Used to be – not so long ago, even – that if you wanted something exotic and sporty with four doors, your choices were largely limited to the Maserati Quattroporte. Maybe the Bentley Continental Flying Spur, if your budget and tastes veered more towards the statesmanly. But these days, buyers have more choices in the form of the Porsche Panamera, Aston Martin Rapide and even the Jaguar XJ Supercharged. And while Maserati reportedly has a pair of new QPs in the works, for those still enamored with the current model but hoping for a little extra kick, Novitec Tridente has something in store for you.

Novitec who, you ask? The Dutch tuning firm massages all manner of Italian automobiles – like the Alfa 159 and Fiat 500, for example – under its unadorned name, but may be more familiar to exotic car aficionados under the Novitec Rosso label, the division that tunes Ferrari models. A couple of years ago, the company launched a unit dedicated to tuning Maseratis, and these are its latest releases.

The upgrade package can be fitted to either the Quattroporte S or the top-of-the-line Quattroporte GT S, bolting a supercharger, intercooler, new intake manifold and fuel injectors and a remapped ECU to the 4.7-liter V8 to boost output up to 590 horsepower, a stout 160 and 150-horse boost over stock, respectively. A new, electronically adjustable sport suspension is also fitted with 21-inch modular wheels and Pirelli P Zero rubber, along with some discreet aero bits and a variety of interior upgrade options. The result? Try 0-62 mph in 4.6 seconds and a 183 mph top tend. Details in the press release after the jump and photos in the high-res image gallery below.

NOVITEC TRIDENTE Tunes the Maserati Quattroporte

590 hp / 434 kW and 572 Nm Through Compressor Technology

Superior performance through NOVITEC TRIDENTE Compressor Technology: With a rated power output of 590 hp / 434 kW and a peak torque of 572 Nm NOVITEC TRIDENTE establishes the two Maserati models Quattroporte S and Sport GT S among the most powerful luxury sedans in the world. Additionally the tuner enhances the cars’ appearance and driving dynamics with three-piece 21-inch wheels, a height-adjustable coil-over suspension and a carbon-fiber rear spoiler. Exclusive interior upgrades are yet another NOVITEC TRIDENTE specialty.

Superlative driving thanks to superior engine power combined with exceptional engine smoothness: That is the philosophy behind the new NOVITEC TRIDENTE SPORT compressor engine for the Maserati luxury sedans Quattroporte S and Quattroporte Sport GT S.

The specialists of the German company adapted a cogged-belt-driven mechanical charger to the 4.7-liter eight-cylinder four-valve engine. Maximum boost pressure is limited to 0.35 bar. A water-to-air intercooler with dedicated water circulation ensures healthy operating temperatures for the engine. The NOVITEC TRIDENTE SPORT compressor conversion is rounded out by a custom intake manifold and larger injectors. Newly calibrated engine electronics ensure optimal power yield, longevity and compliance with strict Euro IV emission limits.

After the engine conversion, which starts at 19,900 Euros, the Italian luxury sedan delivers high-end performance figures: Rated power output of the Quattroporte S jumps from standard 430 hp / 318 kW to 590 hp / 434 kW at 7,300 rpm. Simultaneously peak torque grows from 490 Nm to 572 Nm.

In combination with the six-speed automatic transmission the NOVITEC TRIDENTE luxury sedan delivers excellent driving performance as well: A sprint time of just 4.6 seconds from rest to 100 km/h and 14.9 seconds to 200 km/h are truly exceptional in this class. Just as impressive is the car’s new top speed of 295 km/h.

To transfer this tremendous performance potential to the road as safely as possible NOVITEC TRIDENTE have developed a custom-tailored tire/wheel combination for the Quattroporte. The three-piece alloy wheels with five double spokes perfectly fill out the available space in the wheel wells. The size 9Jx21 wheels on the front axle are mounted with Pirelli P Zero high-performance tires in size 255/30 ZR 21. In the rear size 295/30 ZR 21 tires on size 11Jx21 wheels provide optimal traction.

The new wheels play a large part in the sporty yet elegant appearance of the upgraded luxury sedan. For added sporty emphasis NOVITEC TRIDENTE offers an understated rear spoiler made from clear-coated carbon fiber.

