The next generation Maserati Spyder was caught testing at the Nurburgring in
these spy shots, as it builds towards a Geneva 2006 debut.
The new model, based on the Quattroporte's LM139 platform, will draw its
styling cues from the super-luxury saloon which was launched
in Frankfurt
last autumn. In general the newcomer will translate the Quattroporte's
elegant lines closely; however, creases on the bonnet will be more aggressive
and will flow from a lower and wider trademark grille.
In order to clearly underline the car's sporting potential, the haunches
above the rear wings will be more voluptuous. Headlamp units and other parts
will be similar to those of the saloon.
Immediately recognisable is the new folding-hardtop roof the new Spyder
will incorporate as it joins the Mercedes SL and Lexus SC430 in offering
this approach.
The spy shots show an interesting and novel advance in packaging the roof
when it is folded away, as a boot of conventional width is in place.
The new Coupe and Spyder have been designed by Pininfarina, under the
overall responsibility of Ferrari and Maserati's head of design Frank
Stephenson. The project went back to the drawing board last year when the
proposed 'evolutionary' designs were rejected as being too conservative.
Power for the new Coupe and Spyder will come from the present model's 4244 cc
V8 engine, which has been bored out to 5.0-litres and will feature revised
cylinder heads, induction system and electronics.
As rivalry increases between the sportscar manufacturers, power from the new
unit will be boosted up to 470 bhp; an increase of 80 bhp. The present Spyder
is already no slouch, hitting a top speed of 177 mph while completing the
0-62 mph dash in 4.9 seconds.
With the new 2+2 Coupe and two-seat Spyder set to steer Maserati, now under the guiding hand of former Ford Europe CEO Martin Leach, to
break through the 10,000 units per year barrier, they are working
particularly hard to get this model absolutely right.
In the meantime, the current models will undergo a final facelift next year
as they seek to arrest a recent slowing down of sales.
James Granger/ItaliaSpeed - 22 May 2004
