- Powerful 3.2-litre twin turbo V8 engine sounds great
- Competent dynamics
- Seductive styling
- Firm ride
- Notchy manual gearshift
- Overly sensitive throttle
- High maintenance costs
Overview
Released in Australia in July 1999, the Maserati M338 3200 GT was a rear-wheel drive coupe. Manufactured in Modena, Italy, the 3200 GT was powered by a 3.2-litre twin turbo petrol V8 engine mated to either a four-speed automatic or a six-speed manual transmission.
The 3200 GT was 4510 mm long, 1822 mm wide, 1305 mm tall and had a 2660 mm long wheelbase. Furthermore, the 3200 GT had front and rear double wishbone suspension with forged aluminium links and rigid integral joints.
Styled by Italdesign, the 3200 GT was available with an electronic damper system which utilised information from sensors (velocity, vertical and lateral acceleration and braking system pressure) to adjust the gas dampers via actuators to any of the fourteen (14) different damper settings. The system was also combined with the traction control and automatic gearbox (where fitted) to enable the driver to select from ‘Normal’ or ‘Sport’ operating modes.
| Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3200 GT | 3.2-litre twin turbo petrol V8 | 4sp auto, 6sp man. |
271 kW at 6250 rpm | 491 Nm at 2700 rpm |
Safety equipment
Standard safety equipment for the 3200 GT included dual front airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution and traction control.
Brakes
The 3200 GT had 330 mm by 23 mm ventilated front brake discs and 310 mm by 28 mm ventilated rear discs; both the front and rear discs were fitted with four-piston aluminium calipers.
Features
Standard features for the 3200 GT included 18-inch alloy wheels, six speaker sound system with a six-disc CD player, climate control air conditioning, power adjustable front seats, Connelly leather upholstery, front fog lights, remote central locking, power windows and mirrors, a rake and reach adjustable steering wheel and an immobiliser. The 3200 GT was also fitted with a limited slip differential.
2001 Maserati 3200 GT Assetto Corsa
In July 2001, a limited-run Assetto Corsa variant was released. The Assetto Corsa had a lowered ride height (by 10 mm at the front and 8 mm at the rear), stiffer springs and shock absorbers, increased rear axle camber angle, soft-compound Pirelli P-Zero Corsa tyres, Pagid RS421 high attrition brake pads, carbon-fibre brake ducts, a modified brake servo and steering rack (for more resistance at the helm). Visually, the Assetto Corsa could be identified by its dark grey 15-spoke BBS alloy wheels and red painted brake calipers. Inside, there was perforated Connelly leather upholstery, drilled aluminium pedals and an engraved sill kick-panel.
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