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Maserati Triumphs in Bucharest

Bertolini/Piccini performed brilliantly in the third round of the FIA GT championship. The race was held in rainy conditions on the city circuit of Bucharest. It was fine result, one topped off by the third place taken by Ramos/Montanari and Biagi/Gollin in sixth. This allowed Maserati to move to the top of the Constructors’ standings.

For the full story, click here.

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Maserati’s Video Podcast offers a new way of keeping up to date with the GranTurimso and all the other Trident news.

Maserati opens a new channel of video communication for its clients and fans: the Video Podcast.

Joining the Maserati Video Podcast is rather like becoming a subscriber to a magazine: the contents appear on your computer and you can choose to watch, save or transfer them to a portable reader. The Video Podcast allows the automatic download of video and audio files using free software. A selection of the most widely available software for use with podcasts is listed below.

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Zagato Bodied GranSport Spyder

Zagato has a long history of crafting beautiful bodies for Maserati cars, with the A6G\2000 being their most famous.

(From the Zagato Press Release)
One year after the presentation of the Ferrari 575GTZ, Zagato returns to Villa d’Este with a world preview for fans of Italian sports sedans: the Maserati GS Zagato.

In the most classic traditions of exclusive collections that inspired the creativity of car designers in the ’50s and ’60s, Paolo Boffi, well-known entrepreneur in the furnishing and luxury design sector, has commissioned from Zagato a customised look for his Maserati GS Spyder.

Zagato proposes a line that evoked the historical Maserati A6 G Zagato of 1954: one of the most beautiful Italian sedans ever built, and nowadays at the top of every collector’s wish list.

The Maserati GS Zagato, like its celebrated ancestor, has all-aluminium bodywork and bears the Trident on the bonnet and the Z on the wing, expressing eternal Italian excellence in its shape and its content. A winning combination that matches powerful and reliable mechanics, with an elegant and
and sports style, both rigorously Made in Italy.

For purists of the compact coupé, afficionados of the Milano-based brand, it is a two-volume, two-seater, hatchback with a streamlined profile and a neat tail. The wheelbase is 180mm shorter, a spin-off from the Spyder, provides excellent handling and stability on curves, with extraordinary torsional rigidity.

In homage to the tradition of the gentlemen drivers who asked Zagato to transform the bodywork of their cars, modern collectors choose mechanics at the top level of technical evolution and ‘dress’ them in tailor-made garments that increase in value as time passes.

This is the mission of a modern automobile atelier: to create timeless objects that celebrate prestigious models and brands and which, unlike mass produced vehicles, are destined to last for ever.

Zagato, born in 1919 as an atelier for automobiles and planes, has put its signature on all the most important mechanics of the last century, earning the opportunity to create, every time, an “instant classic”.

Zagato’s strengths lie in the concept of sports-style elegance, a functional design that does not bow to momentary fashions but seeks out the excitement and pleasure of driving, and in the precious aluminium bodywork, a value recognised everywhere.

The Maserati GS Zagato will be on show at the Concours d’Elegance Villa d’Este, to be held in Cernobbio (Italy) 20 -22 April 2007.


Gran Turismo History and DNA


“In a time when car races had only one formula, Maserati began using the same engines for the open road.
The GranTurismo was born.”

The history of Maserati spans 90+ years, two world wars, eight ownership groups (including the Italian government); racing glory followed by heartbreak and glory once again; nearly being run into the ground by Argentinian playboy DeTomaso, before finally re-emerging into world-wide glory once again. The story of Maserati’s mass production GT cars begins shortly before World War two, with none other than Ernesto Maserati, one of the founding Maserati brothers. At this point in time the brothers had sold their shares of the company to the Osri family, who relocated the factory from Bologna to their hometown of Modena. Alfieri Maserati died in 1932, but three of the remaining brothers; Bindo, Ernesto, and Ettore continued on in their engineering roles with the company.

The original A6 was the brainchild of Ernesto Maserati, who wanted to put their compact 1.5 liter inline-six engine from the 6CM into a sporty road car with the manners of a daily-driver automobile. The project was given low priority while Maserati concentrated on building their 6CM race car with and their new 1.5L supercharged inline-six engine. The 6CM dominated racing in the “Voiturette” racing class for cars up to 1500cc between 1936 and 1939. Towards the end of 1939 Maserati began toying with a naturally aspirated engine, but then war descended over Europe and car building and racing were put on hold.

