GENEVA - Maserati celebrates 60 years since the first GT car appeared at Geneva with a limited Edition.

Maserati GranTurismo and GranCabrio celebrates the 60th anniversary of the 3500 GT, the very first GT car that segmented the market in 1957, with a Special Edition; the production run will be limited to 400 units.

The SUV Levante Show Car, featuring the new conceptual Ermenegildo Zegna silk fabric, bringing higher levels of luxury to car interiors, will be on show. 

Massimo Bottura, three-Michelin-starred chef and Maserati brand ambassador, will appear on the stand as guest star. 

After a very successful year of sales, with a record 42,100 cars distributed globally in 2016, Maserati has chosen the 87th Geneva International Motor Show to introduce its GranTurismo and GranCabrio Sport Special Edition versions. 

A brand new conceptual Ermenegildo Zegna silk interior in beige will also be on show in the SUV Levante.

The first Maserati Grand Touring production car was created in 1957; 60 years ago, the 3500 GT made its debut at the Geneva Motor Show, creating a successful market segment, in addition to the more than 2200 units sold in both coupe and cabrio versions afterwards. The GranTurismo and GranCabrioSpecial Editions celebrate the 60^th anniversary of that important step in Maserati history and commemorate one of Maserati’s iconic vehicles, while embodying the entire legacy of this glorious brand.

The Special Edition is based on GranTurismo and GranCabrio Sport versions and only 400 units will be produced. The main unique features of these new and exclusive versions include the New Rosso Italiano three-layer paint for the exteriors, reinterpreting the red of Fangio’s 250F - F1 champion in 1957 - and emphasizing the link with Maserati’s heritage. Not to mention the wheels: MC-design 20” alloy wheels with a new Glossy Black finish that matches the Special Edition logo wheel centre caps.

The interiors have also been reimagined: the new interior design revolves around Poltrona Frau leather or leather/Alcantara upholstery and new interior stitching available in 4 different combinations. Other distinguishing interior details are the door sills in carbon fibre featuring the Special Edition logo and the dedicated plate on the central tunnel with a carbon fibre holder, commemorating the anniversary and the limited production run of 400 units.

The 2017 Geneva Motor Show will also present the Levante Show Car, featuring the new conceptual Ermenegildo Zegna 100% silk fabric in the cockpit. E. Zegna atelier has developed a new silk fabric specially for Maserati, for a heightened soft touch effect, in a new beige colour. The brand new “Chevron” beige silk fabric is coupled with full premium beige leather on the front and rear seats. The same new beige silk fabric with a “Nattè” pattern, is used to enrich the interior door panels, while a “Jersey” pattern has been chosen for the roof lining and sun visors. A dedicated label featuring the E. Zegna logo highlights the luxuriousness of this interior combination, which is paired with the full premium black leather covering the upper part of the dashboard and the ambient beige cabin.

The new E. Zegna beige interior will further enrich the current line-up of luxury interiors, available in 100% silk in anthracite combined with full premium leather in black, red and tan. The Levante on show is based on the Diesel version, equipped with the 275 hp 3.0-litre V6 Turbo, combined with the “Q4” intelligent all-wheel drive system – which can transfer torque between the axles in just 100 ms and, only when necessary, with 50/50% torque distribution – and an 8-speed automatic gearbox, with integrated Start&Stop System.

In the afternoon, Massimo Bottura, chef and owner of “Osteria Francescana” restaurant, named the World's best restaurant by the respected "The World's 50 Best Restaurants 2016" and Maserati brand ambassador, will appear on the stand for a special cooking experience dedicated to a few select Maserati and Ermenegildo Zegna customers.

The Maserati stand at Geneva will also display the marque's complete range, including the Ghibli and Quattroporte saloons, as well as the best performing car in the SUV family, the Levante S – all in Model Year 2017.

There are two Quattroporte models on show: the GTS GranSport version and the all-wheel drive SQ4 GranLusso version. The GTS GranSport is powered by the immense 530 hp 3.8-litre Ferrari produced V8 Twin-Turbo, capable of a peak torque of 710 Nm and able to propel the car to 310 km/h, accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in a mere 4.7 seconds; the exteriors and interiors of the GranSport version underscore the sporty character of the Quattroporte, while enhancing the car’s aggressive appearance. Thanks to its new interior and new exterior design cues, Maserati’s legendary racing heritage is fully present.

