Section: Maserati
Written By: Seyth Miersma
May 13th, 2008 11:00 AM
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Die-cast model makers Minichamps appear to be working on some kind of infant sports car project, as these unbearably cute images have surfaced with the toymaker’s logo affixed. Sure to be a hit with the tween and girlfriend set, (you remember the Muppet Babies phenomenon right?) we’re going to speculate that the new toy cars have bubble-like wheels, and over-sized headlights that look a lot like puppy dog eyes. Enjoy the cute logo gallery below.
+ Jalopnik: Awwww, Brand Logos When They Were Babies
If you’ve got an idea for Question of the Day, a funny photo for Caption It, or just want to share a news tip, let us know at windingroadtips@gmail.com
Written By: Seyth Miersma
March 17th, 2008 3:00 PM
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WINDING ROAD columnist Karl Ludvigsen is the mind behind a fascinating and lovely new volume from publisher Haynes chronicling the epic duels between Ferrari and Maserati, entitled Red-Hot Rivals.
Focusing on the competition between the two storied automakers during the period of 1947 to 1967, Ludvigsen takes readers “into the boardrooms and secret racing workshops of both marques.” Enzo Ferrari and the Maserati brothers, along with racing drivers and scores of motorsport luminaries, are followed through one of racing’s most brilliantly contested eras.
(Click through the jump to read more and to see the back cover of Red-Hot Rivals.)
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Written By: Seyth Miersma
March 7th, 2008 5:30 PM
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This 2005 Maserati MC12 race car found for sale on eBay Motors is about as fast, rare, and conspicuous as cars come.
The full-on track special features a ton of Ferrari Enzo running gear, put together in a package that is said to be even more capable as a race weapon. The MC12 sports Ferrari’s beautiful 6.0-liter V-12 engine, which puts out 630 horsepower and 481 pound-feet of torque in this trim. The Maser also offers a six-speed F1 transmission, which has been remapped for smoother operation.
While the car may be one of the better exotic options available for those ultra-wealthy buyers who are looking to go racing, it will also require an owner that isn’t afraid of standing out on the street. In the two-tone blue and white finish, with a matching blue interior, and the biggest wing this side of an F50, the MC12 is certain to draw a crowd wherever it goes. Luckily, it shouldn’t have any problem getting away from one either.
+ eBay Motors: 2005 Maserati
If you’ve got an idea for Question of the Day, a funny photo for Caption It, or just want to share a news tip, let us know at windingroadtips@gmail.com
Written By: Seyth Miersma
March 6th, 2008 11:00 AM
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Maserati just launched one of its all-time sexiest coupes at the Geneva Motor Show, the scintillating GranTurismo S. While it still may be a while before we get our hands on this version of the Maserati, why let little issues like time, space, and availability get in the way of a great car?
It may not be the same as sliding behind the wheel, but Maserati has provided a video that shows off all of the sights and sounds of the GranTurismo S on the move. Click on the image above (or the link below) to have a peek, and then tell us how you found the car in comments.
+ Maserati GranTurismo S
If you’ve got an idea for Question of the Day, a funny photo for Caption It, or just want to share a news tip, let us know at windingroadtips@gmail.com
Written By: Evan McCausland
March 5th, 2008 3:30 PM
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Unlike Jaguar’s XKR-S, we’re happy to report that Maserati’s “S-model” - the GranTurismo S, revealed this week at the Geneva Motor Show - actually sports a boost in power. Quanto meraviglioso…
Although the curvaceous GranTurismo has a few trim tweaks here and there (notably a new leather interior and smoked alloys), Maserati did tweak the car by adding the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione’s 440-horsepower 4.7-liter V-8, in lieu of the standard engine. Also thrown in is a high-performance Brembo brake system, sporting aluminum front discs and six-piston calipers up front.
Although Jaguar’s new cat certainly looks the part, it doesn’t blend power and panache like the GranTurismo does. We can’t wait to get our hands on one of these for a quick (or long) spin…
Written By: Seyth Miersma
February 26th, 2008 10:30 AM
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Maserati is planning to follow up its spectacular showing of the GranTurismo at last year’s Geneva Motor Show, by unveiling an even more accomplished performance tool at the 2008 show, the GranTurismo S.
The Italian carmaker calls the new S the “ultimate expression” of the Maserati coupe, and we’re far from ready to argue the point. The new GranTurismo features a more powerful 4.7-liter 440 horsepower V-8 engine, connected to the company’s race-inspired, electro-actuated MC-Shift gearbox. Maserati also offers up the same Brembo brakes that were first offered on its Quattroporte Sport GT S, made from a dual casting of iron and aluminum, and utilizing 6-piston calipers.
The GranTurismo S shares the stunning styling of the previous Maser coupe, with some nice added touches like the new Poltrona Frau leather and Alcantara upholstered interior. Check out the new Maserati for yourself in our gallery below, and tell us what you think of the car in comments.
(Click through the jump to read the official Maserati press release.)
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Written By: Dustin P. Walsh
January 29th, 2008 11:30 AM
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Graduate students at the Insituto Europeo di Design are set to unveil the Maserati Chicane concept at this year’s Geneva Motor Show. The Chicane is based on the 2+2 coupe (which could be the next entry-level model), with a front-mounted V-8 and a rear-wheel-drive system.
