Autoblog

Maserati rolls out limited edition GranTurismo for Middle East

Noah Joseph — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 11:30:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Maserati, Middle East

Maserati GranTurismo S MC Sport Line limited edition - Click above for high-res image gallery

If you thought Rolls-Royce had cornered the market on special editions for the Middle East, Maserati would like you to think again. But only if you've got a big wad of cash and actually, you know... live in the Middle East.

The Italian automaker just took the wraps off a limited edition of its GranTurismo S, specially outfitted with items from the company's MC Sport Line. The car, decked out in a matte white "ice" paint scheme, was unveiled at the Yas Marina Circuit that just recently played host to the inaugural Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Not much in the way of details were given, but only 12 examples will be produced: one for each of the twelve Maserati dealerships in the region, also honoring the twelve trophies (including constructors', drivers' and teams' titles) that the GranTurismo's big brother, the MC12, has racked up in the FIA GT Championship since 2005. The Trident marque has also announced a second run of 11 examples decked out in matte white pearl for its domestic Italian market.

Gallery: Maserati GranTurismo S MC Sport Line

[Source: Maserati]

Continue reading Maserati rolls out limited edition GranTurismo for Middle East

Maserati rolls out limited edition GranTurismo for Middle East originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Dec 2009 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Bentley, Ferrari, Lamborghini not attending LA Auto Show

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:32:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Performance, Aston Martin, Audi, Bentley, BMW, Lamborghini, Maserati, Mercedes-Benz, Rolls-Royce, Ferrari, Spyker, Fisker, Luxury

The closest we'll get to the Ferrari 458 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Here's an unsurprising stat for you: 60 percent of all vehicles sold in the U.S. that cost over $100,000 find homes in New York, Florida and California. The majority of which are parked in garages in Manhattan, Miami and Los Angeles, respectively. So the revelation that Bentley, Ferrari and Lamborghini won't be attending next month's LA Auto Show is -- at the very least -- surprising.

According to a spokesperson speaking with The Detroit Bureau, Bentley has decided to skip the So. Cal. show, adding that the automaker is looking for "a better use of our resources." Ferrari and its sister marque Maserati are out as well, with an unnamed source telling the industry pub, "It's just the economy. We're cutting back on a lot of things."

Given the global economic climate and its affect on high-end automotive sales, the choice to scale back isn't such a shock, but for automakers that rely on the Southern California market, it's a disturbing sign of the times. As for the rest of the LA exhibitors, the luxury market's Big Three (Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz) will be in attendance, although it looks like the lower hall will only house Aston Martin, Spyker, Fisker and -- we'd assume -- Rolls-Royce.

Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: Ferrari 458 Italia

[Source: The Detroit Bureau]

REPORT: Bentley, Ferrari, Lamborghini not attending LA Auto Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Bacardi, Maserati, and Michael Schumacher get shaken, not stirred

Noah Joseph — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 12:31:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Maserati, Humor

Click above to watch the video after the jump

After seven Formula One World Championships and more records than your local second-hand vinyl shop, Michael Schumacher has proven incredibly adept at driving a point home. Now that he's semi-retired, well...he's still making more money than most of the active drivers in F1 (or any other form of motorsports for that matter), thanks in part to an endorsement deal with Barcardi, the Bermuda-based rum distillery with whom Schumi drives home another kind of point entirely.

To prove the point that drinking and driving don't mix, Schumacher takes once again to the wheel of a Maserati GranTurismo. Only this time he's brought along one Salvatore Calabrese to ride shotgun. Sounds straightforward enough, but the world-renowned bartender known as "The Maestro" isn't coming along just for the ride: while Schumi does what Schumi does best, Calabrese tries to do the same, to highly amusing and illustrative effect. Follow the jump to watch the video.

[Source: Bacardi via YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Bacardi, Maserati, and Michael Schumacher get shaken, not stirred

VIDEO: Bacardi, Maserati, and Michael Schumacher get shaken, not stirred originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Nov 2009 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Nissan GT-R, Maserati MC12 heading to Le Mans

Noah Joseph — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 17:21:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Maserati, Nissan

Nissan GT-R and Maserati MC12 at 2009 FIA GT test session - Click either image for high-res gallery

If you think you've seen schisms in motorsports by following the on-again, off-again rifts in F1, Indy racing and rallying, those are nothing compared to the fisticuffs endured in sportscar racing over the past few decades. In addition to the Rolex Daytona series and the IMSA, to name just two, the FIA and ACO have been running separate series with separate rules for years. But as the former realigns its sportscar series and the latter further branches out from the Le Mans venue itself to series around the world, the two France-based governing bodies have been getting their ducks in a row. And new coordination between the organizations could lead to some cars which had been relegated to one over the other to bridge the gap and compete for top honors in both.

