![]() It shifts about twice as fast as a top race driver could with a regular manual transmission. ![]() Rather, it's just operated with twin steering wheel paddles. The Maserati is offered with a Cambiocorsa (Italian for "race-style'') six-speed manual transmission, which has a clutch that doesn't require foot operation of a clutch pedal. Both models are so well equipped with power and comfort equipment that they weigh about 3,800 pounds. It looks much like the Spyder, but is 8.7 inches longer and has a 104.7-inch wheelbase, compared with 96.1 inches for the Spyder. The high-quality car is covered by a four-year/50,000-mile warranty. There are two roll bars integrated into the chassis, along with four air bags. However, it has a plastic-not glass-rear window. It has a fully automatic power top that disappears into a compartment behind the seats. The small two-seat Spyder is about the size of a Porsche Boxster and is styled by Italy's illustrious Italdesign-Giugiaro outfit. It will be followed in May by an $83,315 Coupe Cambiocorsa model. The new $87,165 Maserati Spyder Cambiocorsa sports car I tested recently went on sale. Fuel economy is only an estimated 11 mpg in the city and 17 on highways, but that's to be expected with an Italian exotic. The new engine whisks the Spyder to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds. Powering the front-engine, rear-drive Maserati is a race-style 390-horsepower V-8, which is docile with a wide power curve for good throttle response at all speeds. Most Maseratis will be sold by Ferrari dealers in this country. Ironically, the sophisticated new 390-horsepower car is built by Ferrari, which once was Maserati's archrival on the road and track.įerrari has run the Maserati operation since 1997 because Italy's giant Fiat automaker bought both companies and figured Ferrari could do the best job bringing back Maserati's old glory. But the new 176-mph Maserati sports car that recently went on sale here should make up for the flops and sports car drought. The car looked like the much cheaper Chrysler LeBaron convertible and horrified Maserati fans. Oddly called Chrysler's TC by Maserati, it had mediocre quality, many Chrysler parts and Chrysler and Mitsubishi engines. Further hurting Maserati's image was another flop-a costly 1989-91 convertible done by Chrysler and Maserati and sold by Chrysler dealers. Starting in the 1980s, changes made by the small Italian automaker's multiple owners led it to sell boxy coupes and sedans that tarnished its glamorous image. Maserati, which once sold cars that often were sexier than Ferraris, hasn't offered a sports car in America since its 1981 Merak SS.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Details
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |