Maserati took time away from cars with the launch of a new range of accessories at the Frankfurt Show.

Ermenegildo Zegna and Maserati have created a special capsule collection of fine leather-wear and accessories designed to honour the release of the Ermenegildo Zegna trim package available on all Maserati Ghibli and Quattroporte models. 

Following in the footsteps of the Maserati Quattroporte Ermenegildo Zegna Limited Edition with its Zegna-designed interior, Zegna’s master craftsmen have created a pure silk fabric with an extremely high visual impact for the cockpit and seats in what has been described as the ultimate expression of style and exclusivity. 

The automotive-grade fabric combines an incredibly soft feel with an elegantly technical look to deliver dynamism and a contemporary feel that is worthy of one of Maserati’s most iconic models.  

The dual-colour, dual-material composition of leather tones and Zegna anthracite silk has inspired a special capsule collection that will be available in key Ermenegildo Zegna global stores, starting from October 2015. The collection includes bi-material outerwear in leather and technical silk, special-edition sneakers, scarves in 100% anthracite silk, fine leather goods and exclusive foldable sunglasses.

Zegna’s distinctive patterned silk combined with fine calf leathers and embellished with the Maserati trident reflect the understated luxury of both brands. A unique leather bomber-style blouson with its raglan sleeves in pure silk herringbone structure and body in high-quality nappa plongee complements the dynamic dual-material of the Ermenegildo Zegna trim package, just as the premium sneaker in hand-buffed calf leather and Lanificio Zegna’s Maserati fabric is the ultimate in comfort and style. 

From the elegant holdall in smooth French calfskin with embossed Maserati trident and  Ermenegildo Zegna exclusive for Maserati fabric lining, to the calf leather travel wallet with extractable handle and special passport and boarding pass pockets, to the Maserati-logoed keycase, the rich assortment of products,  reveals a rigorous attention to even the smallest of details. 

Completing the collection, pure silk herringbone scarves, dark brown goat nappa driving gloves and foldable metal sunglasses with leather detailing are the perfect accessories to excite the luxury sports car enthusiast. who find in Maserati the perfect combination between elegance and performance.

The Ermenegildo Zegna Maserati capsule collection has been expressly designed to reflect the heritage, craftsmanship and elegance synonymous with both the Zegna and Maserati brands. They are also part of the multi-year partnership between Ermenegildo Zegna and Maserati, which saw as a first step, the launch of the Maserati Quattroporte Ermenegildo Zegna Limited Edition.

FRANKFURT - Maserati reveals upgrades to all its models, interior, Tech, engines and more.

Updated product range with Euro 6 engines, new contents and the market launch of the “Zegna Edition” interiors for the Ghibli and Quattroporte saloons.

In a year of consolidation and in the run-up to the launch of the Levante SUV scheduled for 2016, Maserati lines up its complete Model Year 16 (MY16) product range for the first time in Europe. With the MY16 range, Maserati upgrades all current engines to the Euro 6 standard and adds exclusive new contents for the Ghibli and Quattroporte saloons.

Apart from the engines, the area of the saloons to benefit from the most innovation is that of the traditional customisations, thanks to the exclusive Ghibli and Quattroporte interior packages bearing the Ermenegildo Zegna signature, not to mention new mouldings and ornamental stitching on the headrests.

Other areas to benefit from new contents are driver aids and safety, with the Blind Spot Alert and Rear Cross Path system, user-friendliness with the Power Boot (motorised boot opening and closure, also featuring hands-free activation), the sound system with the debut of a Harman Kardon system and an update to the existing Bowers & Wilkins system, and the user-car interface, which now includes voice commands by means of the Siri smart personal assistant in combination with iOS devices. Further improvements in terms of acoustic insulation allow the Maserati saloons, Quattroporte and Ghibli, to meet the needs of their demanding customers more effectively.

The stand displays 3 versions of the Ghibli, the sporty executive saloon, and 2 versions of the Quattroporte, the Maserati luxury limousine now in its sixth generation; the GT range is represented by the GranTurismo MC Stradale Centennial Edition and a GranCabrio Sport.

THE NEW FEATURES OF THE MODEL YEAR 16

EURO 6 ENGINES

For both Quattroporte and Ghibli gasoline engines (V6 Twin Turbo from 330 up to 410 hp and V8 Twin Turbo with 530 hp), the introduction of EURO 6 homologation brings up to 12% reduction in emissions, consumption and unchanged performance compared to previous EURO 5 engines, while the MY16 gasoline engines also benefit from the introduction of the Start & Stop system.

