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.

Maserati celebrates further with 50,000th car produced at the Avv. Giovanni Agnelli Plant.

On the final day of the Maserati Centennial celebrations, the 50,000^th car is celebrated at the Avv. Giovanni Agnelli Plant

Monda was the day of celebration for Maserati, not only for the 100^th birthday, but also for the milestone of 50,000 units produced at the Avv. Giovanni Agnelli Plant, in Grugliasco.

This important result for Maserati was achieved in less than two years.  The plant, where the Quattroporte and Ghibli saloon are manufactured, was officially inaugurated on the 30^th January 2013 and with a production ramp-up designed to maximise the quality of the finished product, it has been possible to reach 50,000 cars in just 22 months.

Car number 50,000, the protagonist in the days of Maserati’s 100^th birthday, is a Quattroporte S Q4 painted in the new Grigio Maratea, with red and black interior upholstery and built for the US market.  

The North American market, where the Quattroporte S Q4 is appreciated for its comfort, unfailing finish and unprecedented sportiness, this year reached a new sales record, with more than 10,700 Maseratis delivered in the first 10 months of the year.

Maserati celebrates 100 years (and three days) of production.

The Maserati Centennial reaches its conclusion: from today, a plaque at no.1 via de’ Pepoli in Bologna will permanently recall the company’s first workshop, opened on 1 December 1914 - one hundred + 3 days ago.

One hundred years ago, on the 1st December, Alfieri Maserati and his brothers Ettore and Ernesto began what was to become a triumphant chapter in Italian automotive history. It was on Tuesday 1 December 1914, at number 1A via de’ Pepoli, in the heart of Bologna, that the three brothers opened their “car repair workshop and garage”. 

The “one-man business registration application” was submitted ten days later at the nearby Palazzo della Mercanzia, in what is now home to the Bologna Chamber of Commerce. 

The application was accepted and registered four days later. This was the start of Maserati’s long history - based in Bologna until 1939, centred in Modena since then and launched at high speed on the world’s roads today. A plaque, affixed by Bologna City Council in association with Maserati, will permanently recall the Maserati brothers’ first historic Bologna workshop.

The plaque reads as follows:

“Società Anonima Officine Alfieri Maserati” was founded in this building on 1 December 1914.Thanks to the genius and labours of Alfieri and his brothers Ettore, Ernesto and Bindo the company went on to gain international fame and prestige thus contributing to the world’s awareness of Bologna’s excellent industrial identity.

Maserati and Bologna City Council in the year of the Centennial

“The plaque is a symbolic tribute to an anniversary of fundamental importance to Maserati. 

In fact, we are celebrating the Centennial in a particularly significant year for us,” said Harald Wester, Maserati CEO. 2014, which marks one hundred years since our company’s foundation, is also the year in which the Quattroporte and Ghibli have beaten all previous sales records; in which the American market – with the Ghibli – and the Chinese market – with the Quattroporte – have amply rewarded the efforts we have made to offer a new, beautiful, competitive product, truly capable of responding to market demand; it is the year in which the GranTurismo and GranCabrio sports cars have continued to achieve international success.

It is the year of the Alfieri, an amazing concept car built to mark the Centennial, named after our founder, which explores the Brand’s stylistic heritage while looking ahead to its future design language. It is the year in which customers and fans celebrate our glorious past, enjoy a present in which the product range is wider than ever before, and look eagerly forward to the near future: the launch of the Maserati SUV, to be followed by the Alfieri, as the concept car goes into production.”

Maserati CEO Harald Wester was accompanied by Carlo and Alfieri Maserati, sons respectively of Ettore and Ernesto Maserati, the two brothers who were at Alfieri’s side in December 1914.

Carlo Maserati, Ettore’s son, declared, “100 years have passed since Uncle Alfieri created ‘Società Anonima Officine Alfieri Maserati’ and it is now 116 since 1898, when his eldest brother Carlo, then just seventeen years of age, built a motorbike fitted with an engine he had designed and built himself at home; an event that thrilled his brothers and inspired them to follow his example. We all know the engineering and racing results they achieved under both the Maserati and the OSCA names in almost 70 continuous years in business. 

This longevity was founded on the perfect understanding within the family and engineering skills that enabled them to build a racing car in just six months. As I commemorate my father Ettore and my other Uncles Bindo, Ernesto, and Mario, I would like to thank all those who have enabled Maserati to live on and assure it further successes in the future.”

