20012007 Maserati Spyder GT

The model was more than just a shortened version of the 3200 GT. In fact, the Maserati Spyder debuted the all-new normally-aspirated 4.2 litre V8 engine which would be fitted to the new Coupé GT the following year. Developing 390 hp at 7,000 rpm (over 90 hp/litre), it rocked to a top speed of 280 kph (174 mph) and lightning-quick acceleration.

The styling was a direct derivation of the 3200 GT penned by Giugiaro, but the wheelbase was much shorter as the car was intended strictly as a two-seater with roll hoops behind the headrests. The shorter wheelbase was clearly intended to further enhance the handling qualities of the chassis and make the Spyder extremely agile and versatile. New taillights were dictated largely by customer surveys in the USA, where Maserati returned with the Spyder in 2002.

Mechanically-speaking, the changes extended well beyond the engine with a revised chassis, new transmission and gearbox. In true sports car fashion, the new gearbox/differential unit was mounted in a transaxle layout. Inside the car, the center console now hosted the “Maserati Info Center”, a 5.8 inch colour display which acted as a user interface for the trip computer, sound system and automatic climate control. A GPS navigation system was optional.

In Detail

tags3200
submitted byRichard Owen
typeSeries Production Car
production years2001 – 2007
released at2001 Frankfurt Motor Show
built atItaly
engineFerrari 90° V8 w/Dry Sump Lubrication
positionFront Longitudinal
ignitionBosch ME 7.3.2 Ignition
block materialAluminum Alloy
valvetrainChain-Driven DOHC, 4 Valves per Cyl
displacement4244 cc / 259.0 in³
bore92 mm / 3.62 in
stroke80 mm / 3.15 in
compression11.1:1
power290.8 kw / 390.0 bhp @ 7000 rpm
specific output91.89 bhp per litre
bhp/weight226.74 bhp per tonne
torque451 nm / 332.6 ft lbs @ 4500 rpm
redline7600
body / frameUnitary Steel Monocoque
driven wheelsRWD
wheel type7 or 15 spoke Aluminum Alloy
front tires235/40 ZR 18
rear tires265/35 ZR 18
front brakesBrembro Cross Drilled Discs
f brake size33 x 330 mm / 1.3 x 13 in
rear brakesBrembro Cross Drilled Discs
r brake size30.5 x 310 mm / 1.2 x 12.2 in
front wheelsF 45.7 x 20.3 cm / 18 x 8 in
rear wheelsR 45.7 x 24.1 cm / 18 x 9.5 in
steeringRack & Pinion
f suspensionDouble Wishbones w/Shock Absorbers, Coil Springs, Anti-Roll Bar
r suspensionDouble Wishbones w/Shock Absorbers, Coil Springs, Anti-Roll Bar
curb weight1720 kg / 3792 lbs
weight distro53 % / 47 %
wheelbase2440 mm / 96.1 in
front track1525 mm / 60.0 in
rear track1535 mm / 60.4 in
length4303 mm / 169.4 in
width1822 mm / 71.7 in
height1305 mm / 51.4 in
transmission6-Speed Manual Transaxle or 6-Speed Semi-Automatic
gear ratios3.286:1, 2.158:1, 1.609:1, 1.269:1, 1.034:1, 0.848:1
final drive3.73:1
top speed~283.18 kph / 176 mph
0 – 1/4 mile~13.3 seconds
0 – 100 kph~4.9 seconds
fuel capacity88 litres or 23.23 gal.

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