2001 Maserati 320S Concept

The single seat Maserati concept-car project known as the Maserati 320S was a partnership between Maserati, Sparco and Italdesign and heralded Maserati’s return to the U.S market. It is clear that the Maserati 320S offered a pretty accurate preview of the Maserati 3200GT range, the styling connection is clear.

With a small windscreen limited to the area in front of the driver, and a visible roll-over bar with aerodynamic fairing in the rear, this concept is reminiscent of some iconic Maserati sports cars of the past, models like the Maserati 200, the Maserati 300S, the Maserati 450S and in particular the Tipo 60/61 ‘Birdcage’.

The concept’s V8 engine is from the 3200 GT Coupé (it is a 3.2 liter turbocharged V8 engine). A strong 370 bhp at 6,250 rpm, it also sounded characteristically Ferrari-like.

Other big changes included the adoption of racing brakes (355×32 mm discs at the front, and 310×28 mm discs at the rear), revised suspension (special, stiffer springs, ground-hugging trim and adjustable racing dampers), and new wheels, which are mounted at the limits of the wheel housings (9.5×18 at the front and 10.5×18 at the rear), with Michelin slick tyres.

The kerb weight, (excluding petrol) of the 320S is approximately 1,300 kg.

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