Spyder and Coupé
'Power without a blower!'
A new era dawns for Maserati


The new Spyder was revealed to the world at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2001. This all-new two seater short-wheelbase convertible offered an all-new 390 bhp V8 engine, a transaxle layout of engine and gearbox, the Maserati Cambiocorsa gearbox and the world-first Skyhook active suspension system. Styled by Giorgetto Giugiaro, of the famed Ital Design studio, the Spyder was the first new Maserati to be developed entirely under the supervision of company owners Ferrari. The new Spyder is distinguishable the 3200GT by its new bonnet without the NACA vents and with a larger bulge; to accomodate the new V8 engine. The distinctive 'Boomerang' tail lights are replaced by a more conventional rear lamp cluster.



The Spyder

The Coupé

The new Maserati Coupe was shown for the first time at the Los Angeles Auto Show in January 2002 and later at the prestigious Detroit Auto Show, where it was displayed alongside the recently-introduced Maserati Spyder. Both the Spyder and Coupe offer the same state-of-the-art technology throughout. As with the Spyder, the new Coupe is distinguishable from the earlier 3200GT by some subtle styling tweaks. It gets a new bonnet with a larger bulge; to accomodate the new engine, the NACA vents have gone and the 'Boomerang' tail lights are replaced by a more conventional rear lamp cluster. The new car is slightly longer (at 4523mm) and weight is marginally up to 1670kg.



The all new 390 bhp 4.2-litre V8 by Maserati

ENGINE

The engine of the Coupé and Spyder is a completely new design. A normally-aspirated 4,244 cc 90 ° V8, it is both compact and light, weighing only 405 lbs (184 kg). In line with the structure of modern competition engines, the crankcase of the new generation of Maserati engines is designed to combine performance, torque and efficiency with low emission.

The engine's crankcase and cylinder heads are made in aluminium and silicone, crankshaft is refined forged steel, and the five wide-diameter bench supports with thin bearings. Distribution is by two bench test chain-driven camshafts: four valves per cylinder controlled by hydraulic cups. The intake camshafts are eqipped with a constant-phase high pressure transformer, with complete times of less than 0.15 seconds.

Engine lubrication is by dry sump with an oil pump and a cooling pump in a single unit. The ignition and injection systems are integrated Bosch ME7 3.2 with OBD II features (On Board Detection and Diagnostic System), which allows for detection of operating malfunctions within the engine control system, to help ensure compliance with emissions regulations.

The new V8 offers environmental features that comply with known current regulations yet delivers a maximum power output of 390 bhp (287 kW) at 7000 rpm, with a peak torque of 333 lb-ft (451 Nm) at 4500 rpm.




Two camshafts per cylinder bank

Pistons, con-rods and forged steel crankshaft



TRANSAXLE TRANSMISSION

With the new Transaxle transmission, the gearbox assembly is longitudially mounted with the differential at the rear of the car giving better weight distribution. This improved weight distribution optimises the car's handling and performance.



The Transaxle in which the gearbox, final drive and differential are housed.




CAMBIOCORSA

Another important innovation of the new transmission design is the electronically operated six-speed gearbox with levers behind the steering wheel. The Camblocorsa is available on both the Coupé and Spyder versions. A traditional six-speed manual shift also available on both cars.

The new electronic shifting system offers a sporty driving experience with the technology of Formula 1 to help improve performance and combine comfort and safety design in modern transportation.

To ensure the best possible ergonomics, in terms of quickness, ease of operation and safety engineering under most conditions, the Cambiocorsa control makes use of levers located behind the steering wheel.

The Cambiocorsa system, interfacing with the engine control (ECU) and with the traction control system (ASR), with the purpose of maximum flexibility for the driver, includes four different gear modes: normal, sport, automatic and low grip.



The UP and DOWN paddle shifts behind the steering wheel

Each of these programs, which can be selected by a pushbutton, corresponds to a specific logic of operation:

  • MANUAL SELECTION by the driver with two levels of sportiness, normal or more aggressive, complete with different logic for the electronic traction control. Select normal for everyday driving or sport for delayed, more aggressive gear changes and a more involved driving experience.

  • AUTOMATIC, in this configuration the handling of the gear shift is smooth and gradual; designed to enhance comfort, even in this mode the driver is free to shift gear manually.

  • LOW GRIP, designed to help control starting and gear changing on slippery surfaces, such as snow and ice.

    To sum up, the Cambiocorsa transmission combine speed of action with the pleasure of driving a grand touring vehicle, delivering the driver the best use of the engine and high levels of safety engineering when making use of the vehicle's power output. Whoever is driving can choose at any time to select a gear without having to take his or her hands off the steering wheel or use a clutch.




  • SUSPENSION

    The superior dynamics of the new Maserati Coupé and Spyder are the result of not only the quality of the engine but also planning of all of the "tangible" components related to drive, performance and control of the vehicle; in particular:

  • SUSPENSION, designed to help ensure control of the vehicle, with anti-dive and anti-squat features, and to help minimize unsprung weight have forged aluminium struts and hubs.




