Paris 2010: Maserati GranTurismo MC Stradale is not an Italian DJ, but is an upgraded super coupe

Maserati can produce some gorgeous automobiles. The Maserati GranTurismo is no exception, in fact we'd place it in the give-up-your-first-born-to-own-one category of beautiful. In addition to its looks, the GranTurismo is a powerful and luxurious grand touring machine that causes both eyes and ears to strain for more as it goes by. The 430-horsepower GranTurismo S was the king of the trident-wearing coupes, until today. Taking the stage at the 2010 Paris Motor Show is the all-new Maserati GranTurismo MC Stradale.

The GranTurismo MC Stradale ratchets up the excitement by pushing power output to 450 horsepower. The chassis has been tweaked and the body slightly updated for increased aerodynamics. The MC Stradale manages to increase the levels of downforce without causing a noticeable increase in drag. The result is an elegant two-door that's begging for track time.

2012 Maserati Sport Cars GranTurismo MC Stradale

The Italian automaker announced the 2012 Maserati Sport Cars GranTurismo MC Stradale, that it will debut the lightest and most powerful variation of the GranTurismo, at this year's 2010 Paris Motor Show. Maserati said the car will boast "razor-sharp handling and will break the 300km/h [187mph] barrier", adding that the reworked body also produces more aerodynamic down force without producing more aerodynamic drag.

2012 Maserati Sport Cars Gran Turismo MC Stradale looks sporty, the bumper and grille has been redesigned. The car also has a large diffuser to improve performance. Inspired by the Trofeo GranTurismo MC and the race-winning GT4 motorsport models, the two-seater 2012 Maserati Sport Cars GranTurismo MC Stradale that will debut at the Paris Auto Show. GranTurismo MC Stradale high-performance model and will be on sale next spring, with £ 105,000 prize.

2012 Maserati Sport Cars GranTurismo MC Stradale

2012 Maserati Sport Cars GranTurismo MC Stradale is in the GranTurismo S. The basis is seen in power, it features a 4.7L V8 engine, maximum power of 336kw. Corresponds to a 6-speed manual transmission with mechanical top speed to 300 km / h, the 0-100km / h acceleration of about 4.5 seconds.

The Maserati GranTurismo MC Stradale responds to demands for a GranTurismo which can balance on-road driving needs with race-driving desires, incorporating the handling and aerodynamic lessons from Maserati's three racing programs.

2012 Maserati Sport Cars GranTurismo MC Stradale

No other details were given on the car but the official photos show a raft of styling upgrades including the new front end with a lower spoiler and additional air ducts, chunkier side skirts, possibly larger front fenders with new air vents, a boot lid spoiler and a new rear bumper with a diffuser and twin central exhaust pipes plus unique alloy wheels.

GranTurismo MC Stradale

Up until now, buyers of the Maserati GranTurismo have been able to choose from either the standard model, with its 399 bhp (297 kW / 405 PS) 4.2 litre engine, or the ‘S’ version that gets a larger 4.7 litre V8 and 434 bhp (323 kW / 440 PS).



Neither is exactly slow - even the less powerful option delivers a 0-62 mph (100 km/h) time of 5.2 seconds and a top speed of 177 mph (285 km/h) - and the GranTurismo is arguably one of the most handsome cars on sale today. But, as the name implies, both variants remain more luxury coupe than hardcore performance car.



However, the latest addition to the range is designed to shift the character of the GranTurismo firmly towards the sports end of the spectrum. Named the MC Stradale, and taking inspiration from the Trofeo GranTurismo MC and GT4 race cars, it will be the fastest, lightest and most powerful new Maserati available when deliveries begin early next year.

Like the ‘S’, it features a 4.7 litre engine, but output goes up to 443 bhp (331 kW / 450 PS). Maserati says that will be sufficient for the MC Stradale to top 186 mph (300 km/h), although it has yet to publish any acceleration figures.



