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MASERATI presents the 'GranTurismo S'
"Eleganza con Potenza!" |
 A year after the unveiling of the GranTurismo, Maserati is back at the Geneva International Motorshow with yet another world premiere, the GranTurismo S, the ultimate expression of the Marque’s sportiness. The new interpretation of the perfect balance between sportiness and comfort shifts the emphasis onto performance and driving enjoyment.
The new 440 hp V8 4.7 engine, with a maximum torque of 490 Nm at 4750 rpm, electro-actuated gearbox with fast MC Shift, Transaxle layout, sporty exhaust and brakes made with dual-cast technology make the GranTurismo S the new flagship for Maserati sporting flair, with acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds and a maximum speed of 295 km/h, the highest ever reached by a production Maserati.
 The compact and lightweight 4.7 litre V8 engine develops maximum power output of 440 hp at 7,000 rpm and peak torque of 490 Nm at 4,750 rpm, and ensures high specific power output and more torque at lower speeds as well, without affecting the capacity to up the revs quickly, typical of racing engines. The increase in power output and torque has not affected the versatility of the power unit, which continues to be readily harnessed even during everyday use. It sounds deep and throaty, but the exhaust valve pneumatic control can also be activated to make it discrete.
An electro-actuated 6-speed gearbox is paired with the 4.7 litre V8 engine, and has MC-Shift software which harnesses the new engine’s power output, ensuring new unbeatable gearshift performance in terms of the whole sports car range.
 The gearshift solution known as MC-Shift is the most important innovation of the electro-actuated system on the Maserati GranTurismo S: this includes management software and special hardware components which give top performance in terms of gearshift times.
In conventional electro-actuated systems the three shift phases (cut in torque and opening of clutch; gear disengagement, selection and engagement; closing of clutch and restoration of torque) are carried out sequentially.
On the Maserati GranTurismo S the shift phases are partially overlapped: gear disengagement and engagement take place in advance of clutch opening and closing; this means that the shift time, interpreted and calculated as the break in acceleration, drops to 100 ms, whilst the single gear engagement phase reduces to 40 ms.
 The fast MC-Shift is available only when shifting up and in Manual Sport mode, provided that the transmission control unit recognises when given parameters relating to engine and transmission temperature are achieved: the quick shift is possible above 5500 rpm and with the throttle at 80%.
Once these parameters have been achieved, the system enables fast shift and warns the driver through the MC-S indicator on the dashboard display, which lights up and stays on.
The engine and gearbox on the Maserati GranTurismo S are arranged in the Transaxle layout, typical of high-performance sports cars and representing the technological DNA of Maseratis. The front-mounted engine, and the gearbox, located to the rear, are rigidly connected by a tubular element containing the driveshaft. This solution gives excellent weight distribution, 47% over the front axle and 53% over the rear axle, which translates into excellent dynamics and top performance.
 Looking through the spokes of the new 20” rims on the GranTurismo S you can see the high-performance brake system developed in collaboration with Brembo.
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.
This technology, introduced for the first time in the automotive field on the Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT S, optimises the braking system’s performance, by emphasising pedal feel and increasing fatigue-resistance in the most extreme conditions.
At the wheel, the Maserati GranTurismo S is more rigid and compact, thanks to the suspension layout developed specifically to support the new weight distribution. Vehicle roll has been reduced significantly as a result of the modified springs, bars and dampers, and this has benefited handling and performance.
On the outside the Maserati GranTurismo S is distinguished by a number of aesthetic modifications that, although discrete, are highly effective and serve to make the car body appear even sportier without abandoning the sleekness of the lines masterfully designed by Pininfarina. The integrated spoiler in the boot lid and the new-design side skirts help to improve the flows around the car. On top of that, the Maserati GranTurismo S boasts new specially designed 20” rims, which resemble the Trident, Maserati’s symbol.
 The sporty look is complemented by the generously proportioned oval-section exhaust tailpipes. The radiator grille and headlight casings are black, while the Trident on the grille and the oval badge below the hood are embossed in red, in true Maserati racing tradition.
The interior upholstered in Poltrona Frau leather and Alcantara (used for the steering wheel and centre of the seat with the option to extend to the whole of the headlining) reflect the sporty flair of the Maserati GranTurismo S; the front and rear seats are distinguished by their new dynamic design with horizontal piping on the seats and seatbacks.
