Video: Forklift Trashes Illegally Parked Maserati GT Coupe!

We’ve seen forklifts move a ton of things (crates, portable toilets - you name it), but we’ve never actually seen a forklift try to move a car up to now. But as you can see in the video there’s a damn good reason why not. To make a long story short, former Miss New Zealand beauty queen, Rachel Huljich had illegally parked her brother’s 1999 Maserati 3200 GT Coupe on Sydney's Bilyard Avenue in a construction zone after 7am. Not knowing what to do with it (…) some workers decided to act on their own and move the Italian beauty with a forklift. The rest is history, and from the looks of it, so was the car.

Via: Autoblog.nl , Info: NZHerald

Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT S - Frankfurt Show Premier

As if we weren’t already enchanted by the Quattroporte, Maserati decided to raise the stakes and introduce a sportier version of its luxury sedan at the Frankfurt Show. Compared to the standard Quattroporte Sport GT and while it retains 400 Hp 4.2L V8 and the automatic 6-speed gearbox, the Sport GT S promises to offer better handling and looks. According to Maserati, the Sport GT S’ revised suspension features new, stiffer springs and dampers while the car also sits 10mm lower at the front and 25mm at the rear compared to other versions of the Quattroporte.

However, the GT S’ most prominent feature is its braking system developed by Brembo that uses dual-cast brake discs - a first for a road car. According to Maserati, unlike traditional cast iron discs, dual-cast discs are made of two materials, cast iron and aluminum, which ensure optimized braking and greater resistance to fade. The new braking system also benefits from new mono-block, six-piston callipers at the front and tyres developed especially for this car (front 245/35-R20 and rear 295/30-R20). Design-wise, the Sport GT S stands out thanks to the black-chrome mesh front grille, the black side window trims and the two double exhaust pipes and the dark-chrome 20", seven spoke alloy wheels. -Press release after the jump

Via: Autoblog.it , Source: Maserati

MASERATI QUATTROPORTE SPORT GT S WORLD PREMIERE AT THE FRANKFURT MOTORSHOW

Modena – 28 August 2007 – The new Quattroporte Sport GT S will be unveiled at the Frankfurt Motorshow for its worldwide preview (the Maserati press conference will take place at 11.30 on stand A06, in Hall 6.0). The Quattroporte Sport GT S is the ultimate expression of Maserati’s saloon sportiness.

Exclusively for those looking for an even stronger sporting edge in a luxury saloon, the Quattroporte Sport GT S, equipped with an automatic 6-speed gearbox, stands out for its exceptional dynamic behaviour and uncompromised handling.

This result was obtained with the introduction of new suspension layout, featuring single rate dampers and a “racing” set up. The Quattroporte Sport GT S sits 10mm lower at the front and 25mm at the rear compared to other versions of the Quattroporte, and also features new, stiffer springs and dampers.

The Quattroporte Sport GT S boasts a unique braking system developed in collaboration with Brembo. This innovative technology uses dual-cast brake discs, and this is the first time such a set up has been employed on a road car.

Unlike traditional cast iron discs, dual-cast discs are made of two materials, cast iron and aluminium, to ensure optimised braking, improving performance in the most extreme conditions and providing greater resistance to fade even at the highest temperatures. The Quattroporte Sport GT S’s new braking system also benefits from new mono-block, six-piston callipers at the front and tyres developed especially for this car (front 245/35-R20 and rear 295/30-R20). The increased size of the rear tyres allows optimum use of the Maserati’s V8 power, whilst the new tyre compound helps the brakes and set-up to guarantee a superior level of handling and driving emotion.

The Quattroporte Sport GT S’s exterior is distinguished by a more aggressive look. Along with the black-chrome mesh front grille, a characteristic element of sporty Maseratis, the side window trims and the two double exhaust pipes are also in black, whilst door handles are in the same colour as the body of the car.

The Quattroporte Sport GT S is fitted with eye-catching dark-chrome 20", seven spoke alloy wheels.

Even the choice of material for the interior of the Quattroporte Sport GT S reflects the car's sporty character. Traditional Poltrona Frau leather has been combined with Alcantara, which covers the central zone of the seats, the interior door panels and the steering wheel. Maserati has previously used Alcantara for the interior of the Trofeo cars and the MC12.

The dashboard is finished in new carbon fibre with aluminium treads, whilst front seats are characterised by a new, more cosseting sporty shape.

Maserati Quattroporte: 718 Cars Recalled Due To ABS/ASR Problem

It happens to the noblest of the noblest; the Modenese sports car maker is recalling 718 MY 2007 Quattroporte vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions in the States due to a defect in the antilock brake/anti-skid system (ABS/ASR) electronic control unit (ECU) software. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the defect may prevent the system from functioning properly thus resulting to loss of certain enhanced stability and braking control during some high speed maneuvers and high speed braking. The recall is expected to begin during August 2007 with the ABS/ASR ECU unit being replaced in all vehicles free of charge.

Link: nhtsa

Maserati Celebrates Fangio’s 1957 F1 World Champions Title

Maserati might have abandoned F1 race tracks a long time ago but the Italian sports car maker remembers its racing past by celebrating the fiftieth anniversary of its 1957 F1 title won by Juan Manuel Fangio in the 6-cylinder, 270Hp strong Maserati 250F. The Modenese company will commemorate the jubilee with a series of special events including the presentation of a special trophy to the highest placed 250F that competes in the OldTimer Grand Prix classic to be held at Nurburgring on 12 August. Simultaneously, Maserati launched a dedicated interactive website on 4 August 2007 that includes multimedia feauture. The site can be reached at www.maseraticelebratesfangio.com.

Maserati Reports First Profits In 17-Years!

Maserati put an end to its 17-year streak of financial losses as the Italian sports car maker reported a €1 million trading profit in the second quarter of the year, up from €7 million loss during the same period last year. Notably, it’s the first time that “mama” Fiat has seen the words “profit” and “Maserati” in the same sentence since they fully acquired the Bologna based sports car maker back in 1990. In the first half of the year, Maserati managed to break even, a striking improvement from last year’s period were the Italians reported a €26 million loss. -Continued after the jump

Thanks to the addition of the all-new GranTurismo coupe along with the arrival of the new automatic transmission in the Quattroporte which has already helped boost the luxury sedan’s European sales by 39.6 percent to 783 units throughout the first five months of the year, Maserati expects that it will manage even better in the second half of 2007.

Via: ANE

Scoop: Maserati Granturismo Coupe-Cabrio?

Our Dutch friends over at Autoblog.nl received a set of images from one of their readers featuring what seems to be a prototype for an upcoming Coupe-Cabrio (CC) version the Maserati GranTurismo. Despite the Ferrari alloy-wheels, we’ll agree with our fellow Dutch bloggers that this isn’t a Ferrari prototype –check out details like the dashboard, the doorhandles and the chrome strips on the A-pillar all of which point out to the GT. And if you’re wondering why we believe that the car seen here is a prototype for a drop-top version of Maserati’s glamourpuss coupe, then you’ll have to see another of set of images (check out the first picture after the jump) featuring a similar test mule on the dynometer.

Despite the fact that these images were passed on as a test mule for the Ferrari Dino, if you look carefully and check out the size and shape of the boot along with the way it’s hinged, the car we’re seeing here is most probably a convertible with a retractable folding hardtop. -Continued: Click “Read More…” below

Via: Autoblog.nl

Maserati Quattroporte Tuned By Novitec

If there’s one sedan that you shouldn’t mess around with its appearance, that’s the Maserati Quattroporte and thank God, Novitec limited its actions to the 20-inch multi-spoke rims in 245/35 Pirelli P-Zero rubber up front and 285/30 at the rear axle along with the stainless steel 2x83mm outlets of the exhaust pipe left and right.

As with the Quattroporte's exterior appearance, Novitec was also quite reluctant when it came to the engine bay. Along with the new exhaust system the German tuner optimized the 4.2-liter V8’s ECU and raised cut-off speed to 7.800 rpm slighlty lifting power from 400Hp @ 7.000 rpm to 413Hp @ 7.100 rpm and maximum torque from 451Nm @ 4.500 rpm to 468Nm @ 4.650 rpm. Finally the Italian car tuner upgraded the Maserati’s suspension that includes dual adjustable stainless steel shock absorbers. While Novitec didn’t release any performance figures for the “lightly” tuned Quattroporte, they did however include several pictures of the car which you can check out after the jump below.

Maserati GS Zagato – Wallpaper Galore

Zagato released the full press-image pack of its “one-off” GS coupe that’s based on the Maserati Spyder. We won’t sit and lie telling you that we like it, however if it tickles your styling senses just follow the jump and check out our high-res image gallery.

Technorati: Maserati+Spyder, Maserati+GS+Zagato, Design, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, autos, Carscoop, blogs, 2007, images, pictures

Maserati GS Zagato: New image gallery

I guess the new set of pictures answers our question to as why Zagato avoided releasing any front-view images of the one-off GS Zagato in the initial press-pack. I don’t know about the chap who ordered this Maserati GT Spyder based, one-off coupe, but I’d be quite disappointed with the result. An uninspiring collection of design elements from here and there from a design house that seems to be out of ideas. Image gallery after the jump. Via: Autoblog.com , Source: Ulitmatecarpage

Technorati: Maserati+Spyder, Maserati+GS+Zagato, Design, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, autos, Carscoop, blogs, 2007, images, pictures

Maserati GS Zagato "one-off" debuts at the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este 2007

This is becoming quite a trend don’t you think? I mean exactly one year after the presentation of Ferrari 575GTZ, Zagato’s presenting another one-off model, the GS Zagato that’s based on the outgoing Maserati Coupe, or to be exact, on its cabrio sibling, the Spyder that features a 180mm shorter wheelbase. While last year it was Japanese Ferrari collector, Mr. Hayashi who ordered the one-off 575GTZ, this time it’s a chap called Paolo Boffi, a well-known entrepreneur in the furnishing and luxury design sector -according to Zagato.

