MASERATI COUPé AND SPYDER (MY 2005), GRANSPORT

Introduction Engine Transmission & Gearbox Images
Interior An Italian Experience Styling GranSport: 400bhp V8
Suspension Safety Personalisation  

SAFETY
 

Superior dynamics don't only translate into excellent performance. The overall set-up of all of the components connected to driving and road behaviour are the result of a design created to strike a perfect balance between comfort, sportiness, with active and passive safety.

The new Coupe, Spyder and GranSport employ a Brembo braking system with light alloy four-piston callipers all round and cross-drilled large ventilated discs (front 330 mm x 32, rear 310 mm x 28) to guarantee immediate deceleration and shorter braking distances.

The two-stage servo brake is calibrated to retain high sensitivity, even with a very rapid reaction time, and is assisted by the four-channel Bosch 5.7 ABS anti-lock braking system, the EBD electronic braking corrector, and the MSR system, which controls the engine to prevent locking of the rear wheels when drivers change-down to exploit engine braking.
 

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Maserati Stability Programme integrates the ABS, ASR and EBD functions by acting on the brakes and engine to help the driver control the vehicle even in the most extreme conditions.

The system accomplishes this using a set of sensors to detect any deviations from the ideal dynamic behaviour of the car. These sensors track everything from wheel position to the steering angle and toe-in.

When necessary, the system acts on the brakes and engine to guarantee that the driver always remains fully in control of the car. Moreover, if the Skyhook or Cambiocorsa are present, the MSP offers two modes of intervention, one is normal (more control and safety oriented) and the other (which the driver selects) is more performance-geared and once again leaves more room for fun driving by intervening to a lesser extent on stability control. Finally, expert drivers and sports purists will be happy to know that they can completely exclude electronic stability control altogether at the touch of a button on the central console, whilst still leaving the ABS active.

The kind of meticulous attention that has been devoted to active safety has also been lavished on important passive safety features too.

Starting with the steel monocoque construction with supplementary integrated tubular structure in front section, every element was developed to exceed even the most severe passive safety standards and the most recent collision regulations. Moreover, in the case of the Maserati Spyder, there are also two fixed roll bars to guarantee better occupant protection.

The standard safety equipment offered by the Coupé, Spyder and GranSport is completed by four front and side airbags, front seatbelts with electronically controlled pretensioners and a safety inertia switch which cuts off fuel supply in the event of an impact or violent stop.