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Car test
R0042
July 2000
FIRST
DRIVE
HE GIUGIARO-STYLED 3200 GT
is the first genuinely new Maserati
T
since the Biturbo of the early 1980s,
and is built in Modena under Ferrari’s
watchful eye. While the Prancing Horse
parent company concentrates on ultra
high-performance sports cars, its
trident-toting protégé concerns itself with
the more elegant and conservative
motorway mile-eating gran turismo models.
Not that there’s anything conservative
about the coupé’s performance, thanks to
its gorgeous-sounding 3.2-litre twin-turbo
V8 engine that pumps out a mighty
370bhp. Mated to a positive-cum-notchy
six-speed gearbox and a weighty,
firm-biting clutch, it slingshots the Maser
from 0 to 60mph in just under 5sec and
(they say) will scorch on to 174mph. We
couldn’t confirm these figures on just a
brief test drive, but it does feel startlingly
quick beyond 2500 revs.
Acceleration is, in fact, decidedly abrupt
because the drive-by-wire throttle lacks
fine progression – this also makes it easy
to stall the engine. The automatic model
proves helpful in providing a more
cushioned driveline and eliminates the
longish reach for the gear lever. It has an
altogether more genial nature.
We couldn’t feel any difference between
the suspension’s normal and sports
settings. Around town the ride is
uncomfortably firm and thumpy – the ultra
low-profile tyres don’t help – but once the
car’s up to speed on the open road, the
driver appreciates the taut feel, tenacious
Maserati 3200 GT
grip and brisk steering. The brakes would
be impressive, too, if it weren’t for the
disconcertingly long pedal travel before
they bite in earnest.
Inside, the climate-controlled cabin is
elegantly trimmed with leather and
alcantara suede. Headroom is just
adequate for six-footers and the driving
position can be electronically adjusted to
suit most tastes. The cushions could be a
little larger, however, and the pedals are a
bit too close together for size 10s.
Surprisingly, considering the coupé’s
flowing fastback styling, this is actually a
genuine four-seater – just, and provided
neither the passengers nor the journey is
too long. Trying to shoehorn four lots of
luggage into the sensibly shaped boot isn’t
on, though.
In September, the car's warranty is
being extended from two to three years, or
60,000 miles. At present there are just 16
dealers in the UK.
VERDICT
The 3200 GT has all the right grand
touring car credentials, so more's the
pity that it's flawed by several
mechanical shortcomings (the
throttle and brakes, for example) that
detract from what is otherwise an
admirable car. Until the rough edges
are smoothed away, the more affable
automatic will remain our favourite of
the two models available.
AT A GLANCE
considering size, price and rivals
Controls/displays µµ¡¡¡
Handling/steering µµµ¡¡
Comfort µµµ¡¡
Space/practicality µµµµ¡
THE 3200 GT RANGE
body 2-door sports coupé
trim levels one only
engine petrol: 3.2 V8 370bhp/362 lb ft
drive rear-wheel drive, 6-speed manual
auto option 5-speed electronic
notable features twin turbochargers, air
conditioning, electric front seats
(memory extra), leather, normal/sport
suspension, traction control. Options:
alarm, cruise control
LIKES AND GRIPES
lack of temperament at low speed
easily tailored driving position
shapely individual back seats
“what is it?” rarity value
no spare wheel, just an aerosol inflator
driveline shunt - automatic better
limited rearward vision
reflections in instruments
VITAL STATISTICS (cm)
length x width (exc mirrors) 451x182
front - legroom 84-108
- headroom (no sunroof) 89-93
rear - typical legroom 83
- typical kneeroom 60
- headroom 86
- hiproom 126
load space (all seats in use)
(litres/cu ft) 245/8.6
load length 35-60
load width 101-127
load sill (inside/outside) 14/63
boot height 45
© The Automobile Association Limited 2000
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