Revised bodywork increases aerodynamic down force, while tweaks to the chassis are claimed to offer ‘razor sharp’ handling without affecting the ride quality - a conflict that’s often difficult to resolve. Anyone hoping to take the family along will be disappointed, though. As part of the weight-saving measures, the GranTurismo MC Stradale loses its rear seats.



Pricing has yet to be confirmed but, with the GranTurismo S starting at £90,455 in the UK, the MC Stradale should easily end up being north of £100,000.

New Maserati GranTurismo MC Stradale

From Maserati:

Inspired by the Trofeo GranTurismo MC and the race-winning GT4 motorsport models, the new two-seater Maserati GranTurismo MC Stradale that will debut at the Paris Auto Show 2010, will feature razor-sharp handling and will break the 300km/h barrier. The new car, the fastest, lightest and most powerful in the Maserati range, will go on sale in the first quarter of 2011. The GranTurismo MC Stradale produces more aerodynamic down force without producing more aerodynamic drag, it produces more power - 336kw, 450 hp - without using more fuel and it is more agile.

Maserati GranTurismo MC Stradale

There are pros and cons to two erstwhile rivals sharing the same roof. On the one hand, they can share resources, but on the other, they have to be careful not to step on each-other's toes. Sharing corporate space with Aston Martin meant that Jaguar had to clip its own wings when it came to the XKR for years, as evidenced by the more powerful versions that have come out since the two split.

There's no doubt that Maserati has benefited tremendously from its association with Ferrari, but that has consequently meant that the Trident marque has had to adopt a different approach, catering to a more luxury-oriented market than the raw performance of its big brother on the Prancing Horse. But that doesn't mean they can't push the envelop just a little, and that's what you're looking at here.

Called the MC Stradale, this ultimate version of the GranTurismo bridges the gap between road and race models in the same way the revolutionary Ferrari 360 Challenge Stradale did in its day – and as the all-conquering 430 Scuderia did subsequently. To get there, Maserati's tuned the chassis, aero and engine to more closely resemble the levels attained on racing versions like the MC Trofeo spec racer and the GT4 competition model.

Modena claims increased downforce without a commensurate increase in drag, while the engine has been boosted to 450 horsepower as compared to the 430 in the existing GranTurismo S. That's about all the Italians have released at this point, but you're cordially invited to read the brief press release after the jump and check out the images in the gallery below as Maserati prepares the GranTurismo MC Stradale for its debut at the Paris Motor Show next week.

[Source: Maserati]

Maserati GranTurismo S, 2008

Maserati GranTurismo S, 2008

A year after the unveiling of the GranTurismo, The Maserati GranTurismo S. The ultimate expression of the Trident coupé's sportiness shifts the emphasis onto performance and driving enjoyment.

The Two main novelties are at the heart of the new Maserati: the 440 hp V8 4.7 engine and the electro-actuated gearbox with fast MC-Shift arranged in the transaxle layout typical of high-performance sports cars that represents the technological DNA of all Maseratis.
The Maserati GranTurismo S makes use of the high-performance brake system developed in collaboration with Brembo and introduced for the first time in the automotive field on the Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT S. The system features front brake discs made with dual-cast technology - a dual casting of cast iron and aluminium, paired with aluminium mono-bloc 6-piston brake callipers, ensuring optimised braking performance.

The exterior the Maserati GranTurismo S is characterised by a number of aesthetic modifications that, although discrete, are highly effective and make the car body appear sportier without abandoning the sleekness of the lines masterfully designed by Pininfarina.

The interior upholstered in Poltrona Frau leather and Alcantara reflects the sporty flair of the Maserati GranTurismo S; the figure-hugging front and rear seats are distinguished by their new dynamic design with horizontal piping on the seats and seatbacks.

Maserati Quattroporte gets served up Novitec Style.

Anytime German auto tuner Novitec gets its hands on an exotic car you know that good things will happen. They’ve done multiple Ferrari’s, Audi’s, Porsche’s and BMW’s along with just about every other high-end manufacturer out there, and with this they’ve managed to build a reputation as one of the best exotic car tuning companies in the business. It now seems Novitec has gotten the bug to play with Maserati’s as it has just released a complete package for the Quattroporte S and Sport GTS.

