Maserati returned to its roots in 1998 with the launch of the all-new 3200 GT at the Paris motor show. Pre-dating the return of Maserati to North America, the 3200 series was never sold in the US or Canada, but was the platform from which the later 4200 series was developed – cars that as the Coupe, Spyder and GranSport brought the return of Maserati to North America.
The elegant 3200 four seater coupé was styled by Italdesign, whose founder, Giorgetto Giugiaro, had already penned the classic Ghibli, Bora, Merak, Quattroporte III and several one-off special Maseratis. The 3200 GT’s 104.8 inch wheelbase was just a centimeter longer than that of the Quattroporte IV, which explains its class-leading cabin space.
The 3200 GT shared the sedan’s twin-turbo 3.2 liter V8, revised and tuned to produce 370 hp (271 kW) at 6,250 rpm and mated to a six-speed gearbox. Mixed flow turbines allowed response times that were 20% quicker compared to conventional turbo set-ups. To provide the highest manufacturing standards, the assembly line at the historic Modena factory was completely modernized for the 3200.
Performance lived up to the Maserati legacy, highlighted by a 280 km/h top speed (174 mph) and a 0 to 100 kph time of just over 5.1 sec. The sleek body returned a 0.34 Cd. Besides its pace, the 3200 GT’s opulent interior added to its appeal, and the introduction of the extensive Officine Alfieri Maserati personalization program meant that every car could be made to order, above and beyond the 14 standard colors available.
In June 1999, Group President Luca Cordero di Montezemolo could already celebrate the 1000th 3200 GT to roll off the production line. The following year a coast-to-coast promotional trip was organized across Canada with two 3200 GTs, each covering 10,000 miles, giving North Americans a preview of what was to come in 2002.
Technical Specifications
Model | 3200 GT |
Maserati internal code | Tipo AA 338B32 |
Production start | 1998 |
Number Produced | 4795 (total for all versions) |
Ignition | static electronic ignition integrated with injection |
Lubrication | forced with gear pump, pressure limiting valve, cartridge filter |
Transmission | 6-speed + reverse, rear-wheel drive, dry single plate clutch hydraulically controlled |
Gear ratios | I=4.227; II=2.506; III=1.669; IV=1.226; V=1; VI=0.828; R=3.75 |
Chassis | monocoque steel construction with front and rear sub-assemblies for engine and suspension |
Front suspension | McPherson double wishbone in forged aluminum, Bilstein gas dampers and coil springs, anti-roll bar |
Rear suspension | eformable double wishbone in forged aluminum, Bilstein gas dampers and coil springs, anti-roll bar |
Brakes | four-channel ABS cross circuit with EBD correction |
Brakes front | 330 x 32 mm 4-piston self-ventilating disks |
Brakes rear | 310 x 28 mm 4-piston self-ventilating disks |
Steering | servo-assisted rack and pinion |
Cooling system | water cooling |
Length | 177.6 inches (4,510 mm) |
Width | 71.7 inches (1,822 mm) |
Height | 51.4 inches (1,305 mm) |
Wheelbase | 104.7 inches (2,660 mm) |
Front track | 60.0 inches (1,525 mm) |
Rear track | 60.5 inches (1,538 mm) |
Dry weight | 3,300 lbs (1,500 Kg) |
Curb weight | 3,498 lbs (1,590 Kg) |
Tires | tubeless radials |
Tires front | 235/40 ZR 18 |
Tires rear | 265/35 ZR 18 |
Top speed | 174 mph (280 kmh) |
Bodywork | 2-door coupé seating four |
Fuel tank | 19.5 Imperial gallons / 25 US gallons (90 liters) |
0-62 mph | 0-to-100 kph in 5.12 sec. |
Quarter mile | 0-400 m in 13.3 sec. |
Standing kilometer | 0-1000m in 24.2 sec. |
Production dates | 1998-2001 |
Engine | 90° V8 |
Bore and stroke | 80 x 80 mm (3.15 x 3.15 inches) |
Total displacement | 3,217 cc |
Displacements (unitary) | 402.125 cc |
Compression ratio | 8:1 |
Maximum power | 370 HP (271 kW) at 6,250 rpm |
Maximum torque | 491 Nm/50 Kgm (376 lbs/ft) at 4,500 rpm |
Timing gear | four valves per cylinder, double overhead camshafts for each cylinder bank |
Fuel feed | Magneti Marelli IAW 4CM Fuel Injection, two IHI turbos with two air/air intercoolers |
Engine weight | 221 Kg |