Alfieri Maserati, Ernesto’s son, recalled, “Founded as Officine Alfieri Maserati in 1914 this business, springing from the enterprising spirit and genius of its founder, my Uncle Alfieri, continued in operation after his early death in March 1932 thanks to the dedication and extreme personal sacrifices of his brothers. 

I feel I must mention the extraordinary engineering and design creativity of the youngest of them, Ernesto Maserati, my father. The period witnessed the birth of an amazing series of both Grand Prix cars and Voiturettes, as well as world-beating cars that actually held as many as 13 international speed records simultaneously. After the Maserati brothers left the business in 1947, other people stepped in to continue its success. 

Its acquisition by the Fiat Group has brought Maserati to a position of absolute prestige, today, with constant growth in terms of both quality and quantity. It is a pleasure to celebrate the Centennial at a time like this, and one hundred years after the company's foundation, I have great admiration for the hard work, dedication and enthusiasm of everyone who works there. They have conserved the spirit of its founders.”

Today marks exactly 100 years since its foundation, but Maserati’s Centennial celebrations began a year ago, with events of international importance which have involved customers and fans all over the world, as well as the entire sales network. 

During the year, Maserati has been “Guest of Honour” at a number of the world’s most prestigious automotive events, including the Villa D’Este Concours d’Elegance, the Goodwood Festival of Speed in England and the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance during the Monterey Car Week in California.

Maserati was also chosen as guest of honour to officially open the 70th annual Columbus Day parade in New York last October.

The celebrations culminated in the International Gathering, which started in Bologna in September: exhibitions, parades, a regularity competition, a track practice session, guided tours of the two Maserati plants in Modena and Grugliasco and a Concours d’Elegance, with more than 200 cars and over 500 people from all over the world taking part. 

Amongst the cars participating, some arrived straight fromBeijing, having driven 13,500 kilometres right across Asia and Russia and passing through the main European capitals on their way to Modena. The Maserati Centennial Gathering also received a coveted award a few days ago when it was named “Tour of the Year” by the jury of the “International Historic Motoring Awards 2014”.

For all fans, the extraordinary exhibition “MASERATI 100 - A Century of Pure Italian Luxury Sports Cars” will remain open in Modena until the end of January. The exhibition, housed in Modena’s futuristic Museo Enzo Ferrari, allows visitors to retrace the Italian automotive firm’s history with a display of approximately twenty of its key road and racing models.

Maserati celebrates massive sales increase around the Globe, and in particular the UK.

After an excellent third quarter 2014, October’s results confirm a positive growth trend for Maserati, with high sales volumes in the UK and Europe.

Registrations in the first ten months of the year amounted to 1,018 cars in the UK, corresponding to an average increase of + 276% over the same period last year. The UK, with 97 new registrations in October, is establishing itself as a leading market in Europe for Maserati, second only to home market, Italy.

Italy, Germany, France, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Belgium and Spain have made a significant contribution to the growing trend for Maserati sales. This resulted in an increase of + 340% over the same period of 2013, with 4,642 new cars registered from January to October 2014.

The sales figures are positive thanks also to the new Diesel engine, present in both the Quattroporte – luxury flagship of the Trident – and the Ghibli - executive sports saloon.

Maserati beats Ferrari in Q3 results, for the first time, since it joined the FIAT Group.

Maserati's quarterly profit topped Ferrari's for the first time since the Modena-based automaker became part of Fiat Group more than 25 years ago. The main reason was that Ferrari took a big financial hit to part ways with former Chairman Luca Cordero di Montezemolo.

Maserati's third-quarter operating profit rose to 90 million euros from 43 million euros in the same period last year, parent Fiat Chrysler Automobiles reported Wednesday. Ferrari's July-to-September operating profit was 89 million euros, up from 88 million euros during Q3 2013.

Fiat said in a statement that Ferrari's third-quarter results were affected by the 15 million euros it set aside as part of Montezemolo's severance package. Fiat said last month that Montezemolo, 67, will receive a lump-sum payment of 13.25 million euros by Jan. 31, 2015, in return for agreeing not to compete against Fiat until March 2017. Montezemolo also will receive 13.71 million euros payable in installments over 20 years.

Fiat Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne replaced Montezemolo as Ferrari boss on Oct. 13.

