Maserati Barchetta
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| Maserati Barchetta | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Maserati |
| Also called | Barchetta Corsa (racing) Barchetta Stradale (road) one unit only |
| Production | 1991-1992 (10 units) |
| Body style(s) | 2-door coupe |
| Engine(s) | 90º 1996 cc mid-engined V6, 4-ohc, 24-valve, electronic fuel injection, twin water-cooled IHI turbochargers (RHB 5.2) |
| Transmission(s) | Getrag 6-speed transaxle, rear-wheel drive |
| Wheelbase | 2600 mm (102.4 in) |
| Length | 4050 mm (159.4 in) |
| Width | 1965 mm (77.4 in) |
| Height | 930 mm (36.6 in) |
| Curb weight | 905 kg (1995 lb) |
| Related | Maserati 350S Maserati 450S Maserati 250F |
| Designer | Synthesis Design |
The Maserati Barchetta is a mid-engined, two-door, two-seat Le Mans-style sports car, in the spirit of the 350 and 450S, that was designed by "Synthesis Design", an Italian design house.
Fifteen units of the racing model were produced at de Tomaso factory in Modena, plus two prototypes (one racing-corsa, one street-stradale). It featured a mid-engine V6 AM501 Maserati biturbo engine 1996cc (red intake manifold for the Corsa) an evolution of the AM490 (black intake manifold used for the Stradale), a central frame holding an integral fuel tank and a very light glass fiber/carbon fiber spyder body, accelerating the car to about 180 mph (290 km/h). The development of a road version was stopped at a late stage. Today some racing cars hold a road title in Europe, after minor modifications to allow road compatibility.
The racing series Grantrofeo Barchetta was held 1992 and 1993. It has featured sixteen races total, most of them in Italy.
The central-frame concept was survived on the De Tomaso Guarà, but the frame was around 13 cm (5.1 in) longer because it was engined by a longer V8.
This was thought as a way to inject much needed excitement and enthusiasm for the carmake whose reputation had been badly ruined by years of producing unreliable products,[1] eventually culminating in Maserati's withdrawal from the North American market.
It is also true that the amount of delicate maintenance necessary to take care of these high output small engine was not compatible with the auto repair industry in several territories.
This model has become a collector item valued at several time its introduction price.
[edit] References
- ^ cf. e.g. Car & Driver, Dec. 1998 issue (Vol. 44, No.6), page 88
[edit] External links
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