After World War II, the return to racing was a slow process. The roads and permanent tracks like Monza were in poor condition, and so temporary circuits were put into use. These circuits were better suited to the Sports Car racing class, rather than the more costly and sophisticated single-seater race cars. In 1946 the Italian Sports Car Commission sought to simplify the racing classes, and divided them into three categories: Touring, Sports Car, and Grand Prix (later subdivided into Formula 1 and Formula 2). Each category was subdivided into engine classes, and superchargers were banned.

In early 1946 Maserati first used the engine known as the A6TR (Testa Riportata) in a Barchetta, in a collaboration between Ernesto Maserati and engineer Alberto Massimino for a loyal customer. The car started the model line that would be known as the A6, constructed in both Touring and Race form. The Barchetta prototype was officially named the ‘6CS/46’, but was more commonly known as the ‘A6 Sport’. The car had a short racing career, but in 1947 Guido Barbieri won the Italian title for the 1500cc class driving an A6 Sport.

Ernesto Maserati, now technical director for the ‘House of the Trident’ decided that the A6TR engine would power a production road car rather than a race car. At the Geneva Motorshow in 1947, Maserati unveiled the A6 as a two-door Berlinetta, designed by Pinin Farina. The A6 heralded Maserati’s entry into mass production, while preserving its racing soul. This project also marked the end of the Maserati brothers’ 10 year contract, who left to start the race car company O.S.C.A. back in their hometown of Bologna in 1947.

The 1946 Maserati A6 1500, with coachwork by Pinin Farina. While this car was the first “mass-produced” Maserati, in reality only 61 A6 cars were built between 1947 and 1950.


During this period, Maserati was increasing its push into the Sports Car racing class, with the introduction of the A6GCS, which eventually led to Maserati’s new road car, the A6G. The new car featured a 2 liter straight six engine, and beautiful coachwork by Pinin Farina, Zagato, Frua and Vignale. (A for Alfieri Maserati, 6 for the cylinders, G for Ghisa or cast iron block, CS for Corsa & Sports)

1951 A6G with coachwork by Vignale


1947 A6GCS Series 1


Maserati had limited success in the ‘Sports Car’ class, and brought in Gioacchino Colombo to help turn around their struggling racing program. Colombo designed the 158 engine for the famous Alfa Romeo 158/159 Alfetta F1 car, and later developed Ferrari’s first 12-cylinder engine for use in their racing and road cars. Colombo modernized Maserati’s technical departments, laying the basis for their success through the 1950’s and 60’s.

During this time, the rivalry with Ferrari deepened, and more emphasis was placed on racing than Gran Turismo production. Maserati used the A6GCS for the basis of the new A6GCM race car, to compete in Formula 2 racing. This is the first car Colombo focused on, and after re-working the 6-cylinder engine, and a little work on the suspension and brakes, Maserati had a winning Monoposto by the end of 1952. (A6G + CM Corsa & Monoposto – single seater)

The Maserati A6GCM, an instant success, and the only car capable of challenging the dominance of the Ferrari 500 Formula 2


The A6GCM became the inspiration for the new A6GCS/53, which replaced the aging A6GCS. The incorporation of a World Championship for the Sports Car class of racing in 1953 gave the A6GCS/53 project a big boost. It made its debut at the Tour of Sicily, and showed extraordinary speed and handling capabilities. A long list of drivers had success in National and International racing, most notably Sergio Mantovani, and Luigi Musso who drove 2-liter Maseratis to Italian Championships in 1953 and 1954. (A6GCS + /53 denoting the model year)

All of the 62 A6GCS/53s were fitted with bodies by Medardo Fantuzzi and a few by Celestino Fiandri, with a few exceptions. There were two spyders by Frua and Vignale, and four special Berlinettas and one spyder by Pinin Farina.

The A6GCS Barchetta, with coachwork by Fantuzzi


The A6GCS/53 Berlinetta, with coachwork by Pinin Farina.


This was to be the last Maserati with coachwork design by Pinin Farina, due to Ferrari’s ultimatum of choosing ‘us or them’. Regardless of politics, this car made an impression. The elegant lines created an instant classic, unveiled to the world at Turin’s International Motor Show.

Maserati immediately realized that a hot, noisy, uncomfortable racing-inspired car would appeal to very few buyers. With this in mind, development of the new A6G/54 was focused on creating a Grand Touring car with wider market appeal. The new GT would not yet slow Maserati’s racing program.

At the end of 1953, the International Motor Racing Body raised the maximum engine capacity from 2 liters to 2.5 liters. This resulted in the majority of the 2-liter cars being withdrawn from racing, however many privateer groups continued to race these cars for several years. This change also spawned the creation of the 250F (for Formula 1) and 250S (for sports car). The A6G/54 Coupe also known as the A6G 2000, bodied by Frua and unveiled at the Paris Autoshow in the autumn of 1954. Another 58 cars were produced with bodies by Allemano, Frua, and Zagato.