Through three quarters Ferrari remains the more profitable of the two automakers. From January to September Ferrari's operating profit was 274 million euros compared with Maserati's 210 million euros.

Ferrari's vehicle sales were down 1 percent to 5,280 supercars during the first nine months while Maserati's volume more than tripled to 26,428 vehicles from 7,548 in the same period the year before. Maserati is getting a big boost from the Ghibli and Quattroporte sedans, FCA said.

Luca Ciferri

REPORT HERE

Maserati at the Goodwood Festival of Speed 2014.

• Maserati Alfieri Concept and GranCabrio MC Centennial Edition make UK public debut
• A class of its own: Maserati gets its own exclusive hill run classes - ‘100 Years of Maserati’ and the Cartier concours d’elegance ‘The height of fashion’
• Largest collection of Maserati models at Goodwood Festival of Speed in history
• Live motorsport-inspired art on the Maserati stand with ‘A Century of Victories’ collection

Maserati accelerates its centennial celebrations in the UK with a spectacular display of its illustrious 100-year history at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. The luxury Italian sports car brand will be taking over the Stable Yard at the Goodwood estate for the duration of this year’s event with its largest ever display of cars past and present.

Headlining the festivities will be the Maserati Alfieri Concept, which will be making its UK public debut at the premiere event on the British motoring calendar. Named after one of the legendary Maserati brothers, the Alfieri Concept recently received the Design Award for Concept Cars & Prototypes at the Villa d’Este concourse. The Alfieri concept is a sleek 2+2 sports car which hints strongly at the future of the Italian brand’s design DNA.

Also on show at the Festival of Speed will be an array of some of Maserati’s most iconic machines from across the eras; the 1960 3500 GT and 1964 Mistral Spyder – which is valued today at over £300,000 – as well as original first generation Quattroporte and Ghibli models from the 1960s. Alongside the classic cars, Maserati will be showcasing its current line-up in full; the newest model in the range, the Ghibli Diesel, as well as the Quattroporte Diesel and a GranTurismo MC Stradale featuring a special carbon fibre bonnet. In another UK debut the GranCabrio MC Centennial Edition will also be on the Maserati stand.

Italian artist, Enzo Naso, will be at the event with an exclusive collection of 39 historic Maserati motorsport ‘lithographic’ posters from the ‘A Century of Victories’ album - a special art project made up of 100 images which has been commissioned as part of the company’s centennial celebrations. Throughout the festival Enzo will be in the Stable Yard completing artwork on a special poster featuring Stirling Moss racing a Maserati 250F to victory at Goodwood motor circuit in 1954.

On the famous Goodwood Hill Maserati will quite literally be in a class of its own. The brand has been assigned its very own class; ‘100 Years of Maserati’. A parade of over 20 Maseratis from the past 100 years will complete the iconic hill run in a momentous display of Italian sports car heritage. Models taking part include the quintessential racer; the Tipo 26M – the oldest Maserati at the event – and the 1957 Formula One world championship winning 250F. Also taking part from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame is the 8CTF Boyle Special which recently relived its final Indy 500 victory lap exactly 75 years later. The historic Maserati cars will be displayed in the Cathedral Paddock over the weekend.

The Maserati GranTurismo MC Stradale and GranCabrio MC will also entertain spectators with the unmistakable sound of their stirring 4.7-litre V8 engines as they participate in the Michelin Supercar Run.

Maserati will also be a dominant presence in the Cartier ‘Style et Luxe’ concours d’elegance situated on the Cartier Lawn. Several Maserati models will compete in their own class, “The height of fashion” as Cartier marks its 20^th appearance at Goodwood Festival of Speed. The exquisite display of 1950s sports cars includes the Maserati A6GCS Berlinetta, the race-bred racing prototype 150 GT Fantuzzi Spider and the classic A6 1500 Pinin Farina.

GENEVA - Maserati previews new concept supercar.

This centenary concept explores Maserati’s stylistic heritage and hints at the brand’s future design language.

Maserati unveiled the Alfieri, a 2+2 concept car to celebrate the brand’s centenary at the Geneva Palexpo today. The Alfieri is an exciting but realistic and 100% functional prototype that says much about the design DNA of future Maseratis; it could well be a door to the future of the Trident Marque. 

The striking new concept bears the name of Alfieri, the most prominent of the Maserati brothers and the engineering genius who founded “Officine Alfieri Maserati” in Bologna a century ago. The Alfieri was created at the Maserati Centro Stile in Turin by a group of talented young designers, under the direction of Marco Tencone overseen by Lorenzo Ramaciotti.