By supercharging the engine from the Maserati GTS Novitec has managed to increase power from a base of 440 hp to a whopping 600 hp. This means 0-60 times of just 4.5 seconds and a top speed of around 195 mph. Also keep in mind that this is still a big 4 passenger grand touring car. For $36,000 you get one supercharger, water-cooled inter-coolers, reinforced V-ribbed belts, fuel injectors and everything else you’ll need to make your once fast Maserati a whole hell of a lot faster.

Source: Motorator.com

Ugur Sahin dreams up Aston Martin Gauntlet concept

Some of you might remember Ugur Sahin. He's a designer, specializing in grand touring cars that make our mouths water. Starting with already beautiful designs, he somehow manages to make shapely Chevrolet Corvettes and Ferraris look even better. From the Corvette Z03 to the Ferrari Dino and Ferrari-599-based USD GT-S Passionata, he's created some of the most exotic and graceful shapes we've ever had the pleasure to lay eyes on.

The latest automaker to earn Sahin's attention is Aston Martin. His latest design, the Gauntlet, blends some of our favorite design cues into a wholly unique package that's simultaneously sensual and brutal. Study the images and you might see a bit of One-77 in the mix, along with a dash of DB AR1, or perhaps you are carried back to the old DB3S, a car that Ugur mentions specifically as inspiration for the Gauntlet.

There's also some Maserati GranTurismo mixed with a little Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione as well, but we're definitely not complaining. It's a terrific design that has us wishing that Aston is looking at Sahin's designs for the next DBS and V12 Vantage. For those who still lament the loss of the Vanquish, with its broad shoulders and studly swagger, this might be the car for you. It's definitely earned a spot in our dream car garage.

Maserati GranTurismo S

Maserati GranTurismo S

A year after the unveiling of the GranTurismo, Maserati will be back at the Geneva International Motorshow with yet another world premiere, the Maserati GranTurismo S. The ultimate expression of the Trident coupé's sportiness shifts the emphasis onto performance and driving enjoyment.

The Two main novelties are at the heart of the new Maserati: the 440 hp V8 4.7 engine and the electro-actuated gearbox with fast MC-Shift arranged in the transaxle layout typical of high-performance sports cars that represents the technological DNA of all Maseratis.


The Maserati GranTurismo S makes use of the high-performance brake system developed in collaboration with Brembo and introduced for the first time in the automotive field on the Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT S. The system features front brake discs made with dual-cast technology - a dual casting of cast iron and aluminium, paired with aluminium mono-bloc 6-piston brake callipers, ensuring optimised braking performance.


On the exterior the Maserati GranTurismo S is characterised by a number of aesthetic modifications that, although discrete, are highly effective and make the car body appear sportier without abandoning the sleekness of the lines masterfully designed by Pininfarina.


The interior upholstered in Poltrona Frau leather and Alcantara reflects the sporty flair of the Maserati GranTurismo S; the figure-hugging front and rear seats are distinguished by their new dynamic design with horizontal piping on the seats and seatbacks.

2011 Maserati GranCabrio Sports Car

2011 Maserati GranCabrio Sports Car

The Maserati GranCabrio will make its debut on September 15 at the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show. The Maserati GranCabrio is a four-seat convertible that promises to offer enough space for all its occupants, completes Maserati’s product line-up that now consists of three different families of models: Quattroporte, GranTurismo, GranCabrio.

2011 Maserati GranCabrio Sports Car

The open-top Maserati GranCabrio is pure Maserati. It is a Maserati in the truest sense, with an unmistakable Pininfarina design, spacious interior, handcrafted details, driving pleasure and high performances. The Maserati GranCabrio touches all five senses in an open-air experience that retains all the typical comfort and performance brio. Like all Maserati's open-top models, the Maserati GranCabrio is a special car intended for true connoisseurs.

