Maserati Coupé Cambiocorsa
Maserati Coupé GT
State of the art without compromise
The Maserati Coupé is the most comprehensively advanced car in the high performance
GT sector. Only the Maserati Coupé can offer 390 bhp from a totally new 4200 cm3 V8
engine in aluminum alloy, teamed with genuine spacious comfort for four adults; a
Formula 1 style gearshift which can also be used in the fully automatic version; leather
and luxury material interior trim, and the optimum weight distribution guaranteed by the
advanced Transaxle layout of the rear gearbox-differential assembly.
The Coupé offers a unique combination of top level performance, with a maximum
speed of 285 km/h and acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds, and interior
space, with room for four passengers, and a boot which can comfortably hold two golf
bags. The innovative lines of the model are completely new, and line up alongside the
recently presented Spyder. The Coupé and the Spyder will be presented together at the
Los Angeles and Detroit motor shows, heralding Maserati’s return to North America.
A question of style
Created by Italdesign-Giugiaro, the Maserati Coupé presents a series of innovations,
from the prominent new bonnet with its muscular styling which underlines the inclusion
of the brand new engine, to the tail with its new concept in lighting design and clear lens
technology. The spacious interiors boast an additional 25 mm height and 15 mm length
at the front, adding to the trademark Maserati comfort, and the new range of colours
offers the possibility to freely combine 16 paint finishes with 10 colours for the interior
leathers and 5 for the floor mats.
As with each Maserati sold, the client can take advantage of the ”Officine Alfieri Maserati”
program, which offers a vast range of personalized vehicle configurations.
The engine Power and flexibility
The new, specially designed 4244 cm3 engine, with eight cylinders in a 90° V, is
compact and light-weight (only 184 kg), and has the structure of the most advanced
racing engine. It is precursor to a new generation of Maserati engines designed to
combine performance, torque and efficiency, with emissions in compliance with existing
and future regulations.
The crankcase and cylinder heads are in aluminum and silicon alloy, and the crankshaft
has five main bearings. Timing is by way of two chain-driven overhead camshafts per
bank of cylinders and four valves per cylinder. The intake camshafts are equipped with a
high pressure continuous valve timing control system, with a complete activation time of
less than 0.15 seconds.
Lubrication is by dry sump with oil and water pumps in a single block. The integrated
Bosch ME7.3.2 ignition and injection systems with OBD II (On Board Detection and
Diagnosis System) allow for the detection of any operating malfunction, as well as
guaranteeing that emissions regulations are respected.
The accelerator is electronically controlled via the "drive by wire" system, while the
electronic control unit (ECU) interacts with the other systems via a CAN (Controlled Area
Network) line for optimum engine management.
The figures speak for themselves: maximum output of 390 bhp (287 kW) at 7000 rpm,
with maximum torque of 46 kgm (451 Nm) at 4500 rpm.
Transmission with Transaxle layout
The Transaxle layout means that the gearbox (a newly designed longitudinal gearbox,
mechanical transmission with six gears plus reverse) is at the rear, integral with the
differential (segmented self-locking), guaranteeing optimum weight distribution
between the two axles and the ultimate in driving performance, with greater stability and
balance, translating into maximum traction and searing acceleration take-off.
The Transaxle layout includes a rigid link between engine and gearbox via a tubular
element which houses the transmission shaft. The high torque available is transmitted
through the dry dual-disc clutch with torsional flexible coupling and coaxial hydraulic
control.
Gearshift
The Maserati Coupé is available with both manual 6-gear transmission, and
electronically-activated 6-gear transmission with computerized selection. This solution,
known as the Cambiocorsa, gives the driver the choice between an extremely sporty
manual gearshift (with two sports settings available) or Full Automatic. In both cases the
engagement and disengagement of the clutch are automatically activated by the
electronic management system integrated with engine control. The Cambiocorsa
function is activated using the levers behind the steering wheel, while the four different
settings available – Normal, Sport, Full Automatic and Low Grip – are selected with
dedicated controls.
Suspension and driving dynamics
The superior performance of the new Maserati Coupé is attributable not only to the
quality of its engine, but also to the combination of ”sensitive” components for enhanced
driveability and driver control. The suspension system means greater control of the drive
train, reducing the volume of the non-damped elements with regulator bars and forged
aluminum arms. The suspension system also includes front and rear anti-roll bars and
anti-dive and anti-squat features. Also available, on request, is the Skyhook automatic
damping control system, designed in collaboration with Mannesmann-Sachs and a
world first here on the Spyder. This system has six acceleration sensors which detect
the driving conditions and automatically adjust the aluminum dampers, with continuous
control and instant response (10 times faster than a conventional system). With the
Skyhook system the driver can also choose between two different settings: Normal (for
maximum comfort) or Sport (for maximum performance). The Maserati Coupé also
offers electronic traction control (ASR antiskid) excludable and integrated into the engine
management system and the automatic gearshift (depending on the Cambiocorsa
settings). Hydraulic power steering gradually reduces the servo effect as the speed
increases.
Braking system and safety features
The Maserati Coupé features a highly efficient sports braking system created in
collaboration with Brembo, with large ventilated disks and light-alloy four piston calipers.
The brake servo has a two-stage operation, and the friction is HP 1000 from Ferodo.
The antilock system is the Bosch ABS 5.3 with aluminum pedals. Overall safety is
guaranteed by the steel monococque integrated at the front with a tubular structure
which passes the strictest European and American regulations on passive safety in the
case of impact, as well as the main passive safety devices (front and side airbags, seat
belt pretensioners, and a fuel inertia switch).
Life on board and fittings
The vehicle has been designed to provide the ultimate in sporting performance
combined with genuine on-board comfort for four adults, from the leather interiors, the
elegant trim and the analogue dashboard instrumentation in front of the driver.
Electronics have been widely used, but with the focus on safety without compromising
driving pleasure and response. Driving is also enhanced by the Maserati Info Centre,
with its CD stereo, on-board computer, climate control system and, on request, the GPS
satellite navigation and telephone module. There is a wide range of further options fitted
as standard or available on request.
Trimmings and customisation
With 16 exterior paint finishes, 10 colours for the leather interiors and 5 for the floor mats
available to choose from, the combinations are practically endless, and the possible
colour schemes have been conceived to give the interiors of new Coupé a particularly
aesthetic balance of tones. The ”Officine Alfieri Maserati” programme allows the
customer to personalize the car, from the trimmings to the interior upholstery, the high
performance stereo system and colour options for elements like the brake calipers. It is
also possible to create a custom-blended colour for the exterior paint work. A
personalized name or signature can even be engraved on the door sills.
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