This is default featured slide 1 title

Go to Blogger edit html and find these sentences.Now replace these sentences with your own descriptions.This theme is Bloggerized by Lasantha Bandara - Premiumbloggertemplates.com.

This is default featured slide 2 title

Go to Blogger edit html and find these sentences.Now replace these sentences with your own descriptions.This theme is Bloggerized by Lasantha Bandara - Premiumbloggertemplates.com.

This is default featured slide 3 title

Go to Blogger edit html and find these sentences.Now replace these sentences with your own descriptions.This theme is Bloggerized by Lasantha Bandara - Premiumbloggertemplates.com.

This is default featured slide 4 title

Go to Blogger edit html and find these sentences.Now replace these sentences with your own descriptions.This theme is Bloggerized by Lasantha Bandara - Premiumbloggertemplates.com.

This is default featured slide 5 title

Go to Blogger edit html and find these sentences.Now replace these sentences with your own descriptions.This theme is Bloggerized by Lasantha Bandara - Premiumbloggertemplates.com.

Tuesday, December 24, 2013

Maserati MC12

Maserati has designed a brand new road-going Grand Tourer referred to as the MC12 from that a GT racing version has additionally been developed. The result's that 37 long years after its last finish in an international championship (1967, Cooper Maserati F1, South African Grand Prix), the trident is returning to the track.

The Ferrari Maserati Group's wealth of data and technological excellence are poured into the planning of the new automotive. in addition to the current, its styling was developed within the structure from a Giugiaro plan by the Maserati technicians with the fundamental contribution of Frank stephenson, the Ferrari Maserati Group's own Director of construct design and Development. the european type-approved version of the new automotive goes on sale after the summer.

Designed for top level road use, it will exceed 330 km/h at full throttle, sprinting from 0 to a hundred km/h in mere 3.8 seconds. although straightforward and pleasant to drive on the road, the MC12 is additionally a brilliantly dynamic automotive. It handles very sweetly and fluidly nonetheless the motive force will still feel all the power of a genuinely jazzy thoroughbred underneath the surface. The new model adds the definitive flourish to Maserati's come to the racing circuits after the recent and highly thriving debut within the Daytona twenty four Hour Race, of the Trofeo light-weight, galvanized by the equally impressive single-series protagonist. underneath the steering of engineer Giorgio Ascanelli, Maserati's racing Division is currently developing the new automotive to meet the foundations of the key international championships.

Sunday, December 22, 2013

Maserati Quattroporte Reviews and News

An exclusive preview of the styling and contents of the new Quattroporte reserved for the journalists of the Italian and international press. in a specially outfitted area within the fresh renovated company headquarters in Viale Ciro Menotti, the President of the Ferrari-Maserati group, Luca Cordero di Montezemolo, the chief operating officer of Maserati, Antonello Perricone, and Sergio Pininfarina given the new flagship automotive to the general admiration of the assembled press.

The car's entry into the showroom was greeted by deafening hand clapping, while, behind it, were 5 giant screens showing pictures of the automotive on the roads of Toscana.

The first person to take the floor was the chief operating officer of Maserati, Antonello Perricone. He eloquently described the importance of the new flagship automotive for the Modenese company: "This Quattroporte is far more than a mere automotive. it is really the logical outcome of a return-to-the-market policy based on sturdy investments, not solely in monetary terms, however additionally structural and organisational, and particularly in analysis and development".

The story of Maserati's return to a leading role within the sports automotive market was additionally recalled by President Luca Cordero di Montezemolo: "The Quattroporte is a unique, exclusive product and represents the closure of the primary stage within the rebirth of Maserati. In 5 years we have revolutionised the plant, buildings and organisation, created three new cars, established synergistic relations with Ferrari, while maintaining absolutely the independence of the management and the brand and increasing our sales network. This extraordinary effort currently permits North American country to appear to the future with absolute confidence. we have the best respect for our competitors, however Maserati and the Quattroporte ar scared of no-one".

The President additionally expressed his wish for a wider consumer base for Italian product developed by companies that have incontestible their ability to create winning cars for the race track and the market. "It has fazed ME for several years that we tend to had no native automotive ought to have transporting our businessmen and politicians. currently such a automotive exists: the new Maserati Quattroporte, heir to a legendary name which can become the benchmark for luxury cars".

Maserati is prepared to take up the challenge with its new V8 four hundred hp flagship combining exceptional performance with unbeatable comfort, over five metres long with ideal weight distribution: 47th on the front axle and fifty three on the rear, attributable to the adoption of the transaxle configuration and the positioning of the engine behind the front axle.

Such extraordinary technical contents required a mode ought to have them, and Pininfarina was the obvious choice: "It was quite an challenge: to create a automotive that was comfy and a top-level machine throughout, however without losing its hallmark sports orientation and aggression, and utterly avoiding remark. the inside owes its look and feel to yacht interiors, with Associate in Nursing innovative use of wood and alternative materials, with a fanatical attention to particularization and the need for the passenger to feel utterly at his ease within the car".

The press reaction was as evangelical as expected: "to die for", "born to fascinate", "the ambassador of Italian style" ar just some of the comments and headlines the journalists employed in bearing on the automotive.

Saturday, December 21, 2013

Maserati Quattroporte Neiman Marcus Reviews and News

ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS, NJ, October 14, 2004 - Maserati, known for each its speed and its style, tried true to its heritage, quickly mercantilism out all sixty Neiman Marcus Limited-Edition 2005 Quattroporte luxury sedans, after occurring sale via phonephone on Oct fourteen, 2004 at time of day EDT. Calls began now at time of day, with requests for sixty cars completed inside three minutes. In 36 minutes, all orders were finalized. The result, although impressive, isn't stunning given the Quattroporte's roster of eighteen months through Maserati dealers. The flagship sedan of the Ferrari Maserati cluster represents the right automotive embodiment of qualities for which Italy has long been loved - Associate in Nursing appreciation of beauty and smart living, elegance, refined engineering, scintillating performance and alluring exclusivity The Quattroporte's four.2-liter 400-HP V8 engine will take you from 0-60 mph in five.1 seconds with a prime speed of one70 mph. it's the solely luxury sedan in its category to position the engine behind the front axle, a race-proven technique that has superior harmony between car and driver. According to Maurizio Parlato, president and corporate executive of Ferrari Maserati North America, the action between Maserati and Neiman Marcus goes well beyond the sale of its newest luxury item. " we have a tendency to are extraordinarily pleased with the response of the NM® Quattroporte ." said Parlato. " supported our expertise with the Neiman Marcus 'In Circle Rewards Program' we have a tendency to felt confident the car would be well received, but the overwhelming demand emphasizes the bond between the Neiman Marcus client and the Maserati driver." The all-new NM® Maserati Quattroporte, priced at $125,000 each, was thought to be one of the more exotic fantasy gifts inside Neiman's 97-year tradition. For this exclusive offering, Ferrari Maserati Group's Director of concept design Frank George Stephenson and his team chosen the beautiful combination of colors, materials and finishes operating closely with Sergio Pininfarina, and every one oversubscribed can bear Pininfarina's signature alongside its owner's name on Associate in Nursing singly numbered nameplate. Each NM® Quattroporte can feature a replacement Bordeaux Pontevecchio bimetal paint finish, distinctive chromed mesh-front grill and aspect vents and 19" polished wheels. Inside, the custom handcrafted interior surrounds occupants in luxurious ivory Poltrona married woman leather with bordeaux piping and mahogany wood accents. Maserati North America, Inc., supported Englewood, N.J., has forty five dealers nationwide and is the exclusive distributor of the Maserati Quattroporte 4-door luxury sedan, 2-door motorcar and Spyder convertible. Fully-owned by Ferrari, Maserati vehicles are handcrafted and designed in Modena, Italy

Friday, December 20, 2013

Maserati MC12 Corsa Reviews and News

Maserati announces the assembly of the MC12 Corsa, a build-to-order supercar for a really designated number of Maserati clients who can get pleasure from the likelihood to test their driving capability within the most exclusive gentlemen drivers' surroundings.

The MC12 Corsa has been developed from the MC12 GT1 type that won the 2005 FIA GT makers Cup. it will be used solely on target throughout private test sessions - or exhibition activities unionized by Maserati. it will not be homologated for road use or for any athletics activity.

The Maserati MC12 Corsa - living testimony of Maserati's ability to one by one tailor create specially made cars of the best technological content - will be on sale at the price of one,000,000 Euros (plus tax) starting from next autumn. offered within the official Maserati "Blue Victory" color, it may be personalised upon request with several choice things, starting from a distinct color upon request by the client.

Total production of the Maserati MC12 Corsa will not exceed 12 units worldwide.

Technical data Chassis: carbon-fiber monocoque Gearbox: Cambiocorsa Brakes: Brembo steel and carbon (no ABS) Front Rim: 18'' race version Rear Rim: 18'' race version Front Tyres: 14x18 Rear Tyres: 14x18 Interior: a pair of seats - race version Roll-bar: yes Engine: V12 Capacity: half-dozen,0 Power output: 755/8000 Dry weight (Kg): one.150 Weigth/power ratio (Kg/Hp): one,52 Units: 12+3 Price: 1.000.000 euro + Tax Road homologation: No

Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Maserati Spyder ninetieth day of remembrance

Maserati presents AN exclusive, limited-edition Spyder on the eve of its ninetieth day of remembrance celebrations. The Spyder ninetieth day of remembrance features AN all-new Blue day of remembrance livery. a gray outlining has been value-added to frame the front headlight cluster, creating AN attractiveness contrast and lightness the front of the vehicle.

The new combination brings out all the vigour of this droptop. The body kit comprising the sports screen and door sills only raise this feel. This version of the Spyder is additionally fitted with two mechanics headrests in blue carbon wire, a feature that remembers the shut ties Maserati has forever had with the racing world.

The classic red tinged spear takes pride of place within the centre of the chrome grille, itself resplendent against the blue livery. This image, teamed with the 'ball-polished' chrome door handles and therefore the 19" rim wheels emphasise the natural gleam of the metallic element. the exterior look is completed by the atomic number 22 coloured brake calipers and therefore the distinctive oval logos on the bumpers, a tribute to the 250F driven by Fangio within the 1957 F1 World Championship. the inside too has been given a special finish that complements the general look.

The ninetieth day of remembrance event will occur between 17-19 Gregorian calendar month. The route will link city and Rome, with a stop at the plant in Modena. All the models from the present range will feature, in addition as classic and private vehicles. The occasion is the initial arranged by the new Maserati Club, that has taken the place of the Registro Maserati.

The Maserati Club relies in Modena at the historic Viale Ciro Menotti website and has Maria Theresa First State Filippis as its President. It aims to expand internationally and organise events that may meet, and exceed, collectors' expectations.

