Maserati Coupe
In terms of truly romantic historical resonance, can anybody get close to Maserati? Even the Modena companys tumultuous waxing and waning of fortunes only adds to the mystery, the suspicion ever being that certain models were little more than chaos theory made metal with a sprinkling of magical fairy dust. Dewy-eyed nostalgists may miss those days but Maserati has transformed itself into something big business, high-tech and ruthlessly ambitious. If a little of the Latin spirit has been ironed out of the corporate structure, few will shed a tear after a spell behind the wheel of the latest Maserati Coupe.
This car first appeared in the UK in 1998 badged as the 3200GT but was replaced in 2002 by a faster 4200GT model which soon became known simply as the Coupe. Like its predecessor, it was also offered in Spyder convertible form. Visually, there wasnt much difference between the two models, save for a suggestive bonnet power bulge and the disappearance of the boomerang LED tail lights that were the trademark stylistic signature of the original car. More recently however, Maserati has decided upon a few more far-reaching visual changes.
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Prices start at £56,995.
"As with all the best Italian engines, the Maseratis is also something special to look at"
Inside, the interior of the both CoupƩ and Spyder models can now be contrasted with different coloured leathers for the central zone of the seats and dashboard, and the upper door panels. The instruments now feature new, sporty, blue and white graphics that are apparently easier to read. In addition, the previously optional aluminium-coloured kit on the console and the door is now a standard item and other modifications have been made to the interior with the central tunnel re-designed to provide a bigger storage compartment. If youre graduating up from one of the early 4200GT Coupes to arrive in the UK, youll also be new to the 2004 model year package of changes which included a new steering box, new shocks, bigger anti-roll bars, the Maserati Stability Programme (MSP), Skyhook suspension and the Navtrak GPS security system.
With 390bhp on tap, the Coupe is, as you would expect, devastatingly potent. The use of various weight saving components (like an innovative dry-sump lubrication system and variable inlet timing system) all point to the fact that this is a far more modern engine than the twin-turbo unit used by the old 3200GT. That power translates into some quite stunning performance, 60mph disappearing in 4.7 seconds with 177mph clicking onto the speedometer where conditions allow.
The brakes are well up to the task too, with big 330mm discs and Brembo callipers at the front that give genuinely breathtaking powers of retardation. As with all the best Italian engines, the Maseratis is also something special to look at with crackle-finished aluminium castings sitting atop this Ferrari-designed powerplant. It sounds the part too, with a deep-chested burble thats more muscle car than Maranello. Its tractable throughout a wide Range, pulling cleanly in third from walking pace.
Handling is similarly versatile, the Skyhook telemetry system monitoring the movement of wheels and body and transmitting this data to a central unit. This in turn determines the running conditions and adjusts each damper to give maximum comfort and response. In Sport mode, the ride is a good deal firmer than youd find on, say, a Jaguar XKR or even a Porsche 911 and the traction control system is backed off slightly, letting the enthusiast driver take a few more liberties with all that horsepower. Even if you take too many, the MSP (Maserati Stability Programme) will be on hand to rein the car back in.
Well-heeled buyers can opt to pay £3,000 extra for the Cambiocorsa semi-automatic paddle-shift gearchange borrowed from Ferrari, which interfaces with the same six-speed gearbox the manual model uses. If you opt for the manual car youll be treated to a gearshift which, in this instance, is traditionally heavy and obstreperous. Pay extra for Cambiocorsa (and Maserati reckon 60% of buyers will) and youll have an easier time. With four modes of operation (Manual, Automatic, Sport and Snow) it interfaces with the rest of the cars electronic systems to provide a passable level of driver control.
In standard manual mode, the software ensures that you cant engage a gear that will damage the gearbox, will auto-upshift when the car reaches the redline or downshift when the 1200rpm stall point is reached. Should you merely wish to waft around enjoying the ambience, the automatic mode does a passable imitation of a proper torque converter-equipped slushbox but you suspect youre missing the point. It also makes some curious rattling noises on low-speed downshifts. Best to flip it back to manual and enjoy zipping up and down the gears just for the sake of it, relishing the engines delicious throttle blip as you knock the gearbox down a couple of cogs as you enter your favourite hairpin.
Bystanders may attribute the perfect heel and toe downchange to you by the bark from the engine, although the speed of the subsequent upshifts may betray your electronic assistant, especially if you switch to Sport mode. The interior is much as weve come to expect from Maserati with sumptuous leathers and chromed details. A 6-inch colour screen is standard, controlling the stereo, the on-board computer, the climate control and, should you specify them, the satellite navigation and telephone functions. Luggage space is also better than you would at first expect, Maserati claiming the Coupe will swallow two golf bags.
Front seat occupants benefit from an extra 25mm of headroom and 15mm more legroom than before, seat adjustment being taken care of by a dizzying array of electric motors. Maseratis Coupe has deservedly garnered a strong following in the UK and the latest changes should further help its cause. If youre bored with German engineering and cant quite stretch to a Ferrari, then this is probably your car.
Facts At A Glance
CAR: Maserati Coupe
PRICE: £56,995 on the road
INSURANCE GROUP: 20
CO2 EMISSIONS: 430g/km
PERFORMANCE: Max Speed 177mph / 0-60mph 4.7s
FUEL CONSUMPTION: 9.9mpg (urban) / 21.7mpg (extra urban) / 15.2mpg (combined)
STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front airbags, ABS, ASR
WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Heightmm 4523/1822/1305mm
