Maserati · 2001–2008

Maserati Coupé

The Maserati Coupé and Spyder (Tipo M138) are a series of grand tourers produced by Italian automaker Maserati from 2001 to 2008. The two nameplates refer to the four-seater coupé and two-seater convertible models, respectively. The design of both models was based on the preceding 3200 GT, which was not sold in the US. Due to the confusing nature of the names "Maserati Coupé" and "Maserati Spyder" (which could refer to any coupé or convertible Maserati has made) 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 (3,217 cc) to 4.2 L (4,244 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 introduction 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 Ghibli, mid-engined Bora, Quattroporte III and the 3200 GT as well. Interior design was commissioned to Enrico Fumia and was based heavily on the 3200 GT's interior, restyled in 1999. The cars were built at the Viale Ciro Menotti plant in Modena, Italy. In total, 13,423 cars were produced before being replaced by the GranTurismo.

Text from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0).

Predecessor: Maserati 3200 GT · Successor: Maserati GranTurismo

All Maserati Coupé data: UK builds, safety, recalls, model years →

Design

The Maserati Coupé is a true four-seater capable of comfortably seating two adults in the rear seats. It has a wheelbase of 2,660 mm (105 in) which is about 76 mm (3 in) longer than the rival Jaguar XK8 and 305 mm (12 in) longer than a Porsche 911 (996). Overall vehicle length is 4,523 mm (178 in), width is 1,822 mm (72 in), and height is 1,305 mm (51 in). Total curb weight is 1,670–1,680 kg (3,682–3,704 lb). The design is similar to the preceding 3200 GT but the boomerang shaped taillights were replaced in favour of more conventional units. The Maserati Spyder is a soft-top convertible and features a top 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 2,440 mm (96 in) wheelbase is 220 mm (9 in) shorter than the Coupé's. Overall length is 4,303 mm (169 in), width 1,822 mm (72 in), and height 1,305 mm (51 in). Curb weight is 1,720–1,730 kg (3,792–3,814 lb). In late 2004, the Coupé and Spyder underwent a minor facelift. This meant a new, somewhat larger grille with its lower edge pulled somewhat lower into the lower lip of the front bumper was installed. The Spyder also got a glass rear window in 2003 instead of the standard plastic material. The new grille also features horizontal bars, while the 1963 style oval Maserati logo “Saetta” now mounted on the C-pillars, and a new air outlet (as per GranSport versions) featured with a new rear bumper.

Specifications

The Maserati Coupé and Spyder utilise 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 colours, ten shades of leather interior along with the ability to select among colours for various interior details such as the piping and stitching used. Five colours for the Spyder's convertible top were also offered. Engine. Both models utilize the F136 R V8 belonging to the Ferrari-Maserati F136 engine family; it displaces 4,244 cc and is rated at 390 PS (287 kW; 385 hp) at 7,000 rpm with a peak torque of 450 N⋅m (332 lb⋅ft) at 4,500 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 system which replaced the twin-turbocharged induction approach Maserati had used for the previous 20 years, fundamentally because the powertrain was now Ferrari based. The crankshaft is of crossplane design. The engine operates at a compression ratio of 11.1:1 with the eight cylinders configured in a 90° V design. The cylinder bore diameter is 92 mm (3.62 in) and piston stroke length is 80 mm (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 cr

Maserati GranSport

The Maserati GranSport is a sportier version of the Coupé that was first unveiled at the March 2004 Geneva Motor Show. It featured improved aerodynamics, retuned suspension, engine and transmission, and a sportier interior. Frank Stephenson, as newly appointed Director of Ferrari-Maserati Concept Design and Development, was responsible for exterior and interior redesign. An open-top GranSport Spyder with similar modifications was introduced a year later, at the September 2005 Frankfurt Motor Show. It is powered by the same 4,244 cc, dry sump, 90° V8 engine used on the standard Coupé and Spyder. However, the engine is rated at 400 PS (294 kW; 395 hp) at 7,000 rpm due primarily to a different exhaust system and improvements on the intake manifolds and valve seats. Only the six-speed Cambiocorsa paddle shift transmission was offered, and was recalibrated for quicker shifts. The exhaust, equipped with bypass valves, was also specially tuned to "growl" on start-up and full throttle. The GranSport used the Skyhook active suspension, with a 10 mm (0.4 in) lower ride height. Other than height, the exterior dimensions and curb weight were unchanged from the Cambiocorsa Coupé and Spyder. The GranSport had a claimed top speed of 290 km/h (180 mph), and a 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62 mph) acceleration time of 4.85 seconds. The higher top speed was possible due to a taller sixth gear ratio and more aerodynamic body cladding. New bumpers, side skirts, rear lip spoiler and underbody panels lowered the drag coefficient by 0.02 to 0.33 and simultaneously reduced lift. Chrome mesh grilles to the front and rear bumpers, and "Trofeo"-design 19-inch wheels with trident-shaped spokes were other distinguishing exterior features. Inside, the GranSport was fitted with wide, highly contoured sport sea