Tuesday, December 17, 2013

Maserati GranSport Mc success

To celebrate winning the 2005 FIA GT Manufacturers' Cup, Maserati has launched a new limited edition model of the Maserati GranSport.

The Maserati GranSport Mc success will be officially launched at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show, and can be on the market from may, with only 180 uniquely numbered units made.

As well as boasting finer customary instrumentality than the Maserati GranSport from that it derives, the new Maserati GranSport Mc success offers a spread of new options that clearly link it to the Maserati MC12, celebrating its driving dynamics.

Externally, the Maserati GranSport Mc success is immediately recognizable for its mechanics, blue carbon front and rear spoilers and for the Italian flag embedded within the aspect panels, another feature taken from the MC12.

Aerodynamic potency enhanced

The front splitter of the Maserati GranSport Mc success was redesigned to ensure a lot of air load at high speeds with the addition of the two lateral mechanics profiles and an even bigger protrusion. The Maserati GranSport Mc success is currently a lot of driveable because of a lot of direct associate degreed precise steering and an elevated stability at high speeds, a similar characteristics as the Maserati MC12.

Carbon, animal skin and Alcantara interior trim

The carbon parts, the same as the exteriors, ar product of blue carbon. this is often coupled with a range of leathers and Alcantara trim, used on the higher dashboard, the door panels, within the central part of the athletics carbon seats to emphasize the colorful look and on the handwheel for grip. inside the cockpit of the Maserati GranSport Mc success each and every driver will be ready to expertise a similar joyousness as the athletics drivers of the Maserati MC12.

Maserati GranSport Reviews and News

The latest addition to the Maserati vary is the Maserati GranSport, a brand new model celebrating the idea of sportiness at the center of all of the Trident's Grand Tourers, owing to be unveiled to the world for the first time at Geneva's International Motor Show. The new automotive, that joins the Coupé and Spyder within the Maserati vary, goes on sale next summer. The GranSport's name alone suggests its eager thoroughbred GT spirit, the kind of spirit which will offer plenty of fun on demand for the driving force. The GranSport name also encompasses a special symbolic significance for the spear as it was 1st employed in the Fifties for a sublime two-litre machine designed by the Carozzeria Frua on the bottom of the illustrious A6 G. The new GranSport, however, is meant to offer an exciting various to the current Coupé, and per se, has been treated to series of latest enhancements that give it a awfully powerful temperament so.

AN aerodynamic THOROUGHBRED

The Maserati GranSport's harmonious volumes are fantastically combined with a lot of muscular, aerodynamic forms, the fruit of abundant testing within the wind tunnel aimed toward improving the 110 worth and achieving a balanced division of the vertical hundreds (Cz) between the front and rear axles. The result's that the Maserati GranSport encompasses a 110 of 0.33, one in all the absolute best in its class. an nearly total absence of oversteer and improved front-wheel drivability and exactitude build it very simple to handle too and ensure that drivers will be able to very place it and themselves through their paces in complete safety.

Work on the new model's aeromechanics has led to the addition of newbumpers. The front one, in fact, encompasses a very pronounced lower spoiler with side bars elegantly integrated into the body itself, while the luggage compartment deck has been given a discreet however equally efficientspoiler lip. The new aerodynamic features associated with the fact that the set-up is currently 10 millimetre lower, result in a two point improvement within the 110 worth and translate into clear advantages for the driving force. In fact, the Maserati GranSport offers a truly blistering drive, thanks to its direct, precise steering and wonderful stability at high speeds.

The traditional spear class is there too within the classic chrome grille reminiscent of the Quattroporte's. The grilles over the air vents on the rear bumper are chrome too. The Maserati GranSport's flashy look is completed by new 19" wheels impressed by those sported by the cars within the Maserati Trofeo Championship, with spokes forming a awfully enticing spear.

400 power unit V8 ENGINE

The Maserati GranSport's usually aspirated 4,244 cm3 V8 has all the structure of the foremost advanced sport engines with dry sump lubrication and twin overhead camshafts per cylinder bank with four valves per cylinder hydraulic tappets. The intake cams also feature variable phase timing.

Its most power delivery has been upped from the first 390 power unit to four hundred power unit too, thanks to special development work to scale back internal attrition and careful work on the intake manifolds and valve seats. The engine has been combined with a sports exhaust that is instantly placeable, thanks to the unusual design of its twin chrome exhausts and was designed to offer enthusiasts that instantly placeable deep, tasteful rumble. thanks to an electronically controlled gas valve system, even a lot of will be fabricated from the exhaust by pressing the "Sport" button on the central console too.

CAMBIOCORSA TRANSMISSION

The Maserati GranSport is out there only with the six-speed electro-hydraulic transmission in which the gears are modified using paddles mounted behind the wheel, a feature that further enhances the car's flashy temperament. The Cambiocorsa systems allows drivers to settle on between various gear shifting modes (Normal, Sport, Automatic and Low Grip), and within the case of the Maserati GranSport , is controlled by specific software package. Even with relevance already very extremely developed Coupé Cambiocorsa system, the sport mode within the GranSport offers 35th faster gear dynamic on average and also boasts automatic heeling and toeing to make dropping down a gear even faster. thanks to the new Cambiocorsa software package, the Maserati GranSport can sprint a full klick from standstill in an exceedingly breathless twenty three seconds flat.

The gear shift ratios are specific too, with the adoption of a sixth gear that is five-hitter longer, which, in combination with its a lot of powerful engine and improved aeromechanics, permits the Maserati GranSport to enhance on the already blistering speeds of the Coupé, delivering a dizzying high speed of 290 Km/h.

As with the other models within the Maserati vary, the driving force can choose from two levels of drugs dynamic . normal mode is softer and typical of Grand Tourer driving, while with slightly of the sport button on the central console they get to feel verity power of the automotive. the sport mode delivers abundant faster gear dynamic , a deeper exhaust sound and fewer invasive use of the MSP stability and traction control system. The nonobligatory Skyhook mechanical system, that offers continuous damping control, is also littered with the driver's selection of normal or Sport modes. For a lot of comfort-oriented driving, there's even an car button that puts the gears fully automatic mode in order that the driving force need do nothing quite sit back relish the thrilling experience of driving a Maserati. However, the sport perform can still be activated in this mode.

DRIVER-ORIENTED TECHNOLOGY

Needless to say, the Maserati GranSport boasts all of the various wonderful technological and safety features offered by the Maserati Grand Tourers, but with some important refinements. The automotive has constant refined set-up as the Coupé Cambiocorsa: a Transaxle layout with the gearbox rear-mounted in unit with the differential, stability and traction control (MSP) integration ABS, ASR, MSR and EBD functions, that the driving force can deactivate if desired, freelance front and rear suspension with double wishing bone geometry, which might be integrated with the Skyhook system for the asking, the Skyhook adaptive damping system that instantly adapts the damper calibrations to suit the driving and road conditions and permits the driving force to settle on between two completely different settings (Normal and Sport).

The fact that the set-up has been lowered by 10 millimetre and the adoption of the 19" wheels and tyres with a specific profile (front 235/35 19", rear 265/30 19"), characterised by a smaller slip angle, have lowered the centre of gravity and hardened the set-up of Maserati GranSport, making it even a lot of agile and tuned in to the wheel.

The Brembo brakes with alloy titanium-coloured four-piston callipers with differentiated diameters and huge airy cross-drilled discs (front 330 mm; rear310 mm), also further enhance the dynamic characteristics of the automotive.

INTERIOR: class and function

The GranSport's interior reflects its brilliant temperament both in terms of aesthetics and functionality, however also exudes the elegant dignity and luxurious comfort of a spear Grand Tourer. The dashboard, body-hugging seats, tunnel, thick horn-rimmed wheel, impressive materials (leather, carbon fibre, alloy, high tech fabric) all combine to create an attractively flashy atmosphere too.

The Maserati GranSport's dashboard boasts wonderful specialist trim and central console options. The upper part of the dash is trimmed in animal skin, while the central space, framed by the car-coloured piping strip, is trimmed in an exceedingly special high tech fabric originally developed for shipping use and obtainable in Emperor of Rome (Black), Grigio Nickel (Nickel Grey) or Blu Metal (Metal Blue). this can be a double bedded material that isn't only very enticing but also non-slip and very hard-wearing, making it ideal for trimming the central space of sports seats and the lower rim of the wheel.

The front seats are designed for high lateral containment, and guarantee most driver contact with the automotive for perfect control. They were developed with the help of the Maserati check drivers in line with the strictest ergonomic principles with the aim of mixing flashy characteristics and wonderful seat comfort for perfect, long distance driving. this can be why the seats also are totally power adjustable and may, on request, be furnished a heating choice and memorised settings on the driver's side.

The carbon, leather-trimmed tunnel separates the 2 front seats. It contains the Cambiocorsa control selector and the secondary commands, all of that is ready into a sublime chrome surround.

The main control buttons, as well as the blue start button, on the other hand, are sorted together on the central console near the driving force. The climate control and cd player buttons also are set in an exceedingly carbon feature on the central console.

Any driver lucky enough to induce his hands on the three-spoke wheel of the Maserati GranSport can appreciate the work that has been done to mould the rim (trimmed in perforated animal skin, carbon and technical fabric) to offer improved ergonomic grip. All of the car's functions are organized on the instrument housing that boasts flashy white graphics on a Maserati blueness background.

PERSONALISATION PROGRAMME

The Maserati GranSport is out there within the six sportiest colors within the Maserati vary, all of which might be combined with varied interior options. house owners can make a choice from the classic Giallo Granturismo (Grand Tourer Yellow) and Rosso Mondiale (World Championship Red) or, alternatively between the auriferous Emperor of Rome Carbonio (Carbon Black), Blu Mediterraneo (Mediterranean Blue) and Grigio road (Touring Grey). The sixth colour selection recently accessorial to the vary is Bianco Fuji (Fuji White), a clever pearl white with the unusual depth typical of three-coat opaline paints. {this is|this is often|this will be} the start line from that the Officine Alfieri Maserati programme can be accustomed embody an enormous array of alternative personalisation options regarding the colours of the interior trim animal skin, fabric in addition as technical or comfort-oriented features, such as: chemical element headlights, Skyhook suspension, Mercury grey and Ball-Polished options for the wheels, carbon interior and exterior components, GPS and GSM telephone module controlled from the radio unit, and a six-disc CD Changer, to say but many.

Monday, December 16, 2013

Maserati Spyder Reviews and News

From Gregorian calendar month the Model Year 05 Coupe' and Spyder are out there from the dealers network.

The main amendment is to the front bumper with a horizontally ribbed grate fitted, one impressed by that mounted on the Quattroporte. it's one that reflects the 'family' feel of the vary. The rear bumper is additionally new. it's sportier and options wide air intakes protected by a black, tight mesh grille.

