Purpose

I will try my best to provide detailed info on various cars and what is like to live with them, I have already produced a few for Jaguar-car-forums, I will do my best to be unbiased, but it will be hard for some cars. I will re-produce press releases and copy from other motoring news.
Showing posts with label Modena. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Modena. Show all posts

Friday, 1 December 2017

The Modena version of the Ferrari Museum has beaten all previous visitor numbers with a month to go.

The popularity of the Ferrari Museums continues to grow, hitting a record of more than 500,000 visitors from the start of the year to November, an increase of 12% compared to the same period last year. As such, the previous record of more than 478,000 tickets set at the end of 2016 has been beaten, well before the end of the year. 
The Museo Enzo Ferrari in Modena in particular registered an annual growth of 19% in November, equivalent to 150,000 visitors, drawn by the “Driving with the Stars” exhibition that sees the Ferraris driven by stars from the sporting, cultural, industrial and entertainments worlds on display. 

The Ferrari Museum in Maranello has also enjoyed significant success, with an 8% increase in visitors taking the total to 350,000. Over the course of the year, the museum has hosted the “Rosso Infinito” (‘Infinite Red’) exhibition - which is still underway - and “Under the Skin”, which has now been transferred to the Design Museum in London, running from 15 November to 15 April 2018. 
Sales of single tickets for both museums remain stable, representing around a fifth of the total, serving as confirmation of the superb synergy between these structures for another year. 
These results serve to confirm that the Ferrari Museums are among the most visited in Italy, attracting fans and enthusiasts from all over the world. They owe their appeal to the exciting attractions renewed every year, with major themed exhibitions, exhibits featuring iconic cars and original museum tours that take visitors on a journey through the history of the Prancing Horse brand.

Friday, 9 December 2016

The 100,000th Maserati is a White Quattroporte GranSport MY17 destined for China.

  • The 100,000th car is a white Quattroporte GranSport MY17 destined for China, the largest market for the brand’s flagship saloon.
  • Alfredo Altavilla, FCA Chief Operating Officer for the EMEA Region, thanked all the men and women at the Avv. Giovanni Agnelli Plant who made the achievement of this major milestone possible.
Earlier this week, at the Avv. Giovanni Agnelli Plant (AGAP) where the Ghibli sports saloon and the Quattroporte flagship saloon are built, celebrations were held to mark the production of the 100,000th car. 
It was a white Quattroporte Model Year 2017, equipped with the 350 horsepower 3.0 litre V6 Twin-Turbo engine built by Ferrari.  
This special Quattroporte is destined for China, a strategic market for Maserati and of primary importance for the Brand's flagship saloon car.

Alfredo Altavilla, FCA Chief Operating Officer for the EMEA Region, thanked everyone working at AGAP, whose dedication has made this plant a centre of excellence not only within the Maserati production organisation but for the entire FCA group.
“The Maserati brand's impressive growth during the last few years has been one of the major developments at the Premium end of the market; the sixth generation of the Maserati saloon, developed here at Grugliasco, is the best-selling Quattroporte of all time and almost 70,000 units of the Ghibli, built here, have now left the production line, meaning that in little more than three years it has become the most successful Maserati of all time," Alfredo Altavilla commented.
"With the Levante, the Brand has now moved into the SUV segment and the ‘Maserati spirit’ has also reached the Mirafiori plant, where the Levante is produced. The men and women who work here at the Avv. Giovanni Agnelli Plant at Grugliasco are already well aware of this," Mr Altavilla added, "because many of them mentored their Mirafiori colleagues during the production launch and build-up phases for the new Levante SUV, acting as ambassadors for the Brand's craftsman-like care and attention to detail.”
As well as the AGAP, Grugliasco and Mirafiori, Turin plants, Maserati has a third production location at its historic headquarters on Viale Ciro Menotti in Modena, where the GranTurismo and GranCabrio sports cars are built.
Today, Maserati is a genuine Italian icon: a symbol of creativity, passion, innovation and style, values all reflected in the range. Thanks to a unique blend of craftsmanship, technology and obsessive attention to detail, it produces cars that never fail to thrill and inspire.
With the range-completing Levante SUV, alongside the new Quattroporte, the Ghibli, the GranTurismo and the GranCabrio, Maserati now covers every sector of the global luxury car market.

Tuesday, 14 June 2016

For 2016 Maserati's flagship has undergone a restyle both in & out, and becomes an even better luxury choice.