The NOVITEC TRIDENTE sport suspension is specifically calibrated to the 21-inch high-performance tires. It allows owners of the Quattroporte to dial-in a setup that suits their individual preferences. The suspension is continuously height-adjustable and features multiple settings for compression and rebound.

NOVITEC TRIDENTE also offers numerous options for a stylish customization of the interior of the luxury sedan. The options range from a custom-tailored interior crafted from the finest leather or Alcantara to a state-of-the-art multimedia equipment package with TV, Blu-Ray player and high-speed internet connection on wheels.a

[Source:Autoblog]

Maserati has ambitious plans to break out of the fringe and into the mainstream. To do so, the Trident marque is going to need more than just the two models it currently holds in its stable. Fortunately, Maserati has plans in place to expand and they’re beginning to come into focus.

Following earlier reports from back in April that the Modenese automaker was planning to slot a BMW 5 Series rival in below the current Quattroporte, and subsequent rumors that the QP’s successor could go both all-wheel drive and more eco-friendly, come new reports on the smaller sedan’s progress.

Motor Trend projects that the baby QP will arrive around 2015 with a starting price around $68,000. A flexible new platform could underpin the next Quattroporte itself, as well as the successor to the current GranTurismo. Sources also forecast that the base version of the next-gen QP will also go slightly down-market, but that the space between the two sedans in the stable will remain sufficiently delineated.

[Source: Motor Trend]

If you’ve had trouble figuring out if the Maserati Quattroporte was a closer rival to the BMW M5 or the 7 Series, the latest news from Modena ought to help. As part of the Fiat Group’s comprehensive five-year plan – which already includes several new Alfa Romeos and no fewer than six new Ferraris – Maserati has revealed plans to build a new sub-Quattroporte sedan.

Targeting the likes of the M5, the Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG and the Audi RS6, a new sedan is set to slot in below the existing Quattrporte in both size and price. Reports place the entry price for the new four-door at at less than €55,000 ($74k), significantly less than the $120k starting price for the current Quattroporte.

In addition, plans are also underway for a new full-size Quattroporte, giving buyers in the market for an exotic Italian super-saloon twice the variety to choose from. Expect the next-generation QP, then, to go slightly farther up-market to make way for its upcoming kid brother.

[Source:Autoblog]

While perhaps not as well known or instantly recognizable as the Ferrari 250 TR or the Jaguar D-Type, the Maserati Tipo 61 Birdcage is one of great racecars in that same era. Named for its intricate tubular space frame, the Birdcage was built by Maserati as a privateer racecar. With a weight of just over 1300 pounds and 250 horsepower from the 2.9-liter inline four, the little Maserati proved to be a force to be reckoned with on the racetrack. The car’s most famous wins include victories at the 1960 and 1961 at the Nurburgring 1000km race.

With just 17 built, the Tipo 61 Birdcage is a rare and desirable collector car, and it’s big news when one comes up for sale. RM Auctions, however, has announced that one will be offered at their upcoming Monaco auction next month, and prominent car collectors are sure to take note. The car, chassis #2470, was originally raced in the United States throughout the 1960s with great success before being sold to a European owner in the 1970s. The current owner purchased the car in 2004 and has competed in several vintage racing events since. According to RM, this particular Birdcage is one of the most original in existence and even comes with a spare racing engine in addition to the original motor. The estimated price? €2,400,000 to €2,600,000. Hit the jump for more details on the Tipo 61 Birdcage and a detailed history of the particular example up for sale courtesy of RM.

Although Maserati had enjoyed competition success with its championship-winning 250F grand prix car, the Modenese company soon found itself in dire financial straits. With the introduction and sales success of the road-going 3500 GT, however, the company’s health improved drastically, prompting a renewed interest in creating a sports car that could be raced, not by the factory, but by privateers. Credit for the resulting Tipo 60/61 goes to engineer extraordinaire Giulio Alfieri who during 1958 created this stunning sports racing car. Its “Birdcage” nickname comes from its unique and very innovative trellis chassis construction, made of a plethora of small tubes between 10 and 15 mm thick. Once welded together (all 200 of them!), they created a structure as rigid as it was light, weighing just 36 kgs, clothed in svelte wheel-hugging aluminium body – a true work of art and testimony to Maserati craftsmanship!