1957 was an up and down year for Maserati; Juan-Manual Fangio won the 1957 Formula 1 World Championship driving the 250F, while a fatal crash at the ’57 Mille Miglia resulted in the race being banned, and Ferrari being sued. This turn of events resulted in Maserati withdrawing from Factory-sponsored racing, leaving the racing to privateers while concentrating on extraordinarily beautiful and powerful GTs.

Between 1946 and 1957 Maserati built just 137 cars, with a majority dedicated to racing the world’s tracks. In the summer of 1956 Giulio Alfieri began work on the second generation of Maserati inline 6-cylinder automobiles based on the 350S’ 260bhp engine, adapted for day-to-day driving by detuning to 220bhp at 5,500 rpm. The end result was a 3485cc inline 6-cylinder engine, with twin overhead camshafts, 12 inclined valves, a Marelli dual-ignition system, and three twin-choke Weber carburettors mounted to the side. The engine immediately showed its performance mettle delivering excellent torque and power with reassuring reliability.

The styling of the new car, christened the 3500 GT, was entrusted to Carrozzeria Touring of Milan, which opted for a simple shape for the latest status symbol for gentleman of innate good taste and style.

This is a 1964 3500GTI 2+2 coupe


The 3500GT is one of the most important cars in Maserati’s history, with 2226 Coupes and Spyders made over an 8-year period. During this time Allemano, Bertone, Boneschi, Frua, Moretti, and Vignale designed bodies for the 3500, but none achieved the classic lines of the Touring car. In 1959 Maserati unveiled an Alfredo Vignale designed Spyder with a total of 243 examples built between 1960 and 1964. Technical development continued throughout the production run of the 3500, with disc brakes being added in 1960, a five-speed ZF gearbox was offered in 1961, and fuel injection in 1962.

Beginning in 1962 Maserati offered the Vignale designed 3500GTIS, which became known as the Maserati Sebring. The car was based on the 10cm shorter Spyder platform, and sold alongside the 3500GTI. A total of 591 series 1 and 2 Sebrings were sold between 1962 and 1968.

The Maserati Sebring series 1


Following the success of the Maserati Sebring, Maserati unveiled the Mistral designed by Frua at the end of 1963. The Mistral began its life using the same 3.5-liter inline 6-cylinder engine as the 3500GTI, later replaced by a 3.7-liter inline 6, which also found its way into the Sebring Series 2. Towards the end of the production run, the engine was enlarged to 4-liters, making 255bhp. The Mistral was produced between 1964 and 1970, with a total of 828 Coupes and 120 Spyders. With the end of the Mistral run in 1970, the era of the big 6-cylinder Maseratis drew to a close.

The Maserati Mistral


The final car to be launched under Osri control would be the 1967 Maserati Ghibli. This new car debuted at the 1966 Turin Autoshow, and featured a design by Giorgetto Giugiaro. This car was originally sold alongside the Mistral, but later replaced that car and by 1973 1274 Ghiblis were sold, including 125 Spyders. The Ghibli originally featured a 4.7-liter V-8 engine based on the 450S racecar’s power-plant, and made 330bhp. Later on in the Ghibli SS, the V-8 was enlarged to 5-liters, and made 335hp.

The Maserati Ghibli.


In 1968 Maserati was sold to Citroen, with new models and increased production numbers. These new models included the mid-engined Bora and Merak, as well as the Khamsin which replaced the Ghibli.

The Khamsin was a 2+2 coupe designed by Bertone and unveiled at the 1972 Torino Autoshow, going into full production in 1974. The Khamsin was powered by the 5-liter V-8 engine, which produced 320bhp and 354lb-ft of torque with a five-speed ZF transmission. Between 1973 and 1982 only 435 of the mighty Khamsins made it into production.

Unfortunately the 1973 oil-crisis put the brakes on Maserati’s now ambitious expansion. In 1974 Citroen went bankrupt, and the PSA Peugeot Citroen group put Maserati up for liquidation in 1975. Italian government funds kept the company alive until Alessandro De Tomaso arranged for Benelli motorcycles, a company he controlled, to purchase Maserati and install him as head. In 1976 new models were introduced, including the Kyalami and the Quattroporte III.

The Maserati Kyalami: 155 produced between 1976 and 1983. Originally offered with a 4.2-liter V-8, and later a 4.9-liter V-8.