On the V6 Diesel engines, emissions and consumption figures, as well as performance, remain unchanged, while the Euro 6 homologation introduced AdBlue technology, with a dedicated on-board tank placed below the rear tank.

On the GranTurismo and GranCabrio ranges, where the naturally aspirated V8 engines already had emission levels in line with the prescribed standards, the upgrading to Euro 6 did not generate any changes in fuel consumption or emission figures.

“ZEGNA EDITION” INTERIOR PACKAGE

The Ermenegildo Zegna interior exclusively for Maserati combines fine leather with 100% natural fibre Zegna Mulberry silk inserts on the seats, door panels, roof lining, sunshades and ceiling light fixture. The seat covers and door panels receive an added touch of luxury with stitching in a contrasting colour. The headrest is embroidered with an eye-catching Trident, the Maserati brand emblem.

Available in three colour variants for the interiors of the Quattroporte and Ghibli, this exclusive “Zegna Edition” outfit will be the most exquisite of all Maserati customisations.

The interior offering includes a choice of colour combinations: the Ermenegildo Zegna silk, available in Anthracite colour only, can be combined with three different shades of luxurious fine leather, for three individual looks:

• Black colour fine grain leather / Anthracite Ermenegildo Zegna Silk / contrasting grey stitching on seats, dashboard, door panel and headrest
• Natural colour fine grain leather / Anthracite Ermenegildo Zegna Silk / contrasting grey stitching on seats, dashboard, door panel and headrest
• Red colour fine grain leather / Anthracite Ermenegildo Zegna Silk / contrasting grey stitching on seats, dashboard, door panel and headrest

To focus on details, in the “Zegna Edition” version the outsides of the seats are in extra fine grain leather with contrasting, light grey stitching, matched to an Anthracite central silk insert with a micro-chevron weave of vertical rolls on the central seat and backrest area. Within this area, the central roll, with leather tapes on the sides, features a special macro-chevron weave adding to its three-dimensional feel and technical look.

On the door panels, the central parts are covered with Zegna silk Jersey and embellished by a diagonal roll pattern, with ton-sur-ton ornamental stitching and alternating rib embroideries. The same fabric is used to cover the car's roof lining and sunshades, the latter carrying grosgrain “Ermenegildo Zegna Exclusively for Maserati” brand labels on the inside. The sophisticated, luxury finish of the car interior is also expressed by the headrests, featuring an embroidered Trident emblem and contrasting stitching.

This extended, exclusive product offering for the Maserati saloons is available for all markets, on all Quattroporte and Ghibli versions.

NEW QUATTOPORTE AND GHIBLI CONTENTS

Blind Spot Alert & Rear Cross Path

Available upon request for both Quattroporte and Ghibli, the Blind Spot Alert uses visual and audible signals to alert the driver when a vehicle enters the blind spot zones; this important safety feature has been introduced to avoid collisions during lane changes. The system monitors blind spot areas using two radar-based sensors, located inside the rear bumper fascia; when a vehicle approaches from behind, the LED warning signal embedded into the side mirrors lights up while an acoustic alert can also be heard.

The Rear Cross Path function is designed to assist the driver when reversing, and is particularly useful when backing out of a parking space, when oncoming vehicles cannot be seen.  By means of sensors fitted on each side of the rear bumper, a system detects any vehicles heading towards the car and alerts the driver visually and acoustically. The system is active at speeds from a minimum of 3 km/h to a maximum of about 16 km/h, typical of parking areas, and provides a useful checking function.

Power Boot Lid with Hands-Free Mode

With the introduction of the Power Boot lid, included in the Quattroporte GTS and available upon request for the other versions of both Quattroporte and Ghibli, the light aluminium boot lid can now open or close on its own. Thanks to electric actuators and a motor-operated locking device, the system allows automatic control of the boot lid, with a selection of activation options to suit different situations: from inside the car, using the car remote, using the buttons on the boot lid or in Hands-Free mode.

With Hands-Free mode, the boot can be opened or closed by simply moving a foot underneath the rear bumper; a special sensor picks up the movement and opens or closes the boot. In this case and for safety reasons, the lid will only open or close if the “Passive Entry” system acknowledges the presence of the key.

Siri Personal Assistant

Thanks to the Apple chip integrated in the MTC, in MY16 vehicles a useful on-board feature that exploits iOS functionality has been introduced: the Siri "smart" personal assistant, already incorporated in Apple devices. Based on Bluetooth technology, Siri allows users of Quattroporte and Ghibli (both standard) to perform tasks on iOS connected devices (iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch) and make requests using voice commands. The advantage is that Siri uses natural language to understand commands. For safety reasons, when the car is on the move Siri deactivates all applications which use visual content or require user interaction, replying to commands given or questions asked with voice feedback only.

