Among its closest competitors ? the Porsche 911 Carrera 2 Tiptronic Convertible and the Jaguar XKR 4.0 Convertible ? the Maserati Spyder produces the most power and has the highest top speed.>

Transmission

Transferring the power from the front-mounted engine to the rear wheels is a choice of two transmissions. A conventional six-speed manual transmission is fitted to the GT version and an electronically controlled, hydraulically actuated six-ratio transmission on the Cambiocorsa.>

There is no clutch pedal on Cambiocorsa. Instead, it uses F1-style gearshift paddles, a product of Ferrari¡Ë¢çE¢®Ec?s Formula 1 experience, mounted to the steering column and an electronically controlled clutch. There are four different modes of gearshift to suit the driver¡Ë¢çE¢®Ec?s capabilities and driving conditions ? ¡Ë¢çE¢®Ec¡Ë¢çEcSport¡Ë¢çE¢®Ec?, ¡Ë¢çE¢®Ec¡Ë¢çEcAuto¡Ë¢çE¢®Ec?, ¡Ë¢çE¢®Ec¡Ë¢çEcLow Grip¡Ë¢çE¢®Ec? and ¡Ë¢çE¢®Ec¡Ë¢çEcNormal¡Ë¢çE¢®Ec? ? which are selected using buttons on the console.

Interior

Inside, the Spyder boasts a luxurious specification. The full leather interior includes ergonomic powered seats with two position memory on the driver¡Ë¢çE¢®Ec?s side. They have been redesigned with longer cushions, an integrated headrest and power lumbar adjustment. Behind the seats, there are body-coloured roll hoops with leather fronts.

There is a state-of-the-art information centre with a 5.8-inch colour screen that displays air conditioning, trip computer and audio information, and, where fitted as options, GSM telephone, navigation and on-board telematics information. Climate control air conditioning is standard along with a single CD player.

New for 2005

The main change is to the front bumper which is fitted with a horizontally ribbed radiator grille inspired by that of the Quattroporte. It is one that reflects the ¡Ë¢çE¢®Ec¡Ë¢çEcfamily¡Ë¢çE¢®Ec? feel of the range. The rear bumper is also new. It is sportier and features wide air intakes shielded by a black, tight mesh grille. The link with the Quattroporte is reinforced in the Coupe with the placing of the classic oval and arrow Trident badge on the rear side panels, as styled by Frua in 1963.

With the Year 2005 model, the interior can be contrasted with different coloured leathers for the central zone of the seats, dashboard and upper door panels. The instrumentation boasts new, sporty blue and white graphics that are easier to read.

The seven-spoke rims are now standard while the fifteen-spoke rims remain an optional extra. The aluminium coloured kit on the console and the door moulding will now be standard.

Other modifications have been made to the interior with the central tunnel having been redesigned with a bigger storage compartment.

The reverse gear lever now has a D (for Drive) option for selecting first gear. To complete the changes, the new Coupe and Spyder models come with an extra metallic paint finish, ¡Ë¢çE¢®Ec¡Ë¢çEcRame Ghibli¡Ë¢çE¢®Ec?.

The Model Year 2005 Coupe and Spyder will be available at the Maserati dealer network from September