The Maserati 4200GT coupe was launched in 2002, replacing the Maserati 3200GT. Available in either Manual or Cambio Corsa, which was system that had just paddles behind the steering wheel, it moved the level of sophistication and drive ability of a high performance coupe produced by Maserati. Fundamentally this coupe shared few components from the 3200GT, however the main units, gearbox, engine, suspension, interior were all new.

The Cambio Corsa system was basically a manual gearbox that used hydraulics to control the gear changes and the clutch. With two paddles behind the steering  (one for up and the other for down) these controlled the gear changes. In addition, there was a small reverse selection gear lever and an auto button. Finally, there was a switch which helped the system deal with slippery surfaces. The driver had the usual two pedals, like an auto, but changed gear by pulling the up paddle, or the down paddle when slowing down, to change gear. This system was controlled the clutch and the gear changes but proved the system could change gear faster than moving any lever. As the system progressed, the changes improved as did the system's operation.

The first significant change mechanically was the engine, an all new 4.2Litre, naturally aspirated, chain driven, fuel injected engine. Producing about 390BHP and being of a totally different architecture to the old 3.2 engine, this engine had many advances include variable valve timing, four catalytic convertors, dry sump design with oil tank and four chains driving the running gear. this new engine also added an excitement that is hard to explain and that was the noise it made, which can only be described as incredible. In addition, there was a new twin plate clutch and a solid state tube joining the engine and gearbox together. Weight distribution was almost 50:50 as the gearbox was at the rear. New suspension design and improved braking system all added to the excitement that the new coupe brought.

The power was now controllable, making this car a true GT and a very capable car to run and own on a day to day basis. Running costs remained similar to the 3200GT but with the added vantage of cheaper servicing. Clutches were the only archilles heel to the cambio corsa (although sensible usage helped, read are article on the system in FAQ's on this website).

Cosmetically the vehicle received a whole host of improvements, new nose including a new badge, new rear lights, removal of bonnet badges, new interior including sat nav, telephone and multiplay CD player were all added. The whole package became a far more attractive buy and sales continued to grow for Maserati. Most model years received subtle updates and the later the vehicle became the more reliable it became, making later models a very good car to own and enjoy. The Gransport was launched in the 2005 but there is a separate article on this model, although both versions finished production in 2007, as the Gran Turismo replaced them both.