Maserati 3200 GT
Maserati 3200 GT
The Maserati 3200 GT is a sports car designed by Giorgio Giugiaro of the Italian car manufacturer Maserati, which was manufactured by the summer of 1998 until the end of 2001. The interior was designed by Enrico Fumia. It is the last Maserati sports coupe with twin-turbo engine. His production time overlaps with the acquisition of Maserati by Ferrari.
Vehicle characteristics
Launched in August 1998 car was a 2 2- seater luxury coupe; it was designed by Italdesign and fitted with a 3.2-liter V8 twin-turbo engine, which was already installed in the Quattroporte and the Shamal. Here, however, increased in a revised and thus a maximum power output of 272 kW ( 370 hp) version. Known as the 3200 GTA variant with automatic transmission brought it to a maximum of 271 kW ( 368 hp). This engine power has not changed over the entire production period of the 3200 GT. Also new was the use of an electronic accelerator pedal, so an electric throttle control, with whose help could be dispensed with the cable between the accelerator and the engine and a more accurate engine response should be prepared.
The most striking design element of the 3200 GT were like a boomerang shaped tail lights which were illuminated by LEDs. The characteristic of the 3200 GT " boomerang taillights " but disappeared after four years with the introduction of the successor model.
As a design feature which can be contacted by Maserati specially made 10-spoke rims call because they were the only available factory wheel option until 2001. Only together with the special model " Assetto Corsa" was added a new 15-spoke rim that remained exclusively reserved for this model.
The 3200 GT was sold only in Europe, Australia and New Zealand. In the U.S., the vehicle was not approvable due to the long wheelbase and the special shape of the rear lights.
Therefore, and due to the pressure of the new Ferrari management, which provided for a re-entry into the U.S. market for Maserati 3200 GT was the end of 2001 by the Maserati Coupe, also known as 4200, replaced. Externally, this differed up to wheelbase, rear lights and the date from remote air vents in the bonnet hardly, however, included many technical modifications such as a naturally aspirated V8 engine already developed by Ferrari.
Features
For - as measured by the closest competitor - relatively low base price of 143,000 DM (price for the manual transmission variant in 1998) was acquired by the buyer with the 3200GT a sports car with an abundant amenities.
The vehicle possessed essentially for an automatic climate control, full leather interior ( only the roof lining consisted of Alcantara ), heated front seats, electric seat adjustment with Easy Entry function, Driver and passenger airbags, anti -lock brakes and traction control.
Optional numerous customizations were possible because of the small-series production. So you could configure the colors of the interior and paint surcharge freely as desired. Other options available were a leather headliner, a memory function for the driver and front passenger seats, an auto-dimming rearview mirror and carbon versions of certain parts of the interior (eg, shift knob ).
In addition, the chassis was offered as a skyhook variant, which allowed an electronic adjustment of the degree of hardness by Sport button.
Xenon headlamps were not offered over the entire construction period and were available only in the successor model Maserati Coupé. Due to the focusing lens and the excellent lighting properties, however, there is often the misconception that the Maserati 3200 GT is equipped with Xenon headlights. A parking aid was for the 3200 GT also not available.
Assetto Corsa special edition
Inspired by the desire of customers for a version of the 3200 GT (A) with even higher racing ambitions, Maserati presented at the Geneva Motor Show of 2001, limited to 150 pieces edition " Assetto Corsa " (too German " race track trim " ) before that was available in the paint tones Rosso Mondiale, Grigio Touring, Grigio Alfieri, Nero and Nero Carbonio.
Maserati chose to forego an increase in performance and put his main focus on improvements in handling and braking characteristics. For this purpose, among other things, the brake booster has been improved built special pads and by the vehicle by 15 mm deep. The previously optional Skyhook suspension has been modified and was now included by default. Also on the necessary comfort, customers should not have to do without. Therefore, the " Assetto Corsa " edition again offered space for four people and the interior was fitted with a special " Connelly leather sports ".
Externally, the " Assetto Corsa " edition is easy to see from the smoke gray-tinted 18-inch BBS 15-spoke wheels in addition to the red brake calipers that were used in ungetönter variant in the successor model Maserati Coupé and standard rims.