Maserati followed these cars up with the BiTurbo, Shamal, and Ghibli II. The Ghibli II was a two-door 2+2 coupe, with a 2.0-liter V6 BiTurbo engine, followed by a 2.8-liter V6 BiTurbo in 1994. The Ghibli II was built until 1997, when it was replaced by the 3200 GT.

The Ghibli II, based on the Shamal


In 1984 Chrysler, run by DeTomaso’s friend Lee Lacocca bought a 15.6% stake in Maserati, and they jointly released the Chrysler TC by Maserati. This car was essentially a shortened Dodge Daytona, although most people considered the car an overpriced LeBaron and it was cancelled in 1991.

In 1989 Fiat bought a 49% stake in Maserati, as well as a 51% stake in Maserati Milano where the cars were assembled. The early 90’s were a period of disarray for Maserati, with the BiTurbo showing its age, and Maserati’s increasingly demanding customers’ needs were no longer being met by it. On top of this, DeTomaso fell seriously ill, and on May 19,1993 was forced to sell his remaining 51% share in Maserati to Fiat.

In 1997 Fiat sold 50% of Maserati to Ferrari, whom it also owns, and two Italian automakers that had been in direct competition for so many years were now partners. Ferrari inherited two models in production; the Ghibli II, and the Quattroporte III based on the Ghibli II platform. They also inherited the 3200GT in it’s development phase.

At the Paris Autoshow in 1998 the new 3200GT was unveiled to the public, and was an instant hit. The Giorgetto Giugiaro body and BiTurbo V8 launched the car into showrooms in the Spring of 1999, the same year Ferrari took full control of Maserati. This new car launched Maserati into the new Millenium and completely did away with the rather square form of DeTomaso’s years. A new factory was built, becoming one of the most modern in the world.

The Maserati 3200GT, with distinct hood vents and ‘boomerang’ rear tail-lights. 4795 cars were built between 1999 and 2001.


Production of the 3200GT was ended in 2001, for two reasons: The engine needed to be updated in line with modern pollution control laws, and it was time for Maserati to re-enter the United States market.

The Maserati technicians with a little help from their friends at Ferrari created an Aluminum 4.2-liter V-8 engine. The Giugiaro design was refreshed and paired with this new V-8, and had its world debut at the 2002 Detroit Autoshow. The Coupe was followed by the Spyder, and later by the GranSport and GranSport Spyder, with production lasting until late 2006.

And the rest they say, is history.

Want to know more about the history of Maserati? Here are some great links:
http://www.maserati-alfieri.co.uk – Enrico’s Maserati Pages. One of the best sources for Maserati history I’ve come across.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maserati
http://www.maseratilife.com – Enthusiast forums

GranTurismo Autoshow Round-up


The new Maserati GranTurismo stole both the Geneva and New York Autoshows in 2007. For a complete gallery of almost 100 pictures, click here.

Pictures sourced from autoblog.com, italiaspeed.com.

GranTurismo is back!


Modena – February 20th, 2007. The new Maserati GranTurismo, styled by Pininfarina, makes its worldwide debut at the Geneva Motorshow.

The Maserati GranTurismo is a muscular and sporty car, that can be enjoyed every day and at the same time is engaging for the driver. Its excellent handling and sportiness makes it a point of reference in its category. The Maserati GranTurismo is built with particular attention to comfort, choice of materials and details, and with enough room for four people, as only Maserati can do.

The new Maserati GranTurismo is a high-performance sports car, exciting to drive with a 4.2 liter V8 engine, delivering 405hp, and a weight distribution of 49% front and 51% to the rear. It is fitted with an automatic gearbox and equipped with an adaptive control system which adjusts the gear-shifting mode to the driving style and the driving conditions.

Maserati’s tradition of the Gran Turismo concept dates back to 1947 when the Trident company, following its’ client demand, unveiled its first Gran Turismo, the A6, at the Geneva Motorshow. Like today, the A6 was designed by Pinin Farina, and was the first Maserati road car, with 58 total units produced. The car was acclaimed by the automotive press for its advanced technical content and its avant-garde style solutions.

The new model name – Maserati Granturismo – is not incidental. Once again, the partnership between Maserati and Pininfarina gives birth to a car that is able to generate emotions and sets itself apart from competitors, due to the techniques with which it is built and its unique style.

The new Maserati GranTurismo represents a further step towards the completion of the Trident product range, following the worldwide launch of the Quattroporte Automatic at the 2007 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

2007 is going to be a big year!

Between the just released 2007 Maserati Quattroporte Automatic, increased sales targets, a full schedule of in-store events, fund raisers, car shows, driving events, and important partnerships with local and national organizations, 2007 will be a busy and exciting year.

