Maserati GranTurismo S Blows Socks Off Geneva

Press Release

QUATTROPORTE “COLLEZIONE CENTO”

The commercial and financial successes achieved by Maserati during 2007 are mainly due to the Quattroporte, with the launch of the automatic model in addition to the version with the DuoSelect transmission. In total, since its presentation to date, Maserati has delivered over 15,000 of its flagship model, which has won no fewer than 43 international awards — the last three during January.
To celebrate the model's success, Maserati has produced a special edition of 100 cars with a super-luxe trim — all of which have already found homes. The Quattroporte “Collezione Cento”, making its European debut in Geneva, is the perfect blend of comfort, technology and class, a sophisticated design representing the essence of Italian style.
The elegant brand-new ivory colour, with a livery on the sides enhances the sinuous lines of the Quattroporte. The 20” wheels are fitted with polished rims, ideal for giving the car that air of elegance and top-of-the-range refinement. The chromed honeycomb front and side grilles also highlight the distinguished personality of this sedan.
The interior is no less spectacular. Everything exudes luxury, from the Poltrona Frau “Cuoio” coloured leather seats with diamond-shaped stitching and matching buttons in the centre to the polished Wengé wood inserts on the steering wheel, centre console and receptacle. Everything tells you that you are in an exclusive environment. The mother of pearl inlays are a true delight, adding an unusual gleam to the name of the vehicle and the trident on the gear shift knob. “Cuoio” coloured leather is also used for the superior-weight overmats, enhanced by Beige contrasting edges. Maserati had given its customers a preview of the interior design, and their feedback and preferences led to the creation of the “Collezione Cento”.
Technology is another area where the Collezione Cento scores highly. Back seat passengers in the new Quattroporte find themselves in a multimedia paradise controlled by the Maserati Multimedia Entertainment system. The technology is housed in the rear centre armrest, which contains an AUX-IN socket, iPod docking station, SIM card seat and USB port so that passengers can view photographs, videos or listen to MP3/WMA tracks contained in other peripherals. The car’s Hi-Fi system or the special Bluetooth headsets can be used for listening.

The armrest also features a built-in keypad for Internet browsing and email access, which can be folded. And because image also counts, especially when it comes to luxury, there are two real eye-catchers built into the back of the front seats: two 1.04” touch screens complete with a CD/DVD player built into the back of the centre receptacle.
Every vehicle in the Quattroporte “Collezione Cento” has a numbered plaque built into the dashboard, to commemorate this limited edition. 
The Quattroporte “Collezione Cento” is fitted with a V8 4.2 engine (400 hp) with 6-speed automatic transmission.

QUATTROPORTE GT S: A HARD-EDGED SET UP

The Quattroporte Sport GT S, also on show at Geneva, is an extreme expression of the sportiness of Maserati’s flagship model. It is a car for those looking for the thrills of the race-track even in a luxury sedan.
With automatic 6-speed transmission, it stands out for its remarkably dynamic on-road behaviour and uncompromising handling. In particular, there are two technical solutions that distinguish this model: the single-calibration shock absorbers, the new lower, stiffer suspension, and the braking system developed from the dual-cast brake disc, the result of a partnership with Brembo, used for the first time in the automotive industry on the Quattroporte Sport GT S.
The car also has a more aggressive look: black-chrome honeycomb mesh grille, twin exhaust pipes finished in black, door handles to match the bodywork and seven-spoke 20” wheel rims in the new Dark Chrome finish. The interiors are every bit as striking: carbon detailing with a new aluminium weave design, restyled front seats for improved comfort, great stability for chest and legs in racing mode, and the traditional Poltrona Frau leather combined with Alcantara.

GRANTURISMO, ONE YEAR ON

The début of the GranTurismo S comes in the wake of the now consolidated success of the Maserati GranTurismo — which is still turning heads and winning critical and public acclaim exactly one year after its world début. By the end of 2007, the GranTurismo was parked in the garages of no fewer than 1326 customers, with a further order backlog totalling over 2300.
The reasons behind its success are plain for all to see: the exclusive, exquisite lines penned by Pininfarina conceal a sporty, aggressive vehicle with a sparkling performance, suitable for everyday driving thanks to its excellent handling. Total comfort is guaranteed by the excellent quality of materials, attention to detail and spacious interior. The rear seats can comfortably accommodate two adults, even on long journeys.
The engine compartment houses a V8 4.2 engine (405 hp at 7100 rpm), capable of a top speed of 285 km/h. With acceleration of 0-100 in 5.2 seconds, an exciting drive and thrilling performance are guaranteed.
The success of the Maserati GranTurismo began 60 years ago, when the Modena manufacturer launched 58 models of the A6 Gran Turismo styled by Pininfarina. Ten years later, it was the turn of the first standard GranTurismo, the 3500 GT, a car which marked a turning point for the company as it shifted its attention from racing cars to road going production, turning out 1983 models of the 3500 GT in seven years. Those days may be long gone, but they have been well and truly revived with the 2007 version of the GranTurismo.

MASERATI AND THE ENVIRONMENT

Maserati has put in place a development plan for the next 5 years designed to reduce consumption and CO2 emissions and to protect the environment.
The plan is based on engine development, aimed at improving thermodynamic and mechanical performance, as well as the internal fluid dynamics. It also features new strategies to manage the thermal and electronic behaviour of the engine and power train. Maserati is also considering the possibility of using fuel blends containing a higher percentage of biofuels.
As far as the car is concerned, the more widespread use of innovative materials will not only boost performance but will also significantly reduce weight. There are plans to reduce the car's resistance to forward motion (aerodynamics, rolling resistance, internal friction).
The plan also includes the use of 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 fibres, wood and leather).
Maseratis are mindful of the “design for recycling” concept, which is centred around making cars easy to dismantle at the end of their lives, so that materials can be identified and separated for re-use.
The designs of recent models have already led to considerable fuel savings, with a reduction of 9% (non-urban driving) for the Quattroporte Automatica and the Quattroporte Sport GT S, and a further 3% for the GranTurismo.