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2005 Maserati Coupe and Spyder Preview

Pulling Cues from Quattroporte

While 2005 is bearing down upon all with great speed, Maserati seems to be heading back to the 1960s. In a time of mass platform sharing to cut costs and robotized manufacturing facilities, the Italian exotic car firm is turning to a technique from its earlier days to lure in new customers.

Almost every year since the cars introduction in 2003, both the Coupe and Spyder have received minor exterior and interior modifications. In a segment of the market as risky as selling six-figure sports cars, visually distinguish the latest models is the best way to keep clients interested.

For model year 2005, the major visible change is that both

Since being introduced in 2003, both the Maserati Coupe and Spyder have received minor exterior and interior modifications with each new model year. (Photo: Maserati)

cars get a new front bumper. It takes a keener eye to identify the slightly larger grille, more pronounced in its shape, features four horizontal ribs and a larger version of the corporate trident. It extends slightly from the cars hood, whereas the current model is flush-fitting. Additionally, the parking light and turn signal bezel has been shifted closer to the grille and features a clear lens with orange

It takes a sharp eye to spot the front end changes on the updated Maserati. (Photo: Maserati)

indicator bulbs as opposed to the orange-tinted lenses of models past. Accenting the new bumper is a redesigned lower valance, separate from the bumper.

The purpose of the nose job is to begin the unification process of Maseratis sports cars with the luxurious Quattroporte executive sedan, a glorious modern example of Italian heritage which marks the brands reentry into the ultra-luxury segment after a brief hiatus.

The front end of the vehicle isnt the only design cue thats visually connected to the Quattroporte. On the 05 Coupe the

The exterior updates begin the unification process of Maseratis sports cars with the luxurious Quattroporte executive sedan (shown). (Photo: Maserati)

classic trident-in-oval badge, originally designed by Maserati stylist Frua in 1963, will appear on the C-Pillar, identical to the one on the Quattroporte.

The Coupe and Spyder also come standard with 7-spoke light alloy wheels, with the classic 15-spoke design available as an extra-cost option.

From the rear both cars undergo light modifications as well. No, the graceful "boomerang" LED taillights from the older European-only 3200 GT model havent made their comeback, but the rear light cluster has been sufficiently cleaned up. No longer is the taillight unit divided into segments topped with white and orange indicators, but Maserati

The rear light cluster and bumper both get minor styling updates as well. (Photo: Maserati)

has replaced this with a jewel-like crystal-clear unit with a solid white top and orange bulb. A new rear bumper completes the ensemble, featuring ventilation slats to aid in evacuating heat from the brakes, as well as a center-mounted vent featuring a cross mesh grille for a sporty but elegant touch.

Inside both coupe and drop-top, Maserati improves on its already opulent accommodations by adding two-tone hand-stitched leather, where the upper and lower components of the dashboard, doors and roll bars use different colors of hides to offer contrast. The center console and door panels now feature standard aluminum trim, or optional wood whereas earlier models did without. Maserati has restyled the instrument cluster as well, so that the gauge surfaces now blue and white rather than black and white, said

A new color, dubbed "Rame Ghibli", will be a sure way to spot the updated 2005 model. (Photo: Maserati)

to improve readability. This treatment also mirrors that in the Quattroporte sedan.

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