The link with the Quattroporte is re-inforced within the Coupe' with the inserting of the classic oval and arrow badge on the rear facet panels, as titled by Frua in 1963.

With the Year 05 model, the inside will be contrasted with totally different colored leathers for the central zone of the seats and dashboard, and therefore the higher door panels. The instrumentation boasts new, jazzy blue and white graphics that square measure easier to scan. The seven spoke rims square measure currently normal whereas the fifteen spoke rims stay AN ex gratia additional. The metal colored kit on the console and therefore the door molding can currently be normal. different modifications are created to the inside with the central tunnel redisigned with a much bigger storage compartment.

The lever for inserting the reverse gear currently contains a D for Drive choice, for choosing gear mechanism.

To complete the changes, the Coupe' and Spyder models currently have a brand new additional gilded paint end with the addition of "Rame Ghibli".

Maserati Quattroporte government GT

Quattroporte government GT is that the Italian flagship within the purest type. it's the complete expression of stylish style and options lateral grilles and 19" wheel rims. associate degree exterior identification plate seems on the model, one within which comfort levels area unit at their highest and most exclusive. Among the options that enhance the inside of the manager GT is that the comfort pack of rear seats which supply heating, ventilation and massage. The seat and reach may be electronically adjusted and therefore the stowable rear tables area unit made up of a similar refined woods because the interior. The cabin roof is lined in exquisite Alcantara. The handwheel is in wood and animal skin and therefore the air-con control board may be operated from the rear seats.

Sunday, December 15, 2013

Maserati GS Zagato Reviews and News

The Maserati GS Zagato, like its celebrated ascendant, has all-aluminium bodywork and bears the lance on the bonnet and also the Z on the wing, expressing eternal Italian excellence in its form and its content. A winning combination that matches powerful and reliable mechanics, with a chic and and sports vogue, each strictly created in Italian Republic.

For purists of the compact coupé, afficionados of the Milano-based whole, it's a two-volume, two-seater, hatchback with a efficient profile and a neat tail. The distance is 180mm shorter, a production from the Spyder, provides glorious handling and stability on curves, with extraordinary torsional rigidity.

In deference to the tradition of the gentlemen drivers United Nations agency asked Zagato to rework the bodywork of their cars, trendy collectors select mechanics at the highest level of technical evolution and 'dress' them in bespoke clothes that increase in worth as time passes.

This is the mission of a contemporary automobile atelier: to make unaltered objects that remember prestigious models and types and that, in contrast to mass created vehicles, ar destined to last for ever.

Zagato, born in 1919 as associate degree artist's workroom for cars and planes, has place its signature on all the foremost necessary mechanics of the last century, earning the chance to make, every time, associate degree "instant classic".

Zagato's strengths belong the construct of sports-style class, a useful style that doesn't bow to fugitive fashions however seeks out the joy and pleasure of driving, and within the precious Al bodywork, a worth recognised all over.

Saturday, December 14, 2013

Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT Reviews and News

The Quattroporte Sport GT was created so as to meet the demands of those clients United Nations agency desired bigger performance and sportiness from the flagship. The car has spanking new sporting 20" wheels, carbon fiber for the inside, athletics pedals. The echoes of Maserati tradition square measure evident in the aggressive black colouring of the grille and therefore the aspect air vents. The face advantages from red prongs, typical of competition cars from the past and of conjointly the sport GTs, a name that appears on a plate mounted on the aspect of the vehicle. From a technical pMaserati Quattroporte Sport GT

The Quattroporte Sport GT was created so as to meet the demands of those clients United Nations agency desired bigger performance and sportiness from the flagship. The car has spanking new sporting 20" wheels, carbon fiber for the inside, athletics pedals. The echoes of Maserati tradition square measure evident in the aggressive black colouring of the grille and therefore the aspect air vents. The face advantages from red prongs, typical of competition cars from the past and of conjointly the sport GTs, a name that appears on a plate mounted on the aspect of the vehicle. From a technical purpose of read, it's the gear case that has seen the most changes. By activating the ‘Sport’ operate, gear changes become abundant quicker (on average by more than 35%). this is due to AN ultra-modern system of electronic effort. The Skyhook suspension incorporates a dedicated created for the sport GT. At high revs the V8 put in in the Quattroporte GranSport GT offers off a additional intense sound. this is owing to the configuration of the exhaust system.oint of read, it's the gear case that has seen the most changes. By activating the ‘Sport’ operate, gear changes become abundant quicker (on average by more than 35%). this is due to AN ultra-modern system of electronic effort. The Skyhook suspension incorporates a dedicated created for the sport GT. At high revs the V8 put in in the Quattroporte GranSport GT offers off a additional intense sound. this is owing to the configuration of the exhaust system.

Thursday, December 12, 2013

Maserati GranTurismo megahertz thought Reviews and News

Races have forever been the foremost rigorous test-bed for all cars. historically, reliablity and performance area unit checked on the circuit. it's in races that new technologies and materials area unit tried out. And it's on the circuit that Maserati has determined to boost the abundant praised flashy vitality of its Maserati GranTurmismo S to even higher levels to form the Maserati GranTurismo megahertz thought.

Style

The changes the designers of the Maserati vogue Centre have created to the GranTurismo S to form the sport model have improved its performance and specially its mechanics potency, while not troubling to its elegant, sonsy line. The grille of the Maserati GranTurismo megahertz thought options 2 giant air intakes - designed to extend the air flow to the engine associated brakes - and an mechanics bottom trim. The front mudguards, with inflated track, are new, as is that the engine hood with a dynamic air water and 2 extra air vents.

The car's profile has conjointly been the topic of in-depth mechanics analysis, resulting in the introduction of surprising facet air vents, coupled to the new miniskirts underneath the doors. what is additional, the rear of the Maserati GranTurismo megahertz thought has new-design fenders to accommodate the air vents and centrally placed tailpipes. Last however not least, the boot spoiler is larger in size to extend the down force generated by the profile, therefore compensating for the mechanics result of the front spoiler.

Wednesday, December 11, 2013

Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT S Reviews and News

The new Quattroporte Sport GT S are going to be disclosed at the metropolis Motorshow for its worldwide preview (the Maserati news conference can happen at eleven.30 on stand A06, in Hall 6.0). The Quattroporte Sport GT S is that the final expression of Maserati’s saloon sportiness.

Exclusively for those probing for an excellent stronger sporting edge up a luxury saloon, the Quattroporte Sport GT S, equipped with Associate in Nursing automatic 6-speed case, stands out for its exceptional dynamic behaviour and uncompromised handling.

This result was obtained with the introduction of latest suspension layout, that includes single rate dampers and a “racing” created. The Quattroporte Sport GT S sits 10mm lower at the front and 25mm at the rear compared to alternative versions of the Quattroporte, and conjointly options new, stiffer springs and dampers.

The Quattroporte Sport GT S boasts a singular braking system developed unitedly with Brembo. This innovative technology uses dual-cast brake discs, and this is often the primary time such a group up has been utilized on a road automotive.

Unlike ancient forged iron discs, dual-cast discs ar fabricated from 2 materials, forged iron and Al, to confirm optimised braking, up performance within the most extreme conditions and providing bigger resistance to fade even at the best temperatures. The Quattroporte Sport GT S’s new braking system conjointly advantages from new mono-block, six-piston callipers at the front and tyres developed particularly for this automotive (front 245/35-R20 and rear 295/30-R20). The hyperbolic size of the rear tyres permits optimum use of the Maserati’s V8 power, while the new tyre compound helps the brakes and set-up to ensure a superior level of handling and driving feeling.

The Quattroporte Sport GT S’s exterior is distinguished by a additional aggressive look. together with the black-chrome mesh front grille, a characteristic component of showy Maseratis, the facet window trims and also the 2 double exhaust pipes also are in black, while door handles ar within the same color because the body of the automotive.

The Quattroporte Sport GT S is fitted with obvious dark-chrome 20", seven spoke alloy wheels.

Even the selection of fabric for the inside of the Quattroporte Sport GT S reflects the car's showy character. ancient Poltrona married woman animal skin has been combined with Alcantara, that covers the central zone of the seats, the inside door panels and also the wheel. Maserati has antecedently used Alcantara for the inside of the Trofeo cars and also the MC12.

The dashboard is finished in new carbon fibre with Al treads, while front seats ar characterized by a brand new, additional cosseting showy form.

Tuesday, December 10, 2013

Maserati GranTurismo S Reviews and news

A year after the revealing of the GranTurismo, Maserati are back at the Geneva International Motorshow with one more performance, the Maserati GranTurismo S. The final expression of the trident coupé's sportiness shifts the stress onto performance and driving enjoyment.

Two main novelties area unit at the heart of the new Maserati: the 40 H.P. V8 4.7 engine and the electro-actuated shell with fast MC-Shift organized in the transaxle layout typical of superior sports cars that represents the technological dna of all Maseratis.

The Maserati GranTurismo S makes use of the superior brakes developed together with Brembo and introduced for the first time in the automotive field on the Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT S. The system options front brake discs made with twin-cast technology - a dual casting of cast iron and aluminum, paired with aluminum mono-bloc 6-piston brake callipers, guaranteeing optimised braking performance.

On the outside the Maserati GranTurismo S is characterised by variety of aesthetic modifications that, though distinct, area unit highly effective and make the automotive body seem sportier while not abandoning the smoothness of the lines masterfully designed by Pininfarina.

The interior upholstered in Poltrona wife animal skin and Alcantara reflects the showy aptitude of the Maserati GranTurismo S; the figure-hugging front and rear seats area unit distinguished by their new dynamic design with horizontal piping on the seats and seatbacks.

Monday, December 9, 2013

Maserati GranTurismo S Automatic Reviews and News

True to Maserati's commitment to introduce a new model at each international car show, the Maserati GranTurismo S Automatic will première at the 2009 Geneva Auto Show. The new Maserati GranTurismo S Automatic features a 4.7 V8 which develops 440 HP (323kW) at 7000 rpm. The maximum torque is 490Nm at 4.750 rpm.

The major novelty is the combination of the automatic transmission with the most powerful wet sump Maserati V8 on the GranTurismo - until now offered as 4.2 l with automatic transmission and 4.7 l with an electro-actuated gearbox. Thanks to the combination of the 323kW produced by the powerful 4.7l V8 engine and the smoothness of the ZF 6-speed automatic gearbox, the Maserati GranTurismo S Automatic stresses the original granturismo concept while at the same time offering peak performance.

The Skyhook suspension system featuring continuously adjustable dampers provides great driving comfort. Passive safety is further enhanced thanks to the introduction on the Maserati GranTurismo range of a new generation passenger air-bag with Low Risk Deployment functionality.

Consistently with the unmistakable design of all Maseratis, the Maserati GranTurismo S Automatic features some marked stylistic differences which make it immediately recognisable: the new under-door mini-skirts featuring a prominent shape, which enhances the dynamism of its profile and the new 20" wheel rims with "Trident" design, which recall the strength and elegance of the car.

