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2005 Maserati Spyder

The Maserati Coupe and Spyder were produced from 2001 to 2007, and both models were based on the preceding 3200 GT (which was not sold in the United States). With the Spyder, Maserati returned to the North American market after an 11-year hiatus. To alleviate confusion from the names (Coupe and Spyder), these models are commonly referred to as the 4200 GT, referencing its 4.2-liter engine.

2005 Maserati Spyder photo
Spyder
Maserati introduced Spyder in 2001 at the Frankfurt Auto Show and the Coupe the following year at the Detroit Auto Show. Sales of the Spyder began in March 2002 for the U.S. market and the Coupe in May.

The styling of the Coupe and Spyder was courtesy of Giorgetto Giugiaro of ItalDesign, and the interior by Enrico Fumia. Production was handled by the ViaViale Ciro Menotti plant in Modena, Italy. During its production lifespan, a total of 13,423 examples were built, including 3,889 Spyders, 6,449 Coupes, 2,613 GranSport, and 472 GranSport Spyder.

Mechanical Specification
The Spyder rested on a 96.1-inch wheelbase and the Coupe on a 104.7-inch platform. The Coupe was longer, with an overall length of 178.1 inches while the Spyder measured 169.4 inches. Both had a width of 71.7 inches and a height of 51.4 inches. The Coupe was a four-seater (2+2 configuration), while the Spyder had two seats. Both models rested on standard 18-inch alloy wheels that originally had a 15-spoke design. By 2003, most buyers selected the optional 7-spoke sport wheels which became standard by 2005.

2005 Maserati Spyder photo
Spyder
Power for both the Coupe and Spyder was courtesy of the F136 R V8 engine which displaced 4,244cc and offered 385 horsepower (487 kW) at 7,000 RPM. Peak torque was 332 lb-ft (450 Nm) at 4,500 RPM. It had a 90-degree V design for its eight cylinders, a compression ratio of 11.1:1, and cross-plane design for its crankshaft. The 32-valve DOHC unit had four valves per cylinder, chain-driven, twin-overhead camshafts, dry sump lubrication, and its pump assembly located outside the crankcase. The cylinder bore measured 3.62 inches (92 mm) and the piston stroke length of 3.15 inches (80 mm). The transmission was located at the rear of the vehicle (transaxle type), integrated with the differential, helping the Coupe and Spyder achieve a 48/52 percent weight distribution between the front and rear axles.

The six-speed manual transmission was available either as a GT or CC (Cambiocorsa meaning 'race shift') using paddle shifters. The GT version used a foot-operated clutch, while the Cambiocorsa was an automated manual transmission. The Cambiocorsa had four different operating modes, including 'Normal,' 'Sport,' 'Auto,' and 'Low Grip.'

The suspension was a light alloy double wishbone setup with anti-roll bars. The rear received a toe-in regulator bar for balanced cornering and the front an 'anti-dive' system prevented 'nose-diving' during heavy braking.

2005 Maserati Spyder photo
Spyder
The optional 'Skyhook' system was a computer-controlled suspension damping system that used coil-over shock absorbers and a set of six accelerometers to constantly monitor the movement of the wheels along the car's body. With at least 40 calculations and recalculations per second, adjustments are made to each shock absorber for optimal comfort or performance, depending on the setting. When in 'Sport' mode, the suspension became firmer to aid in cornering.

Standard and Optional Equipment
The Maserati Coupe and Spyder came standard with an infotainment system that combined climate and audio controls. The GPS navigation system was optional, as was the hands-free GSM phone integrated into the information system. Also on the options list were rear parking sensors, seat heaters, cruise control, a CD changer, an upgraded audio system, Xenon headlights, and an electrochromic rear view mirror.

Optional interior trim packages included a carbon fiber kit, Briar wood kit (with wood portions on the steering wheel, shifter, and door trim), and a leather headliner with a grosgrain pattern. Custom-made Maserati luggage, made to match the car's interior, could also be purchased for an additional fee.

Spyder 90th Anniversary
In late 2004, a 'Spyder 90th Anniversary' edition was produced in limited numbers, with the North American market receiving 90 examples and the rest of the world another 90 cars. Fifteen examples were built with right-hand drive configuration and intended primarily for Britain. These 90th Anniversary examples were not a GranSport but did receive the GranSport bodykit, albeit without the mechanical upgrades. They wore a special Blu Anniversary paint scheme, titanium-colored brake calipers, grey headlamp housings, an oval Maserati badge on the front fenders, and a unique blue/grey interior with a limited edition plaque.


by Daniel Vaughan | May 2006

Related Reading : Maserati Coupe / Spyder History

The Maserati Coupe and Spyder were produced from 2001 to 2007 when they were replaced by the GranTurismo. These grand touring automobiles offered four seats for the coupes and two seats for the roadster version. The coupe and spyder, both commonly referred to as the 4200GT, were based on the 3200 GT which was sold in Europe, but not in the United States. The name 4200 was a representation of its....
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