The flagship Maserati model is relaunched with an exterior restyling, further refinement for the interior and additional high-tech features. A new range strategy is launched with the introduction of the GranLusso and GranSport trims.
After three and a half years of unprecedented success in the international markets, the Quattroporte has undergone a substantial restyling that accentuates its elegance without altering its signature Maserati personality.
The restyled Quattroporte, representing the quintessence of Italian sport saloons, will be available from June 2016 and is destined to continue a success story that started in 2013. Since its initial launch, the iconic Maserati flagship model has been delivered to over 24,000 customers in 72 countries.
The exterior of the restyled Quattroporte is recognisable with a  new bumper design with matte black profile at the front and the matte black extractor at the rear. The front grille is more pointed and imposing, and it introduces new vertical chrome elements that contrast with the deepness of the shark nose effect. Other distinguishing details of the new Quattroporte are the matte black side skirts and the exterior mirrors, which have been slightly restyled to incorporate new technical elements.

An electrically adjustable Air Shutter has been fitted in the front grille between the air vents and the engine’s radiator. The Air Shutter provides optimal control of the engine’s fluid temperature and, together with the optimization of the new front and rear bumpers, air conveyor and flat bottom, improves the aerodynamic drag of the car by 10%.
The improvements to the interior were introduced to enhance the purity of the model by underlining only the functional parts. This takes place through the clean integration of the new interface elements with the infotainment area and tunnel console.
Specifically, the redesigned central dashboard now accommodates a capacitive high resolution 8.4” screen with multi touch function.
This area is now characterized by a continuous technical element that integrates the screen, new climate control and new drawer in a single seamless design, emphasizing the pure volume composition typical of the Quattroporte.
The central, lower console has also been redesigned and now features a rotary control for volume and function control, a new lid and phone storage compartment. The stylistic approach to these functional elements permits a minimalist design approach for the centre of the dashboard.
The new infotainment system is compatible with both the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring functions.
A new package of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems is available as an option in the new Quattroporte. It includes Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop&Go, Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Warning with Advanced Brake Assist and Automated Emergency Braking. An additional new Surround View Camera is available as an option in combination with the Driver Assistance package.
All Quattroporte cars are now equipped with an Air Quality Sensor, a feature that substantially improves comfort levels for the occupants on-board. This system combines an intelligent sensor and a signal analysis system that calculates the external pollution levels and prevents polluted air and toxic gases from entering the cabin. 
GranLusso and GranSport, two distinct new worlds.
Since its beginnings Maserati has represented the perfect blend of luxury and sportiness thanks to its race-bred engineering. 
With the restyling of the flagship Quattroporte, Maserati launches a new range strategy to offer its highly discerning clientele the additional choice of two unique trim options that emphasize the two key pillars of the brand’s DNA: GranLusso and GranSport.
The two highly distinctive trims are available as an upgrade for all Quattroporte V6 powertrain versions (Quattroporte Diesel and Quattroporte S). Both trims will be priced at the same level across the range.
The top of the range version, the Quattroporte GTS, which features the twin-turbo V8, will be available exclusively with either the GranLusso or GranSport trims as part of the standard equipment.
Each trim level was conceived to meet the needs of customers that seek a distinctive and unique product in the executive saloon segment.
GranLusso and GranSport are immediately recognisable thanks to their distinct exterior design and unique interiors.
GranLusso trim
The GranLusso trim reinterprets the concept of luxury in a race-bred engineered luxury saloon by enhancing the exterior finish and improving in-cabin comfort for driver and passengers.
It offers a higher level of luxury using exclusive materials and special features in the finest tradition of Italian craftsmanship.
GranLusso is distinctive for a new front lower fascia design with an elegant floating bridge element and a delicate spoiler, detailed by the chrome bumper finish and the body colour bumper profiles. The profile incorporates side skirts, while on the rear the look is even cleaner, characterized by a sculptured retroreflector and a body coloured spoiler; the exterior look is completed by 20” Mercurio rims and black painted brake calipers.
