- Free-revving V8 engines sound great
- Excellent ride/handling balance
- Seductive styling
- Semi-automatic Cambiocorsa transmission provides jerky gearshifts
- Low driving position
- High maintenance costs
Overview
Released in November 2001, the Maserati M138 Spyder was a two-door convertible with a power-operated soft-top roof. Manufactured in Modena, Italy, the rear-wheel drive Spyder was powered by a 4.2-litre V8 petrol engine – supplied by Ferrari – which had double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, variable intake valve timing, dry sump lubrication and a compression ratio of 11.1:1.
Transmission options consisted of a six-speed manual (for GT variants) or a six-speed semi-automatic electro-hydraulic transmission (for Cambiocorsa variants). The Cambiocorsa transmission was controlled via steering wheel gearshift paddles and had four selectable modes: Normal, Sport, Automatic and Low Grip.
Dimensions and suspension
Styled by Italdesign, the M138 Spyder was 4303 mm long, 1822 mm wide, 1305 mm tall and had a 2660 mm long wheelbase. The Spyder had double wishbone suspension front and rear, while a ‘Skyhook’ adaptive damping system was also available. The Skyhook system utilised coil-over shock absorbers and six accelerators (to monitor wheel and body movement) to continually adjust individual shock absorbers as required.
| Variant | Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GT | 4.2-litre petrol V8 | 6sp man. | 287 kW at 7000 rpm | 451 Nm at 4500 rpm |
| Cambiocorsa | 4.2-litre petrol V8 | 6sp semi-auto |
Safety equipment
Standard safety equipment for the Maserati Spyder included dual front airbags, front side airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, front seatbelt pretensioners and an automatically deploying pop-up roll bar.
The Spyder had a Brembo braking package with 330 mm by 32 mm front discs and 310 mm by 28 mm rear discs; four-piston calipers were fitted front and rear.
Features
Standard features for the Maserati Spyder included 18-inch alloy wheels, a six speaker sound system with a single CD player and a five-disc CD changer in the boot, climate control air conditioning, leather upholstery, power adjustable front seats, cruise control, front fog lights, a leather-wrapped multi-function, steering wheel, remote central locking, power windows and folding mirrors, a height and reach adjustable steering wheel, driver memory settings (seat and mirror positions), a trip computer and an immobiliser.
The Spyder was also fitted with a limited slip differential.
September 2004: Maserati Spyder update
In September 2004, the Spyder underwent a minor update, receiving seven-spoke alloy wheels and distinguished by their horizontally-ribbed radiator grilles and rear bumpers with wide air intakes shielded by a black mesh grille. Inside, there was contrasting leather upholstery for the central sections of the seats and dashboard, while the instrumentation had new blue and white graphics.
2004 Maserati Spyder 90thAnniversary Edition
In April 2004, limited 90thAnniversary Edition models were released to commemorate the 90th anniversary of the founding of Maserati. The 90th Anniversary Edition models were also fitted with rear parking sensors and Maserati’s ‘Skyhook’ suspension system. Visually, these models could also be identified by their dark metallic silver seven-spoke 18-inch alloys, aluminium or red brake calipers, chrome front grille with red Trident accents, chrome trident badges and carbon-fibre roll bars. Inside, there were aluminium racing pedals, a carbon-fibre steering wheel, carbon-fibre door trims and sills.
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