MASERATI PRESENTS THE GRANTURISMO S
A year after the unveiling of the GranTurismo, Maserati will be back at the Geneva International Motorshow with yet another world premiere, the GranTurismo S. The ultimate expression of the Trident coupé’s sportiness shifts the emphasis onto performance and driving enjoyment.
Two main novelties are at the heart of the new Maserati: the 440 hp V8 4.7 engine and the electro-actuated gearbox with fast MC-Shift arranged in the transaxle layout typical of high-performance sports cars that represents the technological DNA of all Maseratis.
The GranTurismo S makes use of the high-performance brake system developed in collaboration with Brembo and introduced for the first time in the automotive field on the Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT S. The system features front brake discs made with dual-cast technology – a dual casting of cast iron and aluminium, paired with aluminium mono-bloc 6-piston brake callipers, ensuring optimised braking performance.
On the exterior the Maserati GranTurismo S is characterised by a number of aesthetic modifications that, although discrete, are highly effective and make the car body appear sportier without abandoning the sleekness of the lines masterfully designed by Pininfarina.
The interior upholstered in Poltrona Frau leather and Alcantara reflects the sporty flair of the Maserati GranTurismo S; the figure-hugging front and rear seats are distinguished by their new dynamic design with horizontal piping on the seats and seatbacks.
Jason Plato tests the new Maserati GranTurismo, the £78,500 coupe that is undoubtedly the prettiest car to be launched in the last 12 months.
Now available in the UK for the first time, Jason takes to the track and gives the car its fastest test yet.
Styled by Pininfarina
The brand-new, long-awaited Maserati GranTurismo, styled by Pininfarina, is making its worldwide debut at the Geneva Auto Show.
The muscular Maserati GranTurismo is suitable for everyday use, with excellent handling, a very sporty feel and a thrilling drive. But the Maserati GranTurismo is also a car which pays attention to comfort, materials, details, with a capacity of up to four people and inside space in the unique Maserati style. A high-performance sports car, exciting to drive, it has a V8 4.2 engine with 405 hp at 7,100 rpm and maximum torque of 460 Nm at 4,750 rpm, of which 75% is already achievable at 2,500 revs. Its maximum speed is 285 km/h, and it accelerates from 0-62 mph in 5.2 seconds.
Weight distribution is 49% on the front, 51% at the rear. The gearbox is automatic with self-adjusting controls which adapt the gear change to the driving style and conditions. The car is 4,881 mm long with a wheel base of 2,942 mm. The standard wheel rim is 19” or 20” as an option.
The everyday pleasure of sitting in the Maserati GranTurismo is related to the fact that you are cocooned in a captivating design that is pleasant to look at and to touch due to the high-quality materials, enhanced by the appeal of the craftsmanship and love of detail in the execution.
Once seated on board, the Maserati GranTurismo does not disappoint. The ample exterior dimensions are matched internally, guaranteeing all four passengers maximum comfort also on long journeys.
A design with a strong visual impact, intended to outshine other manufacturers:
-Its style is inspired by the lines of the Pininfarina Birdcage 75th concept car
-Style and dimensions blend into a thoroughbred and ultra-sporty car body, but never going over the top, always well-proportioned and elegant
Everyday enjoyment:
-More room in the back than the average for the segment
-The rear seats have been designed to accommodate two adults comfortably even on long journeys, which makes the vehicle a perfect example of Maserati’s concept of a great touring car
-Pleasure of being on board: attractive design, wide range of materials, leather, woods and colour combinations available
The key words that describe the interior style are: modernity, elegance, craftsmanship, sportiness, liveability.
The interior is divided longitudinally by the centre tunnel which ideally almost distributes the available space between the passengers on the left and right sides. The dashboard lies horizontally and features right along its top a decorative “V” shaped element, the distinctive feature of the Maserati marque. By drawing attention to the top part of the dashboard this helps create that sporty feeling of sitting close to the floor.
The attention to detail exudes from a number of features such as the subtle chrome inlay that elegantly decorates the buttons on the dashboard and steering wheel, the Trident logo hand-crafted on the seat headrests, the Alcantara trim lining the back of the gear change paddles, the leather belt fitting, front seats, beautifully handcrafted.
