تويت
a137.g.akamai.net/n/137/3538/20030127205924/www.cars.com/features/2003overview/maserati/images/03_maserati_spyder_gt_386.jpg
Spyder GT Overview
Maserati had been out of the U.S. market for a decade, but the Italian builder of exotic sports cars returned with a brand-new Spyder GT convertible — on sale since May 2002. A Coupe GT joined the Spyder for 2003, and that model is covered separately in this Buying Guide.
As the 2003 model year began, no changes were forthcoming for Maserati’s convertible. But by the spring of 2003, several revisions are expected.
There are now more compact car choices available than ever before. Our expert Best Bets tell you which compacts are worth considering.
Maserati was one of the prime Italian sports car makers of the 1950s, 1960s and beyond. Developed to reflect what the automaker says is emerging as the “new Maserati,” the revived Spyder project began after the company fell under the control of Ferrari in 1997. The styling of the compact, open two-seater is credited to Italdesign-Giugiaro, one of the top Italian design firms, while Ferrari handles marketing and promotion in the United States.
Maserati considers the Spyder GT and the four-passenger Coupe GT to be entirely separate models. Developers have been working on a Pininfarina-designed four-door sedan for release during 2003.
Exterior
Modern touches meld with traditional sports-car styling. The two-seater rides on 15-spoke 18-inch wheels. A contemporary version of the historic oval Maserati shield appears on the hood and is positioned above a Maserati trident on the grille. Upholstered, body-colored, arch-type roll bars are installed for safety, and a power top is operated electrohydraulically.
The Spyder and Coupe GT’s styling is similar, but the dimensions on the Spyder are smaller. The Spyder GT rides a 96.1-inch wheelbase and measures 169.4 inches long overall, 71.7 inches wide and 51.4 inches tall. With a 53/47 percent front/rear weight distribution, the convertible weighs 3,792 pounds. Xenon high-intensity-discharge headlights are optional.
A Skyhook automatic-suspension-control system was developed with Mannesmann-Sachs. Sensors constantly monitor the movement of the wheels and body, and a computer adapts damping according to driving and road-surface conditions.
Interior
Maserati promises “lavish equipment levels for life onboard” the Spyder GT. Ten shades of leather upholstery are available in the handcrafted interior. Each seat has an integral head restraint, and power seats include driver memory.
An Information Center in the console holds a 5.8-inch color display for the music system, trip computer and climate controls. Cruise control and electronic rear-parking sensors are standard. Options include a GPS navigation system, hands-free telephone and five-CD changer.
Under the Hood
A 4.2-liter V-8 engine develops 390 horsepower at 7,000 rpm; it teams with a Cambiocorsa gearbox borrowed from Formula One racing. A rigid link connects the engine and gearbox, which contains a self-locking differential. The electronically actuated six-speed-manual transmission with its computerized speed selection operates in four modes: Normal, Sport, Automatic and Low Grip. The Spyder GT can operate in fully automatic mode, or the driver can manipulate Up and Down paddles behind the steering wheel to change gears.
Maserati claims the Spyder’s top speed is above 175 mph. The Cambiocorsa gearbox can control the variable-suspension option in Normal and Sport modes.
Safety
Standard safety features include front and side-impact airbags, electronic brake-force distribution and traction control. All-disc antilock brakes were developed with the Brembo company.
Reported by Jim Flammang for cars.com
Spyder GT Overview
Maserati had been out of the U.S. market for a decade, but the Italian builder of exotic sports cars returned with a brand-new Spyder GT convertible — on sale since May 2002. A Coupe GT joined the Spyder for 2003, and that model is covered separately in this Buying Guide.
As the 2003 model year began, no changes were forthcoming for Maserati’s convertible. But by the spring of 2003, several revisions are expected.
There are now more compact car choices available than ever before. Our expert Best Bets tell you which compacts are worth considering.
Maserati was one of the prime Italian sports car makers of the 1950s, 1960s and beyond. Developed to reflect what the automaker says is emerging as the “new Maserati,” the revived Spyder project began after the company fell under the control of Ferrari in 1997. The styling of the compact, open two-seater is credited to Italdesign-Giugiaro, one of the top Italian design firms, while Ferrari handles marketing and promotion in the United States.
Maserati considers the Spyder GT and the four-passenger Coupe GT to be entirely separate models. Developers have been working on a Pininfarina-designed four-door sedan for release during 2003.
Exterior
Modern touches meld with traditional sports-car styling. The two-seater rides on 15-spoke 18-inch wheels. A contemporary version of the historic oval Maserati shield appears on the hood and is positioned above a Maserati trident on the grille. Upholstered, body-colored, arch-type roll bars are installed for safety, and a power top is operated electrohydraulically.
The Spyder and Coupe GT’s styling is similar, but the dimensions on the Spyder are smaller. The Spyder GT rides a 96.1-inch wheelbase and measures 169.4 inches long overall, 71.7 inches wide and 51.4 inches tall. With a 53/47 percent front/rear weight distribution, the convertible weighs 3,792 pounds. Xenon high-intensity-discharge headlights are optional.
A Skyhook automatic-suspension-control system was developed with Mannesmann-Sachs. Sensors constantly monitor the movement of the wheels and body, and a computer adapts damping according to driving and road-surface conditions.
Interior
Maserati promises “lavish equipment levels for life onboard” the Spyder GT. Ten shades of leather upholstery are available in the handcrafted interior. Each seat has an integral head restraint, and power seats include driver memory.
An Information Center in the console holds a 5.8-inch color display for the music system, trip computer and climate controls. Cruise control and electronic rear-parking sensors are standard. Options include a GPS navigation system, hands-free telephone and five-CD changer.
Under the Hood
A 4.2-liter V-8 engine develops 390 horsepower at 7,000 rpm; it teams with a Cambiocorsa gearbox borrowed from Formula One racing. A rigid link connects the engine and gearbox, which contains a self-locking differential. The electronically actuated six-speed-manual transmission with its computerized speed selection operates in four modes: Normal, Sport, Automatic and Low Grip. The Spyder GT can operate in fully automatic mode, or the driver can manipulate Up and Down paddles behind the steering wheel to change gears.
Maserati claims the Spyder’s top speed is above 175 mph. The Cambiocorsa gearbox can control the variable-suspension option in Normal and Sport modes.
Safety
Standard safety features include front and side-impact airbags, electronic brake-force distribution and traction control. All-disc antilock brakes were developed with the Brembo company.
Reported by Jim Flammang for cars.com
تعليق