2001→2007 Maserati Spyder GT The model was more than just a shortened version of the 3200 GT. In fact, the Maserati Spyder debuted the all-new normally-aspirated 4.2 litre V8 engine which would be fitted to the new Coupé GT the following year. Developing 390 hp at 7,000 rpm (over 90...
Maserati Coupe, Spyder & GranSport
The Maserati 4200
2001 - 2007
The Maserati Coupé and Spyder (Tipo M138) are a series of grand tourers produced by Italian automaker Maserati from 2001 to 2007. The two nameplates refer to the four-seater coupé and two-seater convertible models, respectively. The Spyder was first unveiled to the public at the 2001 Frankfurt Auto Show with the Coupé's debut following shortly thereafter at the 2002 Detroit Auto Show. The Maserati GranSport is a sportier version of the Coupé.
Overview
The Maserati 4200, a symbol of Italian luxury and performance in the mid-2000s, encompasses the Coupe, Spyder, and GranSport models, each bringing its unique flair and driving experience while maintaining the essence of Maserati's rich heritage. Launched as successors to the 3200 GT, these models marked a significant phase in Maserati's history, showcasing the brand's commitment to combining high performance with grand touring luxury.
Introduced in 2001, the Maserati Coupe and Spyder represented a pivotal shift from the previous 3200 GT, notably with the transition to naturally aspirated engines for the North American market. The heart of these models was the Ferrari/Maserati F136 family of engines, a 4.2-liter V8 powerhouse that delivered thrilling performance without the complexities of the 3200 GT's turbocharged unit. This engine was capable of producing 390 horsepower and 333 lb-ft of torque, propelling the Coupe and Spyder from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.8 seconds, with top speeds exceeding 177 mph.
The design of both the Coupe and Spyder was penned by Giorgetto Giugiaro of ItalDesign, embodying the elegance and muscularity expected of a Maserati. While the Coupe offered a 2+2 seating configuration, making it a practical yet sporty option for grand touring, the Spyder appealed to those seeking the exhilarating experience of open-top driving. Both models boasted a perfect blend of traditional Italian craftsmanship and modern luxury, with sumptuous leather interiors, elegant wood or carbon fiber trim, and advanced technology features, ensuring a comfortable and engaging driving experience.
In 2004, Maserati elevated the 4200 range with the introduction of the GranSport, a model that emphasized enhanced performance and sportier styling. The GranSport retained the same 4.2-liter V8 engine but was tuned to produce 400 horsepower, coupled with a faster-shifting Cambiocorsa automated manual transmission. This setup, along with a lower, stiffer suspension, sport-tuned exhaust system, and aerodynamic enhancements, made the GranSport a more focused and aggressive variant, capable of delivering a more exhilarating driving experience.
Visually, the GranSport distinguished itself with unique bodywork, including a deeper front spoiler, side skirts, and a rear lip spoiler, all designed to improve aerodynamic efficiency. The interior received similar sporty touches, with carbon fiber accents, a redesigned steering wheel, and exclusive seats that offered better support during spirited driving.
The engineering underpinning the Maserati 4200 series was as impressive as its performance. The cars featured a rear-mounted transaxle layout, which contributed to their balanced weight distribution and excellent handling dynamics. The Skyhook adaptive suspension system, available across the range, automatically adjusted the damper settings in response to driving conditions, offering a seamless blend of comfort and sportiness. Moreover, the Brembo braking system ensured formidable stopping power, instilling confidence in any driving scenario.
The Maserati 4200 series, including the Coupe, Spyder, and GranSport, represented a significant chapter in Maserati's storied legacy. These models not only affirmed Maserati's ability to produce vehicles that melded performance with grand touring luxury but also laid the groundwork for future models that would continue to uphold the brand's prestigious reputation. Today, the Maserati 4200 series is celebrated by enthusiasts and collectors alike, cherished for its distinctive blend of Italian elegance, exhilarating performance, and the unique charm that only a Maserati can provide.
Maserati 4200 Basics
Manufacturer: Maserati
Also called: Maserati 4200
Production: Spyder: 2001–2007, Coupé: 2002–2007, GSport: 2004–2007
Produced: 13423 units
Model years: Coupé, Spyder: 2002–2007, GSport: 2005–2007
Assembly: Modena, Italy
Designer: Giorgetto Giugiaro, Frank Stephenson (GranSport)
Body style: 2-door 2+2 coupé, 2-door convertible
Layout: Front-engine, RWD
Engine: 4.2 L Maserati F136 R V8
Transmission: 6-speed manual, 6-speed automated manual
Wheelbase: Coupé: 2,660 mm, Spyder: 2,440 mm
Length: Coupé: 4,523 mm, Spyder: 4,303 mm
Width: 1,822 mm
Height: 1,305 mm
Kerb weight: Coupé: 1,670–1,680 kg, Spyder: 1,720–1,730 kg, GranSport: 1,680 kg (3,704 lb)
Predecessor: Maserati 3200 GT
Successor: Maserati GranTurismo and GranCabrio
Did You Know?
Unlike its predecessor, the 4200 GT could be had with a classic 6-speed manual gearbox.
From the start, the 4200 GT was available as both a coupe and convertible (Spyder).
