, and chrome door handles.
A 2004 Coupé 90th Anniversary edition was announced, but apparently never produced.
The MC Victory edition features carbon fiber body panels and interior trim, and was unveiled at the 2006 Geneva Motor Show to celebrate the racing success of the Maserati MC12
Maserati MC12
The Maserati MC12 is a two-seater sports car produced by Italian car maker Maserati to allow a racing variant to compete in the FIA GT Championship. The car entered production in 2004 with 30 cars produced...
.
External links
- Maserati official website