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Gransport Spyder set to debut at Melbourne

The Maserati GranSport Spyder, launched at the Frankfurt motor show last year, will make its Australian debut at the Melbourne International Motor Show (9-19 February 2006) providing show visitors with a sneak preview of Maserati's new range-topping sports car well before its European launch, let alone its Australian on-road debut.

"The move of this year's Melbourne Motor Show to February has provided us with an additional challenge to get the GranSport Spyder to Australia in time for the Melbourne Motor Show," explains Edward Butler, General Manager for Maserati in Australia and New Zealand. "But Maserati is pulling out all the stops to get a car made especially for the Melbourne Motor Show and it should arrive just hours before the show opens its doors!"

The Maserati GranSport Spyder is an open-top version of the GranSport Coupe. Given the model is yet to have its European launch, details on the GranSport Spyder are sparse, but but we do know that its 4.2 litre V8 will be boosted for its application in the GranSport to 400 bhp/294 kW and it will have reworked suspension, wheels and tyres.

As with the GranSport Coupe, there are some visual changes. A pronounced spoiler appears at the bottom of the front bumper and on the sides under-door skirting has been added. 19" wheels inspired by Trofeo Maserati racing cars are also standard. The interior is a blend of carbon, leather and BrighTex® fabric and give the interior the look and feel of a racing car.

Prices and specifications for the Maserati GranSport Spyder will be announced when it joins the Australian and New Zealand ranges in mid-2006.

Maserati will also have the two new versions of the Quattroporte at the Melbourne show - the Executive GT and the Sport GT (see previous ItalianCar article). The Quattroporte was launched in 2003, a quadcam 4.2 litre V8 294 kW (400 bhp) luxury vehicle to compete with the best Mercedes BMW and Jaguar have to offer.

© italiancar.com.au 08/01/06