While the predecessor relied on a turbocharged V8, the 4200 GT boasted a naturally aspirated 4.2-liter V8 derived from Ferrari, delivering a smooth and high-revving character.
In 2004, the track-inspired Gransport variant arrived, boasting sharper handling, a sportier look, and even more thrilling exhaust notes.
A more mature evolution of the 3200 GT design, we love its elegant lines and improved overall experience.
Sports Car Digest
Maserati 4200 Variants
Coupe, Spyder & GranSport & Specials
Maserati Spyder (2001 - 2007)
Maserati Coupé (2002 - 2007)
Maserati GranSport (2004 - 2007)
Maserati GranSport Spyder (2005 - 2007)
Maserati Coupé 90th Anniversary (2004)
Maserati Spyder 90th Anniversary (2004)
Maserati Coupé Trofeo Light (2004)
Maserati GranSport MC Victory (2006)
Maserati GS Zagato Coupe (2007)
Maserati Spyder GT
2001 - 2007
The Spyder GT was designed by the famed Giorgetto Giugiaro of ItalDesign, featuring a timeless silhouette that exudes both sportiness and sophistication. At its heart lies a 4.2-liter V8 engine derived from the collaboration between Ferrari and Maserati, delivering 390 horsepower, which allows it to sprint from 0 to 60 mph in under 5 seconds. The Spyder GT was offered with either a six-speed manual or a automated manual.
Maserati Coupe GT
2002 - 2007
The Maserati Coupe GT, which graced the roads from 2002 to 2007, epitomizes the revival of the Maserati brand into the realm of high-performance luxury sports cars. Conceived by the esteemed designer Giorgetto Giugiaro of ItalDesign, the Coupe GT's aesthetics seamlessly merge aggressive sportiness with understated elegance, characteristic of Maserati's design ethos. It had the same hardware as the Spyder GT and was a great drive.
Maserati GranSport
2004 - 2007
Building on the foundation laid by the Coupe and Spyder, the GranSport elevated the driving experience with enhanced performance features and sportier aesthetics. It was powered by an uprated version of the 4.2-liter V8 engine and mated to a refined Cambiocorsa automated manual transmission for sharper, more responsive shifts. The GranSport featured a more aggressive exterior with aerodynamic enhancements.
Maserati GranSport Spyder
2005 - 2007
The Maserati GranSport Spyder, produced from 2005 to 2007, epitomized the fusion of open-top exhilaration with aggressive sports performance. As the convertible variant of the GranSport lineup, it boasted the same high-performance 4.2-liter V8 engine as the coupe, tuned to deliver 400 horsepower, allowing drivers to enjoy the thrilling sound of the powerplant without a roof to separate them from the experience. It was quite limited in terms of production compared to the Coupe.
Maserati Coupé 90th Anniversary
2004
A distinctive variant of the Coupé GT, launched to commemorate Maserati's illustrious 90-year history in crafting some of the world's most desirable cars. Limited to just 90 units, this special edition stands out with its unique aesthetic enhancements and performance tweaks. It features exclusive carbon fiber accents, including an aerodynamic body kit that not only enhances its sporty demeanor but also improves its downforce and handling. The interior is equally bespoke.
Maserati Spyder 90th Anniv.
2004
The 2004 Maserati Spyder 90th Anniversary edition celebrated Maserati's rich legacy with a limited release that highlighted the brand's commitment to elegance and performance. This special edition, limited to just 90 units worldwide, was distinguished by its exclusive Blue Anniversary paint, complemented by carbon fiber accents for the exterior, including a distinctive rear spoiler and aerodynamic side skirts that emphasized its sporting lineage.
Maserati Coupé Trofeo Light
2004
The 2004 Maserati Coupé Trofeo Light was a track-oriented iteration of the standard Coupé. It was a direct descendant of the cars used in the Maserati Trofeo racing series. The Trofeo Light was significantly lighter than its road-going counterpart, thanks to extensive use of carbon fiber, tipping the scales at around 1,180 kg (2,601 lbs). It was powered by a tuned version of the 4.2-liter V8, with over 420 horsepower, paired with a racing gearbox.
Maserati GranSport MC Victory
2006
The GranSport MC Victory was introduced to commemorate Maserati's victory in the 2005 FIA GT Manufacturers' Cup, a testament to the brand's enduring legacy in motorsport. Limited to just 180 units, this special edition model incorporated several performance and aesthetic enhancements inspired by the racing version of the GranSport, the MC12 GT1. It featured a distinctive blue carbon fiber exterior with unique aerodynamic upgrades.
Maserati GS Zagato Coupe
2007
Unveiled as a bespoke commission for a discerning collector, this exclusive model was based on the Maserati GranSport’s platform but elevated to a work of art through Zagato’s distinctive styling cues. Its bodywork, characterized by Zagato's iconic double bubble roof design, seamless curves, and aerodynamic efficiency, was sculpted. It has a 4.2-liter V8 engine, ensuring that the GS Zagato's performance was strong.
Our Favorite Maserati Coupe, Spyder & GranSport Images
The Coupé and Spyder were designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro of ItalDesign, who also designed the Ghibli and Bora. It has classic Maserati sexiness.
"The Gransport finally gives the 4200 GT the performance edge it always deserved."
Supercars.net
