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One of the
stars in Geneva this week is the new Maserati
GranTurismo S, a faster and more powerful version of a
sports car that has already generated huge interest in
the Trident brand and created unheard of waiting list
lengths.
The brand was
introduced at a packed press conference of Tuesday by CEO
Roberto Ronchi, with both Fiat Group Chairman Luca di
Montezemolo and CEO Sergio Marchionne in attendance.
The GranTurismo
S is the ultimate expression of the marque's sportiness. The
new interpretation of the perfect balance between sportiness
and comfort shifts the emphasis onto performance and driving
enjoyment.
The new 440 HP V8 4.7 engine, with a maximum torque of 490
Nm at 4750 rpm, electro-actuated gearbox with fast MC Shift,
Transaxle layout, sporty exhaust and brakes made with
dual-cast technology make the GranTurismo S the new flagship
for Maserati sporting flair, with acceleration from 0 to 100
Km/h at 4.9 seconds and a maximum speed of 295 Km/h, the
highest ever reached by a production Maserati.
The compact and lightweight 4.7 litre V8 engine develops
maximum power output of 440 HP at 7,000 rpm and peak torque
of 490 Nm at 4,750 rpm, and ensures high specific power
output and more torque at lower speeds as well, without
affecting the capacity to up the revs quickly, typical of
racing engines. The increase in power output and torque has
not affected the versatility of the power unit, which
continues to be readily harnessed even during everyday use.
It sounds deep and throaty, but the exhaust valve pneumatic
control can also be activated to make it discrete.
An electro-actuated 6-speed gearbox is paired with the 4.7
litre V8 engine, and has MC-Shift software which harnesses
the new engine's power output, ensuring new unbeatable
gearshift performance in terms of the whole sports car
range.
The gearshift solution known as MC-Shift is the most
important innovation of the electro-actuated system on the
Maserati GranTurismo S: this includes management software
and special hardware components which give top performance
in terms of gearshift times. In conventional
electro-actuated systems the three shift phases (cut in
torque and opening of clutch; gear disengagement, selection
and engagement; closing of clutch and restoration of torque)
are carried out sequentially.
On the Maserati GranTurismo S the shift phases are partially
overlapped: gear disengagement and engagement take place in
advance of clutch opening and closing; this means that the
shift time, interpreted and calculated as the break in
acceleration, drops to 100 ms, whilst the single gear
engagement phase reduces to 40 ms.
The fast MC-Shift is available only when shifting up and in
Manual Sport mode, provided that the transmission control
unit recognizes when given parameters relating to engine and
transmission temperature are achieved: the quick shift is
possible above 5500 rpm and with the throttle at 80%. Once
these parameters have been achieved, the system enables fast
shift and warns the driver through the MC-S indicator on the
dashboard display, which lights up and stays on.
The engine and gearbox on the Maserati GranTurismo S are
arranged in the Transaxle layout, typical of
high-performance sports cars and representing the
technological DNA of Maseratis. The front-mounted engine,
and the gearbox, located to the rear, are rigidly connected
by a tubular element containing the driveshaft. This
solution gives excellent weight distribution, 47% over the
front axle and 53% over the rear axle, which translates into
excellent dynamics and top performance.
Looking through the spokes of the new 20" rims on the
GranTurismo S you can see the high-performance brake system
developed in collaboration with Brembo. 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 calipers.
This technology, introduced for the first time in the
automotive field on the Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT S,
optimizes the braking system's performance, by emphasizing
pedal feel and increasing fatigue-resistance in the most
extreme conditions.
At the wheel, the Maserati GranTurismo S is more rigid and
compact, thanks to the suspension layout developed
specifically to support the new weight distribution. Vehicle
roll has been reduced significantly as a result of the
modified springs, bars and dampers, and this has benefited
handling and performance.
On the outside the Maserati GranTurismo S is distinguished
by a number of aesthetic modifications that, although
discrete, are highly effective and serve to make the car
body appear even sportier without abandoning the sleekness
of the lines masterfully designed by Pininfarina. The
integrated spoiler in the boot lid and the new-design side
skirts help to improve the flows around the car. On top of
that, the Maserati GranTurismo S boasts new specially
designed 20" rims, which resemble the Trident, Maserati's
symbol. The sporty look is complemented by the generously
proportioned oval-section exhaust tailpipes.
The radiator grille and headlight casings are black, while
the Trident on the grille and the oval badge below the hood
are embossed in red, in true Maserati racing tradition.
The interior upholstered in Poltrona Frau leather and
Alcantara (used for the steering wheel and centre of the
seat with the option to extend to the whole of the
headlining) reflect the sporty flair of the Maserati
GranTurismo S; the front and rear seats are distinguished by
their new dynamic design with horizontal piping on the seats
and seatbacks. As an alternative to the standard
leather/Alcantara, trim classic interiors are available in
all Poltrona Frau leather, or in full-grain Pekary leather
with a sporty and more refined look.
MASERATI'S FIGURES FOR 2007
In 2007 Maserati achieved revenues of ¿ 694 million, growth
of 33.7% compared to the previous year, thanks to the
excellent performance of the Quattroporte Automatica and the
new Maserati GranTurismo, launched in July. Maserati's
operating profit was 24 million euros (equal to 3.5% of
revenues), a clear improvement (up by 57 euros million)
compared to the loss of 33 million euros in 2006. Thanks to
increased volumes and the ongoing cost cutting program,
Maserati achieved a positive result for the first time since
it was acquired by Fiat in 1993.
2007 was also a year of important new developments and
substantial figures for Maserati: a production record was
set in October, when 850 vehicles left the Modena factory -
equivalent to the annual production of just a few years ago;
over 7300 (7353) cars were delivered to customers, 33.3%
more than the previous year, thanks to a network of 272
dealers in 59 countries on all 5 continents; deliveries to
the sales network increased 30.7%, amounting to 7,496 units.
The US market is Maserati's largest, with over 2,600
vehicles delivered in 2007, 20.5% more than the preceding
year; followed by Italy with 714 vehicles, a 40% increase
compared to 2006. In third place the United Kingdom (611),
ahead of Germany and Japan. These markets were followed by
Switzerland, France, China, the Arab Emirates and Australia.
Maserati Switzerland SA, based in Schlieren (Zurich),
operates in Switzerland with a network of 11 showrooms and 9
dealers. A total of 344 vehicles were delivered to customers
in 2007, an increase of 44% on the previous year. The area
with the highest concentration of sales is Zurich.
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
that 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" colored 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" colored 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 aluminum 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 totaling 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.
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