Maserati unleashes 'Spec' 3200GT

Maserati has seen sales in Australia explode in the last few years and at present there are only three models available for those not wanting to import.

To remedy this and to give Maserati loyalists something to drool over, the new 3200GT Assetto Corsa will be officially released here in the coming months.

The car has already sampled Aussie bitumen, as the vehicle was flown over for the Melbourne International Motor Show 2001. It was shown, in part, to celebrate the 45th anniversary of Sir Stirling Moss’ win at the Australian Grand Prix, driving his Maserati 250F.

The car is not far off an Austraian release, so lets take a look at the revised 3200GT. Roughly translated, Assetto means handling and Corsa means track. It is obvious to see that this car was created for the driving enthusiast and to call it an everyday, tarted-up coupe would be an insult.

This is a serious track-day weapon.

Maserati is going head to head with the likes of Jaguar's impressive XKR and Porsche's 911 range and, from all angles, the new 3200GT Assetto Corsa looks set to give them both a run for their money.

At the heart of this exotic Italian vehicle is a rather tasty lump of engineering. Deriving power from a 220kg mill, the Assetto Corsa is capable of reaching 100km/h in just 5.1 seconds from stand-still.

This is blindingly quick for a car that displaces slightly more than 3.0-litres and weighs about the same as a VX Commodore SS. That said, the Assetto Corsa also takes advantage of two rather large turbo-chargers.

The 3,271cc engine uses a fairly low compression ratio of 8:1 and delivers maximum torque of 491Nm @ 4,500rpm. It attains its peak power of 271kW (363bhp) @ 6,250rpm.

The engine configuration is the tried-and-tested, electronically injected V8, though with added street cred in the form of twin-turbos. It is capable of speeds close to 300km/h.

The suspension package of the stock 3200GT has been completely overhauled and in its place is a rather impressive electronic dampening system. Essentially, this means that each individual gas damper is automatically adjusted, depending on the level of vertical and lateral acceleration.

Traction-control plays a big part in the Assetto Corsa, too. It can be set to handle light and heavy loads and, in true sportscar fashion, can be completely switched off for all your burnout needs!

The car has been lowered a further 10mm and 8mm at the front and rear, respectively. Together with stiffer springs, shockers and the front anti-roll bar's increased diameter, the new Maserati sticks to the road like you wouldn't believe.

Also assisting with enhanced traction are the new, larger, soft-compound Pirelli P-Zero Corsa tyres.

Fitted to massive 15 spoke 18" alloy wheels, the new shoes both look the part and play the part. Because of the larger diametre wheels, the brakes have also been upgraded to race spec Pagid RS421 high attrition pads. These alone improve braking response by 15%, according to Maserati.

With cross-drilled, ventilated discs all around, 330mm up front, 310mm at the rear, with four-pot calipers painted in racing red, the Assetto Corsa is tailor-made for track days.

Inside the Assetto Corsa, drivers will revel in the impeccably plush hand-crafted Connelly leather upholstery. The seats have been upgraded with sportier perforated leather hide plus drilled aluminium pedals and sill kick-panels - engraved with Assetto Corsa wording - round out a most pleasing interior.

The new Maserati 3200GT Assetto Corsa is a true performance car. In terms of handling, power delivery and braking, not many cars can claim what this one can. Is this the Maserati to end all Maseratis? We think not, but the Assetto Corsa will make a huge impression on anyone who happens to drive or even see one, no matter how you view the Italian marque.

Only 150 Assetto Corsas will be built - worldwide. Unfortunately, because Australia is only a relatively small auto-buying country, only 10 of these magnificent cars will make it to local shores. Three colours are available: Grigio Touring, Grigio Alfieri and Rosso Mondiale.

Deliveries of the new car start in August and the price will be rather eye-watering $207,500.

Maserati Club of Australia