The Quattroporte Automatic is already a big hit. We’ve already put 250+ miles on the car in the last week, and the response has been amazing. It’s definitely established itself as the executive sedan to have, but the DuoSelects aren’t being ignored either. We’ve had a few people that drove the paddle-shifted F1 style Quattroporte again, and with a little encouragement, have learned more of its intricacies and appreciate the unique sports car performance in a four door sedan.

Maserati North America is so confident in our market and our dealership that we are targeting sales increases of about 40% over last year. The Minneapolis St Paul marketplace is one overlooked by many high-end manufacturers, sports-car companies, and many large market companies, but with the arrival of Maserati, and projects we are working on, many exotic car companies are taking another look at what the upper midwest has to offer.

It’s an exciting time to be a car enthusiast in Minneapolis and St Paul.

Over the last two years, we’ve worked hard to forge relationships with both local and national car enthusiasts, and we look forward to another exciting year. Two weeks ago we did the midwinter chill-out with Wheels of Italy, and the Ferrari Club of America, Minnesota chapter. We have several events coming soon, including spring drives, track events, and of course the annual Wheels of Italy car show, coming in August.

I want to take a moment to highlight the MaseratiLife.com forums. If you’re a Maserati owner, in the market, or just want to learn more about the cars, it’s the place to go for information and to share your passion for Maserati. We joined the forums about two years ago when we started selling Maseratis, to learn more about the cars. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the members, sharing our Maserati experiences, and helping any way I could. Many of these owners came from owning other cars, and have honest information about what to expect with a Maserati purchase.

If you haven’t yet already, check out the Maserati forums, at www.maseratilife.com, you’ll see my posts under the user name maseratiofminneapolis.

Our first Quattroporte Automatic has arrived!

Our first 2007 Maserati Quattroporte Automatic has arrived!

This beauty is a Blue Ocean Executive GT. The interior features Beige leather with the new Taganyka wood trim.

The Blue Ocean paint is spectacular, and is really unique with the chrome Executive GT grilles and Ball-Polished wheels.


“The most eagerly anticipated and talked about sedan of model year 2007, the Maserati Quattroporte Automatic has been introduced to the press and the public at the 2007 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. By offering an automatic transmission as well as the DuoSelect manual gearbox in all three Quattroporte models, Maserati ensures that every discerning car enthusiast can find the sport sedan that fits their personal needs. With even more standard features than before, its simply a matter of personal choice.”

Maserati North America has many fantastic articles going with the release of the brand new Quattroporte Automatic. Check out Maserati Monthly, issue #19 for full details:
http://www.maseratiamerica.com/MaseratiMonthly/19/mm_19.aspx

Here is the new brochure for the 2007 Quattroporte:
http://www.maseratiamerica.com/2007QuattroporteBrochure

The 2007 Maserati Quattroporte Automatic follows on the heels of the spectacular Quattroporte, having already won 28 awards in the three years since its debut, and sold 9,000 Quattroportes world wide; a record for Maserati. The Quattroporte led a 90 percent increase in North American Maserati sales in 2005, and the company maintained this volume in 2006, operating near full capacity.

With over $80 million US invested in improved quality control measures, and making minor year to year changes after listening to customer concerns, Maserati has made a strong commitment to customer satisfaction and producing the highest quality cars in the world.

Maserati wrapped up 2006 by launching Maserati Financial services, in collaboration with CNH Capitol. “We’re here to provide innovative financial and leasing services for those very special customers,” said Steve Bierman, the new president of Maserati Financial Services.

Check out the full press conference from Detroit

Melling Hellcat

This is the latest prototype of the Melling Hellcat. Billed as the fastest production car, with a 0-60 time of 2.6 seconds and 275mph top speed. Originally it was slated to have a 700bhp V10, but according to the company will now hold an 1175hp Quad Turbo V10. After speaking with a representative of the car \ company, the final production car is close to world debut. The naturally aspirated V10 was originally slated for TVR production.

These first pictures are the prototype that was shown. The pictures of the final prototype are pictures of pictures and not of the highest quality, but you’re seeing them here first! (click for fullsize images)

Quattroporte Re-Review

So the first time around, he wasn’t a fan of the ‘flappy-paddle’ gearbox. While those of us who drive these regularly would argue with that point to begin with, it is certainly a point of concern for some people considering a Maserati. Well, after driving the Sport GT, he’s changed his mind.

Frankly, I think anyone that spends more than an afternoon, or even a week or two with the car will change their mind. It’s not quite the learning curve of going from an automatic to a manual gearbox, but there is definitely a learning curve, and new techniques to master.

Here’s the video: