Maserati Spyder

Maserati, Ferrari, Giugiaro. When the big names from Italian automobile architecture join forces to try their hand at building a convertible sports car, then the result will in all likelihood command respect. The new Spyder is the first Maserati after Ferrari's takeover of the company with the trident emblem and thus holds a key position. And the Spyder GT is not just a further development of the 2+2 seater 3200 GT, but a completely new motorcar.

The Maserati Spyder GT is impressive because of its outstanding engineering achievement: a lightweight 4.2-liter V8 engine, power transmission, six-speed gearbox and suspension have been completely redesigned and coordinated in collaboration with the motor racing specialists from Maranello.

With the Spyder, Maserati breaks away from the traditional biturbo. The 4.2-litre V8 aspirated engine with 390 bhp reflects the experience of the Ferrari engineers from motor racing.

The power transmission to the rear wheels is effected via an encapsulated transmission unit, and the gearbox is available either as a conventional six-speed manual gearbox or, for an extra charge, as a "Cambiocorsa" gearshift in the style of Ferrari's Formula 1 gearshift. Two switch levers on the steering wheel allow the driver to change gears without using the clutch pedal; the driver can choose between gearshift programs (normal, sport, auto and low grip).

An additional technical achievement of the Spyder designers is the automatic skyhook damping control, which has been developed in cooperation with Mannesmann-Sachs. This constantly monitors the movement of the wheels and the car body, determines the road conditions with the aid of a computer unit and immediately adapts the shock absorber settings to the respective conditions. Besides ABS and EBD, the high performance braking system from Brembo also offers additional safety.

It looks as though Maserati, with the help of Ferrari, have finally built a car that not only looks good but also gets you where you need to be. The Maserati Spyder is a refined sports car that can be driven on a daily basis and if the urge hits you, can be taken out to the track and will hold it's own with the best of them.