In this, its 100^th year, Maserati is a company in fine health. An ambitious plan that took off in 2013 with the presentation of the Quattroporte and Ghibli models is transforming the Italian manufacturer into a serious player in the premium sports car segment. In just one year, from 2012 to 2013, sales increased by 150%, from 6,200 to 15,400 cars.

Today Maserati is a global automotive player with a complete model range made up of two four-door saloons, two GT sports cars, four engines (a V8, a V6 Twin Turbo, a V8 NA and a Turbo Diesel), two different architectures (AWD & RWD) and an SUV due to arrive shortly.

The Alfieri Concept

Design

The Alfieri is being unveiled at just the right time to re-establish Maserati’s orientation in terms of design and production. If the new Quattroporte and Ghibli gave the impression that Maserati was becoming oriented towards sporty, premium four door saloons, the Alfieri concept is a reminder that the brand has a remarkable racing heritage and a unique tradition in exotic GT cars.

There is no doubt that the Alfieri concept represents the true essence of the Maserati brand. It is a sleek, Italian style 2+2 like the 1957 3500 GT, the 1959 5000 GT and the 1969 Indy before it, and clearly affirms Maserati’s racing DNA. Sportier in character than the GranTurismo, the Alfieri boasts proportions that might well be archetypal for a future Gran Sport and are certainly a hint at the brand’s stylistic intentions for the near future. “Maserati doesn’t change. Maserati is always Maserati”, as Ramaciotti says.

As with all concept cars, there is a strong desire to turn the Alfieri into reality. It was conceived, designed and created in an approach aimed at 100% realism.  

According to Lorenzo Ramaciotti, “The Alfieri is a transition point between 100 glorious years of history and the future that is opening up before us. I can’t honestly say that we’ll see this car in production in the next two years, but I’m certain we’ll see something very similar.”

The development process kicked off last summer When the designers were asked to start from a blank sheet to create a concept for Maserati’s centenary. Among various proposals, the sketches that would lead to what is now the Alfieri emerged.

One of the most fascinating cars of all time, the Maserati A6 GCS-53 designed by Pininfarina in 1954, proved a valuable source of inspiration for the designers. Far more than a rare racing machine for gentlemen drivers, the A6 GCS-53 was a masterpiece of design. It was also the last car that, at that time, the Carrozzeria Pinin Farina designed on a Maserati model before making a comeback in the first decade of the 21^st century with the Quattroporte and the GranTurismo.

The A6 GCS-53 was an iconic piece of automotive technology and simply breath-taking for its proportions and design features: a diminutive cabin positioned almost over the rear wheels, a seemingly endless bonnet and long, sinuous wings stretching nearly to the rear wheels.

The Alfieri is obviously much more than a futuristic interpretation of the A6 GCS-53. Maserati has a diversified design history that encourages designers to look forward rather than back: “We wanted the Alfieri to test future design paths”, Ramaciotti explains. “The car is very aggressive yet subtle in style, forceful but understated.”

The acronym A6 GCS stood for Alfieri 6 cylinder, Ghisa, Corsa, Sport, epithets that characterise its long bonnet and rear-set 2 seat cabin.

While the inverted A pillars of the A6 GCS-53 were not adopted in the new Alfieri, their optical effect has been recreated by a sculptured line that starts from the bonnet and fades to the upper part of the doors, making the windscreen look larger. 

The long, low nose is a stylistic evolution from contemporary Maserati models. The grille is divided vertically into two concave sections that seem to float in the air. The led DRLs are connected by a clear decorative line with a stylistic element in the centre. The aggressive headlights incorporate bi-xenon-LED bulbs and are rendered distinctive by a characteristic brow. The same decorative element is repeated on the twin exhaust tail pipes.

The tail lights are three dimensional with red external elements and white elements in the centre. Their shape harmoniously follows the rear shoulder of the car and complements the air ducts underneath to create an impressive, racing style rear view.  

The Alfieri’s designers have developed a streamlined, uncluttered form where the only decorative elements - the restyled triple air ducts on the wheel arches - are finely integrated. This eye-catching silhouette almost entices you to caress it.

The wheels have been specially designed for the Alfieri concept. Forged from single aluminium elements, the 21” diameter rear and 20” front wheels feature integrated decorative spokes that are reminiscent of the classic spoke wheels of the 1950s.  