2011 Maserati GranCabrio Sports Car

The Maserati GranCabrio continues in the footsteps of the Maserati tradition in open-top models, and adds to a line-up of models that has made the history of the Modena manufacturer, such as the 1950 A6G Frua Spyder, the 3500GT Vignale Spyder (1960), the Mistral Spyder (1964), the Ghibli Spyder (1968) and the 2001 Maserati Spyder, the car Maserati chose for his comeback to the United States.

2011 Maserati GranCabrio Sports Car

True to its tradition, the Maserati GranCabrio yet opens a new chapter, because never before have four-seater top-down models been produced at the Viale Ciro Menotti Maserati factory in Modena. There are four proper seats are provided, so that the rear passengers are not merely supporting actors, but co-stars of the journey.

2011 Maserati GranCabrio Sports Car

The Maserati GranCabrio is powered by a 4.7 liter V8 engine paired with the fluid 6-speed automatic transmission. In Sport mode, the V8 gives the driver and passengers the full power of its 323kW, with a thrilling roar that becomes even more exciting with the top down, as it becomes one with its surroundings.

Maserati Electric Supercar Tramontane Concept

Maserati Electric Supercar Tramontane Concept

The Maserati Tramontane Concept is a luxury electric supercar with a futuristic design characterized by flowing elements that form different layers and interconnect the exterior and the interior. The author is Czech design student Ondrej Jirec.

The Maserati Tramontane is a lightweight electric luxury supercar with an original design focused on the reduction of the total number of body parts and the simplification of the production process by combining exterior and interior elements.

Maserati Electric Supercar Tramontane Concept 

Aside from the slippery, aerodynamic overall shape, the most eye-catching aspect of the concept's design is the number of components and body panels which flow from the interior to the exterior. These body parts have different functions, color, material and characteristics which are designed to add different dimensions and effect the overall feel of the vehicle.

Maserati Electric Supercar Tramontane Concept 

It was created by Czech student Ondrej Jirec for his Alias class at the Art Center College of Design. Among the distinctive features of the Maserati Tramontane's design are the components and body panels which flow from the interior to the exterior. These parts have different function, color, material and characteristics and create layers that add different "dimensions" and define an original design language.

The first layer is the main glass exterior surface that essentially envelops the entire car. It is supported by a black frame which attaches to the chassis.

Maserati Electric Supercar Tramontane Concept 

The second layer is composed of the headlamps and the dashboard. This single piece carries the LED headlights and flows smoothly back into the interior where it protects the speakers and interior air vents.

The third layer of the Tramontane creates the lower sections of the seats and, as it reaches the exterior, also carries the taillights. This particular part possesses very high resistance to impact. In case of side impact the seat and chassis work together to protect the occupants. But in the event of a rear collision, this part contains a crumple zone that will collapse, so the seats remain protected.

Maserati Electric Supercar Tramontane Concept 

The fourth layer, placed in the front, serves as a housing for the electric motor and also as a dashboard. This element is attached to the chassis and hides the motor, frame, and all the electronics.

Having its length at 4,250mm, Tramontane is just 50mm shorter in length to Lamborghini Gallardo. Its height is 1,170mm which is almost the same as that of Gallardo’s. Its front wheels are driven by an electric motor, whereas the rear ones have an electric motor for each.

Maserati Electric Supercar Tramontane Concept 

The most striking facet of its design is the number of components and body panels that smoothly move from interior to the exterior. Its parts have different functions, color, material and characteristics that aid more to the overall feel of the vehicle.

The proposed drivetrain for the concept is an all-electric setup. The front wheels are driven by one electric motor, while the rear wheels each get their own motor.

Russian designer pens Maserati Kuba concept

It was only a few years ago, but how quickly we forget. Maserati actually toyed with the idea of building a crossover back in 2003, even going so far as to unveil a concept for the project called the Kubang GT Wagon at the Detroit Auto Show. The shape was penned by Giugiaro's ItalDesign, but project was scrapped, preserving the Trident marque's chastity in the eyes of many a purist. Now, an ambitious designer out of Russia has revived the idea with a concept he calls the Kuba. Sound familiar?

