2006 Maserati Spyder Gransport 4.2 V8

Description

First unveiled to the public at the 2001 Frankfurt Auto Show, the Maserati Spyder two-seater was produced, along with its sister four-seater Coupe which was revealed at the 2002 Detroit Auto Show, from 2001 to 2007. The (Tipo M138) design of both models was based on the preceding Maserati 3200 GT, and was penned by Giorgetto Giugiaro of ItalDesign, who was also responsible for the Ghibli, Bora, Quattroporte III and the 3200 GT. Under the shapely bonnet of the Tipo M138 was a 4.2 litre V8 mated to either a six-speed manual or six-speed Cambiocorsa automated manual transmission, located at the rear with the differential in a transaxle. The GranSport Spyder model was introduced in late 2005 and featured improved aerodynamics, retuned suspension, engine and transmission, and a sportier interior. It was powered by the same 4244cc, dry sump, 90 degree V8 with an elevated 294 kW output thanks to a modified exhaust system and intake manifolds and valve seats. Only the six-speed Cambiocorsa paddle shift transmission was available, recalibrated for quicker shifts, with an exhaust tuned to "growl" on start-up and full throttle. The GranSport used the Skyhook active suspension, with a 10mm lower ride height, for a claimed top speed of 290 km/h. New bumpers with chrome mesh grilles, side skirts, rear lip spoiler and underbody panels lowered the drag coefficient and there were new "Trofeo"-design 19-inch wheels with trident-shaped spokes. Inside, the GranSport Spyder had an all-leather interior with highly contoured sports seats which required a slimmer centre console constructed in carbonfibre, which was also used for the dashboard trim and on the new thick-rimmed steering wheel. The cars were built at the Viale Ciro Menotti plant in Modena, Italy.