Among those potential series crossovers are the racing-spec Nissan GT-R and the Maserati MC12, both of which comply with the new FIA GT regulations which ACO is now ready to adopt. Based on the Japanese Super GT-spec GT-R racer and with input from Nismo, British racing team Gigawave Motorsports fielded a GT-R in four races of the 2009 FIA GT Championship in preparation for a full-scale assault on the reformed GT1 World Championship next year.

Meanwhile, the Maserati MC12 has been dominating the GT1 category in the FIA GT Championship for the past five years running, winning back-to-back titles, but had remained outside the Le Mans rules as the ACO refused to homologate the Enzo-based racer. With the door to Le Mans now opened - and the corresponding series in Europe, America and Asia potentially along with it - the teams fielding both cars are reportedly enthusiastic to meet the ACO's requirements with backing from their respective factories.

Gallery: 2009 FIA GT Test Days

[Source: Autosport]

REPORT: Nissan GT-R, Maserati MC12 heading to Le Mans originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 17:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Many Happy Returns? Russian designer pens Maserati Kuba concept

Noah Joseph — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 10:59:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, SUV, Crossover, Maserati, Russia, Design/Style

Maserati Kuba design study - Click above for high-res image gallery

It was only a few years ago, but how quickly we forget. Maserati actually toyed with the idea of building a crossover back in 2003, even going so far as to unveil a concept for the project called the Kubang GT Wagon at the Detroit Auto Show. The shape was penned by Giugiaro's ItalDesign, but project was scrapped, preserving the Trident marque's chastity in the eyes of many a purist. Now, an ambitious designer out of Russia has revived the idea with a concept he calls the Kuba. Sound familiar?

The brainchild of Andrey Trofimchuk Simeonych, the Maserati Kuba design study is, well...an intriguing take on what a Maserati crossover could look like. Only it doesn't share any design themes with any Masers we can think of. Nor does it have any theoretical specifications attached, though surely a platform and powertrain could be found from the growing Fiat/Chrysler automotive empire.

To our eye, it would look more suitable as a vision for what a future aircraft-engined Veritas sport-ute could look like, or maybe even a weird Citroën concept of some sort (is there any other kind?). Then again, maybe not. It's a love-it-or-hate-it affair, so have a look for yourself in the high-res image gallery below and share your impressions in our comments section. Just don't shoot the messenger.

Gallery: Maserati Kuba design study

[Source: CarDesign.ru]

Many Happy Returns? Russian designer pens Maserati Kuba concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 Oct 2009 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Fiat may use next Chrysler 300 platform for Lancia, Maserati

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 07:20:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Plants/Manufacturing, Chrysler, Maserati, Lancia

The last time Chrysler and Maserati got together, America was blessed with what appeared to the entire world to be little more than a gussied-up two-seat Chrysler LeBaron convertible with a removable hardtop and opera-style windows. Apparently, since that last marriage between Detroit and Modena proved so, ahem, successful, reports indicate that the two companies may once again join forces now that Fiat controls proceedings at both the Trident and the Pentastar.

According to Automotive News, Fiat has plans to build 50,000 vehicles per year at the former Carrozzeria Bertone near Turin that it procured a few months back. That output will be made up of two sedans - one carrying a Maserati badge and one sold as a Lancia - that will be based on the rear-wheel drive underpinnings of the next Chrysler 300.

Both vehicles will reportedly use versions of the upcoming new V6 engine from Chrysler, the first application of which will be in the 2011 Grand Cherokee. The Lancia could be a replacement for the current Thesis sedan while the Maserati would theoretically slot below current Quattroporte.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req'd]

REPORT: Fiat may use next Chrysler 300 platform for Lancia, Maserati originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 07:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PSA: Maserati relabels GranCabrio as GranTurismo Convertible for North American market

Noah Joseph — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Maserati

Maserati GranTurismo Convertible (nee GranCabrio) - Click above for high-res image gallery

What's in a name, you ask? A lot, especially when you're trying to increase market share against such storied brands as Aston Martin, Jaguar and Mercedes-Benz, to name just a few.

