The Prototype 4.2L Engine

A 4.2L engine replaced the 3.2L twin-turbo V8 found in the 3200GT and is now installed in the new U.S. model line-up. The photos here are from the prototype which toured the new U.S. Maserati/Ferrari dealer network in 2001. As it was a prototype, the actual engine shipped in 2002 underwent further modification as updates and improvements were engineered. Right from the start reports indicated that the engine was a brilliant technical achievement giving much the same torque as found in the turbo version with only slightly more horsepower. Following were the early technical details from TMC correspondent and automotive engineer, Andrea Lazzaro:

   "The new Maserati 90° V8 engine marks the beginning of a new era for Maserati. This highly advanced V8 has been designed making the best use of the sinergies deriving from the Ferrari-Maserati partnership, but without losing any of Maserati's unique identity and heritage. Despite rumours to the contrary, this new engine has NOTHING in common with the Ferrari 360's. In fact, the architecture of the two engines couldn't be more different: the only thing they have in common is the number of cylinders. Everything from the block upwards has been specifically designed for Maserati, making it a TOTALLY NEW Maserati engine, a 100% genuine Tridente product. So it's welcome back Maserati!

A significant mid-range ram induction effect has been achieved by careful calibration of the intake manifolds. This means that volumetric efficiency (i.e. the quantity of air/fuel mixture that can be "jammed" into the combustion chamber, relative to the volume of the chamber itself) is comparable to a turbo-charged engine. Thanks to this effect the torque curve is extremely strong in the mid-range. Although figures have not been yet released, maximum torque should be between 400 and 450Nm, while max. power should be between 375 and 385 bhp.

Significant technical details also include the cruciform crankshaft for optimal vibration balancing in the best Maserati tradition, dry sump lubrication and 4 valves per cylinder with hydraulic tappets and a sophisticated variable valve timing system.

The new V8 is extremely compact and light, very much like a racing engine. This makes it exceptionally efficient from a power-to-weight point of view, and the small overall dimensions will make it easy to package in any bodywork style." -Andrea Lazzaro

Our thanks go to Rick Mancuso of Lake Forest Sports Cars and Elliot Siegel of TMC: Midwest for these early photos.