11 April 2002: A right-hand-drive version of Maserati’s new Spyder GT is now available in the UK at a price of around 109,000 euros.

The car is styled by Italdesign-Giugiaro and is the first Maserati to be developed entirely by the brand’s Ferrari owners.

It is powered by a new 390bhp 4.2-litre V8 engine and a new racing gearbox version under the Cambiocorsa name is also available for an extra 5,000 euros. The standard transmission is a 6-speed manual.

Each individual shock absorber is controlled by a computerised ‘Skyhook’ suspension system which is claimed to act 10 times faster than equivalent systems in competitor cars.

With a 0-60 acceleration time of 4.9secs, the car is aimed straight at the Porsche 911 Carrera 2 Tiptronic Convertible and the Jaguar XKR 4.0 Convertible.

Maseratis have been introducing a new lineup since 1999 with the aim of rejuvenating the brand.

©2002irishcar.com