What is it?
2002 Maserati Spyder
What's special about it?
Maserati's new Spyder looks just like a chopped-top version of the 3200GT coupe that's been available in Europe for years, but this car has been given a thorough massage by Ferrari, the company's current owner.
A new Ferrari-designed 4.2-liter V8 makes 390 horsepower at 7,000 rpm, replacing the old twin-turbo 270-hp 3.2-liter V8. Ferrari's motor is more fuel efficient, as well, while pushing the pudgy 3,800-pound Spyder to a top speed of more than 175 mph.
Two versions are available. The GT model has a conventional manual shifter. Cambriocorsa (Italian for "racing change") versions have a Formula One-inspired six-speed transmission with paddle shifters on the steering wheel. Both feature a rear-mounted transaxle to achieve a 53/47 front/rear weight distribution.
Four modes are offered with this gearbox: Normal, Sport, Auto and Low Grip. In Normal and Sport, the transmission shifts aggressively, more so in Sport mode. In Auto, the car shifts itself automatically. In Low Grip, smoother starts are ensured for low-traction surfaces. With regard to the sportier settings, Normal focuses on maximum stability, while Sport emphasizes traction and sporty driving. Cambriocorsa also interfaces with the available Skyhook variable suspension.
The Skyhook suspension is an automatic suspension control whereby sensors monitor each wheel and determine what damper settings will most benefit the ride and handling. Brembo had a hand in designing the Spyder's braking system, which features large-diameter rotors, four-piston calipers, sticky brake pads, ABS and electronic braking distribution.
Riding an 8.7-inch shorter wheelbase than the 3200GT coupe, the Spyder's somewhat drab styling was done by Italdesign-Guigiaro. The convertible top is fully automatic and folds beneath a hard cover for seamless top-down appearance.
Standard equipment includes 15-spoke 18-inch wheels and power seats with driver memory. Front and side airbags, a standard rear parking sensor and available xenon headlights are also on the menu. Spyder's leather upholstery comes in 10 colors; the top comes in five different shades.
Also standard is the Maserati Info Centre, which has a 5.8-inch color display mounted in the center of the dash and bundles the trip computer, climate controls and stereo functions. Given the number of tiny buttons littering the panel on either side, we can't imagine that this was a good idea in terms of ergonomics. But it can be equipped with a GPS navigation system, a hands-free phone and a CD changer, so there you go.
Why should you care?
If you don't have $100,000 to blow on an extravagance such as this, and you don't have a penchant for Italian cars that come from a city other than Maranello, you shouldn't care one whit about the rather pedestrian Maserati Spyder. — Christian Wardlaw
2002 Maserati Spyder
What's special about it?
Maserati's new Spyder looks just like a chopped-top version of the 3200GT coupe that's been available in Europe for years, but this car has been given a thorough massage by Ferrari, the company's current owner.
A new Ferrari-designed 4.2-liter V8 makes 390 horsepower at 7,000 rpm, replacing the old twin-turbo 270-hp 3.2-liter V8. Ferrari's motor is more fuel efficient, as well, while pushing the pudgy 3,800-pound Spyder to a top speed of more than 175 mph.
Two versions are available. The GT model has a conventional manual shifter. Cambriocorsa (Italian for "racing change") versions have a Formula One-inspired six-speed transmission with paddle shifters on the steering wheel. Both feature a rear-mounted transaxle to achieve a 53/47 front/rear weight distribution.
Four modes are offered with this gearbox: Normal, Sport, Auto and Low Grip. In Normal and Sport, the transmission shifts aggressively, more so in Sport mode. In Auto, the car shifts itself automatically. In Low Grip, smoother starts are ensured for low-traction surfaces. With regard to the sportier settings, Normal focuses on maximum stability, while Sport emphasizes traction and sporty driving. Cambriocorsa also interfaces with the available Skyhook variable suspension.
The Skyhook suspension is an automatic suspension control whereby sensors monitor each wheel and determine what damper settings will most benefit the ride and handling. Brembo had a hand in designing the Spyder's braking system, which features large-diameter rotors, four-piston calipers, sticky brake pads, ABS and electronic braking distribution.
Riding an 8.7-inch shorter wheelbase than the 3200GT coupe, the Spyder's somewhat drab styling was done by Italdesign-Guigiaro. The convertible top is fully automatic and folds beneath a hard cover for seamless top-down appearance.
Standard equipment includes 15-spoke 18-inch wheels and power seats with driver memory. Front and side airbags, a standard rear parking sensor and available xenon headlights are also on the menu. Spyder's leather upholstery comes in 10 colors; the top comes in five different shades.
Also standard is the Maserati Info Centre, which has a 5.8-inch color display mounted in the center of the dash and bundles the trip computer, climate controls and stereo functions. Given the number of tiny buttons littering the panel on either side, we can't imagine that this was a good idea in terms of ergonomics. But it can be equipped with a GPS navigation system, a hands-free phone and a CD changer, so there you go.
Why should you care?
If you don't have $100,000 to blow on an extravagance such as this, and you don't have a penchant for Italian cars that come from a city other than Maranello, you shouldn't care one whit about the rather pedestrian Maserati Spyder. — Christian Wardlaw
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