The brainchild of Andrey Trofimchuk Simeonych, the Maserati Kuba design study is, well...an intriguing take on what a Maserati crossover could look like. Only it doesn't share any design themes with any Masers we can think of. Nor does it have any theoretical specifications attached, though surely a platform and powertrain could be found from the growing Fiat/Chrysler automotive empire.

To our eye, it would look more suitable as a vision for what a future aircraft-engined Veritas sport-ute could look like, or maybe even a weird Citroën concept of some sort (is there any other kind?). Then again, maybe not. It's a love-it-or-hate-it affair, so have a look for yourself in the high-res image gallery below and share your impressions in our comments section.

[Source: CarDesign.ru]

Frankfurt 2009: 2010 Maserati GranCabrio

There are a few things Maserati could do to make the GranTurismo look better than it does, but not many. One option is to surround it with unspeakably beautiful women. Another is to remove the roof. Thankfully, they opted for both here in Frankfurt, where the Trident marque took the wraps off the new GranCabrio.

The girls are a regular fixture for Maserati. But the convertible version of the GranTurismo coupe has been a long time coming. Details and the first batch of photos broke a few weeks ago, and we just got our first up-close-and-personal with what is, believe it or not, the only proper four-seat cabriolet currently on offer from Italy.


PRESS RELEASE:

The new Maserati GranCabrio

The introduction of the GranCabrio – the Trident's third prong – completes Maserati's product line-up that now consists of three different families of models: Quattroporte, GranTurismo, GranCabrio.

The GranCabrio represents the very essence of Maserati in terms of open-top cars. It's a Maserati in the purest sense of the word: from the unmistakable style by Pininfarina to the spacious interior, from the craftsmanship of each detail to the driving pleasure and performance. The Maserati GranCabrio enriches all five senses in a shared open-air experience, without sacrificing comfort and performance. A dream car designed and built for men and women who love to live life in an understated – though sophisticated - manner. Like all the made in Maserati open-top convertibles: special cars aimed at refined connoisseurs.

The GranCabrio is continuing the Maserati tradition in open-top fine automobiles, beginning with the 1950 A6G Frua Spyder, and continuing through a long list of significant and thrilling open air models. However, in adding to this tradition, the GranCabrio opens a new chapter, because never before have four-seater top-down models ever been produced at the Viale Ciro Menotti Maserati factory in Modena. Four proper seats are provided, so that the rear passengers are not merely supporting actors, but co-stars of the journey.

The GranCabrio is powered by a 4.7 liter V8, 323 kW engine and is the convertible with the longest wheelbase on the market (versus its direct competitors). The GranCabrio's roof is strictly canvas-made, emphasizing the link with the Maserati tradition.

The Maserati GranCabrio will be marketed starting next winter, and experienced by customers the world over from the following spring.

Technical specifications

Body

High-strength steel bearing monocoque with box-section panels and structure constructed in sheet galvanized, two-door cabriolet, four seats, longitudinal centre-front engine (between the two axles), rear wheel drive.

Cx 0.35 with car closed and 0.39 with car open.

Monocoque

Multi-material bearing monocoque, passive safety performance conforming to "worldwide" regulations, integration of various design technologies for weight/performance optimization: steel structural part, aluminum bonnet and bumper front reinforcement cross member, boot lid in thermosetting composite material.

Frame

Derived from the Quattroporte structure, with reduced wheelbase and rear overhang, designed to satisfy the most stringent American crash standards (FMVSS208, Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard), front structure compliant with ACEA1 "pedestrian impact" standards.
Constructed in high-strength steel boxed sections; it integrates a tubular structure in the rear part to support suspensions and differential; front serves to support the suspensions and engine.
Aluminum sub-floor structural reinforcements.