Maserati took the wraps off its first proper four-seat convertible at last month's Frankfurt Motor Show. But while the open-air version of the GranTurismo coupe will be sold as the GranCabrio in overseas markets, the Italian automaker has seen fit to give the vehicle a more straightforward name in North America.

When the GranCabrio goes on sale in the United States, Canada and Mexico - as well as Australia and New Zealand - it will be sold as the GranTurismo Convertible. Pricing has yet to be officially announced, but dealers are already taking orders for the new cabrio in advance of its arrival in time for next summer. Details in the press release after the jump.

Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: 2010 Maserati GranCabrio

[Source: Maserati]

Continue reading PSA: Maserati relabels GranCabrio as GranTurismo Convertible for North American market

PSA: Maserati relabels GranCabrio as GranTurismo Convertible for North American market originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Oct 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rum Runner: Schumacher bides his time driving for Bacardi while plotting return to F1

Noah Joseph — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 07:58:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Marketing/Advertising, Maserati, Celebrities

So what is Michael Schumacher up to these days? Well, having retired as one of the highest-paid sports figures of all time, pretty much anything he wants. But even in retirement, Schumi makes more than most F1 drivers. Part of his ongoing sponsorship portfolio includes acting as a spokesman for Bacardi, which recently ran a contest to award a driving experience with the seven-time world champion at the Ascari track in Spain.

A lucky blogger out of Hong Kong won and posted about the experience, including video with telematics, from the cockpit of a Maserati GranTurismo - which probably has more to do with another ongoing deal with sister-company Ferrari than anything else. After all, the last time we saw Schumacher drive anything other than a Fiat group product or a motorbike was before he left Benetton.

Meanwhile, reports persist that Schumacher is still plotting a return to the F1 cockpit. After Felipe Massa was injured in Hungary this past summer, Schumi was slated to take his place, but was sidelined with a lingering neck injury of his own. Ferrari continues to lobby for a third-car option to place Michael back on the track alongside Alonso and Massa, but F1 chief Bernie Ecclestone says it ain't happening. For his part, Schumacher isn't ruling out the possibility. Follow the link to F1 Wolf to watch the video.

[Sources: F1Wolf.com and F1-technical.net | Image: Mark Renders/Getty]

Rum Runner: Schumacher bides his time driving for Bacardi while plotting return to F1 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Oct 2009 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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200 mph supercars featured at the 2nd Annual Caruso Concours

Frank Filipponio — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 15:58:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Audi, Bugatti, Dodge, Ford, Jaguar, Lamborghini, Maserati, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Misc. Auto Shows, Ferrari

2nd Annual Caruso Concours - Click above for our high-res image gallery courtesy Greg Grudt

The 2nd Annual Caruso Concours was held this past weekend at The Americana at Brand shopping center in Glendale, California. Put off a bit by threatening skies, we didn't make it out there ourselves, but luckily, Autoblog friend and shutterbug Greg Grudt was there to capture all of the excitement for us. This sophomore outing was once again put on by The Petersen Automotive Museum, and as was the case last year, a brace of incredible vehicles showed up to this fitting but unorthodox locale. Showgoers could peruse the cars for a bit and then pick up a Tiffany necklace on their way out.

This year's gathering focused on supercars - in particular, supercars capable of 200 mph. Not meant to be an exhaustive showing of double-century barrier breakers, it nonetheless attracted an impressive array of cars capable of close to, if not over, the magic mark. The fun part was just seeing them all together in one place. Judging by Grudt's images, it looks like the Americana also happens to be hosting a few of those Toyota solar sunflowers, which made for an interesting juxtaposition.

Supercars right off the showroom floor mingled with old-timers from as far back as the Eighties. For instance, the display included not just the Bugatti Veyron, but also its forebearer, the EB110. The list of cars in attendance read like a roster of World's Fastest Cars contenders. Ferrari was represented by an Enzo, F50, F40, 288GTO, 16M, and a SuperAmerica. The Lamborghini cluster was comprised of an LP670-SV, LP640-4, LP560-4 and even a Countach. There was also a Mercedes-McLaren SLR, CLK DTM, Ford GT, Dodge Viper, Cizeta V16t, Maserati MC12, Nissan GT-R, Audi R8, and even a Jaguar XJ220, which complemented the long flowing bodywork of the adjacent Maser quite nicely. They even dragged out the AREX Concept which was supposed to be good for 214 mph.

