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Maserati - 2003 Maserati Spyder Cambiocorsa
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| 2003 Maserati Spyder Cambiocorsa |
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Specifications |
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Engine Type |
4.2 L V8 |
| Displacement cu in (cc) |
4244.00 cc | 259 cu in. | 4.2 L. |
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Power bhp (kW) at RPM |
390.00 BHP (287 KW) @ 7000.00 RPM |
| Torque lb-ft (Nm) at RPM |
333.00 Ft-Lbs (451.5 NM) @ 4500.00 RPM |
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Redline at RPM |
7600 rpm |
| Brakes |
ABS disc brakes |
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Tires |
Front : 235/40 ZR 18 and Rear : 265/35 ZR 18 |
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Length |
4303.001 mm | 169.4 in. |
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Weight |
1630 kg | 3594.2 lbs |
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Acceleration 0-62 mphs |
4.7 seconds |
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Top Speed mph (km/h) |
176 mph |
| Fuel economy EPA (1/100) |
(11 / 17) |
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Base Price |
$94,972 |
| Car Description |
| Both Maserati models are powered by a 4.2-liter V8 engine that develops 390 horsepower. Both also use a six-speed transmission, but it is the actuation of those gears that is interesting. A straight manual is offered, but the cars we had an opportunity to drive had what Maserati calls Cambiocorsa transmissions.
Cambiocorsa is similar-to-nearly-identical to the shifters used in Formula 1 racing. Paddles are located behind the steering wheel to shift up (right paddle) or down (left paddle). There is a learning curve to remember how to shift into neutral and first, for example, but once you've been in the car for a short while the shifting is effortless. The car even "double clutches" on downshifts - automatically. Cambiocorsa is also adaptive, so if you choose to drive the car hard, it will shift hard for you. If you just poke along, it will poke along with you.
There's also an "auto" mode that can be actuated by a button on the center console. This puts it in automatic mode, although Maserati won't admit to having an automatic transmission. Again, the transmission adapts to your driving style, and upshifts and downshifts at appropriate points. The indicator on the dash that tells you what gear you're in with the paddles, also indicates which gear you're in with the "auto" mode, something you don't get with Tiptronic-style shifters. Maserati also claims that Cambiocorsa is faster than Tiptronic.
To get into reverse, there's a small shifter in the console. It almost appears too small, but it's very similar to the shifter in a Ferrari, so I guess it's okay.
With 390 horses under the hood, there's no question that the Maserati is powerful. The Coupe can attain a top speed of 177 mph, while the Spyder is slightly slower. Both speeds are unattainable in normal driving in the U.S.
The driver and front passengers it in individual power buckets that are extremely comfortable. Normally, a car seat takes some time to become accustomed to, but the Maserati seats were comfortable as soon as I sat in them. Even when we switched drivers and passengers, we could get into the other person's settings and feel good. |
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