Maserati GranCabrio Frankfurt Press Release

Maserati launched the GranCabrio at Frankfurt. Press release below.

The open-top GranCabrio is pure Maserati. It is a Maserati in the truest sense, with an unmistakable Pininfarina design, spacious interior, handcrafted details, driving pleasure and high performances. The Maserati GranCabrio touches all five senses in an open-air experience that retains all the typical comfort and performance brio. Like all Maserati’s open-top models, the GranCabrio is a special car intended for true connoisseurs.

The GranCabrio continues in the footsteps of the Maserati tradition in open-top models, and adds to a line-up of models that has made the history of the Modena manufacturer, such as the 1950 A6G Frua Spyder, the 3500GT Vignale Spyder (1960), the Mistral Spyder (1964), the Ghibli Spyder (1968) and the 2001 Spyder, the car Maserati chose for his comeback to the United States.

True to its tradition, the Maserati GranCabrio opens a new chapter, because never before have four-seater top-down models been produced at the Viale Ciro Menotti Maserati factory in Modena. There are four proper seats, so that the rear passengers are not merely supporting actors, but co-stars of the journey.

The Maserati GranCabrio is powered by a 4.7 litre V8 engine paired with the fluid 6-speed automatic transmission. In Sport mode, the V8 gives the driver and passengers the full power of its 323kW, with a thrilling roar that becomes even more exciting with the top down, as it becomes one with its surroundings.

Completely re-engineered

The body of the Maserati GranCabrio has been thoroughly overhauled. Despite the lack of an overhead frame and a wheelbase at the top of its class (2.942mm: longer than its direct competitors) it guarantees the best possible performance in terms of structural rigidity. This enhances the smooth handling, safety and comfort of the car, and fully exploits the powerful, efficient mechanics.

The newly-designed bearing monocoque has been made using materials and technologies designed especially to optimise weight: the bonnet and cross beams are made from aluminium, while the boot is made from SMC (Sheet Molding Compound).

The excellent weight distribution (with higher load at the rear) also facilitates excellent on-the-road dynamics and improved safety, in combination with the vehicle’s control systems. These include, for the first time ever, the Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA), which optimises brake performance both in frequent use and in emergency situations.

The new body took thousands of hours of calculations, testing and development. The result of all this work is a static rigidity at the top of its class (75000 DaN/m/rad) and dynamic torsional frequency of 27.2 Hz.

Particular attention has been paid to developing the aerodynamics, with the creation of a flat aluminium base that not only adds to the overall body’s rigidity but also reduces Cx by 6 points. In this way, for the first time, the convertible version of a car is able to maintain the same aerodynamic performance of the coupe, with a Cx of 0.35.

An all-round experience

Behind the wheel of the Maserati GranCabrio, driving fun combines with comfort and safety in all road conditions. With the longest wheelbase in its segment, the Maserati GranCabrio gives all passengers an extremely comfortable ride even on long journeys. Their safety is enhanced thanks to the extendable roll bars behind the rear seats, which are activated if necessary.

Passenger comfort onboard the Maserati GranCabrio also comes from the perfect integration between the vehicle’s top and its main systems, guaranteeing maximum efficiency and drivability in all conditions. The automatic dual-zone climate control function optimises the conditions inside the car, adjusting the internal temperature and the intensity of ventilation depending on the outside temperature, heat of the sun, and air humidity.

By capitalising on the close collaboration between Maserati engineers and BOSE technicians on the GranTurismo, the GranCabrio has been equipped with a BOSE audio system that adds another dimension to open-air music.

The Maserati GranCabrio is fitted with Skyhook suspension as standard. The braking system uses high performance dual-cast technology, developed in collaboration with Brembo and already successfully employed on the GranTurismo and Quattroporte.

The GranCabrio’s roof is strictly canvas-made, emphasising the link with the Maserati tradition. Aerodynamic, aero-acoustic efficiency and the desire to make the GranCabrio a car suitable for all year driving are the principles which led the Maserati technicians to develop a three-layer canvas hood. Not only does it offer ample opportunities for customisation, but it also adds considerable benefits in terms of on-the-road dynamics, as the car’s centre of gravity is lower. In 28 seconds, passengers can enjoy the thrill of the open-air experience, activating the open/close mechanism even when the car is moving, at speeds of up to 30km/h.

The Maserati GranCabrio will be marketed this coming winter, and experienced by customers the world over from the following spring.

Clients and supporters of the brand can already choose contents and features of their own Maserati GranCabrio, thanks to a completely renewed car configurator (www.configurator.maserati.com/grancabrio/), which is state of the art in terms of image quality and flexibility of usage. The Maserati GranCabrio is also on the web with a dedicated minisite (www.maseratigrancabrio.com).

New features for the Quattroporte range

Since its debut in 2003, the Maserati Quattroporte, a car that defined the luxury sport sedan segment, has won the hearts of 20,000 customers worldwide, winning 53 international awards with its sleek lines styled by Pininfarina and perfect balance between elegance and sportiness.

The Quattroporte range, fully restyled between September 2008 and the beginning of this year with the presentation of the Quattroporte Sport GT S, now includes three models:

* The Maserati Quattroporte with 4.2 litre engine

* The Maserati Quattroporte S with 4.7 liter engine

* The Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT S, with a 4.7 engine, sport set-up and a gearbox stressing its sporty character.

To round off its offer, Maserati is presenting at the Frankfurt Auto Show the new Executive GT kit.