Sunday, December 8, 2013

Maserati GranTurismo Reviews and news

The new Maserati GranTurismo, titled by Pininfarina, makes its worldwide debut at the Geneva Motorshow.

The Maserati GranTurismo is a muscular and sporty automobile, that can be enjoyed every day and at the same time is participating for the driver. Its excellent handling and sportiveness makes it a point of reference in its category. The Maserati GranTurismo is made with particular attention to comfort, choice of materials and details and with enough room for four people, as solely Maserati will do.

The new Maserati GranTurismo is a superior sports automobile, exciting to drive with a 4.2 litre V8 engine, delivering 405 HP, and a weight distribution of forty ninth at the front and fifty one at the rear. it is fitted with AN automatic shell ANd equipped with an adaptative system which adjusts the gear-shifting mode to the driving style and therefore the driving conditions.

Maserati's tradition of the granny Turismo construct dates back to 1947 once the shaft Company, following its clients' demand, disclosed at the Geneva Motorshow its initial granny Turismo, the A6, designed by the good Pinin farina. it was the primary Maserati road automobile and was made in fifty eight units. The automobile was acclaimed by the automotive press for its advanced technical content and for its avant-garde style solutions.

The new model name - Maserati GranTurismo - is not incidental. Once again, the partnership between Maserati and Pininfarina provides birth to a automobile that's able to generate emotions and sets itself aside from competitors, as a result of the technique with which it is engineered and its unique style.

The new Maserati GranTurismo represents an extra step towards the completion of the shaft product vary, following the worldwide launch of the Quattroporte automatic at the 2007 North american International Auto Show in Motown.

Maserati Quattroporte Reviews and News

Maserati Quattroporte, the model that established the class of "Luxury Sports Saloons", may be thought of one thing of a Maserati masterpiece. when 5 years of success, with over fifteen,000 cars delivered and forty six international awards, the Maserati Quattroporte is currently being conferred with a brand new look and new technical solutions. The history of art is characterized by audacious artists WHO challenged pre-existing conventions. equally the Pininfarina style team, due to their incomparable and adept hands, created a freshman, additional fashionable seek for the Maserati Quattroporte, however perpetually conscious of the category, glamour and exclusivity that represent its inner essence.

The temperament and glamour of the Maserati flagship ar currently portrayed by 2 products: the Maserati Quattroporte and also the Maserati Quattroporte S. the previous is fitted with the acquainted four.2 cubic decimetre four hundred horsepower V8 engine, whereas the latter adopts the new four.7 cubic decimetre 430 horsepower V8 recently introduced on the Maserati GranTurismo S, with a unique specification. each cars feature the 6-speed transmission system developed in association with ZF.

The main styling changes ar to the foremost recognizable options. initial of all the front, wherever the new grille, with its vertical slats, is paying homage to the GranTurismo. The front and tail lamp units also are updated, that includes LEDs. On the aspect, the under-door moulding is additional noticeable, with a line that runs into that of the new bumpers, that have a wider protecting band and additional pronounced rear styling. The door mirrors also are new, with a additional dynamic form and a additional efficient mounting to the door. the inside includes a new centre console and also the controls ar sorted additional closely along for even additional convenient operation. The car's vary of navigation systems is additionally totally updated, currently comprising the New Maserati transmission. 2 new reminder animal skin, Marrone Corniola (brown) and Sabbia (sand), substitution the beige that was antecedently within the vary, debut on the Maserati Quattroporte S and Maserati Quattroporte severally.

The new Maserati Quattroporte and Maserati Quattroporte S are going to be on sale within the Britain from Gregorian calendar month 2008.

Maserati GranTurismo S Automatic reviews and News

True to Maserati's commitment to introduce a new model at each international automotive show, the Maserati GranTurismo S automatic can première at the 2009 Geneva Auto Show. The new Maserati GranTurismo S Automatic features a four.7 V8 that develops 440 hp (323kW) at seven000 rev. the most torque is four90Nm at 4.750 rpm.

The major novelty is the combination of the automated transmission with the foremost powerful wet sump Maserati V8 on the GranTurismo - thus far offered as four.2 l with automatic transmission and four.7 l with Associate in Nursing electro-actuated casing. due to the mixture of the 323kW produced by the powerful four.7l V8 engine and also the smoothness of the ZF 6-speed automatic casing, the Maserati GranTurismo S Automatic stresses the first granturismo concept whereas at identical time offering peak performance.

The Skyhook suspension system that includes unendingly adjustable dampers provides great driving comfort. Passive safety is additional increased due to the introduction on the Maserati GranTurismo vary of a new generation traveller air-bag with Low Risk deployment practicality. Consistently with the clear design of all Maseratis, the Maserati GranTurismo S Automatic features some marked rhetorical differences that create it forthwith recognisable: the new under-door mini-skirts that includes a distinguished shape, which boosts the dynamism of its profile and also the new 20" wheel rims with "Trident" design, that recall the strength and magnificence of the automotive.

Maserati GranCabrio Reviews and News

Maserati GranCabrio - four proper seats, comfortable, inviting and all-enveloping. never before had AN open-top Maserati offered such a lot. never before had a automobile with the trident badge allowed an entire family or four friends to relish a journey in the open air. The Maserati GranCabrio's magic chemistry starts when you examine it: it is shockingly lovely, with the soft top up or down. so it options a classy canvas top, for terribly precise reasons, which can be summed up in 3 words: «centre of gravity». Fabric, ultra-high school cloth, weighs very little, infinitely less than metal and helps the car's road-holding: the system weight is simply 65 kg. then cloth is pliant, it enhances the palette of the car's exterior colours six times over, the quantity of shades within which it is offered, from a solid black to a advanced metallic element grey, to a heat chocolate colour.

Twenty eight seconds, that is the time it takes for the Maserati GranCabrio to travel back to being a secure cocoon. A flying one too, due to a 110 of 0.35 with the roof up, that will increase by a mere trifle, to 0.39, with the highest down.

Design is at the service of comfort. the times when anyone travelling in the back of a sports automobile were resigned to suffering physical discomfort are well and actually over: rear passengers in the Maserati GranCabrio don't seem to be supporting actors, but co-stars of the journey. The legs, even for those who are quite six feet tall, are not any longer crammed in, the spine {is no|is not ANy|isn't any} longer forced into an unnatural erect position, but well and physiologically supported on backrests designed so sportiness doesn't got to compromise on comfort.

Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT S Reviews and Photos

The new Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT S sets one more milestone in terms of sportiness within the high performance luxury saloon phase of the automotive market. planned and developed as "a real driving machine within the guise of a luxury saloon", the Quattroporte Sport GT S is the final expression of Maserati's sportiness within the Quattroporte vary.

The technical changes to the new Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT S in respect to the Quattroporte S concern four areas:

the mapping of the V8 four.7 l engine, with power redoubled to 323kW; the mechanical device management computer code, with new features designed to extend driving enjoyment; the front and rear suspension system that includes single-rate dampers, stiffer springs and lower ride height; the sports exhaust controlled by pneumatic valves for a deep, low-pitched and charming sound.



The sportier and additional aggressive look is additionally evident due to the interior and exterior rhetorical choices: the new black grille with dish-shaped vertical fins that includes the lance logo with red accents, typical of the sportier versions of Maserati models; the new headlights, in aluminiferous Ti finish; the side and rear "shadow line", which includes black finishing around the doors, body-coloured door handles and black twin oval exhaust pipes; the new M-design seats with perforated Alcantara® and animal skin upholstery; the standard trim in Titantex, a "titanium coloured" stuff.

Sunday, October 13, 2013

2013 Maserati GranTurismo Sport Review

Maserati.Inc - The powerful 4.7-litre V8 engine can now deliver a maximum power of 460 HP (338 kW) and a peak torque of 520 Nm, without penalising fuel consumption and emissions. The version with automatic transmission and MC Auto Shift management software (which is also used in the GranCabrio Sport and Quattroporte Sport GT S) also benefits from significantly enhanced performance, achieving a top speed of 298 km/h and acceleration of 0 to 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds.

2013 Maserati GranTurismo Sport

With regards to the suspension, the new Maserati GranTurismo Sport is fitted with the Sport Skyhook system, an evolution of the continuous damping control system that makes the car even more reactive and fun to drive, whilst at the same time increasing passenger comfort.

In SPORT mode the car is pin sharp in responding to the driver's input, while in normal mode it constantly adapts the damping to absorb the roughness of the surface for a smoother ride. All this equates to a superb handling capability that combines sports performance and comfort in all driving conditions.

The Maserati GranTurismo Sport is available with two different types of transmission: a ZF 6-speed automatic and a 6-speed electro actuated gearbox, with dry twin-plate clutch (not available in North America). The first enhances driving comfort without compromising on performance, while the second offers a more involving driving experience.

2013 Maserati GranTurismo Sport

External restyling

The front bumper has been redesigned to improve the air flow and the cooling of the front brakes, whilst at the same time to enhance the appearance of the nose of the car, thanks to a new styling element that unites the space between the new headlights and the traditional oval grille. The chromed trident with red accents takes pride of place at the centre of the grille: a detail reserved to the most powerful Maserati cars, in keeping with the tradition of the marque.

The front light cluster maintains its original profile, but it has been completely redesigned and improved thanks to the addition of DRL LED technology. The new LEDs give the headlights a further style boost as well as improving functionality and visibility, benefitting car safety.

Behind the impressive 20" Astro Design alloy wheels lies the equally impressive braking system of the new Maserati GranTurismo Sport, which employs Brembo dual-cast technology coupled with 6-piston brake calipers at the front and 4-piston brake calipers at the rear. The disc, in a slotted and perforated version, is made of two different materials, cast iron and aluminium, reducing weight by between 15% and 20% and delivering enhanced comfort, reduced corrosion and wear and superior component performance.

The caliper, meanwhile, represents a new feature for Maserati and Brembo in terms of colour, introducing a brand new oxidised blue which, thanks to its matt finish, enhances the car's ultra-sporty nature, emphasising once again the meticulous attention Maserati devotes to detail in order to ensure total customer satisfaction. This extends to even the tiniest design detail, fully embracing the "tailor made" principle.

The rear of the car has been made even sleeker than before thanks to restyled, darker light clusters that accentuate its dramatic look.

The new model introduces a brand new colour called "Blu Sofisticato" which shows off the car's lines to best advantage and frames the countless innovative stylistic features that characterise this new Maserati GranTurismo Sport.

2013 Maserati GranTurismo Sport

Sporty interior

The interior of the Maserati GranTurismo Sport has been treated to a sporty makeover. The distinctive new design of the rear shell of the front seats, in leather, also frees up more space for rear seat passengers (+20 mm).

