In 2001 Maserati announced a rather special version in April of that year. A special limited edition of a 'super sports' version of the 3200 GT, the 'Assetto Corsa', was made available in July.
Available in only three colours - Rosso Mondiale (worldly red), Grigio Touring (silver-grey touring) and Nero Carbonio (carbon black) this special version could be identified by its sporting interior; special sill plates engraved with 'Assetto Corsa', racing-style alloy pedals, black leather seats with red piping and special carbon fibre trim.
'Assetto Corsa' means race set-up in Italian and it was in this area that the main changes were made. The 'handling package' included a lowered suspension set-up - some 15mm lower than the standard car with stiffer springs, a larger diameter anti-roll bar and a variable electronic suspension system which allowed the driver to adjust to any of 14 individual settings.
Externally the changes were more subtle. The front grille and rear boot chrome elements were now finished in Titanium grey and the wheel arches surround special 15-spoke 18-inch BBs alloy wheels painted in a special dark grey to give a 'Titanium effect' and shod with Pirelli P Zero Corse tyres. A closer inspection of the wheels revealed that the centre cap matched the special brake callipers which were finished in red.
Braking response was upgraded by the use of Pagid racing formula brake pads and the servo setting had been modified. The brake callipers were now finished in red and brake ducts had been lightened by the use of a special carbon fibre/ nylon mix. A modified steering rack gave an even more responsive feel. |