The sporty concept is more compact than the Quattroporte and GranTurismo production cars and sacrifices elegance for a sportier (mean?) look. The concept features sharp lines and a pair of handsome recessed headlights.
Also at the Maserati booth will be a second project car (in form of virtual model), the Maserati Sfida. The Sfida is a 2+1 shooting brake, a 2-door wagon aimed at young consumers.
The designs were selected from eight assigned projects. The students worked under the supervision of Luca Borgogno (designer at Pininfarina) and David Wilkie (design director at Stile Bertoneand) with the support of Chief Designer at IED Automotive, Andrea Militello.
+ Car Body Design: Maserati Chicane concept preview (via Autoblog)
Written By: Phil Floraday
January 20th, 2008 2:36 PM
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Automotive News Europe reports that Maserati will be launching a convertible version of the GranTurismo coupe in March of 2009. The GranTurismo convertible is part of Maserati’s plan to make 12,000 annual sales by 2011.
Though Maserati has a launch date planned, there has not yet been a decision made as to where the show car will debut. A debut at Paris this fall would make sense, so we wouldn’t be surprised to see it there. It sounds like the convertible will utilize a soft canvas top instead of the newly-popular folding hardtop. Speculation points to a hardtop convertible slotting in below the GranTurismo at some point in the future as an entry-level Maserati.
+ Automotive News Europe: Maserati to launch convertible GranTurismo
Written By: Steven J. Ewing
January 16th, 2008 9:50 AM
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The 2008 North American International Auto Show is full of new cars, some of which can only be afforded by people with extra large wallets. Automakers like Rolls-Royce, Lamborghini, and Ferrari ensure that their top-dollar automobiles are displayed under only the best of lighting and in the plushest surroundings. In many cases, special permission has to be granted in order for journalists to get up close and personal with these top-shelf vehicles.
Click the images below to open a high-resolution gallery of the premium automobiles that were on display at this year’s Detroit show.
Written By: Seyth Miersma
August 28th, 2007 5:01 PM
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Seeking to keep their flagship GT in the limelight, Maserati has just released details on its upcoming Quattroporte Sport GT S.
The new high-spec Quattroporte represents a welcome freshening of the stylish Italian GT, aimed at potential owners who would like a bit more of a sporting proposition.
Maserati only makes mention of a 6-speed automatic for the GT S, but assures that the overall package, “stands out for its exceptional dynamic response and precise handling.” Ostensibly this sporting demeanor is the result of a stiffened and lowered suspension, in combination with composite (cast iron and aluminum) cross-drilled brakes. The new car rides on larger tires providing levels of grip beyond that of the standard Quattroporte.
Visually, Maserati has turned the volume up with a black mesh grill, black window frames, and 20-inch “Dark Chrome” seven-spoke alloy wheels. A cabin full of carbon fiber, aluminum, and Alcantara is sure to bring out the racer in even the most subdued of wheelmen.
Stay tuned for live pictures and more Maserati info when the Quattroporte GT S debuts at the Frankfurt Auto Show in two weeks.
+ WINDING ROAD: 2007.5 Maserati Quattroporte Automatica Road Test
(Click on the thumbnails below to launch a high resolution gallery of the Maserati Quattroporte GT S or on the jump for the official press release)
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Written By: Chris Paukert
July 11th, 2007 2:59 PM
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WINDING ROAD was among the first to bring you news of a “Dino” revival at Ferrari with a cover-story discussion on the mooted mini Maranelloan.
Predictably, officials have denied the existence of a “cheap Ferrari” plan, but doing so was probably a smokescreen of sorts, as anything with a Prancing Horse affixed to the hood is uncomfortable being labeled as “inexpensive,” let alone “cheap.”
In any case, a prototype of this future Ferrari appears to have been caught undergoing dyno pulls. The mule seen above employs Maserati Gran Turismo bodywork, and the Dino (or whatever it is to be called) will likely employ many with parts with the coupe.
According to Autoblog.it, the entry-level exotic will likely be powered by a forced-induction variant of the 4.7-liter V8 set to power Alfa Romeo’s gorgeous 8C.
(Click on the link below for more images of this baby Ferrari mule)
+ Autoblog.it: Ferrari F149: ancora spy (via Autoblog)
Written By: Chris Paukert
May 29th, 2007 3:47 PM
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With the upcoming Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione debuting this year, owner Fiat has neglected one key issue as it pertains to the North American market: Where to sell it. Automotive News is reporting that Alfa’s sibling, Maserati, has offered up their showrooms to potential customers of the 99 units that are to be sold Stateside.
What will be good for Alfa Romeo should ultimately be good for Maserati, as the brand has its sights on profitability. Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne told analysts recently that “Maserati will finally return to profitability in 2007.” Maserati may hope to return to profitability on its own, but a hundred odd Alfas at $200,000 a piece should help matters. With the Quattroporte finally receiving an improved automatic gearbox and the GranTurismo coming online this year, the Trident brand should be in good shape.
The 8C is expected to be a small-run production, with only 500 units being sold worldwide. As much as we love the 8C’s gorgeous curves, we can’t wait to see more affordable representatives of Alfa’s lineup hit our shores.
+ Automotive News: Maserati seeks a handful of alpha dogs to sell Alfas (subscription may be required)
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