And yes, despite Zagato’s implications for a shape reminiscent of the 1954 Maserati A6 G Zagato, we do find more simularities with last year’s 575GTZ and this year’s Diatto concept… The Maserati GS Zagato will make its public debut at the Concours d’Elegance Villa d’Este, to be held in Cernobbio (Italy) 20 -22 April 2007. - Press Release and high-res images after the jump (click “Read More”)

Press Release: Zagato Villa d'Este 2007

One year after the presentation of the Ferrari 575GTZ, Zagato returns to Villa d’Este with a world preview for fans of Italian sports sedans: the Maserati GS Zagato. In the most classic traditions of exclusive collections that inspired the creativity of car designers in the '50s and '60s, Paolo Boffi, well-known entrepreneur in the furnishing and luxury design sector, has commissioned from Zagato a customised look for his Maserati GS Spyder.

Zagato proposes a line that evoked the historical Maserati A6 G Zagato of 1954: one of the most beautiful Italian sedans ever built, and nowadays at the top of every collector’s wish list.

The Maserati GS Zagato, like its celebrated ancestor, has all-aluminium bodywork and bears the Trident on the bonnet and the Z on the wing, expressing eternal Italian excellence in its shape and its content. A winning combination that matches powerful and reliable mechanics, with an elegant and and sports style, both rigorously Made in Italy.

For purists of the compact coupé, afficionados of the Milano-based brand, it is a two-volume, two-seater, hatchback with a streamlined profile and a neat tail. The wheelbase is 180mm shorter, a spin-off from the Spyder, provides excellent handling and stability on curves, with extraordinary torsional rigidity.

In homage to the tradition of the gentlemen drivers who asked Zagato to transform the bodywork of their cars, modern collectors choose mechanics at the top level of technical evolution and ‘dress’ them in tailor-made garments that increase in value as time passes.This is the mission of a modern automobile atelier: to create timeless objects that celebrate prestigious models and brands and which, unlike mass produced vehicles, are destined to last for ever.

Zagato, born in 1919 as an atelier for automobiles and planes, has put its signature on all the most important mechanics of the last century, earning the opportunity to create, every time, an “instant classic”.Zagato’s strengths lie in the concept of sports-style elegance, a functional design that does not bow to momentary fashions but seeks out the excitement and pleasure of driving, and in the precious aluminium bodywork, a value recognised everywhere.

Technorati: Maserati+GS+Zagato, Concorso+d'Eleganza+Villa+d'Este, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Carscoop, blogs, 2007

Maserati Quattroporte covered with 800kg of shattered glass...

Before you get any crazy ideas about a pissed off girlfriend, let us inform you that this poor Maserati Quattrporte has suffered all this pain for the sake of… art. Work of Italian artist Luca Pancrazzi, the glassy Maserati is shown at the second Moscow Biennale of Contemporary Art which opened on 3 March and will run until 3 April 2007. -Continued: Click “Read More…” for more pics


Via: Domus

Technorati: Maserati+Quattroporte, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, autos, Carscoop, blogs, 2007, images, pictures

Update: Maserati GranTurismo Official Press Release & High Res Image Gallery

Since we did an update on the new A5 with new pictures it would be only be fair to come back with new information concerning the new Maserati GranTurismo, which by the way, the more we see the more we like. Follow the jump and click “Read More..” to check out the press release and the high-resolution versions of the three released images.

PRESS RELEASE: MASERATI GRANTURISMO WORLDWIDE PREVIEW AT THE GENEVA MOTORSHOW

Modena – 20th February 2007. The new Maserati GranTurismo, styled by Pininfarina, will make its worldwide debut at the Geneva Motorshow. The Maserati GranTurismo is a muscular and sporty car, that can be enjoyed every day and at the same time is engaging for the driver. Its excellent handling and sportiveness make it a point of reference in its category. The Maserati GranTurismo is built with particular attention to comfort, choice of materials and details and with enough room for four people, as only Maserati can do.

The new Maserati GranTurismo is a high-performance sports car, exciting to drive with a 4.2 litre V8 engine, delivering 405 HP, and a weight distribution of 49% at the front and 51% at the rear. It is fitted with an automatic gearbox and equipped with an adaptive control system which adjusts the gear-shifting mode to the driving style and the driving conditions.

Maserati’s tradition of the Gran Turismo concept dates back to 1947 when the Trident Company, following its clients’ demand, unveiled at the Geneva Motorshow its first Gran Turismo, the A6, designed by the great Pinin Farina. It was the first Maserati road car and was produced in 58 units. The car was acclaimed by the automotive press for its advanced technical content and for its avant-garde style solutions.

The new model name – Maserati GranTurismo – is not incidental. Once again, the partnership between Maserati and Pininfarina gives birth to a car that is able to generate emotions and sets itself apart from competitors, due to the technique with which it is built and its unique style.

The new Maserati GranTurismo represents a further step towards the completion of the Trident product range, following the worldwide launch of the Quattroporte Automatic at the 2007 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

Technorati: Maserati+GranTurismo, GT, Coupe, Geneva+Motor+Show, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Carscoop, blogs, 2007, pictures, images