Autoblog

Maserati is a company with a deep-rooted racing heritage, and it isn't about to let that fall by the wayside. With that in mind, the Trident marque has released details of its latest competition model, called the GranTurismo MC Corse Concept.

We brought you spy shots of a stripped-out, track-bound GranTurismo earlier this month, and this looks to be the ticket. Based on the 430hp GranTurismo S, the MC Corse is destined for the tarmac. The engine has been upgraded with a new intake system, competition-spec catalytic converters and a center-exit exhaust to boost output to 450 horsepower. Grip is enhanced by an increased track along with a new front splitter, a larger rear spoiler, and more aerodynamically efficient side skirts, while the suspension has been upgraded to meet the track surface with 18x12-inch front and 18x13-inch rear wheels fitted with racing slicks. Enlarged brake discs with monobloc racing calipers help keep the power in check, along with an FIA-approved rollcage.

Following on the heels of the MC12 Corse, the GranTurismo MC Corse promises to deliver one seriously demonic ride to go with the sinister looks. While this could be the new vehicle Maserati has been hinting at, we have a feeling Modena has another trick up its rolled-up sleeve. Stay tuned, and check out the images in the gallery below in the meantime.

[Source: Maserati]

Head to Maserati's website and you're greeted with a tantalizingly coy poll, asking users to guess what event will take place on October 2nd, the first day of the Paris Motor Show. The overwhelming popular opinion is that a new car will be debuted, possibly the smaller Maser that's supposed to take aim at Porsche. A test mule was spied a while back, though that car didn't have the folding hardtop the new mini-Maserati, based on a hacked-down GranTurismo, is whispered to be carrying. We'll all just have to wait, each day feeling longer than the next. What else could it be, other than a car? The idea of generating such buzz over a new website, logo, or advertising campaign (all three are choices) is ludicrous, but the rest, including a new production facility could seem plausible. Even more intriguing, it could be all of the above. We want a smaller Maserati, and we're going to hold our breath until we turn as blue as the website's banner image to get one. Thanks for the tip, Jvijil.

[Source: Maserati]

First there was the Maserati Gran Turismo. Then came the Gran Turismo S. Then came spy shots of a Gran Turismo Spyder. And now we have spy shots of a low-down, one-seater, roll-cage and plexiglass-window equipped Gran Turismo Trophy edition sporting three huge holes in its hood. The Trophy version is said to have 413 hp, which is down from the 440 hp of the S -- but it would also be a lot lighter. Claimed to have a new ECU and exhaust, the car gets from zero to 62 mph in just four seconds. As best we can tell from the translation, this naked Gran Turismo Trophy edition is meant to compete with the Porsche GT3, or to compete in a U.S. racing series. While we find those possibilities a little odd, they must have built it to compete with something, and no matter what that something is, we say bring it... Follow the link for more spy shots of the race-ready Maser.

[Source: Autofun via Auto Blog Italy (no relation)]

Click on the GranTurismo for a high-res gallery

When we review a car, at some point we take it out to find a secluded location for a photo shoot. Anyone who does drive by usually keeps on going without asking any questions. Not so with a gleaming Nero black Maserati GranTurismo and a "Where are my sunglasses?" yellow Corvette Z06 sitting side by side. This was the scenario that transpired when fellow Autoblogger Chris Shunk swung by the Ann Arbor office for a joint photo shoot of our respective review vehicles. Corvettes, even screaming yellow Z06s, are pretty commonplace in Michigan. Maseratis, however, are anything but. The GranTurismo sashayed onto the world's automotive stage in March 2007 at the Geneva Motor Show looking right at home in the company of the models who always adorn the displays of Italian marques at such events. Read on to find out what Maserati's latest coupe is like to live with.


Photos Copyright ©2008 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

More Maseratis can hardly be a bad thing – unless you're one of the unfortunates trying to maintain a BiTurbo without losing your shirt. Modern Masers are sumptuous and beautiful, quintessential expressions of the Gran Turismo idiom. The gloriousness of recent trident-wearing Italians has led to a boom in sales. Maserati is looking at increasing its profitability by expanding the model range downward. A smaller Maserati sports coupe priced in Porsche 911 territory could give sales a further boost, though the swooning economy may not help the exotic brand move units. The car would be based on a hacksawed version of the Gran Turismo's platform, leaving room for only two occupants. A spiffy Maserati in the $80-100,000 range is expected to be capable of moving more than 6,000 per year, powered by the expected V8s, and possibly a V6 for increased efficiency. Mortgaging the house for this vehicle is likely a bad idea, but another choice in the segment and price range that it's expected to occupy has us nodding in approval.