Audio

The audio system has been completely renewed with MY16 and brings on board the new Harman Kardonsystem as a standard feature on all Quattroporte versions and upon request on Ghibli; it gives outstanding power and sound quality, based around 10 speakers and a 900W 12-channel amplifier. The door woofers and the subwoofer installed underneath the rear shelf are also of new design for a more powerful sound.

The optional Bowers & Wilkins Premium Surround audio system is as good as it gets in production car hi-fi systems, with the new Clari-Fi function from MY16.

The Clari-Fi function is an advanced solution designed for digital music and capable of restoring the artistic details lost in digitally-compressed songs. Clari–Fi scans all types of compressed audio files for lost music details, supporting MP3, AAC, Satellite Radio, Playback and Streaming Music Services and intelligently corrects waveform deficiencies based on existing music information and audio source quality. By recapturing the missing highs and lows, restoring the vocals to their natural tone, returning to a true stereo sound and removing unwanted distortions and artifacts, these features exclusive for the Bowers & Wilkins Premium Surround audio system set a new benchmark in automotive audio.

Other features

Interior: while the standard equipment is sumptuous, Maserati also provides an exceptional degree of personalisation with a vast range of materials for the client to choose from, including wood, carbon fibre, leather, Alcantara, as well as coloured stitching in contrast with the leather colour, for areas such as the upper dashboard, doors and seats and, with the introduction of MY16, also headrest contrast stitching with embroidered Trident upon request. A lacquered Black Piano trim - already available for the MY16 Quattroporte - is also available for MY16 Ghibli for areas such as the central tunnel cover or the door inserts.

GENEVA - Maserati never fails to impress, and again they have at the 2015 Geneva show.

EXCLUSIVE INTERIORS FOR THE GHIBLI AND QUATTROPORTE, SIGNED BY ERMENEGILDO ZEGNA

After a year of commercial success and the recent centennial celebrations, Maserati views 2015 as a year of consolidation before the launch of its new models. In terms of product, this consolidation starts with the strengthening of the all-Italian partnership between the brand and the Ermenegildo Zegna maison of Trivero. At the Geneva Motor Show, Maserati has confirmed the production launch of a new interior version available as an option from next autumn.

The Ermenegildo Zegna interior combines Poltrona Frau leather with 100% natural fibre Zegna Mulberry Silk inserts on the seats, door panels, roof lining, sunshades and ceiling light fixture. Available in three colour variants for the interiors of the Quattroporte and Ghibli saloons, this exclusive outfit will be the most exquisite of all Maserati customisations. 

The stand features the Ghibli Ermenegildo Zegna Edition, the stylistic concept car that contains some of the features available for order by Maserati saloon customers.

Also on display on the Maserati stand is a substantial representation of the brand’s range, with the luxurious Quattroporte GTS and the diesel version. The Ghibli is present in the S Q4 and diesel versions, alongside the Centennial Editions of the GranTurismo MC Stradale and GranCabrio MC.

ERMENEGILDO ZEGNA INTERIORS FOR THE GHIBLI AND QUATTROPORTE

For the Ghibli and Quattroporte, Maserati and Ermenegildo Zegna have designed interiors offering luxurious materials and sophisticated styling, with three colour combinations certain to delight the most discerning clientele.

The basic consideration behind this new product offering has remained faithful to that presented with the Ghibli Ermenegildo Zegna Edition concept car: the harmony of opposites, where a stylistic synthesis between sophisticated design and technological dynamism creates interiors with a strong contemporary character.

The interior is designed around the passenger compartment’s two-colour, two-material concept, with Poltrona Frau leather combined with Ermenegildo Zegna 100% natural fibre mulberry silk inserts, which give it a distinctive, elegant personality.

Silk, an inherently sophisticated material, is further embellished by the hand-stitched macro-chevron; on the door panel, too, the matching salt-pepper silk Jersey is enhanced by an alternating rib embroidery.

As for the seating, the extra fine grain Poltrona Frau leather with contrasting, light grey stitching, is matched to a central silk insert with a micro-chevron weave of vertical rolls on the central seat and backrest area, within which the central roll, with leather tapes on the sides, features a special macro-chevron weave adding to its three-dimensional feel and technical look.

