The New Maseratis

The 320S was unveiled at the Geneva show in February as a concept car and a preview of the Spyder as it was built on the same chassis. 

The following details come to us via TMC: CMA president, Paul Keating:

Unveiled at the Geneva Motor show, the Maserati 320S Barchetta concept car indicates MaseratiÕs intention to return to itÕs traditional home, the racetrack. The 320S proposes the development of a single-marque customer race program, as well as other new racing ideas for the future. Inspired by the famous racing cars of the past, the 320S was developed with the technical collaboration of Sparco and styling direction of Italdesign. The 320S embodies various themes that will feature in the future of the famous Trident brand.

From a stylistic viewpoint, the320S particularly stands out for the design of the upper part of the body. A ÒBarchettaÓ body style has been employed, with only a small windscreen limited to the area in front of the driver. A visible roll-over car with aerodynamic fairing also features in the rear. The passenger side is closed without a seat. This single seat configuration, along with the centre rear view mirror, echoes the best Maserati sports cars of the past. Particularly the Tipo 60/61 ÒBirdcageÓ, but also models like the 200S, 300S, and the 450S.

450S, 320S concept car, & 300S at the Int'l Maserati Rally in Germany 
 06/29/01 (photo : sgpond)

Other characteristics of the bodywork are the aerodynamic modifications of the lower section of the 320S. The front and rear lower wings are larger and closer to the ground, so as to increase the vertical load at the rear. Although the 320S is still at the concept stage, it does offer a preview of the future Maserati Spider, with itÕs open body and shorter wheelbase. The wheelbase is 220mm shorter than the Maserati 3200GT coupe, measuring 2440mm.

From an engineering viewpoint, the 320S borrows the same 271kW V8 twin turbo engine employed in the 3200GT coupé. However, performance has been enhanced with kerb weight falling to 1300kg dry. Significant changes were also made in the braking department, with the adoption of massive racing brakes. Discs measuring 355 x 32mm at the front and 328 x 28mm at the rear, ensure superior performance on the racetrack. The 320S has also employed a special suspension system, with different adjustable racing dampers and stiffer springs. Larger wheels mounted to the limits of the wheel housings complements the race setup. Michelin slick race tyres are fitted to 9.5 x 18 inch front and 11 x 18 inch rear wheels. The safety system was developed in conjunction with Sparco and includes an arc roll-over bar, rapid petrol filler caps on both sides, an automatic fire extinguisher system in line with FIA 2001 specifications, a battery cut-out switch, plus a racing seat made of composite materials with a 6-point seat belt.

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320S single-seat interior (photo : sgpond)

The interior has also come under major modifications, with all internal paneling removed. The climate control system and all components not essential for race track purposes are also removed. The interior is completed with digital instrumentation, Sparco racing steering wheel and pedals, starter button and racing switches.

The 320S is presented in white and light blue livery, the traditional colours of the MaseratiÕs that raced and won in the United States in the past. The colours of the 320S also herald MaseratiÕs return to the most important of marketplaces, the United States of America. Maserati is scheduled to return to the U.S.A. in early 2002, and should account for over 40% of MaseratiÕs worldwide sales.Ó

320S at the Lausitz Ring in Germany, 06/29/01 (photo : sgpond)