Into this structure was fitted the Tipo 60’s 1,990 cc inline two-cam four-cylinder engine, very far back towards the cockpit. Independent front suspension provided superb turn-in while the de Dion rear axle with transverse leaf spring and coil over telescopic shock absorbers made the car easily controllable. In what would become Maserati’s last factory entry in decades, a Tipo 60 was entered at Rouen Les Essarts in July 1959, winning the race outright. Naturally, the phones started ringing off the hook in Modena!

Six Tipo 60s were sold before the 1961 upgrade to Tipo 61, which benefited from an increased capacity of 2,890 cc and delivered 250 hp – more than enough horsepower for a 600 kg heavy car. In all, 17 were built, including one Tipo 60 that had been upgraded. The car’s notable wins were the Camoradi team victories at the Nürburgring 1000 kms in 1960 and again in 1961, against the might of rival factory teams.

From the beginning, Birdcages were very popular with American competitors. The car offered here, chassis 2470, was no exception. The third-to-last Birdcage built, it was sold new in December 1960 to Jack Hinkle who was not just the proverbial wealthy amateur racer. A laid back, unassuming and popular Texas banker, oilman and then-president of the SCCA, he was described by historian Joe Scalzo as “one of the fastest men in competition today…He is in fact something all new – a wealthy sportsman driver who races as hard as the pros.” Scalzo went on to note that Hinkle was also a bit of an eccentric, having his lawn mower modified so it would run 50 mph…and promptly losing control and flattening his wife’s rose bushes!

The results he achieved with 2470 were stellar. In 1961 he entered seven races, of which he won three – La Junta, Colorado and two races in Oklahoma at Ponta City and Norman. He also had two second places finished, one third and just one DNF. The following year, he participated in nine more races, winning three (Nebraska, Oklahoma and Kansas), finishing second in three more, third in two races and again one DNF. Thus, he always finished on the podium, with the exception of the two races he did not finish.

Hinkle eventually sold 2470 to a friend, Tracy Bird, who later became one of the founders of the Can Am series. Bird raced it in Castle Rock, near Tucson, on 5th April 1964, finishing fifth. A fire in Bird’s garage did some damage to the front of the car, and to repair it properly, he bought the ex-Roger Penske Birdcage (chassis 2471) from its then-owner Enus Wilson. 2471’s rear end had suffered in an accident, but it had an intact front end. Bird thus repaired 2470 using the factory correct parts from 2471, after which its wreck was scrapped. As a result, 2470 is the second to last Birdcage extant, as 2472, the ex-Camoradi factory car now in the Panini Museum, is the only car with a higher chassis number.

Bird’s Maserati then crossed the Atlantic after its acquisition by F1 team owner and bon vivant Lord Alexander Hesketh. In his ownership, it competed with Charles Lucas (aka “Charlie Luke”) behind the wheel, who had previously raced a 250F. This was an era when vintage races were much more casual, cars arrived on flatbeds and starting grids were a patchwork of “run what ya brung.” On 20th May 1974, Lucas started on pole at the Silverstone Open Aston Martin Historic Race and was third for most of the event before retiring on the last lap.

He and Lord Hesketh recently shared some of their typically colourful memories with this writer:

Charles Lucas: “It was a great car to drive. I don’t think there were any old sports racing cars around that were quicker at the time – it even beat Robs Lamplough in his CanAm McLaren at Castle Combe. The best win was probably at the Historic support race for the Austrian GP at the Osterreichring in ‘75. We had such a good lead, Alexander hung out a pit sign that said ‘Cocktails’, so we came in to the pits for a quick one!”