Though form is the dominant element, colour and detail play a complementary role. A liquid metal colour called “Steel Flair” has been chosen for this Maserati 100^th anniversary concept. This choice of finish gives the Alfieri’s elegant shape a refined, technical and contemporary look, as if a metallic veil has been draped over a naked body.       

The decorative spokes of the forged wheels, brake callipers, grille, iconic triple air ducts, rear diffuser and the provocative brow of the exhaust tail pipes are all finished in Maserati Blue. In the same blue is the Alfierisignature, replicated from an old official Maserati document and sculpted on the rear of the car, in the number plate recess. The front bumper spoiler and rear diffuser are in carbon fibre with aluminium inserts.  

Minimalist interior

In the 2+2 seat cabin, the design team have created a study in simplicity and minimalism. The suspended dashboard is conceptually inspired by that of the Maserati 5000 GT. The dashboard boasts a clean, organic, two-tone design built around a central TFT screen.

The instrument panel has a classic layout with two binnacle dials with two smaller ones in between. The edge of each is embellished with a small “Officine Maserati” label. 

Rather than analogue binnacle dials, the instrument panel features TFT displays inspired by modern photographic camera menus in the way they indicate km/h and engine rpm. Instead of a rotating indicator, the numbers themselves rotate around the clocks. Current speed and RPM are highlighted by a magnifying glass effect.

There is even a touch of racing spirit inside the Alfieri. The floor is finished in a material that imitates oxidised steel, a material commonly found on racing cars of the 1950s.

Luna white and dark Basalt blue are the dominant colours inside the airy Alfieri cockpit. Aniline leather with a natural look and feel covers the seats, dashboard and central console. Copper subtly highlights the main lines that characterise the car and brings a retro feeling to an otherwise futuristic environment.

The interior has a classic 2+2 layout with an open space luggage compartment. The rear seat backrests have a unique, elongated design. Well visible from the outside, they add a sense of speed to the interior. The rear seats tilt forwards through 90 degrees and also serve as luggage bulkheads. 

The seat profile inserts, gearbox lever and oval clock on the central console are milled from single piece aluminium billets, hand finished and anodised in a natural copper colour. All other aluminium components, including the pedals, gearbox paddles and steering wheel spokes are also hand finished and anodised in a palladium colour.  

The passenger seats, though inspired by the racing bucket seats of the ’50s, look futuristic and have a modern structure with semi-integrated headrests and an arched profile that serves as main structural element.

The three-spoke steering wheel and the deep central crown form a three dimensional sculpture that seems to have been crafted in the workshop of an Italian artisan. Like the remainder of the Alfieri’s interior, it too is 100% handmade.

The oval clock with red-blue back plate incorporates two sub-dials and is obviously inspired by a classic chronograph.

Sporting DNA

The Alfieri is based on the GranTurismo MC Stradale chassis with a 24 centimetre shorter wheelbase, giving it the proportions of a genuine supercar. Alfieri is 4,590mm long with a 2,700mm wheelbase, 1,930mm wide and 1,280mm high.

Under the sleek body lies the transaxle platform of the Maserati GranTurismo. This 4.7 litre, naturally aspirated, V8 engine from Maranello develops 460bhp at 7,000rpm and 520Nm at 4,750rpm and gives theAlfieria real driving force. Thanks to a special exhaust layout, this thoroughbred V8 also produces a breath-taking sound.

A six-speed, electro-actuated gearbox (MC Shift) is mounted in a single unit with the limited slip rear differential and connected to the engine via a rigid torque tube. The transaxle layout gives the Alfieri an optimised front-rear weight distribution with a slight predominance to the rear axle.

The Alfieri’s carbon ceramic disc brakes come directly from the GranTurismo MC Stradale and are combined with blue Brembo brake callipers.

Quattroporte Ermenegildo Zegna Limited Edition

After making its world debut at the 2013 Frankfurt Motorshow, the exclusive Quattroporte, developed in collaboration with Ermenegildo Zegna, is finally being introduced in its definitive form. A limited series of only 100 cars will go into production in July to satisfy demand from the world's most refined customers.

Compared to the current Quattroporte range, the Ermenegildo Zegna Limited Edition boasts a special finish in terms of colour, materials and trim. All are carefully chosen to embody the personality, quality and exclusivity that link the histories and traditions of the Maserati and Zegna brands.