The basic material is Poltrona Frau® leather, a true expression of Italian craftsmanship, both as regards the rich quality of the raw material used and the traditional processing techniques adopted. The Poltrona Frau® leathers used for the interior trim of the Maserati GranTurismo are the product of a thorough selection process, designed to ensure the highest quality and pleasurable contact with the natural material. The refined processes that they undergo add durability, strength and practicality to the attractive appearance and soft-to-the-touch quality.
The natural character and distinctive process used, which combines original mechanical solutions and individual hand-craftsmanship, make the leather soft and cosy in winter, cool and fresh in summer, and give it that very particular feature that makes ageing a factor that actually enhances the quality.
Adaptive light controls: another aspect that shows the attention to detail and innovative ideas.
The effective dual-xenon lights which are fitted to the Maserati GranTurismo can be enhanced by the rotation function which improves illumination of the carriageway and surrounding areas and hence improves driving safety whilst travelling at night on very winding routes.
The electronic high and low beam control unit captures the instantaneous information relating to steering and angle as well as driving speed and actuates special electric motors to rotate the light cones.
Maserati’s gran turismo tradition began in 1947, at the Geneva Auto Show, where the Modena car manufacturer presented the A6 GranTurismo styled by Pinin Farina, at the request of several customers. It was the first road going Maserati and 58 vehicles were produced. The car’s technical features and original, cutting-edge style were enthusiastically received by the motoring press.
Ten years later, in 1957, once more at the Geneva Auto Show, Maserati presented its first standard gran turismo, the 3500 GT. This was the car that would transform Maserati into a fully-fledged car manufacturer, while the production of road going vehicles took priority over racing cars. A total of 1,983 3500 GT models were produced in seven years.
The name of the new model — Maserati GranTurismo — is no coincidence. Once again, the Maserati – Pininfarina team has produced an exciting car whose construction, unique and inimitable style sets it apart from the competition.
With the new Maserati GranTurismo, Maserati is continuing the completion of its range, a direction which began at the NAIAS in Detroit in January with the launch of the Quattroporte Automatica.
MASERATI CHOOSES FERRAGAMO
Maserati has chosen Salvatore Ferragamo, a world leader in the production of luxury accessories, to interpret the outstanding class of the brand-new GranTurismo with a sleek luggage set made from exclusive high-quality materials.
Perfect for him or her in any travel situation, the five-piece set gives you total freedom and versatility on the move: a large case, a weekend bag, beauty case, suit holder and dual-function shoe case with removable divider. A sophisticated design inspired by the contours of the new GranTurismo radiator grille, in a set that will adapt to even the most individual style. This made to order set can be customised in two different materials and four different colours.
EUROPEAN DEBUT FOR THE QUATTROPORTE AUTOMATICA
Maserati opened 2007 with a significant product development presenting the Quattroporte Automatica car that defines the spirit of the Italian flagship, and adds to the extraordinary design by Pininfarina an important development, suggested by the name itself: a completely new ZF hydraulic 6-speed transmission that ensures a sleek, fluid gear change while allowing for rapid shifting and seamless driving comfort.
The new lay-out of the transmission system emphasises the progressive power delivery of the Maserati V8 engine particularly at low engine speed without limiting its power. With radical changes under the bonnet, the engine has a wet-sump lubrication system instead of a dry sump, and the blue cylinder casing makes it instantly recognisable. The weight balance has been consequently modified, but the new distribution (49% front – 51% rear) is still the best way to preserve the vehicle’s performance. Maserati offers the possibility of manual gear changes with a lever on the steering column.
The Quattroporte Automatica, which partners the Quattroporte with DuoSelect gearbox, is also available in two other versions: the Executive GT, which puts the emphasis on luxury and comfort, and the Sport GT which has a sportier feel.
A SUCCESSFUL PRODUCT RANGE
In addition to the new GranTurismo and Quattroporte Automatic (also in the Executive GT version), Maserati displays in Geneva the Quattroporte Sport GT with the DuoSelect gearbox, with interior carbon-fibre finish, 20’’ alloy wheel rims, aluminium pedals, dedicated to customers that focus on driving comfort.
Also on the stand will be the GranSport, the car for those who are looking for high performance and speed. The successful sales results and the wide press approval confirm that this car is a winning Maserati model.