Needless to say this would not go down well nowadays! Lord Hesketh recalled the same event:

“I’d been advised by a friend who had a Tipo 61 to buy one as well so I did. It went to the Osterreichring in 1975. It was then a proper race track. We were disappointed in the GP – rather teed off, actually – and the only other race of the day was the vintage race but the trouble with that one is that it wasn’t really a race, it was meant to be a sort of 70 mph parade. Charles put in a lap at 130 mph. I mean at Zeltweg you’d expect to have a Type 61 unrestricted. This was going to get us into trouble, so we put out a pitboard that said “cocktails” in order to bring him in and slow him down. So he came in we gave him one, we let the whole of the field go by. Then he went out, overtook them all again and won the race. I think that is the only time we took it to a GP and raced it the same weekend.”

Later owners included Dieter Holterbosch of Oyster Bay, New York who had it restored and in 1998 sold it to Tony Smith in the U.K. The current owner acquired 2470 from Smith in 2004 and has used it in several Ferrari Historic Challenge Series events. The last Race entered was the 2009 Nürburgring Oldtimer Grand Prix, which the car won.

One of the most original Birdcages in existence, it is fitted with a spare race prepared engine. The original engine comes with the car, however. The body is mostly original. Maserati’s racing cars have steadily appreciated in value over the last 20 years as the marque’s rich and successful history gets more and more of the recognition it deserves. The Birdcage is one of the most iconic racers ever to come out of the hallowed Modenese factory. It is a tremendously competitive and enjoyable car to drive and a jewel of engineering.

[Source:Autoblog]

Few marques manage to tread the line between sportiness and elegance quite so exquisitely as Maserati. But some are looking for something that errs a little more towards the former, and for them the Trident marque has launched the MC Sport Line.

One step off the track and onto the road this side of a race-spec MC GT4, the MC Sport line gives Gran Turismo S buyers a catalog of optional extras, from carbon fiber bits all the way up to the exclusive limited edition model made for the Middle East. The range was initially unveiled at the local Bologna Motor Show, but this was our first chance to get next to it and bring you the results. Have a look in the galleries below.

[Source:Autoblog]

Things may be relatively quiet around Maserati headquarters these days, but that doesn’t mean nothing new is on the horizon. In fact, the automaker will be debuting a special version of the fabulous Quattroporte sedan at next month’s Geneva Motor Show.

Based on the top-of-the-line Sport GT S model, the “Awards Edition” treatment adds an extra touch of exclusivity to the Quattroporte. The exterior, painted in an all-new Quarzo Fuso color, features a burnished treatment on the exterior chrome bits, matching the stylish 20-inch Multi Trident wheels. Behind those dark rims are a revised set of Brembo brakes, showing off polished calipers that have a mirror-like finish. Inside, Alcantara is found not only on the headliner, but has been worked into the supple Poltrona Frau leather seats, and new brushed aluminum door sills and piano black satin-finish wood moldings finish off the added touches of the Awards Edition package.

Customers in the UK can order their Quattroporte Sport GT S “Awards Edition” cars starting in the second half of 2010, with pricing information being given out upon application. Click past the break to read the full details in Maserati’s press release.

Based on the Quattroporte Sport GT S, the “Awards Edition” celebrates the countless awards that the Maserati flagship saloon has received since its debut.

The Quattroporte Sport GT S “Awards Edition”, the latest jewel in the Maserati range, will make its official debut at the prestigious Geneva Auto Show next week. The car will be unveiled during the press conference, on Tuesday, March 2nd 2010 on the Maserati stand (n.1051) at 13:45.

Six years after its birth, the car that created the luxury sport saloon segment continues to receive accolades from the general public, automobile aficionados and the media. Maserati has decided to celebrate its success with a superlative version, which blends the elegance and sporty stylishness of the brand’s flagship, thanks to the combination of highly refined details, handcrafted finishes and features with a decidedly sporty flair.

During its six years of life, the Maserati Quattroporte has received no less than 56 awards from the most prestigious automotive and lifestyle publications in 14 countries over four continents. A global recognition for a car that has known how to renew itself over the years, still never failing to maintain the appeal of the lines and purity of the forms created by Pininfarina, which immediately made it an instant classic.