Particular attention has been devoted to enhance the dynamic yet refined spirit of the Maserati GranTurismo Sport. New details in EcoChrome grey and the Poltrona Frau leather upholstery, feature alongside sporty elements such as the gearshift paddles on the steering wheel, inspired by the design of the Trofeo race car, and the aluminium pedals.

In 2011 the GranTurismo range accounted for 4% of the total Maserati sales, with over 2700 cars delivered to clients all over the world.


For Detail about Maserati GranTurismo Sport article Visit : Source

Maserati GranCabrio Sport 2013 Review

Maserati.Inc - The new Maserati GranCabrio Sport consolidates its presence on the convertible car market with completely revamped exteriors and a more powerful engine. The new front bumper, with redesigned profile to enhance aesthetics and functionality, new headlights, a new, even more powerful engine and an upgraded suspension system make the new GranCabrio Sport a point of reference in the convertible car market.


Exterior

Already one of the most highly regarded in the world of sports cars, the Maserati GranCabrio Sport's bodywork has undergone a restyling which skilfully harmonises the characteristics of the GranTurismo Sport.

Interior

The steering wheel, with new design, is now more ergonomic and, in combination with the extended Trofeo-design paddles and light aluminium pedals, is better suited to sports driving thanks to a flattened rim and accentuated grip profile. The new grey EcoChrome materials for the interiors and the Poltrona Frau leather upholstery complete the existing characteristics, such as the steering wheel transmission paddles and the aluminium pedals.



Engine

Both the hardware and software of the engine have been improved significantly, improving its power by 10 HP and torque by 10 Nm, without adversely affecting consumption or emissions.

At 7,000 rpm, the Maserati GranCabrio Sport delivers 338 kW (460 HP) with a considerable torque of 520 Nm at 4,750 rpm.

Automatic transmission (MC Auto Shift)

The automatic six-speed ZF transmission with MC Auto Shift is perfectly capable of handling the exceptional performance of the powerful V8 and derives from the transmission of the GranTurismo Sport. The Maserati GranCabrio Sport with MC Auto Shift transmission can reach 100 km/h in just 5.0 seconds. Chassis and suspension The Maserati GranCabrio Sport was designed to combine peerless driving comfort for all occupants with optimum handling at high speeds.



Exceptional performance and road holding, as well as the handling of a great sports car, are qualities of the GranCabrio Sport that few other sports convertibles can boast.

This is thanks to the shock absorbers with Sport Skyhook system, the most recent development of the Maserati damping control system. The Sport Skyhook system constantly adjusts the GranCabrio Sport's shock absorbers, adapting them to the road conditions. With the aid of a new rear anti-roll bar which is 12% more rigid, the Sport Skyhook system allows the vertical rigidity of the Maserati GranCabrio Sport to be increased by in Sport mode.

For Detail about GranCabrio Sport 2013 article Visit : Source

2013 Maserati GranCabrio MC Review

Ferrari.Inc - Inspired and encouraged by the considerable success of the GranTurismo MC Stradale, which was warmly received by customers thanks to a masterly translation and adaptation of racing characteristics for use on the road, the new Maserati GranCabrio MC completes the open-top range with a highly sporty and aggressive look, while maintaining the strengths and characteristics of a true grand tourer, ideal for long journeys.


Exterior

The new, sporty look can be seen in each stylistic element of the Maserati GranCabrio MC's bodywork. Inspired directly by the cars of the Maserati Trofeo MC World Series and the GT4 version, the new design perfectly blends sportiness, dynamism, the search for aerodynamic perfection, elegance and style. These stylistic elements already partly characterised the GranTurismo MC Stradale and the GranTurismo Sport, and seamlessly unite form and function.

The car, 48 millimetres longer than the GranCabrio and GranCabrio Sport, is characterised by a front end which is inspired directly by the MC Stradale, adopting a profile designed to optimise the aerodynamic lift and flow. Thanks to experience gained in racing and above all to specific analysis of fluid dynamics, the new GranCabrio MC downforce (measured at 140 km/h) is 10% higher at the front and 25% higher at the rear compared to the GranCabrio and GranCabrio Sport.

The bonnet incorporates two generous air outlets at the centre to optimise cooling of the powerful V8, and two more air outlets to cool down the brake discs have also been added to the two front wings.

Initially introduced on the GranTurismo Sport the new headlights, which adopt LEDs for the daytime running light (DRL) function, complete the new look of the Maserati GranCabrio MC. Though they maintain the external shape seen on the other three versions in the GranCabrio range, the new headlights adopt the most modern technology, perfectly enhanced with an extremely sporty look thanks to the matt black colour of the structure.

The rear is characterised by the large spoiler, for greater negative lift at high speeds. Inside the spoiler, built into the luggage compartment, is the third brake light. The bumper has been completely redesigned at the bottom to make the new model even sportier and at the same time ensure optimal aerodynamic efficiency. Finally, the dynamism of the Maserati GranCabrio MC is accentuated by the 20" MC Design rims, available in glossy Titanio or matt Grafite, and made using flow-forming technology. Interior

The interior of the Maserati GranCabrio MC has received a thorough overhaul with particular attention paid to ergonomics.

The new seats, completely redesigned from both an aesthetic and functional point of view and enhanced with high-quality materials, now ensure the optimum balance of comfort and performance, elegance and functionality. The new structure of both the front and rear seats now incorporates the headrest and is enhanced by an upper, central trim, with a design inspired by the car's front grille.



Particularly important, especially with convertible cars, is the attention paid to the rear passengers. For this reason, the frame for the front seats, which is also available in a completely carbon-fibre version, has been completely redesigned to ensure 20 mm more legroom for the rear passengers.

The seats, with an increased profile to enhance their wrap-around structure and lateral containment, ensure sporty driving while guaranteeing superior comfort, even on very long journeys.

The rear seats have been redesigned according to the same logic: maximum comfort, maximum passenger restraint in sports driving and ample use of quality materials.

To complete the new, super-sporty look of the new Maserati GranCabrio MC, it incorporates the Trofeo-design steering wheel paddles as standard, with increased dimensions as seen on the GranTurismo Sport, and an aluminium pedal unit.

Engine and performance

As with the most sporty GranTurismo in the range (the GranTurismo Sport), the GranCabrio MC also adopts the new 4.7-litre V8 engine, which delivers 338 kW (460 HP) together with substantial torque of 520 Nm at 4,750 rpm.

The timing system, with a system of two chains per bank, features dual variable valve timing.

The new power unit, in combination with the MC Auto Shift transmission, is now able to propel the Maserati GranCabrio MC, in closed soft top configuration, to a top speed of 289 km/h (179 mph) with acceleration of 0 to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds.

Automatic transmission (MC Auto Shift)


Like other sports models in the Maserati range, the Maserati GranCabrio MC also adopts an automatic six-speed ZF transmission able to transfer all the power of the 460 HP V8 engine to the ground. Calibrated specifically for application on the sportiest version in the GranCabrio range, the MC Auto Shift transmission features five operating modes. It can be used in Auto-Normal, Auto-Sport, Manual-Normal, Manual-Sport and Ice modes.

In Manual mode, gear changes are carried out directly by the driver through the steering wheel paddles, as with a truly manual gearbox. In Manual-Normal mode, the driver can change gear until the threshold value is reached, while in Manual-Sport mode the gear is maintained until the driver next changes gear, even if this may result in over-revving and the intervention of the limiter.

On the GranCabrio Sport, Sport mode includes super-fast mode, which derives directly from the GranTurismo Sport and the Quattroporte Sport GT S and permits gear changes that are 50% faster.

This mode includes automatic blipping (short burst of acceleration) when downshifting with the Launch Control system, called MC Start Strategy(which operates only with MSP deactivated).

Using the MC Start Strategy, the driver holds down the brake pedal, presses the accelerator pedal and then releases the brake pedal when the optimum engine speed is reached (2,300-2,500 rpm).

Performance, safety and comfort were the guidelines that Maserati engineers followed when designing the chassis for the new GranCabrio MC. In light of the experience gained with the GranTurismo MC Stradale, it is fitted with single-rate dampers, to give maximum emphasis to the car's sporty character, which guarantee greater rigidity in order to ensure optimum road holding in all driving conditions, without detracting from maximum passenger comfort.

Braking, always powerful and safe, is guaranteed by Maserati's patented Dual Cast system, which includes brake discs with aluminium bell and steel braking surface, 360×32 mm at the front and 330×28 mm at the back.

The one-piece aluminium alloy brake callipers, produced by Brembo and available in various colours, are also six-piston at the front and four-piston at the rear. This configuration ensures greater uniformity in braking, a constant clamping force and the sensation of a stable and reliable pedal, reducing brake wear at the same time.


In deference to Maserati tradition, the monocoque chassis is made with different materials to ensure maximum weight reduction and maximum torsional rigidity. The use of high-strength steels for the structural part and the use of aluminium and composite materials for the moving parts, ensure maximum performance in complete conformity with the spirit in which the new Maserati GranCabrio MC was conceived.

For Detail about Maserati GranCabrio MC article Visit : Source

The First Drive : Maserati GranTurismo MC Stradale 2012 Review

Maserati.Inc - Customer studies from the early days of the current Maserati GranTurismo coupe bear out one of our persistent complaints with the car: It’s too quiet and a little too anodyne for a vehicle wearing the chrome trident. The fix is to open ’er up, at least for those buyers who want a little extra Italian wattage.


A new, higher-heart-rate model, the GranTurismo MC, starts at $143,850 and promises to crank up the aural vibrato as well as the throttle response and curve-eating ability of the big coupe. (The company is introducing the Sport version of the GranTurismo convertible at the same time; click here for our first drive.)

Aural Fixation

Exclusivity? Naturally. History? Definitely. For Italian cars, we magazine writers have deployed all the acoustic metaphors, purple and otherwise, in our arsenal: wail, rip, shriek, snarl, buzz saw, warble, the “blood-chilling howl of a feral she-beast,” and so on.

However, generating “the Sound” is one place where Maserati has lately lagged its fellow Latin automakers. Unless you’re standing on it in sport mode, the GranTurismo speaks softly in a hissy and unconvincing dialect of the language of Lexus. Included in the MC’s touchups is a sport exhaust system that, besides being 12 pounds lighter than the base tubing, transmits more of the 4.7-liter V-8’s warbling, wailing, feral howl to the cabin. A little more, anyway. Activate sport mode, and the exhaust bypasses lock open for even more auditory pleasure.

It’s nowhere near as shriekalicious as a Ferrari 458, say, but luxury-oriented Maserati, with its smoother and more docile four-plane-crank, wet-sump version of the shared V-8, doesn’t care to be Ferrari. More Power, Quicker Shifts, New Vents!

