Review: Maserati Spyder (1988-94)

Review: Maserati Mk.I Spyder (1988-89)

Overview

Released in 1988, the Maserati Mk.I Spyder was a soft-top convertible with two-plus-two seating. Designed and built by Zagato, the rear-wheel drive Spyder was powered by a 2.5-litre V6 petrol engine with three valves per cylinder, twin overhead camshafts, electronic injection, two water-cooled turbochargers and two air-to-air intercoolers. A five-speed ZF manual transmission was fitted as standard, although a three-speed automatic transmission could also be ordered.

Although based on Maserati’s Biturbo range, the Spyder had a shorter wheelbase. As such, the Spyder was 4043 mm long, 1714 mm wide, 1310 mm tall and had a 2400 mm long wheelbase (compared to 2510 mm for the coupe).

The front suspension for the Spyder consisted of MacPherson struts with dual-rate telescopic dampers, coil springs and an anti-roll bar. At the rear, the Spyder had semi-trailing rear arms, coil springs and dual-rate pressurised hydraulic telescopic dampers. The Spyder was also fitted with a limited slip ‘Sensitork’ differential.

Safety equipment

The Spyder was not fitted safety equipment such as ABS or airbags.

Features

Standard features for the Mk.I Spyder included 14-inch alloy wheels with 205/60 VR 14 tyres, a radio and cassette player, air conditioning, leather trim, power windows and woodgrain interior trim.

Review: Maserati Mk.II Spyder (1989-91)

Overview

Released in October 1989, the Mk.II Spyder was fitted with a more powerful, 2.8-litre twin turbo petrol V6 engine and available with a four-speed automatic transmission. Visually, the Mk.II Spyder could be identified by black headlight surrounds, shorter grille and 15-inch alloy wheels with 205/50 front and 225/50 rear VR15 tyres.

Features

Compared to its Mk.I predecessor, standard features for the Mk.II Spyder were largely unchanged.

Review: Maserati Mk.III Spyder (1992-94)

Overview

Released in 1992, the Mk.III Spyder introduced cosmetic changes and could be identified by its slimmer headlights, taller bumpers and sills, 16-inch six-spoke alloy wheels (with 205/45 front and 225/45 rear ZR16 tyres), more aerodynamic door mirrors and a spoiler at the base of the windscreen. The powertrains, however, were unchanged.

Features

Compared to its Mk.II predecessor, standard features for the Mk.III Spyder were extended to include front fog lights.

Related links

• Wikipedia.org: Maserati Spyder