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.

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.

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.

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.


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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.

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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.

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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.


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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.

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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.

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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)

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT S 2010 Review

The 2010 Maserati Quattroporte is a performance luxury sedan offered in base, S and Sport GT S trims. Standard equipment on the base Quattroporte includes 18-inch wheels, adaptive bi-xenon headlamps, foglamps, power-folding and heated sideview mirrors, a power trunk lid, power-assisted door openers, rear parking sensors, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering column, auto-dimming mirrors, leather upholstery, wood interior trim, 14-way power-adjustable front seats with driver memory, a refrigerated storage compartment in the front armrest, dual-zone automatic climate control and a power rear sunshade.

Also standard is a Bose multimedia integration system with a 30-gigabyte hard drive, a voice-activated navigation system, satellite radio, an iPod jack, a USB port and an 11-speaker surround-sound audio system.

The S model adds the 4.7-liter V8, 19-inch wheels, larger brakes, adjustable "Skyhook" suspension dampers and polished Wenge wood interior trim. The Sport GT S is similar but has 20-inch wheels, a sport-tuned (nonadjustable) suspension, shift paddles, Alcantara seat inserts and exclusive interior and exterior styling details.

Many of the features from the higher-trimmed Quattroportes are available on supporting models. Additionally, buyers can add a sunroof, tinted glass, front parking sensors, an Alcantara headliner, four-way power-adjustable and heated rear outboard seats, rear side window sun blinds, rear-seat climate controls and a rear-seat entertainment system. Front seats may be heated, ventilated and can also be had with massage functions.

Powertrains and Performance

The base 2010 Maserati Quattroporte is powered by a 4.2-liter V8 that produces 400 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque. Both the Quattroporte S and GT S models receive a 4.7-liter V8 that increases output to 425 hp and 361 lb-ft of torque. Either engine is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.

Maserati estimates 0-60-mph acceleration at 5.6 seconds for the base model and 5.4 seconds for the S. The GT S, making use of its launch control system, is expected to make the same run in only 5.1 seconds. The EPA estimates fuel economy at 11 mpg city/17 mpg highway and 14 mpg in combined driving for the 4.2-liter V8, while the 4.7-liter engine is rated at 1 mpg greater on the highway.

Safety

Standard safety features for all 2010 Quattroportes include antilock brakes, stability control, traction control, front-seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags.

Interior Design and Special Features

The Quattroporte's interior is befitting a luxury sedan of this stature. Nearly every surface is covered in supple leathers and rich wood accents. Furthermore, clients may choose among a dizzying array of color and materials to suit their particular tastes. Controls are fairly intuitive and easy to operate, with the Bose multimedia system featuring a clever infrared proximity sensor that automatically summons the proper audio or navigation menu to the screen when your finger moves close to the desired button.

Technically, the Maserati Quattroporte can seat up to five passengers, but judging from the deeply contoured outboard rear seats, only four would really be comfortable. All seats are supportive and comfortable for long stretches, but taller drivers may find the accommodations lacking in headroom. The trunk can hold up to 16 cubic feet, which is plenty for a few golf bags and suitcases.

Driving Impressions

The 2010 Maserati Quattroporte won't win any races against some of its more athletic competition, but it will certainly have enough power and handling to stir the soul of the average driver. The six-speed automatic transmission makes the best of the available power with smooth and crisp shifts. Despite its 2-ton-plus weight class, the big Maserati is surprisingly competent on serpentine roads, thanks to excellent steering feel and body control. The base model Quattroporte delivers a luxurious and tranquil highway ride. Opting for the S and GT S models will stiffen up the ride some, but certainly not to the point of becoming intrusive.

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