The fabulous new Maserati Coupe and Spyder models are on their way and the boys from Modena want you to know they are taking them very seriously, with massive performance, sensational Italian style, exceptional quality and equipment - plus a reasonable price tag into the bargain! Can't wait till '06?
Expect to see the first uncovered spy shots of Maserati's replacement for the Coupe and Spyder models as the next generation models go testing in the valleys of Modena and the German race tracks before their debut at the Geneva 2006 Motor Show.
The new models, (supposedly) based on the Quattroporte's LM139 platform will also draw their styling cues from the luxury saloon which was launched at last years Frankfurt Auto Show. In general the newcomers will adopt the Quattroporte's elegant lines very closely, however, creases on the bonnet will be more aggressive and will flow from a bigger, lower and wider trademark grille, with a larger Trident of Neptune badge. The haunches above the rear wings will also be more voluptuous in order to clearly underline the car's sporting potential. Headlamp units and other parts will be similar to those of the saloon, indeed may actually come from that car to save money.
The new coupe will remain an excellent 4-seater as it is now, looking obviously similar to the car it replaces, however, the Spyder will surprise you with it's new folding hardtop roof ala Mercedes SL. Just as with the German car, Maserati have gone for an interesting and novel advance in packaging the roof when it is folded away, clever as it has a conventional boot. You'll have to see it to understand it. Both cars have been styled by the Italian styling house of Pininfarina and more importantly, by head of design, Frank Stephenson. Initially, the whole project was scrapped last year when the proposed 'evolutionary' designs were rejected as being too conservative.
So there is a great pair of cars coming, but what about power? The existing models 4244 cc V8 engine has been bored out to 5.0-litres and will feature cleverly ported cylinder heads, new fuel injection system (possibly an Italian version of Mercedes DGI) and some clever electronics. What does that mean? Just under 500-bhp bolted to a new DSG style semi-automatic transmission (see other story) as standard. Expect performance to be breathtaking, hitting 60-mph in under 4.5-secs and onto a top speed on excess of 190mph.
Now under the guiding hand of former Ford Europe CEO Martin Leach, the company is desperate to break through the 10,000 units per year barrier, they are also working particularly hard to get this model absolutely right as in some countries (like here in the UK) Maserati dealers are discounting new cars by £7K ($13K USD) and that's bad for the manufacturer. Sadly, this price cutting, and the poor reception of the Porsche Cayenne may have finally killed off any hopes of a this platform underpinning the Kubang off-roader, as doubts over the 4x4's viability have recently emerged.