| The Coupe is the same basic car as the Maserati 3200GT, which was designed before 1997, when Ferrari took over Maserati. Ferrari has designed a new naturally aspirated 385-hp, 4.2-liter V-8 and rear-mounted transaxle, improved the quality of the interior, reworked the suspension and structure, and put new taillights on the car.
The Coupe's suspension tuning, which is slightly stiffer than the Spyder's, makes it at least as comfortable as the Porsche and Jag. Despite 18-inch wheels shod with aggressive tires, the Coupe doesn't react as harshly to sharp pavement edges as does the Jag, and it isn't as choppy over inconsistent pavement as the 911. The optional Skyhook electronically adjusting dampers, which were absent from our test car, are said to further enhance the ride.
If carrying a few passengers is a requirement, the Maserati is reasonably well suited to the task. The two rear pseudo-bucket seats can accommodate adult-size humans. That's thanks to a wheelbase more than eight inches longer than the Spyder's, about three inches longer than the XKR's, and a whopping 12 inches longer than the 911's. Kneeroom is still minimalist, but headroom is adequate for short journeys. A person possessing legs, torso, and neck is not intended to fit in the back of a 911. |