2007 – INCREASE IN SALES VOLUME AND BREAK-EVEN
Maserati’s sales results for 2006 closed in line with expectations. Volumes achieved during the previous year were consolidated, with 5,700 vehicles delivered to the sales network, representing a 3% increase.
The alignment of sales results for the past two years has represented a phase of growth and consolidation, ready for the vigorous period of growth which Maserati is set to embark on this year, with a fully overhauled product range and an ambitious objective: to achieve the target of over 7,000 vehicles delivered to customers.
The United States continues to be Maserati’s leading market worldwide, with around 44% of total sales (together with Canada). Italy is once again in second place, confirmed as the European leader ahead of the United Kingdom and Germany. Japan, Switzerland and France follow.
Maserati now is present in 58 countries and five continents, with a total network of over 253 point of sales. The most recent market open to Maserati is Bulgaria, while India will certainly be of potential interest to Maserati in the future.
Equally significant in terms of company growth and expansion is its collaboration with Alfa Romeo, to produce the 8C Competizione.
MASERATI ENGINEERING CERTIFIED
Maserati has designed a reconditioning programme for Quattroporte cars sold back to concessionaires by customers when purchasing a Quattroporte DuoSelect 2007 or Quattroporte Automatica.
Maserati’s commitment to its network of concessionaires and customers has led the company to set up this scheme, which will take the earlier Quattroporte models up to the same technological levels as the Quattroporte 2007. The “Maserati Engineering Certified” programme will significantly increase the quality and market value of the used Quattroporte cars.
With the “Maserati Engineering Certified” programme, Maserati is clearly investing in its own cars, guaranteeing Trident customers the best Maserati quality for both new and used vehicles.
FROM FANGIO TO THE PRESENT DAY — THE SPORTING SUCCESSES CONTINUE
2007 is a big year for Maserati – a year of important anniversaries not only for the standard production (3500 GT), but also as far as racing is concerned.
Fifty years ago, Juan Manuel Fangio won the F1 world championship title at the wheel of the Maserati 250 F. Today, Maserati is still a star of GT races. It ended the international championship FIA GT 2006 by winning the drivers’ title with Andrea Bertolini and Michael Bartels, the team championship with the Vitaphone Racing Team, and with a second consecutive victory at the world renowned Spa 24 hour race. The Playteam also won the Italian GT championship with Giambattista Giannoccaro and Toni Vilander.
The goal for 2007 is to continue this winning sequence which began with the debut of the MC12 in 2004. There will be six Maseratis lined up, driven by the Playteam, Vitaphone Racing Team and JMB Racing.
To demonstrate the technological excellence and enormous potential of Maserati as a manufacturer of dream cars, we should point out that the MC12 Versione was derived from the MC12 GT1, of which only 12 were produced.
TECHNICAL AND COMMERCIAL PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT SIGNED WITH SHELL
In early February, Maserati S.p.A. and Shell International Petroleum Company Ltd, part of the Royal Dutch Shell Group, signed a worldwide technical and commercial partnership agreement.
Under the agreement, signed by Maserati’s CEO Roberto Ronchi and Rob Miesen, (General Manager Mediterranean Sales Area for the lubricants sector of Royal Dutch Shell), Maserati will appoint Shell as its exclusive partner for the worldwide supply of lubricants, special fluids and petrol.
The agreement also assigns Shell the role of co-sponsor of Master Maserati, the driving school where Maserati customers and potential customers can learn how to drive high-performance cars safely, and the Premier Sponsor of international Maserati racing events.
This winning duo, backed by the solid tradition of success in their respective fields, also shares values such as outstanding customer service, pride in combining innovation and technological leadership – features of both the new partners’ business strategies.
Maserati looks back on a year of great achievements, with over 7000 vehicles delivered, mainly thanks to its flagship the Quattroporte, on show in Detroit in a super-deluxe limited edition. In the meantime, with orders totaling 2333 in just six months, the Maserati GranTurismo is still firing the public’s imagination.
Modena – 13 January 2007. From production through to sales, Maserati’s figures for 2007 speak for themselves: a production record was set in October, when 850 vehicles left the Modenese plant — equivalent to the annual production of just a few years ago — while December ended with a record of over 1000 vehicle registrations.
