Maserati Coupé

Overview

Maserati Coupé Maserati Spyder

manufacturer	Maserati
aka	Maserati 4200
production	Spyder: 2001–2007 Coupé: 2002–2007 GranSport: 2004–2007
model years	Coupé, Spyder: 2002–2007 GranSport: 2005–2007
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)‡R1R‡
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
weight	Coupé: 1670-1680 kg Spyder: 1720-1730 kg GranSport: 1680 kg
predecessor	Maserati 3200 GT
successor	Maserati GranTurismo and GranCabrio
sp	uk

The Maserati Coupé and Spyder (Tipo M138) are a series of grand tourers[2][3] produced by Italian automaker Maserati from 2001 to 2007. 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,[4][5] which was not sold in the US.[6] 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,[7]

Maserati GranSport

The Maserati GranSport is a sportier version of the Coupé that was first unveiled at the March 2004 Geneva Motor Show.[46] 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.[1] An open-top GranSport Spyder with similar modifications was introduced a year later, at the September 2005 Frankfurt Motor Show.[47]

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 at 7,000 rpm due primarily to a different exhaust system and improvements on the intake manifolds and valve seats.[48] 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.[49] The GranSport used the Skyhook active suspension, with a 10 mm lower ride height. Other than height, the exterior dimensions and curb weight were unchanged from the Cambiocorsa Coupé and Spyder.[50] The GranSport had a claimed top speed of 290 km/h, and a 0 to 100 km/h acceleration time of 4.85 seconds.[51]

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[51] and simultaneously reduced lift.[52] 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 seats, which required a slimmer centre console (constructed in carbon fibre) and elastic door pockets. Carbon fibre was also used to for the dashboard trim and on the new thick-rimmed steering wheel. On the coupé, the upholstery materials were leather and technical cloth (in black, Nickel Gray or Metal Blue) on the seat centres, backs and dashboard fascia;[51] the Spyder had an all-leather interior. Seven paint colours were available: solid Giallo Granturismo and Rosso Mondiale, metallic Nero Carbonio, Blu Mediterraneo, Grigio Alfieri and Grigio Touring, and special triple-layer white Bianco Fuji.

GS Zagato

The limited production Maserati GS Zagato was introduced by Zagato at the 2007 Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este. Its design is inspired by the 1954 Maserati A6G Berlinetta Zagato.[53] Cars were based on a shorter GranSport Spyder chassis with aluminium bodywork designed by Norihiko Harada.[54] The two-seater coupé was commissioned by a Maserati CEO, Karl-Heinz Kalbfell and in total only nine units were created.[55]

A8GCS Berlinetta

The A8GCS Berlinetta is a concept car based on the Maserati GranSport from coachbuilder Carrozzeria Touring Superleggera, presented in 2009.[56]

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:

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.[16] The front fender vents were intended to evoke those of the 1957 3500 GT.

A 2004 Coupé 90th Anniversary edition was announced,[64][65] 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.[66] 15 were in right-hand drive, mainly for Britain.[60] 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.[63][67] Only 181 cars were made.[68]

A 'Limited Edition', destined for US market is recognizable for the “Saetta” logo featuring the Trident with red accents and oval Maserati badges on front fenders. Minor upgrades for the interior, including an "Auditorium 200" sound system and full leather headliner were included.

The GranSport 'Contemporary Classic' was offered in 4 basic colours with interior piping around the seats and dashboard matching with body paint. Also recognisable by light blue dials.

GranSport 'Maserati and Cornes 10th Anniversary', 35 units were made to commemorate the 10th anniversary of Japanese importer Cornes & Co. cooperation with Maserati. It was available in black or white with beige or blue interior respectively. Front fenders sport the same Italian flag emblem as MC Victory. Interior features include a limited edition plaque, but without numbering, and light blue dials.[69]

2004 'Spyder 90th Anniversary'[60][61]

GranSport 'Limited Edition'

2006 GranSport 'MC Victory'[62][63]

2006 GranSport 'Contemporary Classic'

2007 GranSport 'Maserati and Cornes 10th Anniversary'

Maserati Coupé

Design

Specifications

Engine

Maserati GranSport

GS Zagato

A8GCS Berlinetta

Maserati Trofeo

Special editions

Maserati 420 Super Monoposto

External links

References

Transmission

Suspension

Safety

Interior