WORLD DEBUT FOR THE QUATTROPORTE DIESEL
AND ERMENEGILDO ZEGNA LIMITED EDITION

Frankfurt, 10 September 2013. Following the highly successful launch of the Quattroporte at the Detroit motorshow in January, and that of the Ghibli at the Shanghai show in mid-April, Maserati is expanding its range once again with the introduction of the Quattroporte diesel.

The 3.0 litre turbo diesel engine delivers 275 horsepower (a second version for the Italian market puts out 250 HP) with 600 Nm of torque, taking the Maserati Quattroporte to a top speed of 250 km/h (240 km/h for the 250 HP version) and pushing it from 0 to 100 in only 6.4 seconds (6.8 seconds for the 250 HP version).

An exclusive concept car signed by Zegna is also making its first appearance alongside the new diesel. The Zegna version will feature an exclusive colour scheme, special mirror polished rims on tone and prestigious interiors upholstered in fabrics made by the famous Italian fashion house.

Maserati's stand at Frankfurt will also be graced by the complete Ghibli range, making its European debut, and by the four seater GranTurismo MC Stradale first unveiled at the Geneva motorshow in March.

MASERATI QUATTROPORTE BY ERMENEGILDO ZEGNA

The Maserati Quattroporte Ermenegildo Zegna Limited Edition concept car to be unveiled at the Frankfurt motorshow features a unique new look in colour scheme, materials and finish. The car, presented as a limited edition concept, is intended for development into a production version with the same personality and quality of the current range, yet enhancing its exclusivity.

Ermenegildo Zegna's concept is the result of close collaboration between two companies that are linked by history, tradition and spirit of exclusiveness.

The exterior of the Maserati Quattroporte Ermenegildo Zegna Limited Edition concept car features a special effect paint finish that simulates the fluidity and purity of metal, by using ultra-fine aluminium pigments. A gloss black primer amplifies the brilliance of aluminium pigments and creates a sensation of depth. The platinum metal colour effect finish is warmly nuanced to express the car's classic and sophisticated, yet technically advanced character. The impressive liquid effect of the paint finish emphasises the sinuous lines of the body and accentuates the way in which one section flows into the next.

This special paint also applies to the 20” Mercurio rims, with an elegant mirror-polished finish that creates a chromatic contrast, both technical and sporty.

The material and chromatic research concept of the Maserati Quattroporte Ermenegildo Zegna Limited Edition is based on a play between the classical and the contemporary.

A leading role in this concept car is played by its interior. Classical warm hues like moka and greige are re-interpreted in a modern key to emulate Zegna's latest men's fashion collections, conveying a formal, sophisticated character. Interior components such as seats, door panels and roof lining are finished in genuine soft leather, in addition to a velvet-smooth, bright fabric that, due to Zegna's vast experience and know-how, guarantees the level of performance needed for automotive applications.

The most interesting challenge posed by the project was precisely to develop a fabric by “Zegna” for automotive applications, with the look of formal men's wear. The fabric therefore had to have a typical masculine herringbone pattern and traditional weave, and also needed to have the feel, softness and prestige typical of Zegna cloth. Thanks to the unique fabric created especially for the Quattroporte and offered in a warm greige tint with soft moka and greige leather, and thanks also to a new warm titanium treatment and antique look matt walnut finish, the car's exclusive, harmonious and balanced interior is certain to satisfy the most refined and sophisticated customer.

Two precious plates obtained from aluminium ingot, bearing the words “Ermenegildo Zegna Exclusively for Maserati”, announce and promote the collaboration between the two companies. One plate is located on the outside of the pillar while the other, personalised with a limited series number, is applied to the central console. Hidden behind the sun visor, a real fabric label, made exactly like those sewn into the linings of Zegna suits, provides the customer with another discreet but distinctive indication of the level of care and attention dedicated to the design and finish of every aspect of this car.

The Maserati Quattroporte Ermenegildo Zegna Limited Edition is equipped with V8 twin turbo engine with 530 hp and a torque of 710 Nm, capable of a top speed of 307 km/h and an acceleration of 0 to 100 km/h, in just 4.7 seconds.

QUATTROPORTE DIESEL

The Quattroporte's 2,987 cc V6 turbo-diesel engine develops 202 kW (275 HP) and delivers an impressive 600 Nm of torque to permit acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in just 6.4 seconds.

Maserati's engineers have developed a sophisticated common rail direct injection fuel system for the new turbo-diesel from VM Motori of Cento, near Ferrara, operating at a pressure of 2000 bar and incorporating short dwell time injectors. The multiple sequential injections permitted by the new system mean high performance, better response and cleaner emissions. The engine is also fitted with a variable geometry turbo with ball bearings for minimum friction and turbo lag and a steel exhaust manifold with Air Gap technology for higher exhaust temperatures and higher energy gas flow. These advanced technologies enable the engine to produce a high specific power output.