As an alternative to the standard leather/Alcantara, trim classic interiors are available in all Poltrona Frau leather, or in full-grain Pekary leather with a sporty and more refined look.
Text and photos courtesy of Maserati
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| MASERATI presents the 'Quattroporte Sport GT S' |
 The new Quattroporte Sport GT S was launched in a world premiere at the Frankfurt Motorshow in September 2007.
The car is the ultimate sporting expression of Maserati's flagship model.
Developed for those looking for an even sportier ride from a luxury berlina, the Quattroporte Sport GT S, equipped with an automatic 6-speed gearbox, stands out for its exceptional dynamic response and precise handling.
This result was obtained with the introduction of a single-calibration suspension system and a racing set up. The ride was stiffened by fitting new springs and dampers and by lowering the front end by 10mm and the rear by 25mm.
The Quattroporte Sport GT S boasts a unique braking system developed in collaboration with Brembo. This innovative technology uses composite cross-drilled discs, the first time such a set up has been employed on a road car.
Unlike traditional cast iron discs, composite cross-drilled discs are constructed from two materials, cast iron and aluminium. This optimises braking, improving performance in the most extreme conditions and providing greater resistance to fade even at the highest temperatures. The braking system on the Quattroporte Sport GT S employs new single-piece, six-piston callipers in the front and has tyres developed especially for this car (front 245/35-R20 and rear 295/30-R20). These larger tyres provide improved traction while the new tyre compound works with the brakes and suspension set-up to assure even better handling and a more involving drive.
The exterior of the Quattroporte Sport GT S has a distinctive and assertive look. The black chrome mesh grille is an element that distinguishes this sporting version of the Maserati Quattroporte. This design cue is echoed by the black coloured window frames and twin exhaust pipes and by the body coloured door handles.
The Quattroporte Sport GT S is fitted with eye-catching Dark Chrome 20-inch, seven-spoked alloy wheels.
Even the choice of material for the interior of the Quattroporte Sport GT S reflects the car's dynamic character. Traditional Poltrona Frau leather has been combined with the Alcantara that covers the centre of the seats, door panels and the boss of the steering wheel. Maserati has previously used Alcantara for the interior of the competition versions of the Trofeo and the MC12.
The instrument panel is in carbon fibre with a new aluminium weave design. In the rear, comfort levels have been improved with the new, more body-hugging seats.
Text and photos courtesy of Maserati
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Quattroporte Sport GT S |
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Quattroporte Sport GT S |
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| MASERATI presents the 'GranTurismo' |
 The brand-new, long-awaited Maserati GranTurismo, styled by Pininfarina, made 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 a maximum torque of 460 Nm at 4,750 rpm, of which 75% is already achievable at 2,500 revs. Its maximum speed is 285 kph, and it accelerates from 0-100 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 optional.
 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 the 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 color combinations available
The key words that describe the interior style are: modernity, elegance, craftsmanship, sportiness, liveability.
The interior is divided longitudinally by the center 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 Frauâ 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 Frauâ 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 cozy 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 traveling 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.
 
The 1947 A6 1500 GranTurismo and the 1954 A6GCS Berlinetta by Pinin Farina
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 customized in two different materials and four different colours.
Text and photos courtesy of Maserati
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Original Pininfarina design sketches |
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| MASERATI presents the 'Quattroporte Automatic' |
 Maserati opens 2007 with a significant product development and even more varied product range, allowing for a wider client reach and increase in sales volumes.
With a view to varying its range even further, Maserati is about to launch the new Quattroporte Automatic alongside the current Quattroporte fitted with the DuoSelect gearbox.
The name, Quattroporte Automatic, describes the car's main innovation. The new hydraulic 6-speed transmission, a result of the collaboration between Maserati and ZF, is entirely new and has been designed to guarantee fluid gear changes and exceptional 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.
 The current Quattroporte has a transaxle layout, and it has been impossible to fit an automatic gearbox at the rear of the car, so Maserati has re-engineered the floor pan to fit the gear box and its torque converter in the conventional front position. The redesign and addition of a torque converter has caused the weight balance of the Quattroporte to shift from the rear-biased 47/53 to a more neutral 49/51.
The international press was given a preview of the Quattroporte Automatic at the Detroit Motor Show, and the car will be on sale worldwide from January.