The exterior is finished in Platinum Silk, a colour developed exclusively for this Limited Edition. This unique paint finish uses extra-fine aluminium pigments to create an effect that combines the purity of a metal with the soft look of silk, giving a sensation of infinite depth. The Platinum Silk finish is characterised by a warm, soft tint that perfectly expresses the car's classic and formal, yet technical and sophisticated character. The flowing liquid effect of the paintwork emphasises the sinuous lines of the bodywork and accentuates the way in which one section flows into the next.

The same finish is also applied to the elegant Mercurio 20” wheels of which the diamond smoothed surfaces create a high-tech, sporting chromatic effect. The surfaces of the large aluminium brake callipers have been hand polished to mirror brightness, making them instantly recognisable. A special Ermenegildo Zegna Limited Edition plate on the B pillar identifies the car from the outside.

If the exterior is already unique and elegant, the interior of the Quattroporte Ermenegildo Zegna Limited Edition is even more breath-taking. The cabin is finished in brand new, warm and classical Moka colours - a modern Testa di Moro dark brown and Greige, a delicate fusion of light grey and sabbia. The result conveys a formal, sophisticated character through a combination of leather and silk, inspired by the fabrics of the Zegna menswear collections. Ultra-fine grain leather lines the interior, blending the two tones of Moka and Greige. A generous use of contrasting stitching provides the perfect balance, embellishing the entire dashboard and the upper door panels. At various points around the cabin, leather blends into precious Ermenegildo Zegna fabrics, specially created for this unique car but with the same sensuous feel that has ensured the prestige of the brand's traditional fabrics. A fine Greige jersey silk fabric, specially designed by Ermenegildo Zegna, has been chosen for the roof lining and sunshades. Just like an original Zegna suit, the inside of the sunshades carry exclusive brand labels “Ermenegildo Zegna Exclusively for Maserati” that not only confirm the Maserati-Zegna partnership but also discreetly remind the customer of the attention to detail that has gone into the design and finish of all aspects of the car.

The same fabric also covers the central door panels which also feature diagonal double stitching. The upper sections of the pillars are covered in Greige Alcantara.

The seats envelop the passengers like designer suits, with an exclusive 100% silk chevron weave making its appearance alongside the ultra-fine grain leather. This bright, soft and velvety smooth fabric, expertly produced at the historical Zegna woollen mills of Trivero, covers the central seat and backrest sections. The most interesting design challenge was precisely to develop a “Zegna” automotive fabric with the look of formal men's wear. The fabric has a masculine pattern typical of the best traditional weaves, and also has the feel, softness and prestige typical of Zegna cloth.

Chrome surfaces, specially treated to produce a distinctive satin finish, provide striking contrast for the fabric expressly created for the Quattroporte Ermenegildo Zegna Limited Edition and the warm nuances of Moka and Greige.

The loving care lavished on every little detail is demonstrated by features like the expertly crafted brass "Limited Edition One of 100" plate set into the central console and the exclusive radica walnut trim of which its open pore surface and natural wood feel go magnificently with the other materials of the interior.

Ermenegildo Zegna has also designed an exclusive Owner’s Collection kit for sale along with the car. This contains a generous assortment of 19 refined articles including leather items, personal accessories and a 3.5 metre cut of fine Zegna silk decorated with the same chevron motif as the seats and bordered with a special celebratory selvage. Each of the precious items in the kit is the result of a thorough study of the concept underlying the partnership. The kit is designed to target the refined customer base the Quattroporte Ermenegildo Zegna Limited Edition is intended for, and is only available to the one hundred future purchasers of the car.

In addition to the other unique features conceived and developed for this limited edition and the Quattroporte's already rich level of standard equipment, each of the one hundred Ermenegildo Zegna Limited Edition cars also include a series of items chosen to maximise driving pleasure in terms of comfort, refinement and practicality.

An opening sunroof, front seat ventilation and a four zone climate control system for the rear passengers have been added to achieve the highest possible level of on-board comfort.

The car is also fitted with an exclusive Bowers&Wilkins Premium Sound System with 15 speakers, including a powerful sub-woofer, a 1280 Watt amplifier and Quantum Logic Surround technology.

Standard equipment includes steel pedals with rubber inserts, a removable ash-tray in the front drinks holder and an 18” space-saver spare wheel in the boot.

