Unveiled at the Geneva Motorshow, the Maserati 320S barchetta concept car indicates Maseratis intention to return to its traditional home, the racetrack. The 320S proposes the development of a single-marque customer race program, as well as other new racing ideas for the future.

Inspired by the famous racing cars of the past, the 320S was developed with the technical collaboration of Sparco and styling direction of Italdesign. The 320S embodies various themes that will feature in the future of the famous trident brand.

From a stylistic viewpoint, the 320S particularly stands out for the design of the upper part of the body. A "barchetta" body style has been employed, with only a small windscreen limited to the area in front of the driver. A visible roll-over car with aerodynamic fairing also features in the rear. The passenger side is closed without a seat. This single seat configuration, along with the single centre rear view mirror, echoes the best Maserati sports cars of the past. Particularly the Tipo 60/61 "Birdcage", but also other models like the 200, 300S and 450S.

Other characteristics of the bodywork are the aerodynamic modifications of the lower section of the 320S. The front and rear lower wings are larger and closer to the ground, so as to increase the vertical load of the rear.

Although the 320S is still at the concept stage, it does offer a preview of the future Maserati Spider, with its open body and shorter wheelbase. The wheelbase is 220mm shorter than the Maserati 3200GT coup, measuring 2440mm.

From an engineering viewpoint, the 320S borrows the same 271kW V8 twin turbo engine employed in the 3200GT coup. However, performance has been enhanced with kerb weight falling to 1300kg dry. Significant changes were also made in the braking department, with the adoption of massive racing brakes. Discs measuring 355 x 32mm at the front and 328 x 28mm at the rear, ensure superior performance on the racetrack. The 320S has also employed a special suspension system, with different adjustable racing dampers and stiffer springs. Larger wheels mounted to the limits of the wheel housings complements the race setup. Michelin slick race tyres are fitted to 9.5 x 18 inch front and 11 x 18 inch rear wheels.

The safety system was developed in conjunction with Sparco and includes an arc roll-over bar, rapid petrol filler caps on both sides, an automatic fire extinguisher system in line with FIA 2001 specifications, a battery cut-out switch, plus a racing seat made of composite materials with a 6-point seat belt.

The interior has also come under major modifications, with all internal panelling removed. The climate control system and all components not essential for race track purposes are also removed. The interior is completed with digital instrumentation, Sparco racing steering wheel and pedals, starter button and racing switches.