Maserati’s GranTurismo S Automatic awaited debut came to an end today in Geneva. The Italian car manufacturer presented the GranTurismo S Automatic with its latest technological features and design elements meant for improved performance and killer looks. So the two pedal version of the GranTurismo has a 4.7 liter V8 that produces 440 hp at 7000 rpm and is equipped with a ZF 6-speed automatic gearbox able to change gears in a lightning fast manner and Skyhook suspension that continuously variates the damper rates. As for those design element mentioned earlier, they include the 20 inch wheel rims with the new "Trident" style and new under-door mini-skirts.
Maserati press release:
Together with the new Quattroporte Sport GT S making its European première, this is Maserati’s second new model of the year marking the 70th anniversary of its first Indianapolis 500 win
Modena, March 3rd, 2009 – True to Maserati’s commitment to introduce a new model at each international car show, the GranTurismo S Automatic premières at the Geneva Auto Show. The new Maserati GranTurismo S Automatic features a 4.7 V8 engine which develops 440 HP (323kW) at 7000 rpm. The maximum torque is 490Nm at 4.750 rpm.
The principal content is the combination of the automatic transmission with the most powerful wet sump Maserati V8 on the GranTurismo – until now offered as 4.2 l with automatic transmission and 4.7 l with an electro-actuated gearbox. Thanks to the combination of the 440 HP (323kW) produced by the powerful 4.7 l V8 engine and the smoothness of the ZF 6-speed automatic gearbox, the Maserati GranTurismo S Automaticstresses the original granturismo concept while at the same time offering peak performance.
The Skyhook suspension system featuring continuously adjustable dampers provides great driving comfort. Passive safety is further enhanced thanks to the introduction on the GranTurismo range of a new generation of passenger air-bag with Low Risk Deployment functionality.
Consistently with the unmistakable design of all Maseratis, the Maserati GranTurismo S Automatic features some discreet yet marked stylistic changes which make it immediately recognizable: the new under-door mini-skirts featuring a prominent shape, which enhances the dynamism of its profile and the new 20" wheel rims (standard) with the brand new "Trident" design featuring spokes that distinctly reflect the Trident shape to create a mix of strength and elegance.
A further enriched equipment increases the on board pleasure for the driver and the passengers, thanks to the Bluetooth® Technology, offered as standard, and the Ipod® interface, available upon request, which complete the Maserati Multi Media System.
The New Quattroporte Sport GT S Debuts in Europe
The new Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT S making its European première at the Geneva Auto Show sets yet another milestone in terms of sportiness in the high performance luxury sport sedan segment. Conceived and developed as a real driving machine in the guise of a luxury sedan, the Quattroporte Sport GT S is the ultimate expression of Maserati’s sportiness in the Quattroporte range.
The technical changes to the new Quattroporte Sport GT S compared to the Quattroporte S concern four areas:
– the mapping of the V8 4.7 l engine, with power increased to 440 HP (323kW);
– the gearshift management software, with new features designed to increase driving enjoyment;
– the front and rear suspension system featuring single-rate dampers, stiffer springs and lower ride height;
– the sport exhaust controlled by pneumatic valves for a deep, throaty and captivating sound.
The sportier and more aggressive look is evident in virtue if the interior’s and exterior’s stylistic choices:
– the new black grille with concave vertical fins featuring the Trident logo with red accents, typical of the sportier versions of Maserati models;
– the new headlights, in metallic titanium finish;
– the new sporty M-design seats with Alcantara® and leather upholstery;
– the standard trim in Titantex, a "titanium colored" composite material.
Maserati Racing Legacy
The racetrack is where the name Maserati first became enduring and where we today continue to draw our philosophy: a well balanced car capable of great feedback to the driver.
Seventy years ago, with the 8-cylinder car known as the "Boyle Special", Maserati clinched the first of its two triumphs in the Indianapolis 500, the famous race notoriously lacking in satisfaction for the European Constructors. With the two consecutive successes of 1939 and 1940, Maserati was the first car manufacturer to win twice in a row at Indianapolis, one of the very few European manufacturers to succeed (twice!) in the effort and the only Italian brand ever to have triumphed on the Indiana oval track.
The racetrack also continues to be the stage where Maserati collects international trophies – with both Drivers and Teams FIA GT titles clinched in 2008 by Maserati’s MC12 to make 10 the total of FIA international titles the Maserati V12 GT car has collected over the last four racing seasons.