Throughout 2007, 7353 cars were delivered to customers, 33.3% more than the previous year, through a network of 272 dealers in 59 countries on 5 continents: the US market was in first place, with 2600 vehicles delivered in 2007, 20.5% more than the preceding year, followed by Italy with 714 vehicles, a 40% increase compared to 2006. In third place was the United Kingdom (611), whose close rivals throughout the year were Germany and Japan. These markets were followed by Switzerland, France, China (eighth place), The United Arab Emirates and Australia.
2007 was also a hugely satisfying year in financial terms. Pending the arrival of the official figures from the FIAT Group, expected at the end of the month, we can look back on the exciting results recorded during the third quarter, when the company earned revenues of € 141 million, up by 33% compared to the same period in 2006. Total revenues during the first 9 months amounted to € 485 million, an increase of 29.3% and profits of € 6 million from ordinary operations — the exact opposite of the result for the previous 12 months, in which € 6 million was the loss that was recorded. Looking at the period from January to September, the comparison is even more pronounced: € 6 million profit in 2007, compared to a € 32 million loss in 2006.
These commercial and financial successes are mainly due to the Quattroporte model, restyled for the last Detroit Motor Show with the introduction of an automatic transmission, in addition to the Duo Select. Winner of 40 international awards, approximately 15,000 have been delivered since its launch.
Of all the Quattroporte delivered in 2007, 74% were automatic models and the remainder were Duo Select, in the following versions: Executive GT, Sport GT and Sport GT S, launched at the Frankfurt Motor Show with only an automatic transmission.
A closer analysis of the figures for the period from January to September 2007 in the eight largest international car markets in Europe (Italy, Great Britain, Germany, France, and Switzerland), and the USA, Japan, and Australia, reveals that the Quattroporte is the fourth most popular car in its category (on average), and the second-highest seller in the five European countries. The best performances were achieved in Italy and France, where the Quattroporte is top of its segment, while in Switzerland and Australia it is second.
QUATTROPORTE “COLLEZIONE CENTO”
To kick start 2008, Maserati has brought its flagship saloon in a super-deluxe incarnation to Detroit — the Quattroporte “Collezione Cento” — of which just 100 will be produced: comfort, technology, and luxury all rolled into one; dressed for the occasion in a sophisticated Italian outfit — in a brand-new ivory colour, with a contrasting coach line on the sides that enhances the sinuous lines of the Quattroporte. 20” wheels are fitted with polished rims, adding the perfect touch of sophistication and elegance. The chromed honeycomb front and side grilles also bring out the executive nature of this flagship saloon.
The interior is no less spectacular. Everything exudes luxury, from the Poltrona Frau “Cuoio” coloured leather seats with diamond-shaped stitching and matching buttons in the centre, to the polished Wengé wood inserts on the steering wheel, centre console and small object compartment. The mother of pearl inlays are a true delight, adding an unusual gleam to the name of the vehicle and the trident on the gear knob. Cuoio coloured leather is also used for the superior-weight overmats, enhanced by edges in contrasting Beige. The interior’s concept was exclusively presented to Maserati customers at last year’s Frankfurt Motorshow; the “Collezione Cento” has been developed on the basis of their feedback and comments.
Technology is another area where the Collezione Cento scores highly. Back seat passengers in the new Quattroporte find themselves in a multimedia paradise controlled by the Maserati Multimedia Entertainment system. The technology is housed in the rear centre armrest, which contains an AUX-IN socket, iPod docking station, SIM card port and a USB port so that passengers can view photographs, videos or listen to MP3/WMA tracks on other external devices. The car’s sound system or the special Bluetooth headsets can also be used.
The armrest also features a built-in keypad for Internet browsing and email access, which can be folded away. As image also counts, especially when it comes to luxury, there are two real eye-catchers built into the back of the front seats: two 10.4” touch screens complete with a CD/DVD player built into the back of the centre receptacle.
The 100 lucky owners will be guaranteed luxury and exclusivity, thanks to the numbered plate housed in the dashboard moulding.
The Quattroporte Collezione Cento is fitted with a 4244 cc engine (400 bhp) paired with a hydraulic automatic 6-speed transmission that guarantees the same performance as the Quattroporte Automatic range.
QUATTROPORTE SPORT GT S, A FLAGSHIP WITH ATTITUDE
The Quattroporte Sport GT S deserves a separate mention. The ultimate expression of the Trident’s sporty flagship model, it made a triumphant entrance at Frankfurt in the autumn.