The distinctive feature of the Quattroporte SQ4 GranLusso is the Maserati intelligent all-wheel drive system (Q4); with the 410 hp 3-litre V6 Twin-Turbo engine delivering sporty performance with a top speed of 286 km/h and just 4.9 seconds from 0-100 km/h. The GranLusso version reinterprets the concept of luxury in a race-bred, engineered luxury saloon by enhancing the exterior finish and improving in-cabin comfort for both driver and passengers. It offers a higher level of luxury thanks to exclusive materials such as the E. Zegna 100% silk and special features following the finest tradition of Italian craftsmanship.

The Ghibli E High-End segment sports saloon on show is the Diesel-version with a 275 hp 3-litre V6 Turbo engine, providing a top-speed of 250 km/h and 0-100 km/h in 6.3 seconds; it includes the Luxury interior package with full premium extended leather.

The Maserati stand will also feature an additional version of the SUV: the Levante S. This model is equipped with the 430 hp 3-litre V6 Twin-Turbo engine, ensuring sporty performance with a top speed of 264 km/h and going from 0-100 km/h in 5.2 seconds. It delivers outstanding performance both on- and off-road thanks to the sophisticated suspension, standard with all versions: double-wishbone on the front axle and multi-link on the rear, combined with electronically controlled damping, 4-corner air-springs providing 5 dynamic ride levels (plus one additional park-position).

Ghibli, Quattroporte and the SUV Levante are equipped with the new infotainment system compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring functions; its standout feature is its 8.4” high resolution screen with multi touch function. Advanced Driver Assistance Systems are optional extras that comprise Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop&Go function, Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Warning with Advanced Brake Assist and Automated Emergency Braking functions. 

GranTurismo and GranCabrio Special Editions in detail 

In the early 1950s, Maserati enjoyed great success in endurance racing with its legendary barchettas. Based on the mechanic layout of these amazing cars, a new family of special road-use grand touring cars was developed. Thanks to collaborations with famous coachbuilders, who designed iconic bodywork, these cars are now recognized as some of the most characteristic Maseratis of the past (A6 1600, A6 GCS, A6 G/54 etc.). The first Maserati Grand Touring car for series production - the fabulous 3500 GT designed by Carrozzeria Touring Superleggera Milano - emerged from this backdrop in 1957.

The 3500 GT was a ground-breaking vehicle for Maserati. It was the company’s first commercial success with over 2200 units sold in both coupe and cabrio versions. This figure was impressive at the time given the fact that the cars were made completely by hand in the Modena plant. The Special Edition celebrates the 60^thanniversary of that important stage in Maserati history and the GranTurismo embodies the entire legacy of this glorious brand.

In 1957, Maserati also reached the pinnacle of its racing history: after a memorable season, Juan Manuel Fangio won the F1 championship in his invincible Maserati 250F, creating truly great memories at the 1957 Nürburgring.

As Maseratis always combine grand touring ambition with racing inspiration, the exclusive Special Edition three-layer exterior colour (Rosso Italiano) reinterprets the red of Fangio’s 250F, emphasizing the link with Maserati’s heritage.  

GranTurismo & GranCabrio Sport “Special Edition” 

	GranTurismo Sport "Special Edition"	GranCabrio Sport "Special Edition"
Engine	460 HP 4.7-litre V8 naturally aspirated Ferrari engine. Max speed: 298 / 300* km/h 0-100 km/h: 4.8 / 4.7* sec. * with MC Shift transmission	460 HP 4.7-litre V8 naturally aspirated Ferrari engine. Max speed: 285 km/h 0-100 km/h: 5.0 sec.
Suspension & Chassis	Sport Skyhook for the best sporty sensation combined with increased comfort.
Transmission	MC Shift (6-speed electro-actuated gearbox, transaxle layout with longitudinal front engine, located behind the front axle - Rear Wheel Drive) or MC Auto Shift (6-speed automatic gearbox, front transmission in unit with the engine, drive shaft, rear differential - Rear Wheel Drive).	MC Auto Shift (6-speed automatic gearbox, front transmission in unit with the engine, drive shaft, rear differential - Rear Wheel Drive).
Transmission modes	Five driving modes: Auto-Normal, Auto-Sport, Manual-Normal, Manual-Sport, Ice.
Braking system	Dual Cast brake system with drilled and ventilated discs by Brembo. Each disc ID machined with 4 slots and 16 blind holes around the perimeter. The slots keep the brake pads clean, preventing loss of efficiency, and help to break up the flow of water over the surface, while the extra holes ensure uniform wear of the pads and disc to prevent the deterioration of performance over time.
Aerodynamics	The hood, made entirely from carbon fibre, produces additional downforce at the front, improving steering feel and driving control at high speed.
Exterior Bodywork	The extreme appearance has been reinterpreted to create an elegant sportiness. The details that adorn the lines of the car give its elegance and style a sportier feel; a natural progression, truly following Maserati tradition.
Exhaust System	Oval exhaust tips with bypass flaps always open in Sport mode for a full Maserati sound experience.

