The design is similar to the preceding 3200 GT but the boomerang shaped taillights were replaced in favour of more conventional units.

[4] The Maserati Spyder is a soft-top convertible and features a top that is electronically operated by a pushbutton on the center console.

The top automatically stows beneath a hard cover that sits flush with the body in front of the boot.

[19] The Maserati Coupé and Spyder utilise the same vehicle systems – engine, transmission, suspension, and interior driver and front passenger controls and safety equipment.

[23] Significant changes from the prior 3200 GT engine were the larger displacement resulting from an increased cylinder bore diameter and the move to a naturally aspirated intake system which replaced the twin-turbocharged induction approach Maserati had used for the previous 20 years, fundamentally because the powertrain was now Ferrari based.

[27] The crankcase and cylinder heads are made from an aluminium and silicon alloy, giving the engine a relatively light weight of 184 kg (406 lb).

The GT version utilises a foot-operated clutch, whereas the Cambiocorsa (Italian, meaning "race shift”)[28][29] is an automated manual transmission.

The rear suspension is fitted with a toe-in regulator bar which enhances the precision of the drive train and provides balanced cornering.

[34] This adaptive damping system uses coil-over shock absorbers and a set of six accelerometers that continually monitor the movement of the wheels along with the car's body and transmits this information to a control unit.

[40] The Coupé and Spyder came standard with an infotainment system present on the centre console that combines audio and climate controls.

Frank Stephenson, as newly appointed Director of Ferrari-Maserati Concept Design and Development, was responsible for exterior and interior redesign.

[1] An open-top GranSport Spyder with similar modifications was introduced a year later, at the September 2005 Frankfurt Motor Show.

However, the engine is rated at 400 PS (294 kW; 395 hp) at 7,000 rpm due primarily to a different exhaust system and improvements on the intake manifolds and valve seats.

New bumpers, side skirts, rear lip spoiler and underbody panels lowered the drag coefficient by 0.02 to 0.33[51] and simultaneously reduced lift.

[52] Chrome mesh grilles to the front and rear bumpers, and "Trofeo"-design 19-inch wheels with trident-shaped spokes were other distinguishing exterior features.

Inside, the GranSport was fitted with wide, highly contoured sport seats, which required a slimmer centre console (constructed in carbon fibre) and elastic door pockets.

On the coupé, the upholstery materials were leather and technical cloth (in black, Nickel Gray or Metal Blue) on the seat centres, backs and dashboard fascia;[51] the Spyder had an all-leather interior.

[53] Cars were based on a shorter GranSport Spyder chassis with aluminium bodywork designed by Norihiko Harada.

[55] The A8GCS Berlinetta is a concept car based on the Maserati GranSport from coachbuilder Carrozzeria Touring Superleggera, presented in 2009.

[59] The Maserati Coupé and Spyder special editions are primarily exterior trim packages that were only offered for certain model years or on a limited number of vehicles.

[60] This edition is not a GranSport but a regular Spyder model that is visually based on the GranSport bodykit (without power upgrades), and may be recognised by its oval Maserati badges on the front fenders, titanium coloured brake calipers, grey headlamp housings and a special blue/grey interior with limited edition plaque.

The 'MC Victory' edition features details made out of carbon fibre like: front splitter, racing seats and rear nolder.

Centre console bears the limited edition plaque and there are Italian flag emblems embedded into front fenders.

[68] A 'Limited Edition', destined for US market is recognizable for the “Saetta” logo featuring the Trident with red accents and oval Maserati badges on front fenders.

The GranSport 'Contemporary Classic' was offered in 4 basic colours with interior piping around the seats and dashboard matching with body paint.