The Sport GT S is a car for those looking for the might and muscle of the racetrack in a luxury saloon. With an automatic 6-speed transmission, it stands out for its remarkably dynamic on-road behaviour and uncompromising handling. Two real gems are hidden beneath the panels of this car: the single-calibration shock absorbers, the new lower, stiffer suspension, and the innovative braking system developed from the dual-cast brake disc, the result of a partnership with Brembo, used for the first time in the automotive industry on the Quattroporte Sport GT S.
The car also has a more aggressive look, with black being the dominant colour: black-chrome honeycomb mesh grille, twin exhaust pipes finished in black, door handles to match the bodywork and seven-spoke 20” wheel rims in the new Dark Chrome finish. As for the interior, it is every bit as striking: carbon detailing with a new aluminum weave design, restyled front seats for improved comfort, high levels of body support during sporty driving, and the traditional Poltrona Frau leather combined with Alcantara.
GRANTURISMO, GREAT SUCCESS
The success of the Maserati GranTurismo is now well-established. Maserati’s high-performance sports car continues to amaze and captivate the international market. Its world début in Geneva nine months ago has been followed by launches in each of the 59 countries in the Maserati network. The launch programme was completed at the end of the year with the introduction of right-hand drive models. By the end of 2007, the GranTurismo is parked in the garages of no fewer than 1326 customers, with orders totaling 2333.
The reasons behind its success are plain for all to see: the exclusive, exquisite lines penned by Pininfarina conceal a sporty, aggressive vehicle with a sparkling performance, suitable for everyday driving thanks to its excellent handling. Total comfort is guaranteed by the exquisite quality of the materials used, attention to detail and a spacious interior. The rear seats can comfortably accommodate two adults, even on long journeys.
The engine compartment houses a V8 4.2 engine (405 bhp at 7100 rpm), capable of a top speed of 285 km/h. With acceleration of 0-100 km/h in 5.2 seconds, an exciting drive and thrilling performance are guaranteed.
Just a few months after its launch, the GranTurismo has already collected four international awards, two of which were won in the United States.
The success of the Maserati GranTurismo began 60 years ago, when the Modenese manufacturer launched the first of 58 examples of the A6 Gran Turismo styled by Pininfarina. Ten years later, it was the turn of the first standard GranTurismo, the 3500 GT, a car which marked a turning point for the company as it shifted its attention from racing cars to road going production, turning out 1983 examples of the 3500 GT in seven years. Those days may be long gone, but they have been well and truly revived with the 2007 version of the GranTurismo.
ECO-COMPATIBILITY
Environmental issues, fuel and emissions reduction are central themes on the Maserati agenda. While preserving the Maserati tradition, cars that guarantee high performance to reflect the characteristics and content of Maserati models, the company is also researching ways to reduce fuel consumption and is paying more attention to environmental concerns. The designs of recent models have already led to considerable fuel savings, with a reduction of 9% (non-urban driving) for the Quattroporte Automatic and the Quattroporte Sport GT S, and a further 3% for the newly-launched GranTurismo.
MASERATI IN NORTH AMERICA
2007 was a significant year for Maserati in the United States and Canada. With the successful introduction of the GranTurismo and Quattroporte Automatic, Maserati now has a product that is not only competitive and credible, but industry leading in terms of design, performance and desirability.
In North America Maserati has reached a level of accomplishment it has never enjoyed before. Over the past three years, Maserati retail sales have grown by 26%. The critically acclaimed Quattroporte continues to set sales records for 2007. The elegant four door sedan was up approximately 56% in a segment whose general trend was one of a downturn. The new Maserati GranTurismo has been designed to target this price segment as well. Early indications lead us to believe the GT will also enjoy great success.
Maserati North America expanded its reach in 2007 with the opening of several new dealerships bringing the total to 54 dealers across North America, an increase of 18% over the past three years. 2008 will also be a year of growth for the Maserati dealer network, continuing the strategy of careful and controlled expansion into target rich markets. Maserati North America is proud to have the top selling dealer in the world, The Collection in Coral Gables, Florida. The west coast is the leading region for sales in North America followed by the Southeast, then the New York Tri-State area.