In the cabin, the soul of the GranLusso is epitomised by the Ermenegildo Zegna Edition interior that features a patented silk fabric, unique in the industry, on the seats, doors, headliner and sun visors; the seat tailoring details and the label behind the sun visors make this version unique and exclusive.
The cabin ambience is further refined thanks to the exclusive open pore Radica wood on the dashboard and the leather steering wheel with wooden inserts. The trim integrates comfort-oriented equipment like the power foot pedals, the electric rear sunblind, the four-zone air conditioning, the heated rear seat and the extended keyless entry.
GranSport trim
The GranSport trim underscores the sporty character of the Quattroporte while enhancing the aggressive appearance of the car. Thanks to new exterior design cues and interior content that reflect the legendary racing heritage of the Maserati brand.
On the front of the Quattroporte GranSport, the dedicated restyling for the centre and side air intakes improves the cooling function while showcasing an aggressive front area. The lower fascia is linked to the grille with aerodynamic inspired splits. The back is characterized by an evident composition between a centre fuselage and two side pockets that focus the attention on the exhausts. An aggressive black piano spoiler completes the rear view.
The Quattroporte GranSport is fitted with 21” Titano rims and features a glossy black finish on the bumpers, red brake calipers and blue inserts in the front Trident and side Saetta badge as well as blue Tridents on the wheel centres. As an option, the front grille of the GranSport can be ordered in a glossy black finish.
The interior of the Quattroporte GranSport includes redesigned front and rear seats, with their sculptured profiles, to improve sporty driving performances while a new sport steering wheel, in carbon fibre or full leather, creates a strong identity.
Thanks to the high gloss Piano Black wood trim on the dashboard, the brand new sport seats, the sport steering wheel fitted with aluminium gearshift paddles and the stainless steel sport pedals, the interior of the Quattroporte GranSport guarantees a truly sporty experience.
A further opportunity for customization is available in the form of the optional Exterior Carbon Pack for the GranSport trim, to further enhance the sporty exterior. This pack features external mirrors, door handles and b-pillar cover plus the profile of the front bumper in carbon fibre.
Engine-wise, the Quattroporte remains faithful to its traditions with a very wide range of engines and transmissions starting with the Quattroporte GTS, powered by the immense 530 hp 3.8 litre Ferrari-produced V8 Twin-Turbo with rear wheel drive, 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 Quattroporte is also available with the 410 hp 3.0 litre Ferrari-produced V6 Twin-Turbo, with rear wheel drive, the Quattroporte S. At the top of its class with 550 Nm of torque and the 286 km/h top speed, accelerating from 0-100 km/h in 5.1 seconds.
The range is completed by the Quattroporte Diesel; equipped with a 3.0-litre V6 Turbo, it delivers 600 Nm of torque with 275 hp, retaining a top speed of 252 km/h and a quick 0-100 km/h figure of just 6.4 seconds.
All versions of the Quattroporte are fitted with state-of-the-art ZF eight-speed automatic transmission and electronically-controlled Skyhook shock absorbers; with an ideal 50:50 weight distribution and an extensive use of aluminium in the chassis, body and suspension, performance and comfort are again unparalleled.
The New Quattroporte. By Maserati.
  • Exterior restyling
  • Cx improved by 10% with the adoption of electric Air Shutter
  • New GranLusso trim with individual contents
  • New GranSport trim with individual contents
  • New infotainment system with high resolution 8.4” capacitive touch screen
  • Redesigned central console with rotary knob
  • Standard Air Quality Sensor on all versions
  • Advanced Driver Assistance Systems optional package
  • Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop&Go
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Forward Collision Warning with Advanced Brake Assist
  • Automated Emergency Braking
  • Surround View Camera
  • New Electronic Parking Brake
  • 3.8 V8 petrol version with increased top speed (now 310 km/h)
  • 3.0 V6 petrol version with increased top speed (now 286 km/h for S version)
  • 3.0 V6 diesel version with increased top speed (now 252 km/h for 275 hp - 242 km/h for 250 hp)
The new Quattroporte MY17 is now available to order in the UK, with pricing as follows:
NEW QUATTROPORTEVERSIONBASIC*VATLIST
PRICE
OTR
CHARGES
OTR
PRICE**
Quattroporte
2,987 cc, V6 60°, 275HP, 600Nm
Diesel£58,558.33£11,711.67£70,270.00£240.00£70,510.00
GranLusso
Diesel
£65,558.33£13,111.67£78,670.00£240.00£78,910.00
GranSport
Diesel
£65,558.33£13,111.67£78,670.00£240.00£78,910.00
Quattroporte
2,979 cc, V6 60°, 410HP, 550Nm
S£68,370.83£13,674.17£82,045.00£705.00£82,750.00
GranLusso S£75,370.83£15,074.17£90,445.00£705.00£91,150.00
GranSport S£75,370.83£15,074.17£90,445.00£705.00£91,150.00
Quattroporte
3,799 cc, V8 90°, 530HP, 710Nm
GranLusso GTS£95,866.67£19,173.33£115,040.00£940.00£115,980.00
GranSport GTS£95,866.67£19,173.33£115,040.00£940.00£115,980.00