The new Executive GT package incorporates various features that offer passengers the ultimate level of comfort and sophistication. On the exterior, the package is characterised by the distinctive “Executive GT” plaque, the new 19” Executive Design wheels, and the Argento brake callipers. Inside, elegance is assured by the use of new materials such as Moonwood for the trim, Pearl Beige leather for the upholstery, Alcantara roof and wood/leather steering wheel. Comfort is provided by the heated electric rear seats complete with ventilation and massage function, rear climate control and blinds on the side windows.

Other new additions regarding customised features include the new 20’’ Multi-Trident wheels, which first appeared at the start of the year on the Quattroporte Sport GT S, and are now available across the entire range. The Titantex finish adds a sophisticated, sporty air to the inside of the Quattroporte Sport GT S and is now available, on request, for the heel rests and steering wheel.

Bluetooth, USB socket (both standard features) and iPod interface (on request) are now available across the whole range, as is the TMC Premium service that keeps drivers instantly updated with comprehensive and accurate traffic information (available as standard in Italy, France, Great Britain and Germany) and allows passengers to calculate alternative routes.

Launch of the GranTurismo MC Trofeo

Maserati wrote the first glorious chapter in its history in the world of motor racing: from its foundation in 1914, until construction of the first pure Maserati, the Tipo 26 dated 1926. Since then, Maserati has always produced single-seaters and sports cars that have left their mark on the most prestigious races thanks to the great performance, versatility and reliability that still characterises all Maserati vehicles today.

The list of honours is a long one, and includes two wins at the Indianapolis 500, in 1939 and ‘40 with Wilbur Shaw driving an 8CTF Boyle Special, two F1 World Championship wins with Juan Manuel Fangio in 1954 and 1957 in a Maserati 250F, not to mention the long series of successes notched up by the Maserati MC12 GT1, that has won ten titles and three Spa 24-hour races in the FIA GT championship since 2005.

Passion, spectacle, exclusivity and entertainment. Four words that sum up the essence of the new GranTurismo MC Trofeo, to be launched in 2010. On the strength of its experience in the previous editions of Trofeo Europa, Maserati is now able to offer racing enthusiasts and “gentlemen drivers” among its customers a championship that is the only one of its kind on the international motor racing scene.

The GranTurismo MC Trofeo has preserved the same organisational formula that contributed to the success of previous editions. By enrolling in the championship, drivers will acquire a package of services including all technical and organisational aspects. Drivers can enter as individual competitors, or with a team mate.

Beginning in April 2010, the Trofeo will be held on seven dates with two 40-minute races, at Europe’s most prestigious circuits, with two 40-minutes races per event.

Preview of the GranTurismo MC Trofeo

The Maserati GranTurismo MC Trofeo was created on the back of the GranTurismo MC Concept, a vehicle developed on the basis of the highly successful road going model, the GranTurismo S. Maserati Corse technicians have taken the standard vehicle, made it much lighter and optimised its dynamics, while maintaining the reliability of components in the engine, gearbox and transmission.

Thanks to a remapped ECU, the use of a racing-grade exhaust system and the application of a specific air filter, the power of the V8 4.691cc engine rises to 330.9Kw (450CV), with torque of 510 Nm at 4750 rpm. The gearbox is the standard electro-actuated one.

The vehicle is fitted with racing-type single set dampers and special wheels – 11”x18” at the front and 13”x18” at the rear, on which wide-section tires have been fitted to enhance the car’s performance. The braking system (no ABS) consists of mono-bloc calipers and steel discs.

Maserati leads the FIA GT Driver and Team rankings

The International FIA GT Championship season is drawing to a close, with the Maserati teams putting in an outstanding performance. Bertolini/Bartels are at the top of the driver’s ranking with 41 points (4 points ahead of their nearest rivals), thanks to two wins (Adria and Budapest), two second places (Silverstone and Oschersleben) and a fourth place (Spa-Francorchamps). Meanwhile the Müller/Ramos team has come close to winning on many occasions and is now in sixth place with 15 points.

A third MC12, emblazoned with the colours of the Vitaphone Racing Team DHL since the Spa 24-hour race, has come second on the two occasions when it made the starting grid, as was the case with Bobbi/Pier Guidi in Budapest. Pier Guidi is ranked fifth, with 16 points.

The car’s competitiveness is also borne out by the number of pole positions it has achieved: four out of five races, of which the last three have been consecutive.

With three races left to go (the new event at Algarve, Paul Ricard and Zolder), the Vitaphone Racing Team – currently the top team with 56 points (19 more than its rivals) – and its drivers are now aiming to add to Maserati’s already exceptional list of achievements, consisting of 10 titles in 4 seasons of competition in the FIA GT.

Podium debut for the GranTurismo MC

The second phase of the GT4 European Cup saw the début of the new Maserati GranTurismo MC, the car chosen by Maserati to continue its international motor racing tradition. The new car immediately produced a convincing performance at Spa and Zolder, races where the GranTurismo MC won second, third, fourth and sixth places.

The new GT4 was prepared for the race by AF Corse, a team that introduced the MC12 in 2004, which won several races. It was driven by Lorenzo Casé, supported at Spa by Cédric Sbirrazzuoli from Monaco.

The first deliveries of the GranTurismo MC, sold through Maserati Corse at a basic price of €135,000 plus VAT, are expected in November 2009.

A world-record anniversary

September 28 marks the eightieth anniversary of Maserati’s first world record. On September 28, 1929, in Cremona, the legendary driver Bakunin Borzacchini set world land speed record over the flying 10 km, driving a 16-cylinder vehicle designed by Alfieri Maserati. Borzacchini achieved a speed of 246.069 kph.

By Cars UK