1998→2001 Maserati 3200 GT The elegant Maserati four seater coupé was styled by Italdesign, whose founder, Giorgetto Giugiaro, had already penned the classic Ghibli, Bora, Merak, Quattroporte III and several one-off Maseratis. The car made its public debut at the October 1998 Mondial de l’Automobile in Paris. The 3200 GT’s 104.8...
Maserati 3200 GT
1998 - 2002
The 3200 GT signalled the rebirth of Maserati after more than a decade in the supercar doldrums. The Guigiaro designed shape has proved attractive and distinctive, with unique styling touches such as the 'L' shaped rear lights. Serious performance in a luxurious environment are on offer to the four lucky occupants. A 370bhp twin turbo V8 provides 170mph cruising, while adjustable electronic damping makes for a smooth, comfortable ride.
Overview
The Biturbo era saw its conclusion with the introduction of the completely new 3200GT, presented in 1998 and made through 2002. With the 3200GT, Maserati returned to its roots with a true Gran Turismo in the great tradition of the brand. It was a completely new vehicle, powered by a substantially modified V8 engine from the Shamal and Quattroporte IV. Producing 370 hp, it was offered with a six-speed manual ZF transmission or a four-speed automatic gearbox. Its boomerang-shaped taillights were the first on a production car to use LED technology.
The Biturbo aimed to catapult Maserati into the mainstream automotive market, also marking the brand's reentry into the US market. Initial sales were promising, but momentum waned significantly in the following years. The Biturbo era saw the introduction of a diverse lineup, including V6 and V8 engines across Coupe, Convertible, and Saloon variants. However, these models struggled to live up to the legacy of Maserati's renowned creations from previous decades.
Facing economic downturns again in 1990, de Tomaso sold a significant stake in Maserati to Fiat, which eventually took full ownership by 1993, marking a new chapter in Maserati's history. Under Fiat's stewardship, Maserati embarked on developing a successor to the aging Biturbo series, culminating in the launch of the second-generation Ghibli in 1998.
The Tipo 338 3200 GT, unveiled in 1998, represented a fresh start for Maserati. Styled by Ital Design, this front-engined four-seater Grand Tourer was powered by a twin-turbocharged V8, blending performance with luxury. The 3200 GT featured a steel unibody construction, sophisticated suspension, and a Brembo brake system, setting new standards for the brand. Its distinctive boomerang LED rear lights became an iconic design element.
Maserati's 3200 GT housed the Tipo AM 585 engine, an evolution of the Quattroporte Evoluzione's powerplant, enhancing power output and torque. Paired with a six-speed manual or an optional automatic transmission, the 3200 GT offered exhilarating performance.
Despite its advanced features and performance capabilities, the 3200 GT underwent several updates during its production, including steering improvements, turbo lag reduction, and an extended warranty. A notable variant, the Assetto Corsa, featured enhanced handling and limited production numbers, adding exclusivity to performance.
The production of the 3200 GT concluded in the early 2000s, with the model paving the way for the next generation of Maserati coupes, transitioning from the Biturbo era to a new era of innovation and design excellence, while maintaining the brand's prestigious heritage.
Maserati 3200 GT Basics
Manufacturer: Maserati
Production: 1998 - 2002
Produced: 4,795 units
Body: 2 Door 4 Seat Coupe
Layout: Front Engine, RWD
Transmission: 6 Speed Manual, 4 Speed Auto
Details: Twin Turbo V8
Capacity: 196 in3
Max Power: 370 bhp @6250rpm
Max Torque: 362 lb/ft @4500rpm
Power to Weight: 237 bhp/ton
Specific Output: 115 bhp/litre
Top Speed: 174 mph
0 - 60 mph: 5.6 sec
Length: 178.0 in
Width: 72.0 in
Height: 51.0 in
Weight: 3496 lbs
Tires (F/R): 235/40 ZR18, 265/35 ZR18
Did You Know?
Under the hood lies a 3.2-liter twin-turbo V8 engine derived from Ferrari.
The car featured an automated manual transmission, an early adopter of this technology.
While not a mass-produced version, a handful of 3200 GT Spyders were built by specialty coachbuilders.
250 special Assetto Corsa models were built with lowered suspension, uprated brakes, and sportier styling.
"The 3200 GT is a return to form for Maserati, with beautiful curves and those iconic boomerang taillights."
Sports Car Digest
Our Favorite Maserati 3200 GT Images
The 3200 GT is a return to form for Maserati, with beautiful curves and those iconic boomerang taillights.
"The interior is a luxurious blend of leather and wood, a true Italian classic."
Supercars.net