On the door panels, the central parts are covered with Zegna silk Jersey and embellished by a diagonal roll pattern, with ton-sur-ton ornamental stitching and alternating rib embroideries. The same fabric is used to cover the car's roof lining and sunshades, the latter carrying grosgrain “Ermenegildo Zegna Exclusively for Maserati” brand labels on the inside. The sophisticated, luxury finish of the car interior is also expressed by the headrests, featuring an embroidered Trident emblem and contrasting stitching.

For both models, Ghibli and Quattroporte, the interior offering includes a choice of colour combinations: the Ermenegildo Zegna silk, always in Anthracite colour, can be combined with three different shades of luxurious Poltrona Frau leather, for three individual looks:

• Black colour Poltrona Frau Leather/  Anthracite Ermenegildo Zegna Silk / contrasting grey stitching on seats, dashboard and door panel
• Natural colour Poltrona Frau Leather/  Anthracite Ermenegildo Zegna Silk / contrasting grey stitching on seats, dashboard and door panel
• Red colour Poltrona Frau Leather/  Anthracite Ermenegildo Zegna Silk / contrasting grey stitching on seats, dashboard and door panel

This extended, exclusive product offering for the Maserati saloons will be available for all markets from autumn 2015, on all Quattroporte and Ghibli versions.

QUATTROPORTE RANGE

The most powerful Maserati currently on the market is also present on the stand: the GTS version of the Quattroporte flagship, driven by the powerful 530 horsepower V8 Twin-Turbo petrol engine with rear-wheel drive, capable of a peak torque of 710 Nm and able to propel the car to 307 km/h, surging from 0 to 100 km/h in a mere 4.7 seconds. In terms of styling, as well as the GTS badge at the rear, the car’s exterior features a front spoiler, side miniskirts and the lower band of the rear bumper coloured to match the body, while the radiator grille has a glossy black surround. The front trident emblem in the middle of the grille, as well as the iconic “Saetta” logo on the rear pillar, includes the red striping typical of higher-performance versions. The standard wheels are 20” in size and forged to ensure a significant weight reduction compared to the conventional flow forming construction; the wheels come in a technical design and anthracite grey colour, with external diamond smoothing treatment and matt finish with colour-matched hub covers and a red trident emblem - only available for this version. The slimline spokes allow a good view of the red, anodised finish brake callipers, indicative of the vehicle's high performance and only available for the GTS version. The standard interiors offer lavish use of fine-grain Poltrona Frau leather (with optional contrasting stitching) and Black Piano lacquered trim. Further interior details include a compact GTS badge added to the inside of the dashboard central clock with red pointers, and the floor mat on the driver's side with a leather insert and embroidered GTS logo.

Accompanying the immensely powerful Quattroporte GTS is the equally exclusive Quattroporte Diesel, with 275 horsepower V6 engine, which with a top speed of 250 km/h, acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.4 seconds and a total range of more than 1000 km between fuelling stops, delivers unrivalled comfort on long journeys.

The Quattroporte range is completed by the petrol-engined all-wheel drive S Q4 and rear-wheel drive Quattroporte S, both powered by the 410 horsepower Twin Turbo V6 and equipped with the 8-speed automatic transmission; top speeds, at the top of the class for both versions, are 283 and 285 km/h respectively, with 0-100 km/h taking 4.9 seconds for the S Q4 and 5.1 for the rear-wheel drive Quattroporte S version.

GHIBLI RANGE

Alongside the Ghibli Ermenegildo Zegna Edition concept car on the stand is the most powerful petrol version, the all-wheel drive Ghibli S Q4, with 410 horsepower Twin Turbo V6 engine. Its architecture provides sports car performance, with a top speed of 284 km/h and just 4.8 seconds from 0-100 km/h, together with the versatility to deal with all kinds of road surfaces. On the stand, the leader in comfort, performance and fuel saving combined is the Ghibli Diesel, with its 275 horsepower V6 Turbo engine.  Capable of 250 km/h and accelerating from 0-100 km/h in 6.3 seconds, it delivers low fuel consumption and emissions of 5.9 l/100 km and 158 g/km respectively, on the combined cycle.

The Ghibli range is completed by the petrol version with a 330 horsepower V6 Twin Turbo engine, and the 410 horsepower S version, both rear-wheel drive and with 8-speed automatic transmission.

