Dear 001,
Maserati is giving it's Coupé and Spyder and GranSport models a slight facelift for 2005.
Available from September this year, the updated cars get a new radiator grille with horizontal ribbing in the same style as the company's Quattroporte luxury saloon. The rear bumper is also new and features wider air intakes covered by a black mesh grille, while the rear side panels now carry Maserati badging. Additionally, aluminium-coloured trim finishes and bigger seven-spoke alloy-wheels complete a minor external facelift.
Inside the instruments are finished with blue and white graphics (again like the Quattroporte), which Maserati says are easier to read. The centre section of the leather seats and dashboard, as well as the upper door trim panels can also now be specified in contrasting upholstery colours.
Mechanically, the whole car remains the same as the current model appart from some minor changes to the software controlling the semi-automatic gearbox, which yet again seems to be Quattroporte inspired.
Prices for all the models remain unchanged, and the Italians are hoping that freezing purchase prices and this latest refresh will keep buyers interested before the new 2006 models arrive.
This is becomming a major issue as some countries are still discounting new and demonstrator models (You think? :) 001) to shift inventory at the moment.
Englishman in NY