Maserati hits the matte with exclusive GranTurismo S Limited Edition

Noah Joseph — Sun, 25 Dec 2011 20:01:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Maserati, Misc. Auto Shows, Luxury

We like us some matte finish here at Autoblog, but we have to admit that the usual smattering of matte black vinyl wraps leave us a bit in the dark. That's why our eyes pop just a little wider when we see a car that cuts the glare but keeps the palette. That's also why the storied brands of the Fiat group are getting top marks in our books these days.

At the 2010 Geneva Motor Show, the group's top brand Ferrari showed off a concept 599 with regenerative braking and a delicious matte green finish. The following year at the same venue, Alfa Romeo lifted the veil on the tempting 4C Concept in a beautiful shade of matte red. And at the Bologna Motor Show earlier this month, their sister brand Maserati showcased this special GranTurismo in matte blue.

The car in question is a unique GranTurismo S Limited Edition exclusive to the Italian market, limited to only twelve examples to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Italian unification. It also packs carbon spoilers front and rear, as well as carbon side mirrors and door handles, with matte black side skirts and headlamps, and black 20-inch rims with polished aluminum brake calipers. Check it out in the press release after the jump and the high-res images in the gallery for a closer look.

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Maserati hits the matte with exclusive GranTurismo S Limited Edition originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 25 Dec 2011 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fiat Group bringing bagful of new models to Bologna Motor Show

Noah Joseph — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 19:00:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Budget, Performance, Europe, Crossover, Hatchback, Misc. Auto Shows, Diesel, Lancia, Racing, Fiat

Of all the major international auto shows on the calendar each year, the Bologna Motor Show may not rank among the most important. But it is vital for the Fiat Group, whose numerous brands make up more than just one lion's share of the Italian auto industry. As such, it's not a show for Fiat to take lightly, and this year, it's coming with a whole mess of new debuts.

Discounting Maserati and Ferrari (who kind of do their own thing), the Fiat Group divisions are displaying a freshly facelifted version of the Fiat Sedici, a Fiat 500 Nation Limited Edition, Lancia Ypsilon Black&Red edition and four new specials from Abarth.

Six years since its launch, the Sedici (Italian for Sixteen, the product of 4x4 - also known as the Suzuki SX4) has been been treated to a minor facelift. Available in three trim levels, buyers can choose between a 120-horsepower 1.6-liter four or a 135-hp 2.0 MultiJet diesel in either front-wheel drive or selectable all-wheel drive.

The Fiat 500 Nation Limited Edition will be offered in both hatchback and convertible versions, of which a suitable 500 examples of each will be offered. The American version of the hatchback is painted blue with Stars & Stripes graphics, while the cabrio comes in white with similar graphics and a red roof.

The Black&Red edition of the Lancia Ypsilon, meanwhile, is distinguished by four color choices - two reds, a black and a two-tone black and red scheme - with either 69-hp 1.2-liter gasoline engine or a 95-hp turbodiesel.

Finally, Abarth is coming to Bologna in full force with four special editions. The 595 Turismo and Competizione models pack a 160-hp version of the Abarth's 1.4-liter turbo four with two flavors of style. The 695 Assetto Corse takes 205 horsepower to the track, while the Punto Scorpione packs a 180-hp 1.4-liter four for a 7.5-second sprint to 62 mph, distinguished by matte-on-gloss black finish and a special snowboard in an edition limited to 99 examples.

An additional "by Abarth" package is also on offer for the Fiat 500 TwinAir that offers some of the visual excitement of an all-out Abarth performance model without modification to the 85-hp two-cylinder engine.

Like what you see? Check out all the images in the high-resolution galleries - one above, one below and two more after the jump - along with the plethora of press releases detailing each of these new debuts.

Continue reading Fiat Group bringing bagful of new models to Bologna Motor Show

Fiat Group bringing bagful of new models to Bologna Motor Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Nov 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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