Maserati 4200 Spyder - Q2 2008

Group	1
Engine	F 4244 V8
Transmission	RWD 6 speed
Cabin	2 door; 4 seat
Bhp @ rpm	390 @ 7000
lb ft @ rpm	333 @ 4500
Kerb weight/kg	1680
bhp/ton	232
bhp/litre	92
0-60/secs	4.8
0-100/secs	11.4
Max mph	177
Fuel tank/l	88
Year	2002-2006
Country	Italy
Price when new	£60,000
Number produced	-

The 4200 is a completely updated version of the Giugiaro styled 3200 GT with only 19% inherited from the older car, it has a new chassis, new gearbox, new engine, just about the only things that look the same are the body panels but they too are different.
 
The 4200 has small styling changes inside and out and a completely new 4.2litre naturally aspirated 90deg V8 engine built by Ferrari to replace the twin turbo charged 3.2litre Maserati V8 from the older car. The new engine is made from aluminium and silicon alloy, is 20kg lighter at only 184kg and also shorter despite the extra litre of displacement, it is freer revving, more powerful and is now dry sumped and features four chain driven overhead camshafts, it would later appear in the Ferrari F430. The engine is mated to a new Maserati longitudinally rear mounted 6 speed manual transmission sitting between the rear wheels for better weight distribution and operated either via a conventional manual gearbox and clutch or with steering wheel mounted paddles and an automated clutch in a system the Italians call Cambiocorsa (or race change), as before an LSD is also present.
 
Suspension is via double wishbones at all four corners with 'Skyhook' adaptive damping, all four corners also feature vented discs and four piston Brembo callipers.
 
Inside, like the 3200 GT, the coupe is a proper four seater capable of holding four adults while the Spyder with it's 220mm shorter wheelbase is a strict two seat with a fully automatic electrically operated hood secured with hydraulics. There is leather on every surface and a good sized boot making the Maserati a true grand tourer with the performance of a sports car.
 
"Searing pace, powerful personality" ***1/2 evo Magazine, April 2002