Archive for March, 2011
Via Autoblog: Maserati Quattroporte Replacement Coming to Frankfurt
Mar 24th
It’s been around for some time now, but the Maserati Quattroporte is still one of the best looking, sounding, and driving sedans on the planet. The competition is only getting more and more fierce, though, with the likes of the Porsche Panamera and the Aston Martin Rapide fighting for the same buyers as the Quattroporte.
Autoblog is reporting that we should see the replacement for the long-in-the-tooth Quattroporte later this year at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Expect to see styling that echoes the design language used on the current GranTurismo and GranTurismo Convertible, as well as a more powerful and more fuel efficient version of the 4.7L V8 currently used in the Quattroporte S (the 4.2L is being phased out later this year), as well as an all-wheel drive option. There is also a possibility that the base powerplant could be an all-new turbocharged V6, though nothing has yet been confirmed.
Head on over to Autoblog to read what they had to say.
Stay tuned to our blog for more information as we get it.
source [Inside Line]
via [Autoblog]
Maserati Debuts GranCabrio Sport at Geneva Motor Show
Mar 5th
Maserati’s GranCabrio (GranTurismo Convertible to us Yanks) was introtuced almost two years ago, and the folks in Modena weren’t satisfied with just one variation of the breed. In order to cater to the more performance-oriented of their clients, they unveiled their new GranCabrio Sport at this year’s Geneva Motor Show.
Separation between the Sport and standard versions of the GranTurismo Convertible are definitely the type that the enthusiast buyer will appreciate – more power from the 4.7L V8 (up to 440hp), a recalibrated Skyhook suspension system optimised for more grip and sharper handling, upgraded MC Shift transmission programming, and improved braking performance courtesy of drilled and slotted brake rotors.
Maserati knew the car had to look fast, too, so the exterior of the car shows a host of changes from the standard car. Most obvious is the new Rosso Trionfale paint work, which Maserati says underlines the car’s “athletic soul.” Also new are the 20″ Astro-design wheels (available in two finishes), headlamps with white turn indicators, and shadowline body trim that replaces the previous chrome accents. Two new colors of leather are also available to accent the new front seats.
Head on over to Maserati’s new minisite to get all of the info.
source [Maserati]
Rendered Speculation: Bentley looking to expand with entry coupe, crossover? (from Autoblog)
Mar 4th
It’s no secret that Bentley’s sales have lagged a bit in the past couple of years. To combat that decline, the folks in Crewe have put a great deal of focus into strengthening their line-up with cars like the Continental Supersports, the Mulsanne, and the soon-to-be-released 2012 Continental GT. It looks like they aren’t going to stop there, however. Nothing has been confirmed yet, but we may see something along the lines of a Mercedes CLS competitor, as well as a crossover to fight the likes of the Porsche Cayenne and Maserati’s upcoming SUV.
Here’s what Autoblog had to say:
Rumors continue to swirl that incoming Bentley boss Wolfgang Dürheimer, who previously served as head of research and development at Porsche, is looking long and hard at how to expand the luxury marque’s product line. Considering Dürheimer’s experience making magic happen at Porsche, it seems likely that Bentley would tap into the platform used for the Panamera sedan, and that’s exactly what the blokes from Auto Express are suggesting.
The first new model may be an ultra-luxe machine that would fit into the burgeoning four-door-coupe segment. If so, expect a price tag in the mid-$250,000 range and engine choices ranging from the tried-and-true W12 to a new turbocharged 4.0-liter V8.
Those powertrains may also find their way into the engine bay of a Bentley crossover, says Auto Express. As much as some may protest, a Porsche Cayenne-based Bentley with a price near the $200K mark would seem a very real possibility… as would an optional diesel engine, which would be new territory for the brand.
Finally, the long-rumored entry-level (can anything with a $150,000 price tag be called entry-level?) Bentley coupe that would slot below the Continental GT is still a talking point. Branching out into any or all of these segments are seen as a way to get back to the 10,000-unit peak sales year of 2007, as compared to just 4,616 units in 2009.
Head on over to Auto Express to see some rendered speculation on what these vehicles could potentially look like.
via [Autoblog]
source [Auto Express]