Maserati GranTurismo North American Debut New York City

NEW YORK, April 5 -- Befitting a city as classic as it is modern, as fast moving as it is timeless, the Maserati GranTurismo styled by Pininfarina makes its North American debut in New York.

The gran turismo tradition began for Maserati in 1947 at the Geneva Auto Show where the Modenese racing firm presented the sleek A6 GranTurismo. Styled by well-respected coach constructor Pinin Farina, it was the first pure road going Maserati after 33 years producing competition cars. Fifty-eight vehicles found a select clientele familiar and appreciative of the knowledge Maserati gained in victories around the globe at Grand Prix and endurance contests against the finest international competition.

In 1952 the A6GCS Pinin Farina Berlinetta bowed at Turin and in time was considered a masterpiece. In 1957, Juan Manuel Fangio defined legendary in the 250 F at the Nuerburgring and Maserati rolled out the first of 1,983 examples of the 3500 GT, a production number previously inconceivable to the Maserati brothers whose only concern was agility, response and clear feedback for their racing drivers.

Immediately Recognizable as an Authentic Maserati

The 2008 Maserati GranTurismo, inspired by the A6GCS of the past and the Pininfarina Birdcage 75 of the future, presents a strong visual impact of timeless design. Wind tunnel sculpting form lines of a thoroughbred; well-proportioned and purposeful: A True Maserati. The name of the new model - Maserati GranTurismo - is no coincidence. Once again, the Maserati - Pininfarina team has produced an exciting car whose construction, unique and inimitable style sets it apart from the competition.

True Performance is in the Balance

A genuine high-performance car is a synthesis of components engineered to compliment each other and provide the driver ultimate response and feedback as the envelope is pushed. This is a common fact on the racetrack where Maserati was born, is at home and where its modern industrial synergies run deep. Critical design features Maserati engineers adopted from this environment have allowed the four-door Quattroporte to gain unanimous and legendary status in handling and performance. The engine of the Maserati GranTurismo, like the Quattroporte, sits low and behind the front axle in a front-mid-engine layout, with weight distribution resulting in a 49% front and 51% rear weight bias. The completely revised 4.2 V8 engine is thrilling, light weight and high revving producing 405 hp at 7,100 rpm. 75% of the 339 ft-lb of torque is already achievable at 2,500 revs. Maximum speed is 177 mph, and 0-60 is achieved in 5.1 seconds. The transmission is automatic with self-adjusting controls, which adapt the gear change to the driving style and conditions.

The Maserati GranTurismo features a front and rear wishbone suspension with aluminum hubs and arms. The Skyhook suspension system employs aluminum gas dampers for a continuous, automatic damping control, helping to ensure comfort without penalizing performance. The car is 192.2 inches long with a wheelbase of 115.8 inches. The standard wheels are 19 inch with a 20 inch option.

One Driver's Seat, Four Driving Experiences.

A distinctive feature of the Maserati cockpit is the "V" shaped slope of the upper dashboard area, which matches the dip of a Maserati's front grill at the center point of Neptune's Trident- the symbol of Maserati since 1914. Passengers reside within in a captivating Pininfarina design that is pleasant to the look and to the touch, enhanced by the appeal of the hand craftsmanship and love of detail in the execution.

Poltrona Frau leather assures the sense of occasion. A true expression of Italian hand-craftsmanship both as regards the rich quality of the raw material used and the traditional processing techniques adopted produce leather soft and cozy in the winter, cool and fresh in the summer. Refined processes add durability, strength and practicality to the attractive appearance and soft-to-the-touch quality. With time, aging becomes a factor that actually enhances the quality.

Each surface has been considered: Alcantara trim lines the back of the gear shift paddles, a reinforced leather strap loops the front seat belts, chrome inlay elegantly decorates the buttons on the dashboard and steering wheel, and the Trident logo is hand-crafted individually into each headrest.

The coach-built tradition is alive within a Maserati incorporating influences as varied as a Stradivarius violin or a classic Riva powerboat. The new Maserati is a genuine gran turismo in the exact sense.

Latest On Board Technology for the GranTurismo

The cockpit is not just an opportunity to command the road but also the latest technology available for the driver. A 7" high-resolution color screen connects to a 30 gig hard disc based information and navigation system. Voice command allows the driver to orally control radio, navigation, telephone and hard disc commands while the system is also capable of reading aloud SMS messages. A specifically designed Bose surround sound system comes standard with the possibility to store up to 180 hours of music.