Suspension

Standard Skyhook system.
Front: quadrilateral with forged aluminum hub carriers and struts, basic aluminum gas dampers with continuous damping variation and acceleration sensors on each wheel (Skyhook), coaxial helical springs.
Rear: with quadrilaterals with forged aluminum hub carriers and struts, additional radius bar for toe-in control; basic aluminum dampers with continuous damping variation and acceleration sensors on each wheel (Skyhook).
Front and rear suspension fitted with hollow bars that reduce roll and mass, and increase driving comfort.

Steering

Hydraulic steering box with tacho-sensitive servo assistance with on road steering ratio 64 mm/rev.
Steering diameter (from pavement to pavement): 10.7 m.

Transmission

Architecture with front transmission in unit with the engine, drive shaft, rear differential. 6-speed hydraulic torque converter gearbox (ZF 6HP26).

Transmission gear ratios: 1st gear 4,171; 2nd gear 2,340; 3rd gear 1,521; 4th gear 1,143; 5th gear 0,867; 6th gear 0,691; R 3,403.
Asymmetric limited slip differential (25% in traction, 45% in release) with bevel drive with final ratio 3.73 (15/56).

Steel drive shaft, 69 mm diameter, articulated in two pieces with three constant-velocity joints, and supported at the centre with a bearing which is integral with a support cross member tightened to the chassis, with an interposed rubber ring.

Traction control and Maserati Stability Program (MSP) incorporating the traction control (ASR), release torque (MSR), anti-lock braking (ABS), and electronic brake distribution (EBD) systems.

Engine

8 cylinders in 90 degree V, total displacement 4,691 cm3. Crankcase and cylinder heads in hardened and tempered aluminum alloy, crankshaft in hardened and tempered steel, balanced individually on 5 main bearings.
The timing system features double chain-driven overhead camshaft per bank; four valves per cylinder driven by hydraulic cups.
Continuous phase variator on intake camshafts.
Increased-diameter Nikasil-coated thin steel cylinder liners.
Wet sump lubrication, oil sump integral with crankcase, single oil bath pump.
Bosch integrated ignition and injection systems, and drive-by-wire accelerator.

Displacement: 4,691 cm3
Bore: 94 mm
Stroke: 84.5 mm
Compression ratio: 11.25:1
Maximum power output: 323 kW (440 CV)
Engine speed at maximum power output: 7,000 rpm
Peak torque: 490 Nm (50 kgm)
Engine speed at peak torque: 4,750 rpm
Maximum engine speed: 7,200 rpm

Dimensions and weight

Length: 4,881 mm
Width (without mirrors): 1,915 mm
Width (with mirrors): 2,056 mm
Height: 1,353 mm
Wheelbase: 2,942 mm
Front track: 1,586 mm
Rear track: 1,590 mm
Front overhang: 873 mm
Rear overhang: 1,066 mm
Trunk capacity: 173 l
Fuel tank capacity: 75 l
Dry weight (UE version): 1,887 kg
Kerb weight (UE version): 1,980 kg
Weight distribution: 49% front; 51% rear with car closed;
48% front; 52% rear with car open

Performance
Top speed: 283 km/h with car closed
Acceleration 0-100 km/h: 5,4 s
Pick-up 80 -120 km/h: 4.2 s
Stopping distance from 100 Km/h – 0: 35 m

Company Maserati has presented cabriolet GranTurismo

Company Maserati has officially presented the open version of compartment GranTurismo which has received name GranCabrio and is equipped by a soft developing roof. The world premiere of the car will take place in the beginning of September on automobile show in Frankfurt.

For increase in rigidity the body of open updating has been strengthened, because of what the weight of a cabriolet has increased from 1880 kgs (at version GranTurismo S) to approximately two tons. In connection with these dynamic characteristics of a cabriolet will be little bit worse, than at coupe. Official data to 100 km/h and yet are not informed the maximum speed on time of dispersal of the car, however it is supposed, that to 96 km/h the novelty can be accelerated for 5,5 seconds, and the maximum speed will make about 290 km/h (on 5 km/h less, than at GranTurismo).

