NEW SPYDER

AUGUST 10, 2001 - The long awaited new Spyder has now broken cover and can be seen by visiting http://www.maseratispyder.com. This is the official Factory Web site. From my perspective the car looks to be as I saw it in March of this year at the Factory.

Then, as now, I remain very impressed with what the Maserati engineers and Giugiaro have produced. As with Giugiaro's Ghibli Spyder, the car looks great with the top up. This is not always easy, and in a lot of cases a good-looking convertible can end up a dog because the designer or guys signing the designer's check made the wrong choice.

A Spyder differs from a convertible in that a Spyder is a car made from the beginning to be a Spyder; a convertible is more or less a two-door coupe cut into a convertible. This SWB (short wheelbase) Spyder (my term, not the Factory's) is absolutely phenomenal in all respects.

Truly a car for the new century, the SWB has all the bells and whistles and great styling. as only Giugiaro could have penned. As I listened to the car at idle and again when the driver blipped the throttle, I knew there was a primal sound behind the regulation silencers begging to be heard. I can imagine that the Tubi Style engineers are at this moment designing a replacement exhaust system that will blow us all away and create the sound that very few Maserati owners have ever known, but have always wanted.

Mr. Montezemolo, you have my respect and compliments. Under your direction, you and you alone directing your loyal staff have created what will be a hugely successful new model. I've placed my order and hope to have the first US-legal, dealer-sold, SWB Spyder in the State of Washington. Yes, It's that good.

Ciao,
Frank Mandarano
Former President, Maserati Club International