Maserati 3200GT and GTa
20 August 2010
This model was launched in 1999, taking the world by storm. With an all new look this sleek and elegant coupe set a new standard for all european car manufacturer's to aspire too. Stylishly sculptured with sleek lines starting at the narrow front leading to the broad rear, chrome grille and and chrome trident always indentified these vehicles clearly from the front, as did the vents located in the bonnet. From the rear, boomerang rear LED lights signified the back clearly as well. Internally, leather was everywhere, impeccably made and installed adding to the joy of owning one of these fantastic cars.
Standard equipment included, electric seats, full leather upholstery, airbags, electric windows, fully automatic climate control, remote central locking with alarm, 18" alloy wheels, fronts being narrower than rears, 235/40ZR18's on the front and 265/35ZR18's at the rear and very stylish boomerang rear lamps powered by LED's (unheard off in 1999). This lamp look was the signtory look to this car was not copied to any other vehicle produced by Maserati.
Up the front was a revised version of the Quattroporte 4 V8, it was a 3.2Ltr, 32 valve, twin turbocharged engine. Producing about 380 BHP this unit gave the new Maserati amazing performance, especially mid range, and was mated to either a 6 speed manual or a ZF automatic gearbox's. Setting new standards including airbags, climate control, adaptive suspension, ABS with traction control and EBD (electronic brake distribution).
As production progressed improvements included new emission controls for the engine, better reliability, subtle interior changes including memory seats and better designed seats.
Near the production end Maserati launched a limited edition called the "Assetto Corsa". This model had significant upgrades including different wheel style, carbon fibre brake cooling ducts, different steering rack, uprated brake servo, thicker roll bar, ride height sat slightly lower and bespoke interior, which was normally black leather with red piping and carbon fibre effect heater control panel. Performance remained the same but with the handling and braking upgrades made this model more driver involved. Prices for these models have been strong and will always contiue to do so.
The vehicle was replaced in late 2001, by the Maserati 4200 Spyder, but there are still example's that were sold through to late 2002. The replacement model boasted many improvements but failed to retain the rear lamps, this was because it needed to be sold to the american Market.
Standard colour choices are, Verdi Mistral (light Green), Verdi Mexico(Dark Green), Nettuno Blue (dark blue), Sebring Blue (medium blue), Agentina Blue (light metallic blue) Rosso Modial (Plain red), Grigio Alfeiri (Dark Grey), Charcoal Black (metallic black) and Touring SIlver. Other colours are available but these were not so common.