Launched in 2003, the Quattroporte immediately grabbed the attention of the media and car enthusiasts alike, thanks to its sophisticated, elegant design, content and performance-enhancing technology. The car has even created a new market segment for luxury sport sedans, and is the archetype of a category that is now being explored by other prestigious names in the car industry. Since 2003, the Quattroporte has received 28 awards from the world's press: a tangible sign of its popularity in the motor industry and with the public.
 The new range is also enriched by new options: two new colours are presented for the body (Granite Grey and Ocean Blue) and a new type of wood, Tanganyika, while the interior now can be ordered in a two tone colour scheme.
The Quattroporte Automatic seals the worldwide success of the Quattroporte:
- 9000 units sold to date, a record setting car for Maserati;
- 28 awards in the three years since its debut;
- Over 90% sales increase in North America in 2005, with volumes maintained in 2006;
- A car which returned a 2.5 million dollar winning bid at auction in November 2006 (Reach Out to Asia) benefiting school children in the Middle East and Asia.
Text and photos courtesy of Maserati
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| | MASERATI presents the GranSport 'Contemporary Classic' |
To celebrate winning the 2005 FIA GT Manufacturers' Cup, and as a tribute to the enormous success enjoyed by the GranSport, the maximum expression of the coupé concept designed by Giugiaro, Maserati launched a limited edition model of the GranSport.
The name 'Contemporary Classic' is inspired by the car’s style, an icon for Italian design which has become an instant classic. It combines excellent dynamic handling with top level comfort.
INTERIOR
 The name 'Contemporary Classic' is inspired by the car’s style, an icon for Italian design which has become an instant classic. It combines excellent dynamic handling with top level comfort.
Elegance matched with sportiness is the key to the Maserati GranSport success: today, with the 'Contemporary Classic' equipment, a full leather interior with stylish piping surrounding seats and dashboard is combined with other chic touches, such as light blue instruments with a vintage look and a full leather steering wheel.
The name 'Contemporary Classic' is inspired by the car’s style, an icon for Italian design which has become an instant classic. It combines excellent dynamic handling with top level comfort.
Four selections of exterior and interior colours are available for the GranSport Contemporary Classic.
Text and photos courtesy of Maserati
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| MASERATI presents the Quattroporte and Quattroporte Executive GT |
 The new Pininfarina-designed Maserati Quattroporte is a modern take on the idea that inspired the very first Quattroporte, combining genuine sportiness with space and comfort in typically sophisticated Maserati style. The Quattroporte meets the needs of drivers today in the same breathtaking way that the Frua-designed version did in 1963, offering its own inimitable style, a sophisticated interior awash with full-grain leather and deluxe wood, and the kind of fiery temperament scarcely hinted at by an elegantly
discreet exterior. The Quattroporte's design has revolutionised the classic executive saloon architecture too, thanks to the positioning of the engine behind the front axle and the adoption of the sports-derived Transaxle transmission in which the rear-mounted gearbox is in unit with the differential. The result is perfect weight distribution for
maximum efficiency.
There are now two other versions of the Quattroporte available in addition to the original model: the new Executive GT and Sport GT. The Executive GT is the Italian flagship saloon at its most exclusive. The Quattroporte's already sumptous interior is given a further layer of sophistication and comfort that only enhances its flawlessly elegant design.
The Quattroporte Sport GT on the other hand sets itself apart thanks to its style and technological content.
The Quattroporte has a natural power of attraction, which derives from its blend of muscularity and beauty. A vivid demonstration of this power was the sale organised by Neiman Marcus of a batch of sixty Quattroportes. The entire batch sold out within thirty-six minutes.
Text and photos courtesy of Maserati |
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| The Quattroporte Sport GT |
 The Sport GT version puts the emphasis on Quattroporte's sporty soul by enhancing its dynamic performance. Twenty inch wheels, a grille inspired by the sports cars of the past and a series of small but significant modifications mean that this version really does deliver the thoroughbred sports car-style driving pleasure and performance.
A significant contribution to performance is made by the gearbox, which is controlled by software with a distinctively sporty character, lowering gearchange times by 35% in Sport mode.
Even the way the car behaves on the road is different: it is a sharper drive, with cornering grip scarcely imaginable in a large saloon, thanks to different suspension settings and and the twenty inch wheels.
The interior is designed to express and emphasise these concepts. The colour-scheme is rigorously monochrome, and offers the driver maximum functionality.
Text and photos courtesy of Maserati |
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