Maserati History: The Merak

When Maserati started working on its first mid-engine road car in 1968, it had two versions in mind. One was a V-8 model, which materialized as the Maserati Bora. The other would be a less expensive V-6 car with more components borrowed from new owner Citroën.

The Giugiaro designed Maserati Merak was introduced at the 1972 Paris motor show, a year and a half after the Bora was unveiled. It shared the Bora’s mid-engine layout and some of its styling cues, but the big difference was under the rear hood. It substituted an all new Maserati designed quad-cam V-6 motor (also shared with the Citroen SM) for the Bora's larger V-8, resulting not only in a lower cost, but room for a small backseat and better handling due to lower weight and a better front/rear weight distribution.

The name Merak did not refer to a wind, as was customary in this period, but rather to a star from the Great Bear constellation

Aesthetically, the Merak differed from the otherwise very similar Bora mainly in sporting open flying buttresses instead of the Bora's fully glassed rear, and the use of the Citroen SM dashboard on models produced before 1976.

The Merak went out of production in 1982.

History

• Citroën era Merak

The first Merak was designed during the Citroën ownership of Maserati (1968–1975). It featured a 3.0 L (180 cu in) Maserati V6 engine with 190 PS (140 kW; 187 hp), also used in the Citroën SM.

The mid-engine Merak used the Bora bodyshell, but with the extra space offered by the smaller engine used to carve out a second row of seats, suitable for children or very small adults.

As for the Bora, certain Citroën hydraulic systems were used in the Merak; brakes, clutch, headlight pods. The Citroën SM's dramatic dashboard lifted intact from the SM along with its steering wheel was also used in early Meraks (1972 to 1975). 

• GEPI era Merak

In 1976 Maserati introduced the Merak SS, power was increased to 220 PS (162 kW; 217 hp) and weight was reduced by 20 kg to a dry weight of 1,400 kg (3,086 lb). Late Merak SS were bestowed with the interior and dash of the Maserati Bora. The US-spec version of the Merak SS also saw a return to traditional hydraulics, eliminating the last of the Citroen high pressure system. Production of the SS stopped in 1982

• DeTomaso era Merak

In 1977 DeTomaso purchased Maserati, and the Bora was discontinued after a production run of less than 600 cars. In 1977 DeTomaso introduced the Merak 2000 GT, with a smaller powerplant. It was built mainly for the Italian market, where a newly introduced tax law penalized cars with an engine capacity of more than 2000 cc. The Merak 2000 GT featured a 2.0 L (120 cu in) V6 with 170 PS (125 kW; 168 hp). No Merak 2000 GT were imported to the United States.

Model	Merak
Maserati internal code	Tipo AM122
Production start	1972
Number Produced	630
Ignition	single-plug, electronic ignition
Lubrication	single oil pump
Transmission	5-speed + reverse synchromesh, rear wheel drive, single dry plate clutch, self-locking differential
Reduction	1:4.85
Gear ratios	I=2.92; II=1.94; III=1.32; IV=0.94; V=0.73; R=3.15
Chassis	steel platform chassis
Front suspension	transversal deformable four-side with coil springs, telescopic shock absorbers and stabilizer bar
Rear suspension	coil springs, telescopic shock absorbers and stabilizer bar
Brakes	dual hydraulic high pressure circuit, second mechanical system on rear disks for parking
Brakes front	280 mm ventilated disks
Brakes rear	300 mm ventilated disks
Steering	rack and pinion with hydraulic shock absorber
Cooling system	front-mounted radiator
Length	170.67 inches (4,335 mm)
Width	69.60 inches (1,768 mm)
Height	44.64 inches (1,134 mm)
Wheelbase	102.36 inches (2,600 mm)
Front track	58 inches (1,474 mm)
Rear track	56.9 inches (1,447 mm)
Dry weight	3,086 lbs (1,420 Kg)
Curb weight	3,791 lbs (1,720 Kg)
Tires front	185/70 VR 15 X
Tires rear	205/70 VR 15 X
Wheels	light alloy, 7.50 x 15
Top speed	152 mph (245 kmh)
Bodywork	two-door, 2+2 mid-engine coupé
Fuel tank	18.70 Imperial gallons (85 liters)
Range	600 km (372.9 miles)
Standing kilometer	0 to 1000 m. in 29 sec.
Production dates	1972-1974
Engine	90° V6
Bore and stroke	91.6x75 mm
Total displacement	2965.5 cc
Displacements (unitary)	494.25 cc
Compression ratio	8.75:1
Maximum power	190 bhp at 6,000 rpm
Maximum torque	26 Kgm (189 lbs/ft) at 4,000 rpm
Timing gear	two valves per cylinder, twin overhead camshafts per cylinder bank
Fuel feed	aturally aspirated, three Weber 42 DCNF 31 and 32 carburetors
Fuel & lubricant	N 98/100 RM

sources: Wikipedia, Maserati.us, 

Images: Autowp.ru