Sunday, 6 March 2016

GENEVA - Maserati launches the All-New Levante, the brands first ever Sports Utility Vehicle.

Maserati's first SUV receives its eagerly-anticipated world unveiling at the Geneva International Motor Show
Maserati has chosen the 86th Geneva International Motor Show to introduce the first SUV in its hundred-year history: the Levante.
As with many Maseratis from the past, the new car's name is inspired by a wind: the Levante is a warm Mediterranean wind that can change from a light breeze to an irresistible natural force in an instant, mirroring the character of the first Maserati SUV.
The Levante is the ideal complement to the Maserati range. Combined with the Quattroporte, Ghibli, GranTurismo and GranCabrio, the range now covers the entirety of the global luxury automotive market.

Design, Exclusivity and Performance are the key characteristics for describing this new Maserati. Distinctively Italian in style, with breathtaking and iconic Maserati design features.
The interior has been created with the finest materials, most exquisite to the touch, from optional premium leather to Ermenegildo Zegna silk, made in Trivero by the Zegna wool mill with a patented process.
The spaciousness of the interior, enhanced by the panoramic electric sunroof, is combined with coupé-sleek external lines and the best aerodynamic efficiency in its category with a Cx coefficient of just 0.31.
The new Maserati SUV is based on the Quattroporte and Ghibli architecture, further evolved and refined  to meet the expectations of this market segment, in which Maserati will compete for the first time.
The technology applied to every Levante is designed to offer outstanding performance both on- and off-road. Sophisticated suspension - double-wishbone on the front axle and multi-link on the rear, combined with electronically controlled damping, four corner air-springs providing 5 dynamic ride levels (plus one additional park-position), play an essential role in the car's handling.  
Furthermore, with the lowest centre of gravity in its class, perfectly balanced weight distribution (50-50) between front and rear, high levels of dynamic torsional and flexional stiffness, and a mechanical self-locking rear differential as standard, when driven on-road, the Levante delivers all the performance and emotion typical of every Maserati.
The height-adjustment of the body position particularly useful in off-road driving guarantees ride comfort at the top of the category; when set to the minimum ground clearance, it enables the car to perform at its sporty best.
The Levante is fitted with a 3 litre V6 Twin-Turbo petrol engine with either 350hp or 430hp, and a 275hp 3 litre V6 Turbo Diesel. All engines are combined with the “Q4” intelligent all-wheel drive system - which can transfer torque between the axles instantaneously when required - and an 8-speed automatic gearbox, with integrated Start&Stop System.
In terms of performance, the Levante S (430hp) covers 0-100 km/h in 5.2 seconds, has a top speed of 264 km/h, and provides combined NEDC-cycle consumption and emission figures of 10.9 l/100 km and 253g CO2/km respectively. The Levante (350hp) accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.0 seconds and achieves a top speed of 251 km/h, with combined cycle consumption and emission figures of 10.7 l/100 km and 249g CO2/km respectively. The Diesel-powered Levante (275hp) covers 0-100 km/h in 6.9 seconds, and has a top speed of 230 km/h, while its combined cycle consumption and emission figures are 7.2 l/100 km and 189g CO2/km respectively.
The human-machine interface on board is based on an evolution of the Maserati Touch Control system, completely updated to offer even more functionality and convenience: the 8.4” high-resolution screen is capacitive, and can – in addition to the touch system - be operated using the new rotary control in the central tunnel.
A wide range of sophisticated advanced driver assistance systems are available, including adaptive cruise control with automatic Start&Stop function, forward collision warning, automatic brake assist system and lane departure warning. Further options include blind spot alert, surround view camera and a powerlift tailgate.
Two extended feature packs are available for the Levante, a  Luxury-Package and a Sport-Pack; they each include a variety of distinctive stylistic and technical contents and enable customers to extensively personalise the exterior and interior of the Levante.
The list of accessories, tailored to the vehicle's high quality and functionality standards, offers a wider array of options than ever before which includes cargo solutions, useful everyday items and a variety of roof carrier or trailer options.
The Maserati Levante is built in a dedicated, completely refurbished and modernized area of the Mirafiori plant in Turin; the first cars have already come off the assembly line and the market launch is planned for this spring in Europe, to be followed by the rest of the world.
The list price for the Swiss market, where the Levante has been launched, is 75,900 CHF.
The Maserati stand at Geneva will be displaying not only the Levante S and diesel-powered Levante but also the marque's complete range, comprising the Ghibli and Quattroporte saloons and the GranTurismo coupe.
There are two Ghibli cars on show: the all-wheel drive S Q4 version with the 410hp 3 litre V6 Twin-Turbo engine delivering sporty performance including a top speed of 284 km/h and just 4.8 seconds from 0-100 km/h.
The other Ghibli is the Diesel-version with the 275hp 3 litre V6 Turbo engine providing a top-speed of 250 km/h and 0-100 km/h acceleration in 6.3 seconds, featuring the Zegna Edition interior.
The Quattroporte on display is the GTS version, powered by the immense 530hp 3.8 litre Ferrari produced V8 Twin-Turbo, capable of a peak torque of 710 Nm and able to propel the car to 307 km/h, sprinting from 0 to 100 km/h in a mere 4.7 seconds, also customised with the exclusive Zegna Edition interior.
The flagship of the Maserati sports car range is the GranTurismo MC Stradale. Equipped with a naturally aspirated 4.7 litre 460hp V8 in transaxle layout, enabling the car to spring from 0-100 km/h in just 4.5 seconds; the top speed is 303 km/h and the car’s Brembo Carbon-Ceramic brakes provide outstanding deceleration.