In 2002, Maserati changed the older 3200 GT to a new vehicle named Coupe. While the name was new, the look was almost the same as its predecessor. Some could say it was a major facelift.
The 2002 Maserati Coupe was launched at the Detroit Auto Show. It was the closed version of the Maserati Spyder, which was unveiled at the 2001 Frankfurt Motor Show but it offered the rigidity and the usability of a true Gran Turismo vehicle, with four seats and a large enough trunk for a trip around the continent.
The Coupe featured the classical look of a GT car with front engine and rear-wheel-drive. The long hood covered a V8 engine pushed to the back to help to balance the weight distribution. The headlights were protected by a glass and the grille with the trident badge on it was surrounded by a chromed rim. It was styled by Giorgetto Giugiaro from the ItalDesign institute.
Inside, the Coupe offered four seats, but with limited room for the rear passengers. The leather-wrapped dashboard and center console were different than the older 3200 GT. Despite being a performance car, it was fitted with comfort-oriented front seats instead of sport-bucket ones. The infotainment unit was amplified by a high-end audio system.
The 4.2-liter engine was produced by Ferrari and it offered more power than the previously turbocharged unit installed in the 3200 GT. The standard gearbox was a 6-speed manual, but a sequential 6-speed, named Cambiocorsa was offered as an option.