Maserati Coupé
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Maserati Coupé | |
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| Manufacturer | Maserati |
| Production | 2002 - Present |
| Class | RWD Grand Tourer |
| Body style | 2-Door Sports car |
| Platform | FR layout Front Engine/Rear Wheel Drive |
| Engine | 4.2 L, 390 bhp V8 |
| Similar | Ford GT Jaguar XK Aston Martin V8 Vantage (2005) Mercedes-Benz CL-Class BMW 6-Series |
In 2002, Maserati launched the Coupé 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 outlet 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 Coupé 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 Coupé and Spyder.
The two sports cars are available with 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 Coupé 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 Coupé. The Spyder seats two and the Coupé, 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 Coupé ranges in price from US$82,633 - $86,877. The Spyder is slightly more expensive, costing US$87,252 - $91,415.
[edit] GranSport
The GranSport (the Spyder version is the 90th Anniversary Edition, not GranSport) is a modified version of the Coupé 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.
It is equipped with a standard 4.2 litre (4244 cc), 90°, V8, 400 horsepower (298 kW) engine @ 7000 rpm. A 6-speed paddle shift transmission comes as standard. The crankcase and cylinder heads are made of hardened aluminium silicon alloy. The car costs about Stg £66,000 or $98,000. Production began in 2004. The car is 4523 mm long, 1822 mm wide, 1295 mm high and weighs 1580 kg.
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.
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| Maserati Brothers | Corporate website | A brand of the Fiat group |