Friction reduction accounts for the increase, says Maserati, thanks to the strategic use of “diamond-like coating,” an antifriction technology derived from Formula 1, on wear parts such as the cams and followers.

In auto-sport mode, a revised “MC Auto Shift” transmission program knocks up to 50 percent off the upshift times in the ZF six-speed automatic, claims Maserati. There are five control modes: auto-normal, manual-normal, auto-sport, manual-sport, and ice. In manual-sport, the MC gives you full control with the banana-shaped paddles, so bounce it off the rev limiter if you like. On downshifts, you get pleasing little throttle blips.


The throttle responds to minute changes in pedal angle, the revs coming on like a wave breaking on the sand. It’s clear why the houses of Ferrari—and by extension Maserati—have eschewed turbos. Nothing beats a free-breathing, purosangue Italian revver for establishing unity between engine and driver.

Besides the exhaust and extra horsepower, the MC gets special ducted front fenders and vented hood, rocker extensions, new front and rear bumpers with aero enhancements that improve downforce, and unique 20-inch wheels that shave 10 pounds total from the unsprung weight. Inside, there’s carbon-fiber interior trim that includes longer shift paddles.

The firm but comfortable seats remain the same as the base coupe’s, partly because Maserati doesn’t see itself as a carbon-fiber-race-bucket type of automaker and partly because of the high cost of recrashing the car for federal certification, a requirement when you swap out the seats.


The MC comes standard with a basic coil-over suspension. Skyhook, with its cockpit-adjustable electronic shocks, is an option, but the car doesn’t really need it. The base setup allows some modest roll and pitch, which leaves the MC still feeling like the large and weighty grand tourer that it is. We’ve found in other Maseratis that the Skyhook’s sport setting just makes the bumps harsher while doing little for handling. If you want a car that reads every bump like a Braille whiz, may we show you a Porsche 911 Turbo?

Base price to base price, the MC is $17,000 more than the base GranTurismo S automatic coupe, but when you factor in all that is standard on the MC and available as an option on the base GT (mostly appearance items such as carbon-fiber interior trim for $2550 and Alcantara headliner for $1750), the price difference is about $3515.

For that sum, you get the MC’s extra horsepower, the zippy exhaust, the special hand-modified fenders and hood, and the unique wheels. Competitors to the MC include the $104,375, 510-hp Jaguar XKR and Porsche 911 flavor of your choice. The MC asks for more money but offers Italian heritage, machismo, and rarity in return.


For Detail about Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano HGTE article Visit : Source More picture : Visit Here

Friday, October 4, 2013

Maserati Kubang Concept Car 2003 Review

Maserati Inc - A Maserati SUV like this Kubang concept being shown at the Frankfurt auto show isn't a new idea. Back in 2003, the Italian company brought the first Maserati Kubang to the Detroit show. As the company says, “At a time in which few other brands were going in the direction of a sport luxury SUV, Maserati was already thinking to build one.” The Italians thought long and hard; during the intervening years, the Land Rover Range Rover Sport, BMW X5 and X6 M, Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8, and a number of Mercedes-Benz AMG SUVs came into existence.


As part of the Fiat group, Maserati is now linked to Chrysler and Jeep, which gives the Italian company easy access to an SUV architecture—the Jeep Grand Cherokee's platform, which is actually the new Mercedes-Benz M-class’s platform. While Maserati is upfront about the Maserati Kubang’s Jeep roots, the company also promises that its SUV will be pure Maserati when it comes to the engine, transmission, suspension, brakes, and overall feel.

The Maserati Kubang will be powered by a revised version of the Maserati’s current V-8, and an eight-speed automatic is promised. We’re already excited at the thought of an Italian performance SUV.

One year after its return to the North American market Maserati has also succeeded in reaffirming its leading role across the Atlantic in the segment reserved for prestige cars with a longstanding tradition. A success confirmed by the almost 900 Spyder and Coupé model units delivered to customers starting April (Spyder) and June (Coupé) 2002.


And the Company's dynamism is immediately evident on the stand too: the Maserati Kubang concept car, a true GT Wagon in terms of performance and active safety engineering that unquestionably testifies to the Company's vision, even beyond the sports cars it traditionally builds. In fact this concept car combines the traditional sporting structure of Trident-marque cars with superb versatility and an absolutely new interior design.


Other firsts at this Show are the 2003 models (already scheduled for delivery in Europe starting this month and in the USA and Canada from next March) with their wealth of technical content. One special feature of the cars is the MSP (Maserati Stability Program) system, whereas today's Spyder has a glass rear window. As already announced, the Maserati range will be rounded out with the presentation of the new four-door model, scheduled for the Frankfurt Motor Show next September.

For Detail about Maserati Kubang Concept Car 2003 article Visit : Source

Tuesday, October 1, 2013

Maserati Coupe 2003 Review

Maserati.Inc - Say the word: Maserati. It's four full syllables of Italian glamour that sizzle on the tongue like fresh peeled garlic; a code word for a nation of people who both talk and sculpt with their fingers; and when the cars were going up in smoke, a swearword.

Ah, but never mind that now. Prodded by new owner Ferrari, the chromed trident is stirring from its fitful slumber and acting as though the disasters of the 1980s were just a nightmare. No problem. We're feeling generous.

In fact, we're willing to forget most of the past 30 years because the new Maserati Coupe really belongs to the 1960s (see sidebar). That's when the peninsula's bonny three — Ferrari, Lamborghini, and Maserati — made the payroll mainly with heavy, spacious, and plush GTs, or gran turismos to you. These vehicles balanced speed with comfort, presuming fuel was plentiful, her lady's hatboxes were ample, and the miles ahead were many. Maserati Ghibli The upstart meets the benchmark.If our expectations for the new Maserati seem unduly high, blame the Ghibli.

These days, most folks who order Italian prefer to scrunch into a screaming doorstop, at least judging by the tepid sales and soggy resale values of Ferrari's more modern four-seaters. The question being called by Ferrari is whether the Maserati Coupe, starting at a relatively bourgeois price of $84,625 for a manual-transmission GT or $87,921 for the paddle-shifted Cambiocorsa tested here, will attract enough cashier's checks to help revive not only Maserati in America but also the tradition of the big Italian GT.

Credentials for the mission? The Maserati Coupe has a hatful: matching pairs of leather buckets parked on enough acreage to accommodate a sellout crowd of adults; a chassis with both tectonic stability and a forgiving ride; and a big-bore V-8 with a Latin soul and a taste for road atlas. It all comes shrink-wrapped in a designer shell autographed by one of the boot's blue-chip metal stretchers, Italdesign-Giugiaro's own Giorgetto Giugiaro.

Oh, and the Maserati has some painful flaws, too, but none forward of the fire wall.

Twist the key, the bubble-gum-blue key, and the 385-hp DOHC 32-valve V-8's linebacker lungs go hhrrrummphh. Accompaniment is by a mechanical rhythm section made up of gnashing cogs, humming pumps, zinging chains, and whistling belts. Bored, stroked, and crank-configured to a deeper register than Ferrari's own 360 Modena V-8, the Maserati's redheaded Wurlitzer revs to its 7500-rpm redline sounding a bit more Corvette than Cavallino. It's still a very Italian wail, but in bass.

Actually, the cabin is pretty hushed at any top-gear cruising speed between the double-nickel and statutory reckless driving, the V-8's voice waiting to be summoned by a downshift (or not — there are buckets of torque) and a blaring blast into triple digits that will turn you toxic with adrenaline and peel the national-park stickers clean off a Winnebago.

Didn't we mention that the Maserati is brisk? The 265/35ZR-18 rear tires absolutely barbecue the road in first, chirp out second, and drive the Coupe even with a BMW M5 (September 2001) for the 4.7 seconds needed to reach 60 mph. The clock shows 110 at the end of a 13.2-second quarter-mile, 0.2 second and 5 mph fleeter than our long-term Porsche 911 Carrera loosened up by 40,000 miles of break-in (May 2001). Jaguar's XKR (January 2000) at 5.2 seconds to 60 mph and 13.8 seconds through the quarter will see nothing but rosso taillights, especially when they burn through a 70-to-0-mph 163-foot stop on a pedal that is firm and fade-hardened.

Maserati GranCabrio Sport 2012 Review

Maserati.Inc - Maserati has taken the GranCabrio convertible to a new level of performance with the new Maserati GranCabrio Sport.

With more power, a faster gearshift and a distinctively aggressive look, the Maserati GranCabrio Sport has given Maserati a harder-edged convertible to sit alongside the GranTurismo S and the Quattroporte Sport GT S as the performance flagships of their respective ranges.

Publically unveiled at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, the Maserati GranCabrio Sport combines an upgraded 4.7-litre V8 engine with a 10 horsepower increase to 450 hp and improved fuel economy with the faster MC Auto Shift transmission. Visually, the Maserati GranCabrio Sport is characterized by a more-pronounced dynamic look.

Exterior Design

Maserati's design team worked to provide a more-aggressive look that sat in harmony with the GranCabrio's critically acclaimed styling.

A series of relatively small upgrades in critical areas have created an integrated, dynamic design that immediately differentiates the Maserati GranCabrio Sport from the rest of the GranCabrio range and identifies it with both the Quattroporte Sport GT S and the GranTurismo S. It's a colour that highlights the Maserati GranCabrio Sport's strong personality, yet maintains its elegant and slim look.

The strong, distinctive GranCabrio grille receives even more character with a new black colour, while the grille's Maserati Trident receives the red accents that are reserved for the fastest car in each of Maserati's model ranges. The dynamic look is finished with redesigned 20" Astro-design wheels and a pair of menacing, black oval exhaust tips.

Interior Design

The Maserati GranCabrio Sport introduces changes to the gear-shifting system, with Maserati's Active Shifting paddles now standard. The Maserati GranCabrio Sport debuts two new interior colours in rich leather: Bianco Pregiato and Grigio Chrono. Grigio Chrono is a darker grey, developed to complement the new Rosso Trionfale body colour. To differentiate it further from the standard GranCabrio, the Maserati GranCabrio Sport badge will be positioned on the dashboard in front of the passenger.

While the front passenger seat matches the driver's seat by receiving adjustable lumbar support as standard, all four seats incorporate the new M-Design seat stitching.

This design reflects classical Maserati grille designs and replicates the design in the central seat panel, all crafted with Poltrona Frau's finest leather.

Engine

The Maserati GranCabrio Sport uses the latest version of Maserati's sonorous, all-alloy 4.7-litre V8, taken straight from the high-performance GranTurismo MC Stradale.

The performance increases are a result of Maserati's Friction Reduction Program, which has made the Maserati GranCabrio Sport's engine more reactive to the driver's most-nuanced inputs. Besides added power, torque and responsiveness, the Friction Reduction Program has lowered the Maserati GranCabrio Sport's fuel consumption by six percent to a combined total of 14.5 litres/100km.