  • AUTOMATIC DAMPING SYSTEM (SKYHOOK SYSTEM), introduced in collaboration with Mannesmann-Sachs, is available as an option on the Coupé and the Spyder. This optional system, first introduced to the world on the Maserati Spyder at the 2001 Frankfurt Motor Show, continuously controls damper adjustments using six sensors monitoring the movement of the front wheels and the vertical and lateral movement of the car. This system, which reacts 10 times faster than any other active suspension system, vastly improves ride and handling characteristics.

    In addition to this automatic adjustment, the driver has the opportunity to select various performance levels at any time; the damper setting can be set to two different levels, Normal and Sport, using the switch on console.




  • TRACTION CONTROL

    For greater control under most conditions of use, is provided by electronic traction control (ASR), which can be disconnected, at the driver's request, by pushing a button on the centre console.

    The integrated electronic control of the suspension, transmission and traction control offers the two-fold result of providing a great babance between comfort and sportiness, as is fitting in an authentic grand touring vehicle, giving the driver the opportunity to select different characteristics of performance.




    BRAKING SYSTEM

    The Brembo braking system on the Maserati Coupé and Spyder was designed to achieve high levels of braking performance. There is rapid response to the pedal and resistance to fading even in the most demanding uses. This is the result of the use of self-ventilated, cross-drilled large-diameter discs (front 13.0 in diameter x 1.3 in and rear 12.2 in diameter x 1.1 in), with lightweight four piston alloy calipers with different diameters: front 1.8-1.5 in with ceramic insulating seals; rear 1.3-1.2 in. The material of the friction pads is high performance Ferodo HP 1000.

    Completing the system is the Bosch 5.3 four-channel ABS anti-lock system with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) between the front and the rear, and MSR logic, which is designed to help prevent locking of the rear wheels on an incline.



    The Brembo alloy four-pot calipers mounted on ventilated and cross-drilled discs.




    THE INTERIOR

    Inside, the Spyder boasts a luxurious specification. The full leather interior includes ergonomic powered seats with two position memory on the driver’s side. They have been redesigned with longer cushions, an integrated headrest and power lumbar adjustment. Behind the seats, there are body-coloured roll hoops with leather fronts.

    There is a state-of-the-art information centre with a 5.8-inch colour screen that displays air conditioning, trip computer and audio information, and, where fitted as options, GSM telephone, navigation and on-board telematics information. Climate control air conditioning is standard along with a single CD player. Optional extras include heated seats, Xenon front lights with headlamp washers and rear-mounted parking sensor.

    Customers can also select the 'Officine Alfieri Maserati' programme. his package offers prospectiove customers complete freedom to select their own choice of colour combinations from 16 body colours, 10 shades for the interior upholstery and 5 for the carpets. Judging by some of the colour combinations I have witnessed, I feel this is something best left to the factory!



    With the roof removed one can see the spacious interior of the Coupé.

    Technical specification

    ENGINE
    Front engined longitudinally mounted with rear wheel drive
    Type: 4244cc, V8 @ 90º, 4-ohc, 32-valve
    Max horsepower: 390 bhp at 7000 rpm       Max torque: 330-lb ft at 4500 rpm
    Bore: 92.0mm        Stroke: 80.0 mm       Compression ratio: 11.1:1
    Induction system: Bosch Motronic ME7.1 electronic injection/ ignition system.

    CHASSIS
    Stress-bearing steel with tubular superstructure integrated in the front
    Brakes front & rear: Bosch 5.3 four-channel ABS anti-lock system
    Brembo four-pot calipers with cross-drilled and ventilated discs
    Transmission: Transaxle with 6-speed rear-mounted longitudinal Maserati gearbox
    Steering: Rack and pinion
    BBS 18 inch alloy wheels
    Tyre size front: 235/40Z 18       Tyre size rear: 265/35Z 18

    PERFORMANCE
    Acceleration: 0-100 km/h in 4.8 secs (Coupé) and 4.9 secs (Spyder)
    Top speed: 177 mph (Coupé) and 176 mph (Spyder)

    DIMENSIONS
              Coupe          Spyder
    Overall length 4526 mm / 178.07 in 4303 mm / 169.4 in
    Overall height 1,822 mm / 71.7 in 1,822 mm / 71.7 in
    Overall width 1,305 mm / 51.4 in 1,305 mm / 51.4 in
    Wheelbase 2661 mm / 104.7 in 2,440 mm / 96.1 in
    Front Track 1,525 mm / 60.0 in 1,525 mm / 60.0 in
    Rear Track 1,527 mm / 60.1 in 1,538 mm / 60.6 in
    Curb weight 1678 kg / 3678 lbs 1,730 kg / 3792 lbs















    To enter Enrico's Maserati Pages CLICK HERE!

    All images are the sole copyright of MASERATI SpA
    and may only be reproduced with their written permission

    Copyright: Enrico's Maserati Pages - © 2001-2004. All rights reserved.