Maserati rejoined the U.S. market in 2002 with the Spyder convertible after a decade’s absence. As the 2003 model year began, the Italian automaker sent a second model, the closed-roof Coup�, to its dealerships.
The styling of both the Coup� and Spyder is credited to the Italdesign-Giugiaro organization in Italy. In addition to having a shapely design and strong performance, the new Maseratis had to be easy to drive in everyday use, yet still promise exclusivity. The Ferrari organization markets Maseratis in the U.S.
Mild updates to both the Coup� and Spyder for 2005 included a larger grille and two-tone interior colors. Maserati also introduced a GranSport coupe for 2005, which is described separately in the cars.com Research section.
At the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2005, Maserati exhibited a Vintage edition of the Coup� featuring detailing that recalls some of the best-known models of Maserati’s past. A chrome air intake is set in the front bumper as on the 1957 3500 GT. Instrument graphics, aluminum pedals and polished wheels also are unique to the Vintage model.
Even though the styling of the Coup� is similar to the Spyder’s, the convertible is not merely a coupe with its metal roof snipped off. Measuring 178.1 inches long overall and 51.4 inches tall on a 104.7-inch wheelbase, the closed coupe is significantly larger. In addition, the Coup� offers four-occupant seating, while the Spyder is a two-seater.
Styling touches on the curved coupe body include an oval-shaped Maserati shield on the hood that sits above a trident on the wide mesh grille. Maserati’s Skyhook automatic suspension control system was developed with Mannesmann-Sachs. Sensors monitor movement in the wheels and body, and a computer changes damping according to driving and road-surface conditions.
Many shades of leather upholstery are offered in the handcrafted interior. An information center in the console holds a 5.8-inch color display for the sound system, trip computer and climate controls. Options include a navigation system, xenon high-intensity-discharge headlights, rear parking sensors and a five-CD changer in the trunk.
The Coup�’s 4.2-liter V-8 develops 390 horsepower at 7,000 rpm and 333 pounds-feet of torque at 4,500 rpm. It teams with either a conventional six-speed-manual gearbox or a six-speed Cambiocorsa paddle-shift transmission similar to units used in Formula One racing.
The electronically actuated Cambiocorsa transmission has four modes — Normal, Sport, Automatic and Low Grip. The driver can operate the car in fully automatic mode or manipulate paddles behind the steering wheel to change gears. Maserati says the Coup� can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds.
All-disc antilock Brembo brakes and side-impact airbags are standard.