The new exhaust tips also help the Maserati GranCabrio Sport to give a richer engine sound when the bypass valves are activated. The valves are always open in Manual-Sport mode, while they are open above 2500rpm in Auto-Sport mode.

Transmission

The Maserati GranCabrio Sport is the first Maserati to match the upgraded, 450hp version of the 4.7-litre engine with the day-to-day luxury of a fully automatic transmission.

This six-speed transmission includes the super-fast MC Auto Shift mode and has been developed for the Maserati GranCabrio Sport directly from the transmission in the Quattroporte Sport GT S.

The MC Auto Shift mode contains a launch-control mode and is active in both Manual Sport and Automatic Sport modes to provide faster gearshift times and to automatically "blip" the throttle during down-shifts.

To operate the MC Start Strategy (launch-control mode), the driver turns off the MSP in Auto Sport mode, then holds the brake pedal while pressing the accelerator. The transmission gives the driver five distinct operating modes: Auto-Normal, Manual-Normal, Auto-Sport, Manual-Sport and Ice.

Chassis and Handling

The upgraded "Sport Skyhook" uses acceleration sensors to register wheel and chassis movement. With the Maserati GranCabrio Sport, the Skyhook system received upgraded management software and dampers to give a sharper focus on handling, grip and balance, while even the springs and anti-roll bars have been upgraded.

Derived from the GranTurismo's high-strength steel monocoque architecture, the GranCabrio and GranCabrio Sport feature aluminium structural reinforcements beneath the floor for extra rigidity at the cost of only 100kg compared to the GranTurismo S. The changes to the brakes, with grooved, ventilated and drilled discs on all four wheels, have targeted a sporty, responsive and consistent feeling for the driver.

The Maserati GranCabrio Sport will have the MC Sport Line packages available immediately at its launch, including interior and exterior carbon fibre features. It is also possible to change the body-coloured waist line around the cabin from black (Shadow line) to the same Chrome-line that is standard on the GranCabrio.

Maserati GranCabrio Sport Specifications
  • Body: High-strength steel monocoque, under-body aluminium cross bracing
  • Layout: Front-mid-engine, rear-drive
  • Engine: 4.7-litre all-alloy V8
  • Power: 450hp (331kW) @ 7000rpm
  • Torque: 510Nm @ 4750rpm
  • Capacity: 4691cc
  • Bore x stroke: 94mm x 84.5mm
  • Compression ratio: 11.25:1
  • Maximum engine speed: 7200 rpm
  • Oil delivery: Wet sump
  • 0-100km/h acceleration: 5.2 seconds
  • Top speed: 285km/h
  • Fuel consumption
    • Urban: 22.5 litres/100km
    • Extra-urban: .8 litres/100km
    • Combined: 14.5 litres/100km
  • CO2 emissions: 337 grams/km
  • Transmission: Six-speed automatic (ZF 6HP26) with MC Auto Shift
  • Ratios
    • First: 4.171:1
    • Second: 2.340:1
    • Third: 1.521:1
    • Fourth: 1.143:1
    • Fifth: 0.867:1
    • Sixth: 0.691:1
    • Reverse: 3.403:1
    • Final Drive: 3.73:1
  • Differential: Asymmetric limited-slip (25% in traction, 45% in release) with bevel drive
  • Steering: Engine-speed sensitive power steering, rack-and-pinion.
  • Turning circle: 12.3 metres
  • Length: 4881mm
  • Width
    • with mirrors: 2056mm
    • without mirrors: 1915mm
  • Height: 1353mm
  • Wheelbase: 2942mm
  • Front track: 1586mm
  • Rear track: 1590mm
  • Front overhang: 873mm
  • Rear overhang: 1066mm
  • Boot/trunk capacity: 173 litres
  • Fuel capacity: 75 litres
  • Dry weight (EU): 1887kg
  • Kerb weight (EU): 1980kg
  • Weight distribution
    • roof closed: 49% front/51% rear
    • roof open: 48%/52%
  • Brakes: 360mm front discs, 330mm rear discs
  • Tyres: 245/35 ZR20 (front); 285/35 ZR20 (rear)

Maserati GranCabrio Fendi 2012 Review

Maserati.Inc - The Maserati GranCabrio Fendi designed by Silvia Venturini Fendi is born from the union of two iconic brands of the Made in Italy, which share common values such as craftsmanship and tradition.

A masterpiece of technology and craftsmanship, the Maserati GranCabrio Fendi will be introduced at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2011.

The Maserati GranCabrio Fendi is crafted in the historical Maserati headquarters in Modena, wîth exclusive materials bespokely created in various colours for this project.

The three-layered body colour named Grigio Fiamma Fendi is a special dark grey wîth an iridescent golden finish on the surface. The wood trim Pergamena Fendi runs across the width of the dashboard, on the doors and on the top of the gear lever, all in the iconic FENDI yellow, like the brake callipers and the embroidered yellow trident on the headrests.

Adding a stronger yet elegant character to the GranCabrio is FENDI's unmistakable double F logo, stitched on the seat, also appearing in the centre of the 20-inch alloy wheels, and the FENDI logo along the rocker panel.

Cuoio Romano, Fendi's precious leather of its Selleria line, has been used for such details as the instrument cluster cover, for the gear lever and for the profile of the floor mats. It also features in the Limited Edition Travel Set of luggage and accessories.

The Maserati GranCabrio Fendi represents a perfect marriage between the art of Fatto a Mano (handmade) wîth the ultimate technology and research of its 4.7-litre V8 engine coupled wîth automatic transmission, which brings out to life a unique roar, music to the ears of car connoisseurs.

Silvia Venturini Fendi's specially crafted logo seals this collaboration. A silver oval plaque wîth the engraving of the Maserati Trident, Fendi logo and the 5-digit series number (five being an iconic number for Fendi) is located on the dashboard, in front of the passenger seat, and on both sides of the black cloth folding roof.

A special black car cover wîth ton-sur-ton double F logo dresses the Maserati GranCabrio Fendi.

Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT S Awards Edition 2011 Reviews

Maserati.Inc - The Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT S Awards Edition, the latest jewel in the Maserati range, made its official debut at the 2010 Geneva Auto Show.

Six years after its birth, the car that created the luxury sport sedan segment continues to receive accolades from the general public, automobile enthusiasts and the press. Maserati has decided to celebrate its success with a superlative version, blending the elegance and sporty stylishness of the brand's flagship, thanks to the combination of highly refined details, handcrafted finishes and features with a decidedly sporty flair.

The Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT S Awards Edition, based on the Quattroporte Sport GT S, aims to combine in one car all the features that have made the Trident flagship a benchmark for its segment: driving enjoyment, because the "Awards Edition" is based on the Quattroporte Sport GT S, which boasts dynamic and top-class performance; the craftsmanship of the hand-finished details which make each car a unique product. The new Quarzo fuso finishing - a pearlescent metallic grey with golden nuanced colour - exclusive to this model, makes the exterior immediately recognizable, and highlights the body's elegant lines.

The burnished treatment used on the exterior chrome parts, as well as on the side air vents and radiator surround, also blends with the 20" Multi Trident dark grey rims with satin finish.

The brake system, which replicates the system fitted to the Quattroporte Sport GT S and uses dual-cast technology, is further enhanced by the hand-polished calipers both at the front and rear. With the Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT S Awards Edition, Maserati and Brembo are introducing on the market for the first time polished calipers, treated with precision mechanical processes and featuring a hand finish which gives them their special mirror-like appearance and enhances their sporty credentials at the same time.

The interior also bears witness to the combination of sporting flair and craftsmanship that has always characterized the Maserati flagship sedan. The Poltrona Frau leather of the seats is combined with perforated Alcantara with a new undulated pattern, and the headlining still in Alcantara. Completing the interior space are the special brushed aluminum door sills and Piano Black satin-finish wood moldings. A special exterior "Awards Edition" series plate completes the car's look and makes an already unique car even more unmistakable.

Maserati Kubang Concept 2011 Reviews

Maserati Inc.- Maserati Kubang - a new Maserati vehicle in the sport luxury SUV segment will represent a natural direction for the company to enlarge its product range and strengthen its presence in the sport luxury market.

For some reason SUVs today never seem to offer the kind of uplifting driving pleasure and luxury atmosphere that are two givens of today's high-end sports and luxury cars. And this is precisely what Maserati set out to do with its new sport luxury SUV concept that is being unveiled at the Frankfurt Auto Show today, the forerunner of the future Maserati range, creating at once discontinuity by entering a new segment, and continuity by maintaining the integrity of Maserati's DNA.

The idea of a sport luxury SUV is naturally not totally new to Maserati. Many will remember the Kubang concept that was unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show in 2003. At a time in which few other brands were going in the direction of a sport luxury SUV, Maserati was already thinking to build one.

The essence and all major system components of the Maserati sport luxury SUV will unmistakably be Maserati: style, engine, suspensions, brakes, handling and performance will all be 100% Maserati in picture-perfect continuity with the brand's core values of sportiness, style, elegance, luxury, performance and craftsmanship. The distinctive Maserati style that makes the Kubang immediately recognisable as a true Maserati has been created by the Maserati Style Center headed by Lorenzo Ramaciotti.

New-generation high-tech Maserati proprietary engines will be designed in Modena by Paolo Martinelli - Head of the Maserati Powertrain Department and for nearly 30 years at Ferrari, where he also served as engine chief of the Formula One racing team - and will be produced in Maranello by Ferrari.

An AT 8 speed automatic transmission and specific performance settings such as suspensions, brakes, steering will be exclusively developed in Modena for the Maserati sport luxury SUV by the Maserati Product Development Department. Times have changed: sportiness and luxury today don't have just one definition.

2011 Maserati GranCabrio Review

Maserati.Inc - Maserati GranCabrio - four proper seats, comfortable, inviting and all-enveloping. Never before had an open-top Maserati offered so much. Never before had a car with the Trident badge allowed an entire family or four friends to enjoy a journey in the open air. The Maserati GranCabrio's magical chemistry starts when you look at it: it is shockingly beautiful, with the soft top up or down.

Fabric, ultra-high tech fabric, weighs very little, infinitely less than metal and helps the car's road-holding: the overall system weight is just 65 kg. And then fabric is pliant, it complements the palette of the car's exterior colours six times over, the number of shades in which it is available, from a solid black to a high-tech titanium grey, to a warm chocolate colour.

Twenty eight seconds, that's the time it takes for the Maserati GranCabrio to go back to being a secure cocoon. Design is at the service of comfort. The times when anyone travelling in the back of a sports car were resigned to suffering physical discomfort are well and truly over: rear passengers in the Maserati GranCabrio are not supporting actors, but co-stars of the journey. The Maserati GranCabrio's Design The latest work of art to leave the Maserati factory, the Maserati GranCabrio, has the design of a dream car, but it is a real masterpiece that's just asking to be driven by lovers of beautiful cars who want to travel cocooned in a refined and comfortable ambience.