In the course of the 2008 racing season Maserati clinched the third win in four years at the legendary 24-Hours of Spa race, placing three MC12s in the first four positions of the final standing. The triumph in Belgium is the ultimate evidence of Maserati’s reliability that originates on the racetrack but translates into the quality and consistency of Maserati’s entire product range.
The ten international trophies collected in the FIA GT championship since 2005 at the wheel of a Maserati MC12 are:
– 2 Manufacturers Cup (in 2005 and 2007);
– 3 Drivers titles (Bertolini-Bartels in 2006, Thomas Biagi in 2007, Bertolini-Bartels in 2008);
– 4 Teams titles (since 2005 with no interruption, always with the Vitaphone Racing Team);
– 1 Citation Cup in 2007 with the gentleman driver Ben Aucott.
MC Sport Line Customization Program
Focusing on its racing vocation and fresh from its latest international triumph in the FIA GT championship, Maserati has developed a special series of new customization options named "MC Sport Line", which made its worldwide debut at the Bologna Motor Show in Italy in early December.
The new contents of the MC Sport Line add to Maserati’s already extensive range of personalized features on offer. The MC Sport Line is designed to enhance the sporty DNA of Maserati vehicles for those customers who like to display their passion for racing through a dynamic look and a choice of technical solutions that increase the driving fun without compromises.
The name "MC Sport Line" sums up the experience acquired on the track by the Maserati Corse department, whose contribution to the design of the functional components has been invaluable. The world of motor racing also inspired Maserati’s designers when it came to styling, hence the extensive use of carbon fiber, very popular among racing enthusiasts thanks to its direct connection with racing competitions.
Maserati and the Environment
Maserati has implemented a development plan for the next 5 years designed to reduce consumption and CO2 emissions, and to protect the environment.
The designs of recent models have already led to considerable fuel savings. From 2005 onwards, consumption for the Quattroporte has been reduced by more than 20% overall (NEDC combined cycle). The CO2 reduction, compared to the previous Gran Sport model, is 10% for the GranTurismo (NEDC extra-urban cycle).
On the new Quattroporte S with its 4.7 engine, exhaust/evap emissions and fuel consumption have been aligned with future Euro 5 regulations for Europe and LEV2 standards for the USA, partly thanks to the adoption of an innovative metallic matrix catalyzer with perforated sheets (Turbulent PE Catalyst), which is both permeable and reliable but does not affect performance. The use of this solution has evened out the distribution of pollutant particles, reduced pressure, improved resistance to high temperatures and the transfer of gases.
Maserati also uses environmentally-friendly, easily recyclable materials made from natural substances, especially for the parts of the interior, which are most in contact with the driver and passengers (natural textile fibers, wood and leather).
Maserati cars are mindful of the "design for recycling" concept, which is centered around making cars easy to dismantle at the end of their lives, so that materials can be identified and separated for re-use.
2008 Facts and Figures
By all degrees, Maserati’s 2008 was the most successful year to date. Despite the poor general economic situation and deep crisis that has struck the automotive industry since the beginning of the year (-25% in the Quattroporte reference segment and -20% in the Granturismo), 2008 was for Maserati the second consecutive record year. Deliveries to the final customers have totaled almost 8,586 units, which is the all-time best result, with an increase of almost 17% over 2007. What is more, Maserati’s sales were up in all markets across the world – including the United States of America.
Despite the troubled times experienced by the US economy, North America (US and Canada) remains Maserati’s largest market worldwide. The order in which the other markets follow is both familiar and consolidated, as to state that Maserati’s presence in these markets is an established one: Italy is in second place, the United Kingdom in third, Germany in fourth, Japan in fifth. Five markets, three continents for a truly global Maserati presence. In sixth place there is France, followed by Switzerland, China, Australia, UAE, Hong Kong.
In 2008, Maserati’s revenues totaled ¿825 million, up 18.9% compared to 2007.
The result of ordinary activities for 2008 was ¿72 million (8.7% of revenues), with a sharp improvement (+ ¿48 million) compared to the previous year’s result of ¿24 million (3.5% of revenues), thanks to the increase in volumes and cost efficiencies achieved.
In the fourth quarter of 2008, Maserati’s revenues amounted to ¿229 million, up 9.6% compared to the same period of the previous year. The result from ordinary activities was ¿41 million, an increase compared to the ¿18 million in the same period of 2007, thanks to a mix of favorable sales and strong cost containment measures.