Maserati chooses Ferragamo

Maserati has chosen Salvatore Ferragamo, a world leader in the production of luxury accessories, to interpret the outstanding class of the brand-new GranTurismo with a sleek luggage set made from exclusive high-quality materials.

Perfect for him or her in any travel situation, the five-piece set gives you total freedom and versatility on the move: a large case, a weekend bag, beauty case, suit holder and dual-function shoe case with removable divider. A sophisticated design inspired by the contours of the new GranTurismo radiator grille, in a set that will adapt to even the most individual style. This made to order set can be customized in two different materials and four different colors.

GranTurismo Comes on Heels of Successful Debut for the Quattroporte Automatic Range

The New York debut of the Maserati GranTurismo comes on the heels of a previous significant product development. At the 2007 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Maserati presented the Quattroporte Automatic, a car that defines the spirit of the Italian flagship and adds to the extraordinary design by Pininfarina an important development suggested by the name itself, a completely new hydraulic 6-speed transmission.

A result of the collaboration between Maserati and ZF, the hydraulic 6- speed transmission is entirely new and has been designed to provide fluid gear changes and exceptional driving comfort by emphasizing the progressive power delivery of the Maserati V8 engine, precise at low engine speed without limiting its power. The system is compact and mated directly to the engine. The weight balance has been consequently modified, but the new distribution (49%-51%) is still ideal and unique amongst its competitors, maintaining the segment leading performance characteristics for which the Quattroporte has become known.

The Maserati Quattroporte is an unmistakable and multiple award-winning sedan. Subtle to the eye but noticeable to the ear is an entirely new sealing system which helps reduce even further any wind noise along the Pininfarina designed shape. Along the constant search for quality, the entire air conditioning system was analyzed then redesigned with additional routing in the cockpit to maximize efficiency and effect.

The new range is also enriched by new options: two new colors are presented for the body (Granite Grey and Ocean Blue) and a new lustrous tropical wood offering, tanganika. Also, the interior now can be ordered in a two-tone color scheme.

Six Distinct Versions of the Quattroporte

Maserati is now able to offer six distinct versions of the Quattroporte. The DuoSelect models maintain the cutting edge; race derived technology and set-up, which set the standard for balance and performance in an executive sedan. The Quattroporte DuoSelect is joined by the Executive GT DuoSelect; which enhances luxury and driving comfort and the Sport GT DuoSelect; which comes equipped with 20" wheels, enhanced braking and suspension and a host of other features which result in a unique and thrilling ride.

The Automatic range of cars are for those who appreciate the timeless style of the Quattroporte, but are seeking driving characteristics more aligned with the mainstream offerings of BMW and Mercedes Benz. Once again Executive GT and Sport GT versions of the Quattroporte Automatic are available, completing a range of six specific and targeted varieties of Maserati all stylish, capable and exhilarating.

Maserati in North America

"The GranTurismo is a true Maserati a first glance, it has already garnered global admiration and we are proud to now bring it to North America. As with the Quattroporte the design is powerful, elegant, understated and graceful: a modern interpretation of timeless style" commented James Selwa, President and CEO of Maserati North America.

"Maserati has become a competitive, credible choice in the $100,000 plus range, no small feat given the strong field of competitors in our segment. North America is proud to play a central role in the global success of Maserati, helping the brand re-establish itself as a producer of advanced products of style and substance. Maserati has found an enthusiastic client base in this market and is growing the awareness of our products through targeted initiatives across our business" continued Selwa.

In 2007 Maserati North America expects the Maserati GranTurismo and the Quattroporte Automatic range to help reach an even larger segment of consumers while the Quattroporte models equipped with the DuoSelect transmission will continue to appeal to the current more performance oriented customer.

Maserati North America expanded its reach in 2006 with the opening of two high profile locations in the Southern California market where it derives 35% percent of sales. Maserati currently benefits from 49 dealers across North America. In 2007 the expansion of the dealer network will continue with a target of 55 retail points strategically located in the most important markets. Maserati North America is proud to have the top selling dealer in the world, The Collection in Coral Gables, Florida. The southeast is the second leading region for Maserati in the US followed by the New York Tri-State area.

For further information: www.maserati.com; www.media.maserati.com; www.maseraticorse.com.