July 27, 2001

Maserati Turns Heads Again

By RICHARD STEPLER
New York Times

The sleek silver coupe is attracting more than a little attention in front of the SoHo Grand Hotel on West Broadway. In a neighborhood awash in BMW's, Jaguars and Porsches, this sports car quietly asserts its presence. "What is it?" passers-by want to know.

The clues are subtle: A trident emblem is centered in the oval grille. There is no make or model designation on the flanks. Only on the rear deck is the answer spelled out in small, elegant letters: Maserati, a revered name in the pantheon of Italian sports cars, but one that had begun to fade from the American experience. Many in the crowd might agree with the car's designer, Giorgietto Giugiaro: "It has an unobtrusive, sober style and great personality."

The car in SoHo was a 3200GT with European specifications, a model introduced in Europe in 1998 after Ferrari acquired Maserati, its crosstown rival in Modena, and rebuilt its historic but inefficient factory. An American version, the first new Maserati sold here since 1993, will arrive early next year with an all-new V-8 engine and a new body style: a two-seat convertible with a power top that disappears beneath a metal panel. A four-passenger coupe is to follow.

The 4.2-liter engine produces 390 horsepower, sufficient to propel the Spyder to a top speed of more than 175 miles an hour. The power is sent to the rear wheels through either a six-speed manual transmission or the six-speed Cambiocorsa, a computer-controlled six- speed automatic developed in Formula One racing, which lets the driver shift manually by flicking two paddles next to the steering wheel.

Other features include a computer- controlled automatic damping system that adapts the suspension's response to driving conditions; high-performance brakes, developed with Brembo; and a touch-screen information center on the console that combines audio, trip computer and climate controls. A global-positioning navigation system and hands- free phone are options. In addition to a range of exterior colors, the Spyder will offer 5 colors for the convertible top and 10 shades of leather upholstery.

Maseratis will be sold by the 38 Ferrari dealers in North America, who will set up separate showrooms and service facilities.

So what's the difference between a Ferrari and a Maserati? "Ferrari is a purebred sports car," said Jeffrey Ehoodin, a spokesman for Ferrari-Maserati North America. "Maserati is more discreet, more of a grand touring car. It's a car for everyday driving."

There is also a big difference in price. A Ferrari 360 Spider costs $161,000 and a 360 Modena coupe goes for $144,000. The Maserati coupe and convertible will sell in the mid-$80,000 to mid-$90,000 range.

A Web site, www.maseratispyder.com, is online now.