GRANTURISMO AND GRANCABRIO RANGE

The epitome of the sports car range comprising of the GranTurismo and GranCabrio, is the Centennial Edition of the GranTurismo MC Stradale. The Centennial Edition, created to celebrate the Maserati Centennial, is available on both the GranTurismo MC Stradale and the GranCabrio MC, both displayed on the stand. The Centennial Edition features three tri-coated colours, special 20” wheels and hub covers that incorporate the Centennial medallion logo. The leather upholstered seats boast a particularly aggressive look with a contrasting decorative insert based on the three colours (red, white and blue) of the seat profiles. The same motif also extends to the headrests and surrounds the embroidered trident logo.

The engine is a 4.7 litre 460 horsepower naturally aspirated V8 with rear-wheel drive and gearbox coupled with the differential, enabling the car to reach 0-100 km/h in just 4.5 seconds; the top speed is 303 km/h and the car has Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes.

Apart from the Centennial Edition, the sports car range includes the GranTurismo, with 4.2 litre, 405 horsepower naturally aspirated V8 engine and 6 speed automatic transmission, and the GranTurismo Sport, powered by the same 4.7 litre 460 horsepower naturally aspirated V8 engine as the MC Stradale, available with MC Auto-Shift automatic transmission or MC Shift robotic gearbox, all with rear-wheel drive.

The convertible range is completed by the 450 horsepower GranCabrio and the 460 horsepower GranCabrio Sport, both with 6 speed automatic transmission.

DRIVING COURSES

The Master Maserati programme offers a complete range of top-level, highly exclusive driving experiences, characterised by the unmistakeable Italian style and elegance typical of all Maserati activities.

At the Varano De' Melegari racing track, near Parma, in Italy, a fleet of fifteen cars, all part of the current Maserati production range and coordinated by the former Formula 1 driver Andrea de Adamich, each equipped with an audio-video recording system, will be made available to course participants to learn various driving techniques and emergency manoeuvres.

The driving experiences range from the brand new “Master Warm Up”, an introduction to driving high-performance cars on the circuit, on to the classic “Master GT” one or two days' course, or the "Master High Performance" course for more experienced drivers, and the "Master Italian Lifestyle Experience", encompassing all the most iconic, captivating elements of Italian lifestyle: luxury, art, fashion, and most significantly, racing performance. More information is available at www.maserati.com/MasterMaserati

In the run-up to the Maserati Trofeo World Series 2015, the “Trofeo Racing Academy” is offered on 21 and 22 March; this project is the very highest level of Maserati Driving Courses. It is a professional race-training programme, intended for those who are actually intending to take part in the 2015 Maserati Trofeo World Series, to enable them to enjoy a safe driving experience with performance and competitiveness of a suitable level.

Participation is reserved for experienced drivers with high-performance road vehicle driving skills - with or without previous track experience. The programme includes two training days, with both theoretical and practical sessions. At the end of the Trofeo Racing Academy, participants may take a 2,000 cc racing car driving test, required by the Italian National Federation (CSAI) to be able to compete in the Maserati Trofeo.

MOTOR SPORTS

The sixth season of the Maserati Trofeo World Series confirms its status as a worldwide event, with a calendar covering three continents and now including three new tracks, meaning that no fewer than 25 different circuits have now been visited since 2010. 

The Trofeo World Series will commence on 26 April in France, at the Paul Ricard Circuit, where the initial pre-season tests will also take place. The second round will be held on 24 May at the Spielberg circuit in Austria, which will be hosting a stage of the Trofeo Maserati for the first time. On 28 June another new circuit: Road America in the State of Wisconsin in the USA, while the return to the VIR circuit at Danville, Virginia is confirmed for 23 August.

The championship will move to Asia on 25 October and will call at the Suzuka circuit in Japan for the first time, before concluding on 11 December at Abu Dhabi, which will host the closing race for the third year in succession.

The major novelty for the 2015 season concerns the race format, designed to create a level playing-field between drivers and ensure more excitement right from the first sessions on the track. The format will change from three races per round, used in 2013 and 2014, to two races of 42’ each, with no pit stops. More information is available at www.maseraticorse.it

MASERATI'S 2014

In 2014, Maserati delivered 36,500 cars (+137%), thanks to the continued strong performance of the Quattroporte and Ghibli. Net earnings were €2.8 billion (€1.7 billion in 2013) due to the higher volumes. EBIT improved to €275 million from €106 million in 2013, which included non-recurring charges of €65 million relating to the write-down of development costs, previously capitalised in relation to a new model which was subsequently reassigned to a new platform considered more appropriate for the brand. EBIT adjusted to allow for non-recurring items improved by €104 million compared to 2013 as a result of the growth in volumes.