In motor compartment Maserati GranCabrio the eight-cylinder 4,7-litre engine "is hidden" by power of 440HP To be aggregated the motor begins with the six-high-speed robotised transmission MC-Shift, capable to switch transfer for 100 milliseconds.

Sales of open version GranTurismo will begin in the European car market in March, 2010. Cabriolet cost, according to sources Autocar in company Maserati, will be approximately for 15 percent above, than at a compartment, the prices on which in Europe begin from 121 thousand 260 euros.

Tata Motors it's full determination to get well-known studio Pininfarina

Family Pininfarina owning well-known design company Pininfarina SpA, has employed Italian Banca Leonardo for sale of a control package of the firm, has informed a source in the company. As informs Reuters, sale of a package of the developer of design for various models Ferrari, Maserati, Rolls-Royce, Cadillac, Jaguar, Volvo, Alfa Romeo and Lancia is a transaction part on settlement of debts Pininfarina before banks.

Company Pincar which supervises family actives, at the same time, a family completely does not leave completely with Pininfarina SpA, and reserves the right to itself the full participant of board of directors. As the future investors are called French financier Vincent Bollore and Indian Tata Motors Ltd. In a consortium with Fiat SpA.

The studio of autodesign Pininfarina is created in the thirtieth years of last century and is since then family business. In the company work about 3 thousand persons. The company has started to experience financial difficulties still couple of years back. So, in April, 2008 Pininfarina has officially informed on the intention to sell 25% of actives. The Italian company planned to direct a part of this money to firm Bollore for payment of creation of an electromobile.

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Maserati GT MC video

The new Maserati GranTurismo MC on the track during the FIA GT "Media Days" at the Paul Ricard circuit.

Maserati Quattroporte limousine

While running around from merger to acquisition, Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne has been riding in style in a Maserati Quattroporte. And why shouldn't he? The luxurious sport-sedan is miles ahead of the Alfa Romeo 167 which Fiat executives were chauffeured around in beforehand, and better than anything Opel or Chrysler has got to show off, too. But one limousine company in Florida has what it figures is the next step up: a stretched Quattroporte with seating for ten.

Based on the previous incarnation of the Trident-emblazoned four-door – the horizontal slats in the grille are a dead giveaway over the vertical bars on the newer model – the Padilla Car Collection claims it's the only stretched Quattroporte in the world. And we certainly hope so. The company's also got stretches Hummers, Bentleys, Escalades, Mercedes S550s and a custom Chrysler 300 should you, your pals and your prom dates be looking for something a little more, um... reserved. For our part, we don't even want to know what the extra yardage has done for the QPorte's handling, with which we fell in love on the back streets of Salzburg, Austria, and we're quite sure Signore Marchionne doesn't, either.

[Source: Padilla Car Collection via CarScoop]

Maserati GranTurismo S

Maserati GranTurismo S

A year after the unveiling of the GranTurismo, Maserati will be back at the Geneva International Motorshow with yet another world premiere, the Maserati GranTurismo S. The ultimate expression of the Trident coupé's sportiness shifts the emphasis onto performance and driving enjoyment.

Two main novelties are at the heart of the new Maserati: the 440 hp V8 4.7 engine and the electro-actuated gearbox with fast MC-Shift arranged in the transaxle layout typical of high-performance sports cars that represents the technological DNA of all Maseratis.
The Maserati GranTurismo S makes use of the high-performance brake system developed in collaboration with Brembo and introduced for the first time in the automotive field on the Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT S. The system features front brake discs made with dual-cast technology - a dual casting of cast iron and aluminium, paired with aluminium mono-bloc 6-piston brake callipers, ensuring optimised braking performance.

On the exterior the Maserati GranTurismo S is characterised by a number of aesthetic modifications that, although discrete, are highly effective and make the car body appear sportier without abandoning the sleekness of the lines masterfully designed by Pininfarina.
The interior upholstered in Poltrona Frau leather and Alcantara reflects the sporty flair of the Maserati GranTurismo S; the figure-hugging front and rear seats are distinguished by their new dynamic design with horizontal piping on the seats and seatbacks.