The Maserati Merak was introduced in 1972. A 2+2 sports car, the Merak was the smaller sibling of the Maserati Bora. Featuring a more economical V6, the car was introduced as a response to the oil crisis. The smaller engine allowed for the Merak to accommodate two rear seats, giving the car a greater usability. The Merak saw three main variants, the standard Base Model, the SS and the 2000 GT.