The Quattroporte Sport GT S “Awards Edition”, based on the Quattroporte Sport GT S, aims to combine in one car all the features that have made the Trident flagship a benchmark in its segment:

* the unique and elegant styling, mixed with a hint of sporting flair thanks to the eye-catching features adopted on both the exterior and interior fittings;
* driving enjoyment, because the “Awards Edition” is based on the Quattroporte Sport GT S, which boasts top-class performance and excellent handling;
* the craftsmanship of the hand-finished details which make each car unique.

The new Quarzo fuso exterior colour – a pearlescent metallic grey with a golden hue – exclusive to this model, makes the exterior instantly recognisable, and highlights the body’s elegant lines. The burnished treatment used on the exterior chrome parts, as well as on the side air vents and radiator surround, also matches the 20” Multi Trident dark grey rims with satin finish.

The braking system which uses dual-cast technology, is further enhanced by the hand-polished callipers both at the front and rear. With the Quattroporte Sport GT S “Awards Edition”, Maserati and Brembo are introducing on the market for the first time polished callipers, treated with high precision mechanical processes and featuring a hand finish which gives them their special mirror-like appearance and enhances their sporty credentials at the same time.

The interior also bears witness to the combination of sporting flair and craftsmanship that have always characterised the Maserati flagship saloon. The Poltrona Frau leather of the seats is combined with perforated Alcantara with a new undulated pattern, and the headlining is also in Alcantara. Completing the cabin finishes are the special brushed aluminium door sills and Piano Black satin-finish wood mouldings.

The boot is finished in black trim and features chrome details and a leather side pocket. The attention to detail has even been extended to the mats, which are made of an even richer and softer material.

A special exterior “Awards Edition” series plate completes the car’s look and makes an already unique car even more unmistakable.

The Quattroporte Sport GT S “Awards Edition” will be available in the UK as a special order in the second half of 2010, as model year 2011. Prices will be available upon application: for further information clients can contact the Maserati Info Centre on 0800 0646468 or visit the Maserati website www.maserati.com to locate the nearest Maserati dealership.

[Source:Autoblog]

If you’re dropping off a six-figure Italian exotic at the dealership for service, you expect to be loaned something special in return, right? That’s why Fiat supplied Ferrari with a run of special-edition 500s for use in their European service network. (Heck, they even produced some for public consumption.) Now its classy kid sister is following suite with a special loaner car of its own.

Produced in a limited run of 100 units, these specially-prepared Alfa Romeo MiTos will be dispatched to Maserati dealers across Europe. Each is distinguished from the average MiTo by its Maserati Blu Oceano paint, special plaque on the center console and “Alfa Romeo for Maserati” sill plate. The special edition Alfa also comes equipped with top-of-the-range 170-horsepower, 1.4-liter MultiAir turbo engine, 18-inch wheels and rear spoiler, along with an interior decked out in sumptuous Pelle Frau leather and all the electronic bells and whistles on offer.

After Maserati gave Alfa the 8C Competizione, it’s nice that Alfa – now under the same leadership as Maserati – can give a little something back. Details in the press release after the jump.
PRESS RELEASE

Maserati Teams Up With Alfa Romeo MiTo for its European Service Network
26/01/2010 - Modena

Maserati and Alfa Romeo: two icons of Italy’s world-famous automotive industry representing sportiness, technology and elegance.

One hundred Alfa Romeo MiTos produced exclusively for the Maserati service network will soon be seen on roads all over Europe. Maserati has chosen the Alfa Romeo MiTo as the new courtesy car for its customers, connoisseurs of Italian style with a keen eye for originality.

The special-purpose cars will be styled in the exclusive Maserati Blu Oceano (deep Blue), and fitted with a sparky 1.4 MultiAir Turbobenzina engine (170 hp) - the most powerful engine in the MiTo range.

The cars will not only be distinguished by their unique color, but also by two other exclusive features: the “Limited Edition” plaque on the air conditioning unit, and the kick plate made from specially treated aluminum, bearing the words Alfa Romeo for Maserati.

The 100 cars will also have a series of high-end details, supplied as standard: Pelle Frau upholstery, automatic dual-zone climate control, leather steering wheel complete with radio and telephone controls, a radio navigator covering the whole of Europe, and a hands-free Blue&Me system including USB port and bi-xenon headlights.

