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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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:

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 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!