Maserati Trofeo

The Maserati Trofeo is a racing version of the Coupé that was introduced in 2003. It utilises the standard engine of the coupé that is rated at 420 PS (309 kW; 414 hp) due to a revised engine mapping and a modified free-flowing exhaust that uses a baffle-free muffler. Vehicle weight was reduced by 249 kg (550 lb) as a result of many comfort oriented components being stripped out: soundproofing, air conditioning, and the leather interior were left out, with the regular seats being replaced by racing seats. Carbon-fibre doors and hood replaced the standard car's steel components, and plexiglass replaced the side window glass. The result is a 0-97 km/h (60 mph) acceleration time of 4.0 seconds. A Trofeo racing series was organized for enthusiasts, with a per-race rental charge of about US$20,000. For the 2005 season of the race, the Coupé-based Trofeo was updated and since based on GranSport model. 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. It is distinguishable from the Trofeo by having a wider flared wheel-arches with air-exhaust behind front wheels and wider rear spoiler.

Special editions

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: 2004 'Spyder 90th Anniversary' GranSport 'Limited Edition' 2006 GranSport 'MC Victory' 2006 GranSport 'Contemporary Classic' 2007 GranSport 'Maserati and Cornes 10th Anniversary' 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. The front fender vents were intended to evoke those of the 1957 3500 GT. A 2004 Coupé 90th Anniversary edition was announced, but apparently never produced. The 'Spyder 90th Anniversary' was shown in late 2004 and produced in the limited number of 90 cars for North America and another 90 cars for the rest of the world. 15 were in right-hand drive, mainly for Britain. This edition is not a GranSport but a regular Spyder model that is visually based on the GranSport bodykit (without power upgrades), and may be recognised by its oval Maserati badges on the front fenders, titanium coloured brake calipers, grey headlamp housings and a special blue/grey interior with limited edition plaque. The headrests also received aerodynamic fairings behind the rollover bars. Special Blu Anniversary paint could be chosen. The 'MC Victory' edition features details made out of carbon fibre like: front splitter, racing seats and rear nolder. Centre console bears the limited edition plaque and there are Italian flag emblems embedded into front fenders. Most cars were chosen in exclusive Blu Victory paint. It was unveiled at the 2006 Geneva Motor Show to celebrate the racing success of the MC12 GT1. Only 181 cars were made. A 'Limited Edition'

Maserati 420 Super Monoposto

The Maserati 420 Super Monoposto is a one-off RHD car inspired by the 2001 Maserati 320S concept. It was revealed in July 2016 at the Brooklands Motor Museum.

Sections adapted from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0); text is shortened. Read the full article for the complete history and citations.

Specifications

name: Maserati Coupé, Maserati Spyder
Manufacturer: Maserati
aka: Maserati 4200
Production: Spyder: 2001–2007, Coupé: 2002–2008, GranSport: 2004–2008
Model years: Coupé, Spyder: 2002–2008, GranSport: 2005–2008
Class: Grand tourer (S)
Assembly: Italy: Modena
Body style: 2-door 2+2 coupé, 2-door convertible
Layout: Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive
Designer: Giorgetto Giugiaro at Italdesign, Enrico Fumia (Interior), Frank Stephenson (GranSport)
Engine: 4.2 L Ferrari-Maserati F136 R V8
Transmission: 6-speed manual, 6-speed Graziano Cambiocorsa automated manual
Wheelbase: Coupé: 2660 mm, Spyder: 2440 mm
Length: Coupé: 4523 mm, Spyder: 4303 mm
Width: 1822 mm
Height: 1305 mm
Kerb weight: Coupé: 1670-1680 kg, Spyder: 1720-1730 kg, GranSport: 1680 kg
Predecessor: Maserati 3200 GT
Successor: Maserati GranTurismo and GranCabrio
sp: uk