The MiTo for Maserati also has a racing temperament. The 18′ alloy wheels, rear spoiler, rear bumper and aluminum pedals are all fitted as standard. All the cars will come with Dynamic Suspension, the advanced electronic shock absorber control system that actively varies the set-up to reflect the road conditions and driving style, to guarantee rapid cornering and excellent handling.

Through this partnership with Alfa Romeo, Maserati’s European network will be able to offer customers a special car that reflects its own philosophy, where each choice is the product of the utmost attention and care paid to every detail.

[Source:Autoblog]

The weather outside may be frightful, but fret not, because summer is coming soon…ish. And when it does, you’re going to want the right set of wheels. With that in mind, the good folks over at Maserati North America have revealed the pricing for their new GranTurismo Convertible (also known as the GranCabrio overseas) so you can start saving now. And save you will if you want to get your hands on one, because it sells for a princely $135,800 (MSRP, before taxes and additional fees).

If you’re wondering how much it costs to lob the roof off a GranTurismo and replace it with a triple-insulated retractable soft top, consider that the standard coupe starts at $117,500, for a difference of – carry the one, divide by the square root of pi – $18,300. When you consider, however, that the convertible comes standard with the larger 4.7-liter engine from the $121,500 GranTurismo S, the additional cost of open-air motoring comes out to a somewhat more manageable $14,300, which may or may not make it easier to justify to your spouse. Details in the press release after the jump.

PRESS RELEASE

MASERATI NORTH AMERICA ANNOUNCES US PRICING FOR GRANTURISMO CONVERTIBLE

Englewood Cliffs, NJ. January 19, 2010… Maserati North America is pleased to announce a base MSRP of $135,800* in the United States for the highly anticipated 2010 Maserati GranTurismo Convertible.

This four-seat convertible demonstrates Maserati’s expertise in the production of exclusive hand-built automobiles by providing an unprecedented level of personalization choices as standard equipment including:

* 9 Exterior colors standard with 5 optional hues
* 10 shades of Poltrona Frau leather for the interior
* 6 different soft top colors (Black, Burgundy, Blue, Dark Gray, Beige and Dark Brown)
* 3 wood trim options, Rosewood (standard), Walnut and Wenge (no cost options)
* 20″ Birdcage design wheels
* Skyhook active suspension system
* Rear Park Sensors
* Chromeline exterior trim
* Dual-Twin Sport Exhaust system with chrome outlets
* Bose Surround Sound System
* Red Brake Calipers (5 other colors available as options)

A modern heir to generations of legendary open-air Maseratis, the GranTurismo Convertible breaks ground as the first four-seat convertible from the house of the Trident. The 433 hp, 4.7 liter V8 engine and six-speed adaptive automatic transmission with standard paddle shifters deliver thoroughbred performance, with the unmistakable Maserati exhaust note now unfiltered to the pilot and passengers.

Inside, the Maserati GranTurismo Convertible offers best in class rear seat room, allowing comfort and space for two real adults unmatched by other grand touring convertibles. The triple insulated soft top exactly maintains the coupe’s iconic roofline, and retracts fully in 24 seconds leaving the rear seat and trunk space unchanged with the roof open or closed; its light weight helping to maintain the vehicle’s low center of gravity, optimal weight distribution and precise handling.

Befitting the uniquely Italian coach built tradition defined by its Pininfarina styling, the GranTurismo Convertible further enables the owner to select from a vast array of colors, materials and trim to create a spectacular and unique expression of style including a tailored set of luggage.

The 56 North American Maserati dealers are accepting preliminary orders now with deliveries anticipated for late spring. Full details are available at www.maserati.us.

*MSRP does not include taxes, title and other fees. Dealer prices may vary.

[Source:Autoblog]

If you thought Rolls-Royce had cornered the market on special editions for the Middle East, Maserati would like you to think again. But only if you’ve got a big wad of cash and actually, you know… live in the Middle East.