Exterior Features: 

• 3 “extra campionario” paints available (New Rosso Italiano, Bianco Birdcage, Grigio Lava) and 4 typical Maserati range colours (Nero, Bianco Eldorado, Nero Carbonio, Grigio Granito)
• Alloy wheels: MC-design 20” alloy wheels with a new Glossy Black finish
• Special Edition logo wheel centre caps in a new finish, matching the wheel colour
• The distinctive features of the carbon fibre hood, which comes as standard for body colour and available as an optional extra for the carbon look, are its front central air intake and two rear air vents. The internal part of the hood is in matt carbon fibre featuring a large-scale pattern. The hood of the GranCabrio Sport has been specifically modified, starting from the coupe model, and fitted to respect the restrictive regulations concerning pedestrian impact.
• Standard carbon fibre look (front splitter, door handles, side mirrors, rear lip spoiler). 

Interior Features:

• New Poltrona Frau leather or leather/Alcantara upholstery and interior stitching available in 4 combinations:
  • Bianco Pregiato leather interior with Grigio Chrono insert and Grigio Chrono stitching
  • Black leather/black drilled Alcantara interior with Red stitching
  • Black leather with White stitching
  • Black leather/grey drilled Alcantara interior with Grigio Ghiaccio stitching
• Standard carbon fibre look (centre console, paddles shift, instrument surround, carbon finish on dash and door panels trim strips)
• Floor mats with coloured piping matching the interior details
• Door sills in carbon fibre with Special Edition logo
• Dedicated plate on central tunnel with carbon fibre holder, paying tribute to the anniversary and the limited 400-unit production run

Maserati nears culmination of centennial celebration with an international gathering.

Three-day drive from Modena to Turin celebrates Maserati’s first Centenary and starts with a prologue in Bologna, by the Fountain of Neptune that inspired the Maserati Trident Badge.

The most eagerly anticipated Maserati event in a year of celebrations is just days away. The unique Maserati Centennial International Gathering marks the culmination of the company’s official Centenary celebrations.

After the prologue in Bologna on Wednesday, 17 September the event will officially start in Modena on Thursday, 18 and conclude in Turin on Saturday 20 September. The three-day event includes an exciting combination of exhibitions and parades, a regularity competition, track practice session, guided tours of the two Maserati factories and a Concours d’Elegance, with cars and collectors from all over the world taking part.

More than 200 Maseratis of all periods, both classic and modern, will be the stars of an unforgettable celebration as they parade through Italian towns along the route. A full complement of road models from the Trident marque’s history will take part including the A6GCS/53, 3500 GT, 5000 GT, Sebring, Mistral, Mexico, examples of the original Ghibli and, Quattroporte, Bora, Indy and Khamsin. The stunning Boomerang prototype will also be in attendance, along with cars from the current model range.

The Gathering will feature cars from across the globe. Current Maserati owners will come from  the United States, China, Korea, Russia, the Arab Emirates and Azerbaijan. When it comes to classic cars, there will be representatives from countries as far afield as Australia and, closer to home, Norway, Sweden, Great Britain, France, Germany and Greece, highlighting the international affection for the Maserati brand.

Among the cars participating in the International Centennial Gathering, are vehicles forming a special convoy of Maseratis from China.  After a month-long tour that began in Beijing in mid-August, crossed the whole of Asia, entered Russia at Ekaterinburg, touched Moscow and passed through Minsk, Warsaw, Prague and Munich, the convoy will arrive in Milan on Sunday and then travel on to Modena.

