After a very successful year of sales, with a record 42,100 cars distributed globally in 2016, Maserati has chosen the 87th Geneva International Motor Show to introduce its GranTurismo and GranCabrio Sport Special Edition versions. A brand new conceptual Ermenegildo Zegna silk interior in beige will also be on show in the SUV Levante.
The first Maserati Grand Touring production car was created in 1957; 60 years ago, the 3500 GT made its debut at the Geneva Motor Show, creating a successful market segment, in addition to the more than 2200 units sold in both coupe and cabrio versions afterwards. The GranTurismo and GranCabrio Special Editions celebrate the 60th anniversary of that important step in Maserati history and commemorate one of Maserati’s iconic vehicles, while embodying the entire legacy of this glorious brand.
The Special Edition is based on GranTurismo and GranCabrio Sport versions and only 400 units will be produced. The main unique features of these new and exclusive versions include the New Rosso Italiano three-layer paint for the exteriors, reinterpreting the red of Fangio’s 250F – F1 champion in 1957 – and emphasizing the link with Maserati’s heritage. Not to mention the wheels: MC-design 20” alloy wheels with a new Glossy Black finish that matches the Special Edition logo wheel centre caps.
The interiors have also been reimagined: the new interior design revolves around Poltrona Frau leather or leather/Alcantara upholstery and new interior stitching available in 4 different combinations. Other distinguishing interior details are the door sills in carbon fibre featuring the Special Edition logo and the dedicated plate on the central tunnel with a carbon fibre holder, commemorating the anniversary and the limited production run of 400 units.
The 2017 Geneva Motor Show will also present the Levante Show Car, featuring the new conceptual Ermenegildo Zegna 100% silk fabric in the cockpit. E. Zegna atelier has developed a new silk fabric specially for Maserati, for a heightened soft touch effect, in a new beige colour. The brand new “Chevron” beige silk fabric is coupled with full premium beige leather on the front and rear seats. The same new beige silk fabric with a “Nattè” pattern, is used to enrich the interior door panels, while a “Jersey” pattern has been chosen for the roof lining and sun visors. A dedicated label featuring the E. Zegna logo highlights the luxuriousness of this interior combination, which is paired with the full premium black leather covering the upper part of the dashboard and the ambient beige cabin.
The new E. Zegna beige interior will further enrich the current line-up of luxury interiors, available in 100% silk in anthracite combined with full premium leather in black, red and tan. The Levante on show is based on the Diesel version, equipped with the 275 hp 3.0-litre V6 Turbo, combined with the “Q4” intelligent all-wheel drive system – which can transfer torque between the axles in just 100 ms and, only when necessary, with 50/50% torque distribution – and an 8-speed automatic gearbox, with integrated Start&Stop System.
In the afternoon, Massimo Bottura, chef and owner of “Osteria Francescana” restaurant, named the World’s best restaurant by the respected “The World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2016” and Maserati brand ambassador, will appear on the stand for a special cooking experience dedicated to a few select Maserati and Ermenegildo Zegna customers.
The Maserati stand at Geneva will also display the marque’s complete range, including the Ghibli and Quattroporte saloons, as well as the best performing car in the SUV family, the Levante S – all in Model Year 2017.
There are two Quattroporte models on show: the GTS GranSport version and the all-wheel drive SQ4 GranLusso version. The GTS GranSport is powered by the immense 530 hp 3.8-litre Ferrari produced V8 Twin-Turbo, capable of a peak torque of 710 Nm and able to propel the car to 310 km/h, accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in a mere 4.7 seconds; the exteriors and interiors of the GranSport version underscore the sporty character of the Quattroporte, while enhancing the car’s aggressive appearance. Thanks to its new interior and new exterior design cues, Maserati’s legendary racing heritage is fully present.
The distinctive feature of the Quattroporte SQ4 GranLusso is the Maserati intelligent all-wheel drive system (Q4); with the 410 hp 3-litre V6 Twin-Turbo engine delivering sporty performance with a top speed of 286 km/h and just 4.9 seconds from 0-100 km/h. The GranLusso version reinterprets the concept of luxury in a race-bred, engineered luxury saloon by enhancing the exterior finish and improving in-cabin comfort for both driver and passengers. It offers a higher level of luxury thanks to exclusive materials such as the E. Zegna 100% silk and special features following the finest tradition of Italian craftsmanship.
The Ghibli E High-End segment sports saloon on show is the Diesel-version with a 275 hp 3-litre V6 Turbo engine, providing a top-speed of 250 km/h and 0-100 km/h in 6.3 seconds; it includes the Luxury interior package with full premium extended leather.
The Maserati stand will also feature an additional version of the SUV: the Levante S. This model is equipped with the 430 hp 3-litre V6 Twin-Turbo engine, ensuring sporty performance with a top speed of 264 km/h and going from 0-100 km/h in 5.2 seconds. It delivers outstanding performance both on- and off-road thanks to the sophisticated suspension, standard with all versions: double-wishbone on the front axle and multi-link on the rear, combined with electronically controlled damping, 4-corner air-springs providing 5 dynamic ride levels (plus one additional park-position).
Ghibli, Quattroporte and the SUV Levante are equipped with the new infotainment system compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring functions; its standout feature is its 8.4” high resolution screen with multi touch function. Advanced Driver Assistance Systems are optional extras that comprise Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop&Go function, Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Warning with Advanced Brake Assist and Automated Emergency Braking functions.
GranTurismo and GranCabrio Special Editions in detail
In the early 1950s, Maserati enjoyed great success in endurance racing with its legendary barchettas. Based on the mechanic layout of these amazing cars, a new family of special road-use grand touring cars was developed. Thanks to collaborations with famous coachbuilders, who designed iconic bodywork, these cars are now recognized as some of the most characteristic Maseratis of the past (A6 1600, A6 GCS, A6 G/54 etc.). The first Maserati Grand Touring car for series production – the fabulous 3500 GT designed by Carrozzeria Touring Superleggera Milano – emerged from this backdrop in 1957.
The 3500 GT was a ground-breaking vehicle for Maserati. It was the company’s first commercial success with over 2200 units sold in both coupe and cabrio versions. This figure was impressive at the time given the fact that the cars were made completely by hand in the Modena plant. The Special Edition celebrates the 60th anniversary of that important stage in Maserati history and the GranTurismo embodies the entire legacy of this glorious brand.
In 1957, Maserati also reached the pinnacle of its racing history: after a memorable season, Juan Manuel Fangio won the F1 championship in his invincible Maserati 250F, creating truly great memories at the 1957 Nürburgring.
As Maseratis always combine grand touring ambition with racing inspiration, the exclusive Special Edition three-layer exterior colour (Rosso Italiano) reinterprets the red of Fangio’s 250F, emphasizing the link with Maserati’s heritage.