The Italian automaker just took the wraps off a limited edition of its GranTurismo S, specially outfitted with items from the company’s MC Sport Line. The car, decked out in a matte white “ice” paint scheme, was unveiled at the Yas Marina Circuit that just recently played host to the inaugural Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Not much in the way of details were given, but only 12 examples will be produced: one for each of the twelve Maserati dealerships in the region, also honoring the twelve trophies (including constructors’, drivers’ and teams’ titles) that the GranTurismo’s big brother, the MC12, has racked up in the FIA GT Championship since 2005. The Trident marque has also announced a second run of 11 examples decked out in matte white pearl for its domestic Italian market.

PRESS RELEASE:

Limited-edition GranTurismo S MC Sport Line
30/11/2009 - Modena

The limited-edition Maserati GranTurismo S MC Sport Line with Matt White “ice” finishing is here portrayed in front of the futuristic structure of the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi, where it was unveiled in a dedicated event for a selected number of Maserati customers of the Middle East.

Designed to enhance the sporty DNA of the Trident, the “MC Sport Line” sums up the experience acquired on the track by the Maserati Corse racing department, whose contribution to the design of the functional components has been invaluable. The world of motor racing also inspired Maserati’s designers when it came to styling, hence the extensive use of carbon fiber.

Only twelve GranTurismos in this configuration will be produced in Modena, all for the Middle East markets. Twelve is also the number of world titles which make up the prestigious palmares of the MC12 in the FIA GT International Championship since 2005: 2 Constructors’ Cups (2005 and 2007), 4 Drivers’ Titles 4 (Bartels-Bertolini in 2006, Thomas Biagi in 2007, Bartels-Bertolini in 2008 and 2009); 5 Teams’ Titles (from 2005 onwards uninterruptedly with the Vitaphone Racing Team); 1 Citation Cup in 2007 with the gentleman driver Ben Aucott.

Furthermore, twelve are the Middle East cities where Maserati is present with a dedicated showroom: each car will feature an internal plaque with the name of the city to which it is committed.

A limited and numbered edition of the GranTurismo S MC Sport Line, finished in a Matt Bianco Fuji with eye-catching pearlescent nuances, will be dedicated to the Italian market. Only eleven customers in Italy will be able to sit behind the wheel of this exclusive car.

After what seems like years of eager anticipation, and with the weeks ticking down until the Frankfurt Motor Show, Maserati has finally unveiled its long-awaited convertible model. With the Maserati GranCabrio, it looks like the Italian automaker has done a beautiful job of translating the Pininfarina-designed GranTurismo into an open-top machine.

The questions on all our minds as we saw an endless stream of heavily-disguised test mules were whether the new convertible would have a fabric or metal roof, retain its four seats or sacrifice the back row (like its predecessor, the Spyder), and which engine would be found under that long hood.

Now we’ve got our answers. Unlike the Ferrari California, the GranCabrio features a cloth roof that deploys over the four-place passenger compartment, saving both weight and space. In fact, it’s the first four-seat convertible in the company’s history, and boasts what Maserati says is the longest wheelbase on the market. The Trident marque has also chosen to fit the convertible with the 4.7-liter 433-hp V8 from the GranTurismo S, bypassing the base 4.2-liter unit and mating it to the highly-rated ZF six-speed automatic. The new Maser’s public debut is scheduled for the Frankfurt show next month, but in the meantime, follow the jump to read the press release and check out the quartet of images in the gallery below.
PRESS RELEASE

THE NEW MASERATI GRANCABRIO TO PREMIERE IN FRANKFURT

The Maserati GranCabrio, the first four-seater convertible in the Trident carmaker’s history, will make its world wide debut on September 15 at the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show. 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.

In fact the GranCabrio is continuing the Maserati tradition in open-top cars, joining models that have played such an important part in the Modena carmaker’s history such as the 1950 A6G Frua Spyder, 1960 3500GT Vignale Spyder, 1964 Mistral Spyder, 1968 Ghibli Spyder and 2001 Spyder designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro, the car that marked Maserati’s return to the United States. In the footsteps of 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. Four proper seats, so that the rear passengers are not merely supporting actors, but co-stars of the journey.

The GranCabrio is powered by a 4.7 litre V8, 323 kW engine and is the convertible with the longest wheelbase on the market. 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.

[Source:Autoblog]