[Source: Autocar]

Maseratis are capable of tremendous momentum, and that's exactly what the company has been carrying forward. With only a two-model line-up, Maserati has been hard at work coming out with new variants and updates at every turn. Following on the heels of the GranTurismo and GranTurismo S, the Trident marque is in the process of unveiling the new Quattroporte, but the next batter is already on deck and ready to swing.

Although these spy shots are heavily disguised, the wheels and front end betray a GranTurismo, but the hunched back – like that seen on test mules of the new Ferrari California before its launch – suggest a convertible roof mechanism. While previous reports couldn't ascertain whether the anticipated cabrio version of the elegant GT would incorporate a folding hard-top or more traditional cloth enclosure, the size of the test mule's appendage suggests the former. Reports indicate a launch in March of next year, which could coincide with a public unveiling at the next Geneva show.

[Source: Auto Express]

Click above to view video

There's really only one thing Maserati could have done to make us want its GranTurismo more than we already did. And from the looks of things, they hit the nail right on the head with the GranTurismo S, the more powerful, more hardcore version of the sport-luxury tourer that the Trident marque unveiled recently at the Geneva Motor Show. In the video after the jump, witness awe-inspiring footage of the GranTurismo S playing ever so gracefully along snaking roads and slow-motion splashing puddles. We're keeping a space in the Autoblog Garage perpetually free in anticipation of this one.

[Source: Maserati via Carscoop]

Mothers Against Drunk Driving, your conundrum has arrived: cars and wine have met in support of the disadvantaged children of south Florida. Every year for the past eight, the auction at the Naples Winter Wine Festival has drawn the most discerning connoisseurs in the Sunshine State to bid on rare bottles of epic vintage to raise funds for the Naples Children and Education Foundation. Our sister-site Luxist reports that the auction raised $14 million this year.

In addition to the potable lots, every year the auction also features some of the most luxurious automobiles in which the benefactors could haul their cases of vino home. At last year's auction, the first Rolls-Royce Phantom DropHead Coupe raised $2 million, a Bentley Continental GTC sold for $1.3 million, $790k was raised through a raffle for a special Maserati Quattroporte, and $260k bought a Lexus LS 600h L. This year the auction featured two luxury coupes: a Bentley Brooklands and a Maserati GranTurismo. Surprisingly, neither of the two luxury coupes was painted wine red or burgundy, but that didn't stop them from selling for big bucks. The Bentley is the first of the new Brooklands to reach the US market, and sold to Monte and Usha Ahuja for $450,000 – more than a hundred grand over list price. The specially-prepared Maserati GranTurismo, meanwhile, went for more than three times its MSRP for a bid of $350,000.

[Sources: Bentley and Maserati]

Click photo for gallery

Fret not. The new Maserati doesn't have issues and isn't in need of therapy or anything. The baggage we're talking about is the kind you pack your clothes and shaving kit in. The slinky new coupe is actually the beneficiary of a little tie-in with Salvatore Ferragamo, which has produced a new five-piece set of fitted luggage inspired by the GranTurismo. To celebrate the car's UK arrival, the set is being displayed in the window of the Salvatore Ferragamo store on London's Bond Street through Christmas Eve. It's the perfect gift for that special someone who pretty much has everything else there is to have already. You can see it in the gallery below, which also contains four nice new hi-res shots of the car. We know that's what you really want to look at anyway.

[Source: Maserati]

The Masarati GranTurismo was one of the most significant designs that debuted at this month's Geneva Motor Show. While many attractive autos were in attendance, the GranTurismo represented a giant leap forward for Maserati compared to the uninspiring lines of the current Coupé. It's bold and slightly overexaggerated, just like a six-figure car should be. While seeing the GranTurismo on display was a thrill, these spy photos that are hot off the memory card have us more excited. They were supposedly taken today in Germany where this uncamoflouged prototype was heading to the famed Nurburgring for some shakedown laps. With a Ferrari-designed 4.2L V8 pumping out 405 horsepower underhood, "testing" Maserati's new two-door has got to be the best way to start your work week.

[Source: Winding Road]