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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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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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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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]

Continue reading Maserati, Architectural Digest celebrate best real and concept garages

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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REPORT: McNabb left GM premium post for Maserati position

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 28 May 2009 08:28:00 EST

Filed under: Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Cadillac, GM, Hummer, Maserati, Saab

Mark McNabb loves a challenge. After working for General Motors for 13 months leading Cadillac, Hummer, and Saab, McNabb announced his resignation last week as of June 1. His destination, it turns out, is Maserati, where he'll replace former North American CEO Marti Eulberg, Who resigned last month after less than a year on the job.

At GM, McNabb ended up shepherding one of his brands and trying to sell the other two. At Maserati he'll have just one brand to lead and he'll be focused on selling its cars. Maserati sales have done their impression of a sinkhole, falling 48% worldwide and nearly 58% in America, taking revenue numbers with them. We find those numbers a little surprising, but perhaps the coming GranTurismo convertible will help things out. In the mean time, best of luck to you, Mr. McNabb.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

REPORT: McNabb left GM premium post for Maserati position originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 May 2009 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: More foreign automakers skipping Tokyo Motor Show as tally swells to 22

Jonathon Ramsey — Sat, 23 May 2009 13:34:00 EST

Filed under: Japan, Tokyo Motor Show, Maserati, Porsche

As of Thursday, Porsche and Maserati are the latest two brands to pull out of the biennial Tokyo Motor Show. That brings the tally to 22 foreign brands sitting out the Japanese showcase, leaving Hyundai, Ferrari, and Lotus to duel for import honors. Said a show spokesman, "It is unprecedented to see such a large number of carmakers not coming to the motor show. It's disappointing."

And even though Japan's 14 domestic makers are expected to show in force, the country's four largest truck makers have said they won't be coming. At least one report has said there will be half as many cars this year as there were two years ago. As with the other brands that have decided to pass on this year's show, Porsche and Maserati cited the cost of attendance.

[Source: Taiwan News]

REPORT: More foreign automakers skipping Tokyo Motor Show as tally swells to 22 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 23 May 2009 13:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Maserati Loves Company: Quattroporte stretched limousine

Noah Joseph — Tue, 12 May 2009 19:27:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Maserati

Maserati Quattroporte limousine - Click above for an image gallery

While running around from merger to acquisition, Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne has been riding in style in a Maserati Quattroporte. And why shouldn't he? The luxurious sport-sedan is miles ahead of the Alfa Romeo 167 which Fiat executives were chauffeured around in beforehand, and better than anything Opel or Chrysler has got to show off, too. But one limousine company in Florida has what it figures is the next step up: a stretched Quattroporte with seating for ten.

Based on the previous incarnation of the Trident-emblazoned four-door - the horizontal slats in the grille are a dead giveaway over the vertical bars on the newer model - the Padilla Car Collection claims it's the only stretched Quattroporte in the world. And we certainly hope so. The company's also got stretches Hummers, Bentleys, Escalades, Mercedes S550s and a custom Chrysler 300 should you, your pals and your prom dates be looking for something a little more, um... reserved. For our part, we don't even want to know what the extra yardage has done for the QPorte's handling, with which we fell in love on the back streets of Salzburg, Austria, and we're quite sure Signore Marchionne doesn't, either.

Gallery: Maserati Quattroporte stretched limo

[Source: Padilla Car Collection via CarScoop]

Maserati Loves Company: Quattroporte stretched limousine originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 May 2009 19:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Maserati GranTurismo drophead spotted

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 12 May 2009 18:01:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Convertible, Performance, Maserati

The Maserati Granturismo Cabriolet, a formerly mythical car known only in whispers and press reports, has finally been caught testing by Ms. Brenda Priddy and crew.

The drophead's powerplant and transmission are suspected to be the 433 hp V8 from the Granturismo S mated to the six-speed automatic from the Quattroporte GTS.

No one has been able to pin down whether the roof will be a soft- or hard- top, however. With the exception of Mercedes-Benz and parent Ferrari, every other competitive car uses a soft top, but we really wouldn't be surprised to see a folding metal unit.

If reports are accurate, you can look forward to seeing the car at next year's Geneva Motor Show.

[Source: AutoWeek]

Spy Shots: Maserati GranTurismo drophead spotted originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 May 2009 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Novitec Tridente supercharges the Maserati GranTurismo S for 600hp

Noah Joseph — Thu, 07 May 2009 18:58:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Performance, Maserati

Novitec Tridente Maserati GranTurismo S - Click above for an image gallery

Some people believe in tuning exotics, some prefer to leave them alone. But everybody's got to respect Novitec. The German tuning house, now celebrating its 20th anniversary, is one of the established names in tuning Italian exotica. The company's Novitec Rosso line is known for strapping superchargers to Ferraris to delirious effect, but a couple of years ago they turned out a decidedly low-key modification to the Maserati Quattroporte. Now the Novitec Tridente line is back at work on the GranTurismo S, producing the supercharged super-coupe you see here.

By adding a supercharger, tinkering with the ECU and replacing the exhaust system, Novitec has managed to coax out an extra 165 horsepower from the Ferrari-sourced 4.7-liter V8 for a whopping 600 ponies. Managing all that extra power is a retuned KW suspension gripping massing 20 and 21 inch wheels front and back, which team up with the carbon fiber body kit to add even more aggression to one of the industry's meanest-looking GTs. See for yourself in the gallery below.

