2004 MASERATI COUPE NEW CAR BUYER'S GUIDE

What's New for the 2004 Maserati Coupe?
Cambiocorsa models equipped with Maserati’s sequential manual gearbox receive revised electronics and an improved clutch to make shifts smoother when operated in Full Auto mode.

Advantages of the 2004 Maserati Coupe:

• Ferrari-sourced 4.2-liter V8
• Cambiocorsa sequential manual transmission
• Seats four adults
• Can tailor to specific customer tastes

Objections to the 2004 Maserati Coupe:

• Stereo, climate and trip computer operated through Maserati Info Center, even when there is no navigation option specified
• Dowdy design

Editor's Advice:
Ferrari is doing an admirable job of resurrecting the Maserati brand in Europe and North America. New products arrive next year in the form of the Maserati Quattroporte sedan and the Maserati GranSport, but those who can’t wait for either can choose from two existing models that exude Italian performance and tailoring. The 2004 Maserati Coupe, designed by Italdesign-Giugiaro in Italy and offered in GT or Cambiocorsa trim, is powered by a Ferrari-sourced 4.2-liter aluminum V8 engine that develops 390bhp at 7,000 rpm and 330 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,500 rpm. Key attributes of this motor include continuously variable valve timing, drive-by-wire throttle control and dry sump lubrication. Power is shuttled to a rear transaxle through a six-speed manual (GT) or a six-speed sequential manual gearbox (Cambiocorsa), the latter equipped with four modes of operation via paddles mounted to the steering wheel: Normal, Sport, Full Auto and Low Grip. With either gearbox, the 2004 Maserati Coupe accelerates to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds and can achieve a top speed of 177 mph. The Maserati Coupe’s weight is nearly even distributed front and rear, riding on a four-wheel-independent suspension. An optional suspension with continuous automatic electronic damping is called Skyhook, and operates in Normal or Sport modes. Brembo cross-drilled disc brakes with four-piston calipers include ABS and EBD, and Maserati Stability Program (MSP) is standard. When combined with the Skyhook suspension, MSP offers dual-mode operation to provide higher limits before engagement during spirited driving. Equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels wearing P235/40 front tires and 265/35 rear rubber, the 2004 Maserati Coupe also includes Ferrari’s Motor Spin Regulation (MSR) technology which keeps the rear wheels from locking during aggressive downshifts. A true four-seat GT, the Maserati Coupe offers standard side airbags, a CD player, power front seats, and leather upholstery. The Maserati Info Center combines stereo, climate and trip computer functions into a 5.8-inch screen sitting in the middle of the dash – even when the optional navigation system is not specified. Other options include a five-disc CD changer mounted in the trunk, heated front seats, Xenon headlights, rear parking sensors and a special luggage set designed to take maximum advantage of the Maserati Coupe’s 10.6 cubic-foot trunk. A bit dowdy in terms of design, a key advantage of the Maserati Coupe over other cars sold in this class is the ability to custom tailor the vehicle to the buyer’s desires. Sixteen standard exterior colors can be combined with up to ten upholstery shades, five floor mat hues and two types of cabin trim. Pay extra, and Maserati will even match the exterior paint to any color for which the buyer supplies a sample. The ability to create a one-of-a-kind sporting car, combined with Ferrari-sourced hardware, makes the Maserati Coupe compelling.