Under the bonnet of the Maserati Quattroporte Ermenegildo Zegna Limited Edition lies a mighty V8 twin-turbo capable of developing 530 HP and an impressive torque of 710 Nm. This engine pushes the car to a top speed of 307 km/h and accelerates it from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.7 seconds.

Maserati Trofeo MC World Series 2014

The Maserati Trofeo MC World Series Trofeo was launched in 2010 and is now about to begin its fifth season, with a calendar of events arranged in six rounds and visiting six countries on three different continents. After collective trials on the 12th April in Vallelunga, the first race of the season will take place over the weekend of the 2nd and 3rd May on the Spa circuit in Belgium, coinciding with the World Endurance Championship. The second round, scheduled for the 31st May and 1st June, moves to the Hungaroring track in Hungary to complement the third meeting of the DTM series. On the 19th and 20th July, the Silverstone circuit in the UK will host the racing, along with the International GT Open, concluding the first part of the season. The European Trophy will be presented to the driver leading the points table after these first three races.

The second part of the series kicks off in the USA on the 23rd and 24th August with the Maserati Trofeo MC World Series moving to the Virginia International Raceway near Danville, Virginia, on the occasion of the Tudor USCC Championship. After this visit to America, the cars will fly to Shanghai in China for the 11th and 12th October, to partner the WTCC. As in 2013, the final race of the season will be held on the Yas Marina circuit in the United Arab Emirates on the 11th and 12th December to coincide with the Abu Dhabi 12 Hours race. The season's closing ceremony will also take place here. Prizes will include: the Overall Winner's Trophy (open to all drivers), the European Trophy (also open to all drivers), the Pirelli Single Driver Cup (for single drivers racing Maserati-owned cars), the Pirelli Twin Drivers Cup (for drivers racing in a two-man team with Maserati-owned cars), the Over 50 Trophy, the Under 30 Trophy and the Pirelli Pole Position Award.

The large number of applications received for this 2014 edition confirms the success of the event's organisation, based on an all-in package that includes intensive activities for single and team drivers, exclusive accommodation at all the events and the enticing prospect of racing a Maserati in the company's centenary year. Statistics for 2013 prove that the Maserati single marque formula is a winner: 18 races with an average of 26 Maserati GranTurismo cars lined up on the grid, 70 drivers from 22 different countries, and a total of 688,828 kilometres covered in 29,640 minutes of racing.

The Belgian, Renaud Kuppens, won the 2013 season, repeating his feat of 2012.

The registration fee for the official trials and three European races is 70,000 Euros (excluding VAT). The World Series is 125,000 Euros (excluding VAT), payable by the 15th March (the cost of late payments rises to 130,000 Euros).

Privateer drivers are welcome to enter their own cars in the Trofeo Maserati, provided they pass Maserati's technical inspection and homologation. All teams must use the same setup with no changes or adjustments permitted.

This year's Maserati GranTurismo MC Trofeo introduces a number of developments that have been worked out in recent months. Changes mainly concern aerodynamics, with the adoption of a new, completely redesigned rear diffuser and front splitter and the introduction of a flat underbody to increase downforce on the front of the car and balance the large rear spoiler. A rear anti-roll bar has also been added to improve control and precision on bends. The engine remains the 4,691 cc V8 unit which develops 488 HP. Weight too remains the same, at 1,380kg. All cars entered for the series are prepared by a team of expert mechanics to ensure the same level of performance and have the same set-up.

The duration of the longer race increases this year from 50 to 60 minutes. Qualifying is spread over two 15-minute sessions, while practice covers two sessions of 45 minutes. The two 30-minute races, the longer race and the mandatory pit-stop are confirmed, giving a total of 240 minutes behind the wheel every race weekend.

Maserati Centenary

Maserati is celebrating its centenary in 2014. One hundred years have passed since Alfieri, Ettore and Ernesto Maserati opened their first workshop in Bologna on December 1, 1914.

Maserati is celebrating its 100th anniversary in grand style all over the world. Celebrations started on December 2, 2013, the day the company entered its 100^th year and will last for twelve months until December 2014.

The epicentre of these celebrations will be in Modena, the town where Maserati moved in 1939 and where the company’s global headquarters is still located today.

From June through December, the Museo Casa Enzo Ferrari will be hosting a special exhibition dedicated to the Maserati centenary. In September, the official international Maserati gathering will bring at least 300 vintage Maseratis to Modena from all over the world.