An expert eye, however, understands how much power lies behind the front, imposing and dynamic at the same time, the sinuous and feline flanks and a rear that speaks a high-tech language with a wide aerodynamic diffuser tested in a wind tunnel, crowned by large, twin oval-section chrome tailpipes.

A sculpture that speaks to connoisseurs the ancient language of the great Italian coachbuilders, a beautiful car to admire when it is open, but also when it is moving with its roof up, something that isn't always the case for cars of this type. The canvas soft top was chosen over a rigid folding roof as, with its complicated closing system, would have imposed on engineers and designers unacceptable constraints for anyone seeking beauty in its purest form.

The whole system weighs only 65 kg but, at the same time, guarantees maximum aero-acoustic efficiency and allows the Maserati GranCabrio to be enjoyed in all seasons, thanks to the most stringent tests conducted at 30 degrees below zero and at 40 degrees in the shade.

When the soft top is up the drag coefficient is 0.35, while with the soft top down 0.39. Without forgetting another absolute imperative, the comfort of those travelling in this open-top granturismo. The optional wind stop was designed precisely to fulfil this purpose, to provide passengers with excellent protection, even at high speed.

The Maserati GranCabrio's Voice

The voice of the Maserati GranCabrio, the musical notes of its V8 are powerful but subdued when travelling at a modest pace, but they can reach the strength of a tenor's high tones when the driver demands the maximum.

The Maserati GranCabrio demands to be heard, also through the voice of its hi-fi system, developed by Maserati and Bose. In the end 12 were fitted: one speaker in the middle of the dashboard, two tweeters and two woofers set into each door, one front bass box under the front passenger seat, two tweeters and two woofers on both rear panels and a rear-mounted bass box containing two woofers.

To avoid endless manual adjustments which could turn into potentially dangerous driving distractions, the system automatically tweaks the volume and sound equalisation depending on whether the car is travelling with the soft top up or down: but the listener doesn't notice any difference and perceives the same audio quality in both configurations. All the driver has to do is to choose the most suitable music CD for the journey he's about to make and the Maserati GranCabrio can turn into the most dynamic of auditoriums.

The Maserati GranCabrio's Dynamics A must-have feature for a car that is as much fun to drive as the GranCabrio is a great sense of balance, achieved with a well thought out weight distribution.

The latest Trident creation is unrivalled on this level as well: with the soft top up 49% of the weight is over the front axle and 51% over the rear, whilst the rates with the soft top down become 48 and 52% respectively. This has been achieved by positioning the engine mounted in unit with the automatic transmission, behind the front axle. The Skyhook suspension system features continuously adjustable gas dampers which adapt to the ever changing road conditions.

Keeping a close eye on driving safety is the MSP (Maserati Stability Programme) system, which deploys an extensive range of sensors to detect any anomaly in the car's behaviour, the slightest deviation from ideal driving trajectory and, if it thinks it necessary, acts on the brakes and engine to stabilise the Maserati GranCabrio and put it back on the right track.

Another acronym, HBA, which stands for Hydraulic Brake Assist, marks a brand-new concept for Maserati. Because an intelligent car knows how to go fast, very fast, but also knows when to bring the speed down, within the driver's full control.

On board the Maserati GranCabrio

This formula was refined with the expertise of the designers who were put to the test with the Maserati GranCabrio concept. The harmoniously shaped tunnel separating the rear seats features two cup holders and a receptacle.

This feature allows the driver to memorise his ideal driving position and, in the cold weather, heat the seat to three different temperatures because hot and cold are also completely subjective concepts. The driving position is as sporty as it is comfortable, with upper body and legs properly supported when negotiating bends at high speeds. Bends are perfectly tackled by gripping the leather-trim three-spoke steering wheel with an ideal diameter of 37.5 cm.

Active and passive safety

The air bag control unit asks for their assistance when the car's dynamic situation creates the fear that the car is about to overturn. Or when the Maserati GranCabrio suffers a major side impact or is violently hit from behind, to prevent the roll bars getting damaged and not being able to protect the driver and passengers should the car overturn at a later stage.

The Maserati GranCabrio is very, very protective towards adults and children alike. There is no compromise with safety on this car, as no compromise, however insignificant, would be acceptable. But the Maserati GranCabrio also has a second duty: to be beautiful in its minutest detail. This is why the airbag system located on the passenger side required a design aimed at optimiszing the appearance of the top part of the dashboard and blend the safety features perfectly with the interior's overall design.

Integrated systems

The climate control system has been finetuned to offer maximum comfort both with the soft top up and down, adjusting itself accordingly. A state of the art navigation system is one of many information systems that the Maserati GranCabrio puts at its owner's service. The interface consists of a 7 inch high-resolution colour display located in the centre of the dashboard which shows the functions of the CD player, navigation system, radio and on-board computer providing constant information on the journey and car performance.

The functions used most frequently can be activated with the controls on the steering wheel, to avoid any driving distractions. In addition, the audio system, navigation system and telephone, where applicable, can be managed using voice commands: being able to "talk" to your car means having maximum safety. Finally, an iPod connection is available on request, allowing the owner to enjoy its favourite tunes through a state of the art hi-fi system developed by Maserati and Bose, a system that features no less than 12 speakers to recreate the atmosphere of a concert hall.

The Maserati GranCabrio's Interior

Leather bound to improve with the passing of time, just like a great vintage wine. More hands have crafted the precious woods that take pride of place in the Maserati GranCabrio's cabin. The basic set consists of two wheeled and two vanity cases; a single bag is also available designed to be placed on the rear seats.

Maserati open-top Heritage

The Maserati GranCabrio is the first open-top four-seater Maserati but this doesn't mean that it is without noble ancestors. On the contrary, entire chapters of the history of the motor car have been written by open top Trident cars, although they were strictly two seaters.

As we run through Maserati's general ledger we also meet one of the cars that could be considered to be a direct descendant of the Maserati GranCabrio: the 2001 Spyder, the car that gave rise to the carmaker's renaissance that can be seamlessly linked back to legendary names and denominations such as the A6G 2000 GT, 3500 GT, Mistral and Ghibli. The effect is balanced on-road performance, enhanced by an automatic suspension system that adapts to the road with a speed ten times higher than the systems employed to date.

Maserati GranCabrio: from coupé to convertible

With the Maserati GranCabrio this weight increase has been kept to only 100 kg thanks to the optimised design of the under-frame and body parts playing a structural role. The final solution was reached thanks to the most advanced virtual structural simulation techniques.

The complete redesign of the rear structures with the creation of a torsion wall positioned behind the rear seats which has a structural function. The complete development of the structural parts of the centre pillar and rear and front connecting crossmembers located on the floor. The front and rear structural bases also incorporate thermo-fluid dynamic functions, thus keeping the increase of Cx under control and conveying the air to cool down the car's mechanics.

The combination of these design refinements has enabled a car with such generous dimensions as the Maserati GranCabrio, which has a 2,942 mm wheelbase, to have outstanding dynamic rigidity values, with a dynamic torsional frequency of the body in white configuration (BIW) of 27.2 Hz and a static torsional stiffness of 75,000 daNm\rad. These figures make the car very taut in structural terms and highly responsive on the road, providing excellent feedback to the driver combined with a high level of responsiveness and absolutely no vibrations.

When redesigning the new geometry of the door sills and the centre pillar side structures, as well as the rear end of the car, functions have been incorporated, alongside the structural functions, that absorb and dissipate the energy generated in any impact, creating a passenger compartment that remains virtually undeformed.

Particular mention should be made of the fact that an active roll bar system has been installed to the rear of the Maserati GranCabrio body, even though this is not required by any legislation, as well as an innovative structural composite concept (in aluminium and steel) that reinforces the windscreen surround so that the occupants are guaranteed a survival area should the car overturn.

Chassis and weight distribution

Optimising weight distribution between front and rear so that the centre of gravity is positioned in the precise point to ensure maximum stability for the car: this is the key point on which engineers worked when developing the Maserati GranCabrio. In layout terms, this objective is reflected in the continuous improvement of the layout of the mechanics and individual body components.

The 6-speed automatic gearbox is installed at the front in unit with the engine, whilst the limited slip differential is rear-mounted with locking rates of 25% in traction and 45% in release which limits and manages individual driving wheel adhesion losses so that the maximum available traction is always provided. Drive and power are transmitted between engine/gearbox and differential by a crankshaft articulated with a central constant velocity joint bearing designed to reduce vibrations to a minimum.

The result of so much design expertise is that 49% of the overall weight is distributed at the front and 51% at the rear and this remains almost the same even when the roof is folded (48% front, 52% rear). In other words the characteristics that have always been imprinted in a Maserati's DNA.

At the wheel of the Maserati GranCabrio

Getting close to the Maserati GranCabrio is a unique experience that never fails to excite and thrill. Getting behind the wheel is truly exhilarating: sitting in the driving seat gives a real feel for the car's sinuous grace combined with the unfettered attitude typical of a coupé, both with the top up and down.

All of which is given further emphasis by the pleasure of driving in open air and by the elegant lines designed by Pininfarina, marked by the canvas top, a design choice linked to Maserati tradition but also the result of aerodynamic studies. The cabin, the natural environment for anyone who loves driving, reminds of the Maserati GranTurismo, from which it actually gets its roomy features and the driving position with its well-appointed vertical steering wheel, and pronounced sporty layout which doesn't compromise on comfort.

The car is fitted with a 4.7 litre 8-cylinder engine - also offered on the GranTurismo S - which delivers 323 kW, allows flexible, comfortable and fluid driveability in Normal mode and a more sporty and reactive response in Sport mode.

The development has led to targeted interventions focused on the mappings of the gearbox, the engine, the management of the throttle and suspension system which have made the car a granturismo with enviable performance. The Maserati GranCabrio carries only a small amount of extra weight, but on the road it's unnoticeable thanks to the thrilling performance and ease of driving offered by its excellent weight distribution: 49% on the front axle and 51% on the rear.

This weight distribution proves particularly effective when the car is pushed to its limits and allows the driver to appreciate the ever-excellent traction, steering wheel response, predictable reaction to under/oversteering situations and last but not least the car's progressive approach to the transients, which are always manageable using steering and throttle.

As it is a car designed for "everyday" use, particular attention was paid to the car stability and traction control systems on all types of surface, whether with low and very low grip (wet, snow and ice) or with medium and high grip (normal road surfaces and track) offering a well balanced, nimble car in "difficult" conditions whilst having available absolute peak power with maximum driving safety.

The Maserati GranCabrio is therefore a highly satisfying performance car, equally at ease in everyday and in sporty driving conditions. At the same time the comfort for which it is renowned ensures that it finds its own dimension even on long road trips.