Wednesday, 17 September

The prologue of the Centennial Gathering on Wednesday, 17 September, in Bologna offers participants the chance to visit Maserati’s first premises at Via de’ Pepoli, where Alfieri, Ettore and Ernesto Maserati opened their first workshop. It is a stone’s throw from Piazza del Nettuno, where they will have a photo-opportunity with their cars by the statue of the god of the seas that inspired the famous choice of badge – the Trident, in red white and blue, the Bologna colours, that went on to become unmistakable on the international motorsports scene. The inspiration to use the iconic emblem came to the only brother not involved in the engineering business, Mario, who was a painter by profession.

Thursday, 18 September

On Thursday the world’s finest Maseratis will officially start the International Gathering by meeting in the centre of Modena, in Piazza Grande, Piazza Mazzini and Via Emilia, before parading in the late afternoon to the factory on Viale Ciro Menotti. It still occupies the historic red brick complex the company moved to in 1939 after the take-over by the Orsi family in 1937, a move made on the understanding that the Maserati brothers would continue to work there for another 10 years.

At the historic headquarters, which for the last decade has also included a modern office building and a futuristic showroom, event participants will take part in a very unusual dinner in the striking setting of the production lines that manufacture Maserati GranTurismo and GranCabrio and Alfa Romeo 4C. This represents a unique opportunity for participants to dine in the surroundings of a state-of-the-art production facility, which also works in harmony with the manual skills of Maserati’s highly specialised workforce.

The dinner, during which tenors of the Luciano Pavarotti Foundation will perform, will offer a unique sensory experience, where the senses of sight, taste and hearing will combine to provide an unforgettable event. It is well known that the bond between the great Modena-born tenor and Maserati was always very strong.

Before this, in the afternoon, participants will visit the outstanding “MASERATI 100 – A Century of Pure Italian Luxury Sports Cars,” exhibition which retraces the brand’s history with some of the most important cars from its past. Housed in the futuristic Museo Casa Enzo Ferrari, a few metres from Viale Ciro Menotti, the exhibition will remain open to the public until January 2015. In terms of the historic value of the items on show, this is the biggest international exhibition of Maserati cars ever held and is an opportunity not to be missed for participants in the exclusive Centennial Gathering.

Friday, 19 September

The destination of the gathering’s second stage is linked to the creation of a racing car that was to set a world speed record. On Friday morning participants will drive towards Turin with a break at the San Martino del Lago circuit near Cremona, where the track practice sessions and regularity competition will take place. This is certain to bring out the racing spirit found in every Maserati’s genes, while their familiar comfort will come to the fore during the journey itself.

This leg of the journey pays homage to Baconin Borzacchini and his 16-cylinder Maserati V4, in which the Italian driver set the world record for the flying 10 kilometres, at an average speed of 246.069 km/h, on 28 September 1929 in Cremona. The record was set on a partially unpaved section of straight normal road temporarily closed to the meagre traffic of the time. It is now part of the ordinary road network and open to traffic so Gathering participants will actually get the chance to drive along the route used to set the original record.

Once the activities on the track have been completed, the procession of fine Maseratis will provide a beauty pageant along the streets of Cremona before setting off for Turin, home of the “Avv. Giovanni Agnelli” plant at Grugliasco that produces the new Quattroporte and Ghibli models.

In Turin, the Maseratis will be parked on show in Piazza Castello. In the evening, a gala dinner will be held in the splendid, majestic setting of the Reggia di Venaria palace: a real event within the event!

Saturday, 20 September

The third and final act of the Centennial Gathering will take place on Saturday 20 September; in the morning, the final section of the regularity competition will be held on the climb to the Basilica of Superga. This will be followed by a guided tour of the Grugliasco plant.

The concluding stage of the event, the Concours d’Elegance, will be held in the afternoon. The cars, divided into 10 classes on the basis of year of construction and type, will be showcased in Piazza San Carlo, in the real heart of Turin.

The Concours and regularity competition awards ceremony will mark the event’s farewell to the large number of fans who are certain to attend. Amongst the prizes, some of which will be kept secret until the time of presentation, Maserati has chosen to reward winners with two “Master Maserati” driving courses and an exclusive “Master Italian Lifestyle Experience.”