Gallery: Novitec Tridente Maserati GranTurismo S

[Source: GTSpirit.com]

Novitec Tridente supercharges the Maserati GranTurismo S for 600hp originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 May 2009 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Maserati Spyder debut pegged for early 2010

Noah Joseph — Wed, 06 May 2009 18:01:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Maserati

Maserati GranTurismo S - Click above for a high-res image gallery

As the prospective launch date approaches, everyone's wondering what will become of the upcoming Maserati Spyder. Some big questions remain about what shape the new GranTurismo cabrio will take: will it have four seats, or will the folding top take up the cramped rear quarters? Will it have a soft top like its predecessor, or a hard top like its Ferrari counterpart? Will it offer the 400hp 4.2-liter V8 from the base GranTurismo, or the 435hp 4.7-liter unit from the GranTurismo S? One way or another, sources suggest we'll find out soon enough, placing it on the road by early next year, with a springtime market launch likely. That means its debut could come as early as the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, or else wait for the Geneva Motor Show in March. Expect the sticker price to come in below the Ferrari California, targeting the likes of the Aston Martin DB9 Volante, Bentley Continental GTC, BMW M6 convertible, Jaguar XKR convertible and Mercedes-Benz SL-Class and at around $130,000.

Gallery: Maserati GranTurismo S

[Source: Car and Driver]

Maserati Spyder debut pegged for early 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 May 2009 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Swiss Team takes Maserati Quattroporte to the track in Superstar Series

Noah Joseph — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 15:59:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Sedan, Performance, Europe, Maserati

Patience is not a virtue of those who are used to going fast. While Maserati just took the wraps off the new GranTurismo MC GT4 racer, deliveries to customer racing teams won't begin until October. So what's a team hellbent on racing Tridents in Europe to do in the meantime? Make their own Maserati racer.

A racing squad called Swiss Team is planning on fielding a competition-spec Quattroporte in a local Italian touring car league called the Superstars Series. The format is production-car based, so the final version isn't expected to look wildly different from the shapely Italian sportsedan we know and love, and the Trident-wielding team will face off against a grid of Audi RS4s, BMW M5s, Jaguar S-Type Rs and Chrysler 300C SRT8s.

Swiss Team has already recruited former F1 driver Andrea Chiesa to pilot the first car, and the outfit plans on fielding a second entry as well. Currently a work in progress, nobody has seen the car yet. What you see above is, of course, just a factory-based rendering - and not a very good one at that - but hopefully when the race-prepped QPorte debuts for the first round of testing later this month, it'll look every bit the business. Details in the press release after the jump.

[Source: Superstars via Jalopnik]

Continue reading Swiss Team takes Maserati Quattroporte to the track in Superstar Series

Swiss Team takes Maserati Quattroporte to the track in Superstar Series originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Apr 2009 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Maserati GranTurismo MC unveiled for the gentlemen racer

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 16:01:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Performance, Europe, Maserati, Specialty

Maserati GranTurismo MC - Click above for a high-res gallery

Inspired by the MC Corse Concept, Maserati has finally unveiled the production version of its GranTurismo MC. Aimed at the discerning enthusiast who'd prefer to keep their road-going GT in the garage, the MC is designed to compete in the GT4 European Cup class, with a full roll cage, carbon fiber body panels, plexiglass windows, upgraded brakes and suspension, along with lightweight rollers shod in racing slicks. Output for the revised 4.7-liter V8 hasn't been disclosed, but expect the MC to put out around 450 hp when it takes to the track. The cost? A cool 135,000 Euros. And the perfect compliment to your MC12. All the details are available in the press release below the fold.

Gallery: Maserati GranTurismo MC

Continue reading Maserati GranTurismo MC unveiled for the gentlemen racer

Maserati GranTurismo MC unveiled for the gentlemen racer originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Apr 2009 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Irony: Maserati and American Express to offer special Centurion model - for U.K. customers

Frank Filipponio — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 12:33:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Marketing/Advertising, Maserati, UK, Specialty

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Maserati Quattroporte by Centurion

Call it the Italian Express by American Express for British Execs. Maserati and American Express have just announced a special edition Quattroporte that features the AE Centurion logo in several strategic locations on the car. This limited edition model is officially known as the Maserati Quattroporte for Centurion special series. Presented to AE Black cardholders in the U.K., the exclusive sedan will be available in left- and right-hand drive, and in any color so long as it's black Nero Carbonio (carbon black).

As the post-jump press release tells us, it features a bespoke Bianco Polare (polar white) Poltrona Frau (we looked it up, it's an upscale Italian furniture maker) leather interior with an embossed Centurion logo on the headrests, a dash plaque, titanium colo(u)red trim and 20-inch polished wheels. The QP for Centurian will be available in either 4.2-liter 400-horsepower regular strength, or 4.7-liter 430-hp extra bold flavor, with prices starting at £88,315 (around $125k USD) for the former and £94,185 ($133k) for the latter in the UK. More details after the jump and a full gallery available by clicking on any image.

Gallery: Maserati Quattroporte for Centurion Special Edition

Continue reading Irony: Maserati and American Express to offer special Centurion model - for U.K. customers

Irony: Maserati and American Express to offer special Centurion model - for U.K. customers originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Mar 2009 12:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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