Maserati Reveals the Granturismo

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Maserati has taken the wraps of the Maserati GranTurismo at the Geneva Motor Show today (6 March 2007), the latest in a long line of legendary performance cars from he renowned Italian car maker.

Set for an Australian and New Zealand launch in early 2008, the Pininfaria-styled muscular Maserati GranTurismo is suitable for everyday use, offering a remarkable blend of excellent handling, performance and a thrilling driving experience with comfort and luxury in a car that provides a unique level of exclusivity.

As with all Maseratis, the GranTurismo pays great attention to comfort, materials and details, and it is a true four seater, all in the unique Maserati style. A high-performance sports car, that is exciting to drive, it has a V8 4.2 engine with 405 bhp 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 per cent on the front, 51 per cent at the rear. The six speed gearbox is automatic with fully adaptive software which adjusts the gearchanges to the driving style and conditions. Generously proportioned, the Maserati GranTurismo 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 Maserati GranTurismo cocoons its occupants in an in interior that is as visually captivating as it is comfortable and luxurious. This is achieved through a blend of design, careful attention to details and the selection of the highest quality materials, all brought together with traditional craftmanshift.

Once seated, the Maserati GranTurismo does not disappoint. The ample exterior dimensions are matched internally, guaranteeing all four occupants maximum comfort on short or long journeys.

The Maserati GranTurismo design has a strong visual impact, intended to outshine its rivals in a car that is truly different:

* 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, remaining 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 grand 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 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 low in the cockpit.

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 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 steerable headlight 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 lights.

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 Automatic, which arrives in Australia and New Zealand this month in Quattroporte, Quattroporte Sport GT and Quattroporte Executive GT varients.

The Maserati GranTurismo will go on sale in Australia and New Zealand early in 2008, when pices and specifications will be announced.

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 in any travel situation, the five-piece set gives 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.

EUROPEAN DEBUT FOR THE QUATTROPORTE AUTOMATIC

Maserati opened 2007 with a significant product development presenting the Quattroporte Automatic, car that defines the spirit of the Italian flagship, and adds to the extraordinary design by Pininfarina an important development, indicated by the name itself: a completely new ZF hydraulic six-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 emphasizes 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 oiling system instead of a dry sump, and the blue cylinder casing makes it instantly recognizable. 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 Automatic, 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-fiber finish, 20’’ alloy wheel rims, aluminum pedals, dedicated to customers that focus on driving comfort.

Also on the stand is the GranSport, the car for those who are looking for aggressive 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 per cent 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 per cent 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 program for Quattroporte cars sold back to concessionaires by customers when purchasing a Quattroporte DuoSelect 2007 or Quattroporte Automatic.

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 2007 Quattroporte. The “Maserati Engineering Certified” program will significantly increase the quality and market value of the used Quattroporte cars.

With the “Maserati Engineering Certified” program, Maserati is clearly investing in its own cars, guaranteeing Trident customers the best Maserati quality for both new and used vehicles.

This programme is presently being rolled out in Australia and New Zealand.

FROM FANGIO TO THE PRESENT DAY — THE SPORTING SUCCESSES CONTINUE

This is a big year for Maserati — a year of important anniversaries not only for the standard production cars such as the 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 250F. 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, should be remembered that the road-going MC12 was derived directly 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.

ENDS

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