Based on half-compartment 3200 GT and inaugurating new atmospheric V8 developed by the wizards of Ferrari, the Half-compartment WP (or 4200 GT) seems to have all the arguments to allure demanding, avid customers of luxury and sportivity. Horses, mouth and a tornado of emotions, here is the program to make us forget the speed limits quickly…

Wrttien by : Sébastien DUPUIS

PRESENTATION
The coupe GT is not simple restyling 3200 GT. The modifications are deep. That is instantaneously without noticed to shock the eye. The beauty of the forms is preserved and the coupe GT preserves a single and inimitable line. The only disappointment of an aesthetic nature relates to the abandonment of the rear lights out of boomerang. Redrawn for more traditional forms, even a bit obsolete, the rear wheel-axle unit loses in originality and personality to meet the standards of homologation of the American market on which Maserati starts its great return by the means of the Ferrari network. Damage for the design, so much better for the sales. Small detail far from being pain-killer, the front face receives an additional logo, on the cap, as for better affirming than the mark with the three-pronged fork is more than ever alive! Inside, few changes compared to half-compartment 3200. The single and cordial design of the dashboard did not take a wrinkle and improves with the age in terms of completion and assemblies. The door coverings are redrawn as well as the meters. The small needle watch in the center seems anochronic vis-a-vis the large screen multifunction if appreciated “gadgetophiles”.

ENGINE
The principal evolution of the car is thus under the cap. New V8 any alloy developed by Ferrari occurs the turbo one henceforth but however announces very flattering characteristics. Its cubic capacity of 4244 Cm3 makes it possible to reach 390 CH with 7000 rpm and a couple of 46 Mkg with 4500 rpm. The techniques employed are close to what one finds in competition: dry casing, oil exchangers, variable chock of admission… Only with the idle, its raucous sonority takes with the trippes. Up to 4500 rpm, one could think that it is an American mechanics, a good large V8 with carbu, flexible and coupleux as of the low modes. Then, it is fury up to 7600 rpm! Mama Mia!!! A rail magic and envoutant, without speaking about thorough out of the commun run which it inflicts with this case, however heavy of almost 1700 kg, and with the body of the occupants! No the doubt, work carried out is admirable and more still… moving. The manual box 6 reports/ratios is henceforth assembled to the back. The system “Cambiocorsa” proposed in option (sequential control at the wheel) will allure certainly the enthusiasts for big thrills by his speed of change, impossible to equalize with the hand drive operation with cables rather slow and hard. If one judges the stop watch of it, the 4200 GT is able to however hold the rate/rhythm of one 360 Modena F1, more powerful and lighter. Useless thus to specify that that moves severely! 1000 m D.A.? 24 " 3… 0 to 100 km/h? 5 " 2… Maximum speed? 285 km/h. Other questions? To give you an idea, on a nervous starting, the back of the car seeks the trajectory until 3rd. Thus abused, the two-plate clutch and the tires let you know their suffering by a strong smell of burning. Considering the work inflicted with the electronic computer electronic computer of the ASR déconnectable one hesitates to do without his assistance… especially over wet!

ON THE ROAD
The modifications made to the frame benefitted the agility but it is difficult to forget the ponderal overload of the car. The controlled suspension still has evil has to gum all the movements of case and the catch of rolling is perceptible. Hesitating between sport and comfort, the compromise is still not perfect. The car is nevertheless precise and effective thanks to a good distribution of the masses and especially never appears piegeuse. The direction is precise but suffers from the heaviness of the less direct and communicative car by being shown that one could wish it. Behind the 4 pretty light alloy rims the ventilated disc brakes have bread on the board to stop the consequent mass of the Maserati half-compartment. If the attack is frank, the endurance is insufficient. Maserati Coupé looks after its pilot and his passengers. The position of control is excellent and the comfort of suspension preserves the vertebrae well. On the level of the equipment of series one will appreciate inter alia automatic air-conditioning and the interior leather of very beautiful invoice. Lastly, it is important of rappeller that this half-compartment offers four true places and an acceptable trunk to plan to travel with some bags.

CONCLUSION
A half-compartment as extraordinary as that one made honor with the prestigious Italian mark whose destiny is today between the hands of Ferrari. To be honest, Maserati Coupé GT 4200 literally outclasses Ferrari 360 Modena on the emotional level. The song of its V8 “made in Italy, by Ferrari” takes with the trippes as of the idle and its vertiginous push amplifies the beats of the heart considerably… In short, we really fell in love with this beautiful Italian to the sturdy character!

86 100 Euros (01/06/03)
33 CV FISCAUX
CHARACTERISTICS
Engine: V8, 32s
Cubic capacity: 4244 cm3
Power: 390 ch à 7000 tr/mn
Torque: 46 Mkg à 4500 tr/mn
Transmission: AR BVM ou sequential 6 rapports
Weight: 1670 Kg
Tires: AV 235/40 AR 265/35 ZR18
PERFORMANCES
Max speed: 285 KM/H
1000m D.A: 24"3
0 à 100 km: 5"2
CONSUMPTION
Mixte EU 96: 16.6 L/100km