With the introduction of the Maserati Spyder, at the Frankfurt Motor Show of 2001, again a new area started for Maserati, this time an area of close technical collaboration with group partner Ferrari. Whilst the exterior of the new Spyder still bore a strong resemblance to the 3200GT model, under the skin this car was completely new. Under the bonnet, the twin-turbo unit has been dropped in favour of a completely new, normally-aspirated 4.2L V8 with a dry sump lubrication system. Also the transmission was totally new. The gearbox was moved to the rear end of the car where it forms a single unit with the differential (transaxle). The Spyder has a shortened wheelbase with respect to the Coupé and is strictly a two-seater only. The soft-top opens and closes fully automatically. This model initiated the return of the Maserati brand to the United States.