2005 MASERATI COUPE NEW CAR BUYER'S GUIDE

What's New for the 2005 Maserati Coupe?
A new version of the Maserati Coupe debuts for 2005. Called the GranSport, it features a number of enhancements that more sharply focus the car's sporting attributes. Slightly more horsepower, a more responsive Cambiocorsa transmission, revised suspension tuning, bigger wheels and tires and subtle aerodynamic changes are all part of the package. The other two 2005 trim levels – GT and Cambiocorsa – remain unchanged save for slightly altered exterior styling and new seven-spoke wheels.

Advantages of the 2005 Maserati Coupe:

• Ferrari-sourced 4.2-liter V8
• Cambiocorsa sequential manual transmission
• Seats four adults
• Can tailor to specific customer tastes

Objections to the 2005 Maserati Coupe:

• Stereo, climate and trip computer operated through Maserati Info Center, even when there is no navigation option specified
• Dowdy design

Editor's Advice:
When is $85,000 a bargain? When you want to purchase a new vehicle made in Italy, that's when. The Maserati Coupe is about half the price of Ferrari's and Lamborghini's entry-level models. And for that 85 grand, you still get a sweet Ferrari-designed V8 that makes 390 horsepower, a lot of customization ability and a brand with some golden history behind it. It's true that the Coupe is probably a step behind the latest competition in terms of refinement and outright performance, particularly when compared to next year's 500-hp BMW M6. But for those interested in an Italian four-seat coupe with some charisma, it's hard to beat the Maserati. This year's GranSport is particularly enticing as it offers a more sporting character without much sacrifice in ride quality.