Press Release
Press Release
The Concept
Maserati started as a racing car manufacturer in 1914. Starting from the chassis of a racing car, the A6, and further to the pressures of some customers, the company presented in 1947 at the Geneva Motorshow the A6 GranTurismo, styled by Pinin Farina. It was the first Maserati road car and was produced in 58 units. The car was acclaimed by the automotive press for its advanced technical content and for its avant-garde style solutions.
Ten years later, in 1957, once again at the Geneva Motorshow, Maserati presented its first standard GranTurismo, the 3500 GT. This was the car that transformed Maserati in a road car manufacturer, where production of standard cars took priority over that of racing models. A total of 1983 units of the 3500GT were produced over seven years.
To continue the tradition and celebrate the 60 year anniversary of the A6 as well as the 50 year anniversary of the 3500GT, Maserati debuted once again at the Geneva Motorshow with its new coupé, the Maserati GranTurismo. The choice of name is not incidental; once again the combined forces of Maserati – Pininfarina have created a car that can excite and outperform the competition in terms of its design engineering and unique and inimitable style.
With the new Maserati GranTurismo, Maserati is continuing its range renewal program started with the presentation at the 2007 Detroit Motor Show of the Quattroporte Automatic.
The new Maserati GranTurismo makes the most of the experience gained with the Quattroporte in the luxury model segment interpreting in an absolutely unique manner those concepts that have made the Quattroporte such a success in all the markets.
With the Quattroporte the new Maserati GranTurismo shares:
- the mechanical set-up designed to offer an exhilarating drive
- the carefully conceived choice of materials and equipment to provide high-quality and enjoyable living on-board
- a full range of customization options, so that every customer can express their personality and fulfill their personal requirements
On top of all this, the new Maserati GranTurismo is able to offer top performance and a style that is unique within the automotive industry, and can thrill and attract the attention of the market and new potential customers with renewed vigor and urgency.
The car’s concept appears evident from its name: the new Maserati GranTurismo is actually a performance sports car, enjoyable to drive, which makes no compromises when it comes to on-board functionality and comfort.
Market and Competitors
Maserati has a long-established tradition at the high end segment (>€90,000 incl. VAT) of the high-performance coupés (2+2/4 seaters). The target segment for the Maserati GranTurismo is above 30,000 units (year 2006, 8 main markets: USA, I, D, CH, F, UK, J, AUS), is mature in terms of product offering and is expected to grow in the next few years as a result of the entry of new competitors up to a maximum level of 37,000/38,000 vehicle registrations (years 2008-2011).
With the new Maserati GranTurismo, Maserati is expanding its presence in the segment: whilst the GranSport, in fact, continues to dominate the market sector represented by models up to 4.5 meters long and costing up to €100,000 (Italy – VAT included), the new Maserati GranTurismo falls within the competitive panorama represented by coupé models with a length of more than 4.7 meters priced between €90,000 and €130,000 (Italy – VAT included).
The Maserati GranTurismo therefore sees itself as a real alternative to its most solid competitors (BMW 650i, Mercedes CL500, Jaguar XK/XKR, Aston Martin V8 Vantage) and, as such, must be considered a model for winning over new customers.
Positioning – Product USP
Product Key Message: a thoroughbred muscular and ultra-sporty car, thrilling to drive, which makes no compromises when it comes to everyday enjoyment.
In order to win over new customers, and beat its competitors in the segment, the Maserati GranTurismo can rely on a unique offering that encompasses:
Design with an immediate visual impact unmatched by its competitors:
- Style 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
Driving Emotion:
- V8, 4.2 liters, 405 HP with high specific power output with that distinctive all-enveloping sound
- Hydraulic converter transmission with gear change up to 7,200 rpm
- Chassis: balanced weight distribution: 49% front – 51% rear
Everyday enjoyment:
- More room in the back than the average for the segment
- Rear seats fitted to accommodate two adults even on long journeys
- Pleasure of being on board: attractive design, wide range of materials and color combinations available