All-in, it appears to have been a great way to bring exotics to the people. Be sure to check out Greg's pics in the gallery, and check out a larger gallery by clicking here.

Gallery: 2nd Annual Caruso Concours

Photos copyright (C)2009 Greg Grudt/Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: socalspeedzone.com]

200 mph supercars featured at the 2nd Annual Caruso Concours originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Oct 2009 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Official Cash for Clunkers trade-in list reveals oddities too strange to believe

Frank Filipponio — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 12:58:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Government/Legal, Aston Martin, Bentley, BMW, Maserati, Rolls-Royce, Specialty, Luxury

Cash for Clunkers claimed some really interesting vehicles - Was a Buick GNX among them?

Mixed reaction has surrounded the government's Cash for Clunkers program, but after spending around $2.8 billion, some 700,000 new vehicles have found homes. But what got traded in? We've heard some horror stories, but now that the full list of executed vehicles has been released on the Cars.gov website and we've listed some of the oddities we found while snooping around. Many are down right hard to believe, suggesting either errors in the submission process, typos in the list or even some fudging by dealers who clunked a few vehicles that weren't eligible. After the jump is a list of "Clunkers" that stood out. We can't guarantee these all really went to the crusher, but they do appear on the list.

Follow the jump for a recap of the program's eligibility requirements for trade-in vehicles and our full list. And we'd suggest having a box of tissues nearby.

[Source: Cars.gov]

Continue reading Official Cash for Clunkers trade-in list reveals oddities too strange to believe

Official Cash for Clunkers trade-in list reveals oddities too strange to believe originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 Sep 2009 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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17th Annual Palos Verdes Concours d'Elegance

Frank Filipponio — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 18:26:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Classics, Lamborghini, Maserati, Ferrari, Alfa Romeo, Fiat, Motorcycle

17th Annual Palos Verdes Concours d'Elegance - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Palos Verdes Concours d'Elegance returned to its picturesque setting at Trump National Golf Club this past Sunday and we were fortunate enough to make it out. Thankfully, the recent Southern California wildfires missed this area of Palos Verdes, so the 17th installment of the concours went off without a hitch. Well, it was cloudy all morning, but that hardly dampened everyone's spirits. This classic car gathering is one of our favorites, not only for the breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and the well manicured golf course setting, but because of the quality of cars on hand. It's like a scaled down Pebble Beach, with several of that show's alumni in attendance.

This year's featured marque was Maserati, but all of the Italian brands were extremely well represented. Ferrari, Lamborghini, Alfa Romeo, Iso, Bizzarrini, De Tomaso and Lancia all had strong fields, as did Italian motorcycles, which were a new class this year. There were even a few Cisitalias, Fiats, Oscas and Siatas on display. On the non-Italian side of things, there were customs, horseless carriages, brass era cars, British luxury cars, American luxury cars and a lot of other stunning vehicles.

Some highlights included the Italian race cars - Maserati Birdcage, Monopostos and 200 SIs, Iso Griffo A3/C, and the legendary Lancia Stratos (a genuine HF team car done up in Alitalia colors). The Moto Guzzi Lodola and Vespa GS160 stood out in the bike field, but it was really nice to see all of the Maserati, Ferrari (not related to Enzo), Moto Guzzi, Ducati and Benelli cycles as well.

Other four-wheeled stunners included the Pinin Farina Series I Cab, ATS 2500, Lancia Flaminia Zagato, Cisitalia Nuvolari, Ital Design Manta, Alfa 1900 CSS, Luigi Chinetti's old Lamborghini Silhouette, '50 Merc, '54 Chrysler and Plymouth Ghias, Rolls Woodie, Vauxhall, Delahaye and Lagonda sports cars, Franklin, Wills and Panhard pre-war cars, and Steve Tillack's display of everything from a barn find and bare bodies to a glorious Ferrari formula car. We've assembled a huge gallery of most of the entrants, many with their information placards in frame so you can track down more details about your favorites.

Gallery: 17th Annual Palos Verdes Concours

17th Annual Palos Verdes Concours d'Elegance originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Sep 2009 18:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Frankfurt 2009: 2010 Maserati GranCabrio drops its top

Noah Joseph — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 11:32:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Convertible, Performance, Maserati, Luxury

Maserati GranCabrio - Click above for high-res image gallery

There are a few things Maserati could do to make the GranTurismo look better than it does, but not many. One option is to surround it with unspeakably beautiful women. Another is to remove the roof. Thankfully, they opted for both here in Frankfurt, where the Trident marque took the wraps off the new GranCabrio.

The girls are a regular fixture for Maserati. But the convertible version of the GranTurismo coupe has been a long time coming. Details and the first batch of photos broke a few weeks ago, and we just got our first up-close-and-personal with what is, believe it or not, the only proper four-seat cabriolet currently on offer from Italy. Check it out in the gallery below and get full skinny in the press release after the jump. You'll thank us in the morning.

Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: 2010 Maserati GranCabrio

Continue reading Frankfurt 2009: 2010 Maserati GranCabrio drops its top

Frankfurt 2009: 2010 Maserati GranCabrio drops its top originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Sep 2009 11:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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eBay Find Of the Day: 2006 Maserati MC12 Corsa track machine, chassis #3/12

Noah Joseph — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 14:57:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Performance, Auctions, Maserati

Mserati MC12 Corsa #3 - Click above for high-res image gallery

When Ferrari unveiled the Enzo supercar in 2002, it was the fastest, most expensive roadgoing vehicle ever to roll out of the gates in Maranello. But the exotic automaker - and its sister company Maserati - soon found that its wealthiest customers were willing and eager to pay even bigger money for the chance to get behind the wheel of even more extreme versions on the race track. So to meet that demand, the Enzo gave birth to two track-bound seven-figure beasts: the Ferrari FXX and the Maserati MC12 Corsa. Only twelve of the latter were made available for the Trident marque's most loyal customers. We reported on one example - the only one that managed to get onto the street - going up for sale a little over a year ago, and now another has popped up on eBay, this time right outta Miami.

The MC12 Corsa is an extended derivative of Maserati's racing program. Rather than field a competition-spec version of the Enzo itself, Ferrari lent the platform to Maserati - which was then under its wing following acquisition by Fiat - to create the MC12 GT1 racer. Homologation requirements in the FIA GT championship required Maserati to build a small run of street-legal versions, of which 50 were built and sold to select customers.

But some wanted more. So Modena cranked out the Corsa, a sort of mid-way point between the street-legal and full-on racing version, packing an upgraded 744 horsepower V12 engine in a competition-spec body, with everything kept in check by carbon metallic brakes sans ABS. It's got a full racing cockpit, complete with five-point harnesses, wheel-mounted digital display and everything else the make-believe racer could desire. Having originally sold from the factory for €1 million (US$1.47 million), bidding for chassis #3 starts at $879,000. Check out the listing after the link and the images in the gallery below.

Gallery: Maserati MC12 Corsa #3 on eBay

[Source: eBay]

eBay Find Of the Day: 2006 Maserati MC12 Corsa track machine, chassis #3/12 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Sep 2009 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Frankfurt 2009 Preview: Maserati GranCabrio unveiled!

Noah Joseph — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 08:19:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Convertible, Performance, Maserati, Luxury

Maserati GranCabrio - Click above for high-res image gallery

After what seems like years of eager anticipation, and with the weeks ticking down until the Frankfurt Motor Show, Maserati has finally unveiled its long-awaited convertible model. With the Maserati GranCabrio, it looks like the Italian automaker has done a beautiful job of translating the Pininfarina-designed GranTurismo into an open-top machine.

The questions on all our minds as we saw an endless stream of heavily-disguised test mules were whether the new convertible would have a fabric or metal roof, retain its four seats or sacrifice the back row (like its predecessor, the Spyder), and which engine would be found under that long hood.

Now we've got our answers. Unlike the Ferrari California, the GranCabrio features a cloth roof that deploys over the four-place passenger compartment, saving both weight and space. In fact, it's the first four-seat convertible in the company's history, and boasts what Maserati says is the longest wheelbase on the market. The Trident marque has also chosen to fit the convertible with the 4.7-liter 433-hp V8 from the GranTurismo S, bypassing the base 4.2-liter unit and mating it to the highly-rated ZF six-speed automatic. The new Maser's public debut is scheduled for the Frankfurt show next month, but in the meantime, follow the jump to read the press release and check out the quartet of images in the gallery below.

Gallery: Maserati GranCabrio

[Source: Maserati]

Continue reading Frankfurt 2009 Preview: Maserati GranCabrio unveiled!

Frankfurt 2009 Preview: Maserati GranCabrio unveiled! originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 Aug 2009 08:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Monterey 2009: Concorso Italiano returns to the links

Frank Filipponio — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 15:28:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Classics, Lamborghini, Maserati, Ferrari, Alfa Romeo, Fiat

Concorso Italiano 2009 - Click image above for high-res gallery

Monterey coverage continues unabated, with today's posts highlighting three different events: Quail: A Motorsports Gathering, La Dolce Vita, and Concorso Italiano. While Quail and La Dolce Vita have already been covered, here we're focusing on the Italians. Concorso Italiano has been one of Monterey's largest gatherings of Italian vehicles for many years, but last year's move to a municipal airport almost killed the event dead.

Previously held at the nearby Bayonet Black Horse Golf Course in Monterey Bay, Concorso had to relocate due to some course reconstruction in 2008. This year the show went back to the links, but Laguna Seca Golf Ranch was the lucky host rather than Black Horse. Though the location was different, the show was much the same as we had come to expect from years past. Just like the past 20-something years, the event drew some stunning examples of Italy's finest.

Special gatherings honored the Ferrari 288 GTO, Alfa Romeo BAT cars, Ducati and Iso. There were also the usual huge clusters of De Tomaso, Alfa Romeo, Fiat, Lancia, Maserati and "Honorary Italian" vehicles. Oh, and there were also a few Lamborghinis and Ferraris. Something on the order of 200 of each it seemed. Personal favorites included the Ferrari 512 race car, lime-green Dino, ultra-rare 288 GTO Evoluzione, white Scuderia, Lamborghini LMA, 1929 Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 SS, and the Gilda turbine car that will be auctioned at Gooding on Sunday. It was also great to see Tesla, Fisker and newcomer SV Motors represented. Check out the gallery and you'll see why this has become one of the biggest events in the world for lovers of Italian machinery.

Gallery: 2009 Concorso Italiano

Monterey 2009: Concorso Italiano returns to the links originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 15 Aug 2009 15:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Monterey 2009: Innaugural La Dolce Vita show

Frank Filipponio — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 14:27:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Lamborghini, Maserati, Citroën, Alfa Romeo, Fiat

La Dolce Vita 2009 - Click image above for high-res gallery

When the usually reliable Concorso Italiano megashow hit a small speed bump last year, a few enterprising souls saw an opportunity for an alternate event that would capture the spirit of the original Concorso and appeal to those who might like a return to a simpler, more intimate show. La Dolce Vita was born and it found a home right away, at the very same Bayonet Black Horse Golf Course Concorso left two years ago.

While the number of vehicles displayed was tiny, the show definitely put an emphasis on quality over quantity. Alfa Romeo, Lamborghini and Maserati were particularly well represented, with one of the largest and most diverse Diablo collections we've ever seen honoring Ferruccio's finest notably well. Other highlights included an incredibly whimsical Hudson that was actually underpinned by the very same Hudson pickup that Henry Fonda drove in the movie adaptation of the Steinbeck classic The Grapes of Wrath.

A very special Alfa Romeo 1900 Primavera, the sole surviving Martini Bertone Ritmo 100tS, an 1899 Peugeot Trike, an impressive cluster of Citroen Traction Avants, and a handful of pre-war Lancias really won us over. Check out the gallery and you'll see why this fledgling show seems to have what it takes to earn a permanent spot on our ever-growing list of must-attend events here in Monterey.

Gallery: 2009 La Dolce Vita show

Monterey 2009: Innaugural La Dolce Vita show originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 15 Aug 2009 14:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Next-Gen Dodge Viper could get Ferrari-derived V10

Noah Joseph — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 13:25:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Dodge, Maserati, Ferrari

Dodge Viper SRT-10 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Way back in 1987, Chrysler bought up a troubled Lamborghini, and within two years put it to work developing a V10 engine program that would eventually give birth to both the Dodge Viper and the Lamborghini Gallardo - two of the first ten-cylinder engines on the modern market. Two decades later, the tables have turned: instead of buying up struggling Italian automakers, it's Chrysler that's troubled and the Italians are coming to the rescue. And now reports suggest that the replacement for the Viper's V10 could be derived from Ferrari's next-generation engine program.

Chrysler's original plan was to sell of the Viper business, but since no serious offers came through, Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne is reportedly keen on taking advantage of the sportscar's standing as the company's halo vehicle. But rather than have Chrysler shoulder the entire burden of developing the next-generation Viper, the engine program could be derived from the same modular powerplant that will propel upcoming Ferraris and Maseratis.

Ferrari has essentially had four engine designs in its history: the Colombo design was in use from the company's beginnings all the way through the '90s. The Lampredi engine was used on a handful of vehicles in the 50's before being phased out. The Dino engine spawned V6, V8 and V12 versions and was in use until just a few years ago, while the current Ferrari/Maserati engine powers everything in the both companies' current ranges as well as the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione. Its 90-degree replacement will likewise offer variable configurations: a flat-plane crank V8 for Ferrari, a cross-plane crank for Maserati and a pushrod V10 for the Viper.

[Source: Car and Driver]

REPORT: Next-Gen Dodge Viper could get Ferrari-derived V10 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Aug 2009 13:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pink Maserati Barchetta? "Negato" says Italian Coast Guard

Dan Roth — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 17:33:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Etc., Europe, Maserati, Humor

It's more than ironic that the Italian word barchetta literally translates to "little boat." When originally used to describe racing Ferraris, the idea of a seafaring Maserati wasn't what anyone had in mind. Marco Amoretti and Marcolino De Candia apparently looked at a Biturbo and though "gosh, that would make a dandy runabout for a coastal tour of Italy."

The Italian Coast Guard did not agree, and the men were intercepted in the slow-moving makeshift craft. Painted pink and fitted with polyurethane buoyancy aids, the AcquaMaser lacked any of the required safety features or seaworthiness documentation. Slow motivation provided by an outboard motor, and low gunwhales also gave the officials concerns as the car was escorted back to land near Forte Del Marmi, Italy before it was confiscated, and Amortetti and De Candia were handed fines. Despite the potentially hair-raising pseudo-boat ride, the two men have apparently pulled off a similar stunt in the past, traveling from the Canary Islands to Martinique in a Ford Taunus/Volkswagen Passat-based vessel. Top Gear, eat your heart out.

[Sources: Repubblica.it via Google Translate; UPI]

Pink Maserati Barchetta? "Negato" says Italian Coast Guard originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 27 Jul 2009 17:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Maserati, Architectural Digest celebrate best real and concept garages

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 12:29:00 EST

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Maserati, Design/Style

Maserati garage design winners -- Click above for high-res image gallery

Maserati makes beautiful cars. In a contest they held with Architectural Digest, the home of the trident went looking for the best homes for those cars -- not the actual houses, but the garages that house their creations. Entries came in two categories, Existing and Concept, and were judged on "noted architectural element, uniqueness and individuality."

The winning existing garage could barely be considered a garage -- more like a living room where you park your car. The winning concept garage has three turntables that can place cars in three different positions depending on whether you're coming, showing off, or going. You can read the press release after jump and check out the stunning high-res images of the winners' designs below.

Gallery: Winning Garages of Maserati "Design Driven" Competition

[Source: Maserati]

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Maserati, Architectural Digest celebrate best real and concept garages originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 27 Jul 2009 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spec out your own Maserati - in 1/43 scale

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 18:32:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Maserati, Lifestyle

If you're looking for a Maserati that's easier on your wallet, or a treat for a Maserati lover, then you should check out the Maserati model configurator. Three base models in 1/43 scale are available: Quattroporte, Quattroporte S, and Granturismo S. From there you can choose from among seven exterior and two interior colors, four or five different brake caliper colors, two or three different kinds of rims, and select a sunroof which is made of glass. No, it doesn't open.

You can even select a personalized license plate written in one of four fonts. Naturally, once you're finished, you can buy it. The models are €230 ($320 US), which includes shipping, and are sent within 30 days. If your Maserati doesn't match your expectations, you can return it (good luck doing that with a real car). If you don't want to go all the way then you can just display your modeling prowess in the virtual showroom. Everybody wins.

[Source: Maserati]

Spec out your own Maserati - in 1/43 scale originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Jun 2009 18:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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