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2001→2007 Maserati Spyder GT

2001→2007 Maserati Spyder GT

2001→2007 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

tags 3200
submitted by Richard Owen
type Series Production Car
production years 2001 – 2007
released at 2001 Frankfurt Motor Show
built at Italy
engine Ferrari 90° V8 w/Dry Sump Lubrication
position Front Longitudinal
ignition Bosch ME 7.3.2 Ignition
block material Aluminum Alloy
valvetrain Chain-Driven DOHC, 4 Valves per Cyl
displacement 4244 cc / 259.0 in³
bore 92 mm / 3.62 in
stroke 80 mm / 3.15 in
compression 11.1:1
power 290.8 kw / 390.0 bhp @ 7000 rpm
specific output 91.89 bhp per litre
bhp/weight 226.74 bhp per tonne
torque 451 nm / 332.6 ft lbs @ 4500 rpm
redline 7600
body / frame Unitary Steel Monocoque
driven wheels RWD
wheel type 7 or 15 spoke Aluminum Alloy
front tires 235/40 ZR 18
rear tires 265/35 ZR 18
front brakes Brembro Cross Drilled Discs
f brake size 33 x 330 mm / 1.3 x 13 in
rear brakes Brembro Cross Drilled Discs
r brake size 30.5 x 310 mm / 1.2 x 12.2 in
front wheels F 45.7 x 20.3 cm / 18 x 8 in
rear wheels R 45.7 x 24.1 cm / 18 x 9.5 in
steering Rack & Pinion
f suspension Double Wishbones w/Shock Absorbers, Coil Springs, Anti-Roll Bar
r suspension Double Wishbones w/Shock Absorbers, Coil Springs, Anti-Roll Bar
curb weight 1720 kg / 3792 lbs
weight distro 53 % / 47 %
wheelbase 2440 mm / 96.1 in
front track 1525 mm / 60.0 in
rear track 1535 mm / 60.4 in
length 4303 mm / 169.4 in
width 1822 mm / 71.7 in
height 1305 mm / 51.4 in
transmission 6-Speed Manual Transaxle or 6-Speed Semi-Automatic
gear ratios 3.286:1, 2.158:1, 1.609:1, 1.269:1, 1.034:1, 0.848:1
final drive 3.73:1
top speed ~283.18 kph / 176 mph
0 – 1/4 mile ~13.3 seconds
0 – 100 kph ~4.9 seconds
fuel capacity 88 litres or 23.23 gal.