The turbo-diesel Quattroporte also features Start & Stop technology, which can reduce, by up to 6%, fuel consumption and CO² emissions, depending on route and traffic intensity. The Start & Stop system switches off the engine when the car stops and starts it again as soon as the brake pedal is released.

In Italy, the Quattroporte diesel will be available in two versions: 202 kW (275 HP) and 184 kW (250 HP).

It has always been possible to recognise a Maserati from its distinctive engine sound, and the Quattroporte diesel is no exception thanks to Maserati's new Active Sound system! Two acoustic actuators installed near the exhaust pipes accentuate the distinctive sound of the engine and modulate it according to the way in which the car is driven. If the driver presses the Sport button on the central tunnel, the engine note becomes even more thrilling.

The sound produced by the exhaust system perfectly matches vehicle dynamics, being loud but discrete since very low rpm and fully satisfying customers ears during vehicle progression.

At key on, in NORMAL mode the full bodied sound is pleasant. In SPORT mode, the sound is modified together with other vehicle set ups to further improve vehicle sporty dynamics and becomes louder, wider and clearly sportive.

The result is, for both car occupants and outside listeners, an harmonic and vigorous sound, typically recognised worldwide as “The Maserati Sound”.

EUROPEAN DEBUT FOR GHIBLI

The all-new Ghibli marks a turning point in Maserati’s history; for the first time ever Maserati presents two concurrent four-door saloon models.

The Ghibli's design emphasises its more dynamic driving characteristics and expresses an altogether more aggressive personality while still maintaining clear links with the larger Quattroporte.

The outline of the body gives this four-door saloon a coupé-like appearance, and the sinuous grille and headlights hint at feline aggression. The grille takes its inspiration from the current GranTurismo but traces its origins back to the classic A6 GCS of the 1950s.

The Ghibli also maintains Maserati's distinctive C-pillar, which delivers much of the car's coupé-like stance and carries the classic trident logo, carrying on a tradition dating back to 1963.

The side profile is dominated by a swage line that runs from the traditional Maserati air intakes behind the front wheels and finishes at the rear lights.

Inside, the Ghibli sets itself apart from the Quattroporte. Its unique dashboard design perfectly matches its sportier and more youthful character without losing any of the luxury expected from Maserati. The Ghibli nevertheless succeeds in combining its sporty nature with the typical spaciousness of an executive model.

The design of the Ghibli is based on a far sportier concept than the larger Quattroporte. The car offers a choice of two 3.0 litre V6 turbo petrol engines, coupled to an automatic eight-speed gearbox with either rear wheel drive or Q4 four wheel drive.

The more powerful of these V6 units is the Twin Turbo installed in the Ghibli S: this develops 301 kW (410 HP) at 5,500 rpm and delivers 550 Nm of torque from only 1,750 rpm. This unit is found on the Ghibli S with rear wheel drive and the Ghibli S Q4 with four wheel drive.

The Ghibli S Q4 with four wheel drive accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.8 seconds, while the S version with rear wheel drive takes just 0.2 seconds more. The Ghibli S has an indicated top speed of 285 km/h.

Though it develops an impressive 243 kW (330 HP) of power and 500 Nm of torque, the Ghibli's second 3.0 litre V6 turbo petrol engine option also delivers fuel economy of just 9.6 litres/100 km. On top of its parsimonious performance in fuel consumption, this engine also promises 0 to 100 km/h acceleration in just 5.6 seconds.

Both engine options are equipped with parallel turbochargers and have been developed by Maserati Powertrain in collaboration with Ferrari Powertrain: both are produced by Ferrari in Maranello.

The Ghibli's V6 petrol engines share much of the technology found in the 3.8 litre V8 power units of the Quattroporte, including direct fuel injection from a 200 bar injection system, two parallel, low inertia turbochargers and four continuous phase variators, one for each camshaft.

This advanced technology enables the V6 engine of the Ghibli S, which redlines at 6,500 rpm, to put out 90 percent of its torque at under 1,500 rpm.

The Ghibli is also the first ever production Maserati equipped with a diesel engine ? the 3.0 litre V6 turbo-diesel. This engine is produced by VM Motori of Cento, near Ferrara, and develops 202 kW (275 HP) with an amazing 600 Nm of torque, giving acceleration figures of 0 to 100 km/h in just 6.3 seconds. NEDC consumption is 5.9 litres per 100 km, with emissions of 158 g/km of CO2. A second, 250 HP power unit will be available on the Italian market.

A variable geometry turbocharger with ball bearings is used to reduce friction and turbo lag, and the steel exhaust manifolds incorporate Air Gap technology for higher exhaust temperatures and higher energy gas flow. These advanced technologies, in conjunction with an advanced common rail direct injection system with injection pressure of 2000 bar and short dwell time injectors, enable the engine to develop excellent specific power. The injection system guarantees multiple sequential injections for high performance, superb response and less emissions.

In the diesel version, the Maserati Active Sound system accentuates the distinctive sound of the engine and modulates it to match the way in which the car is driven, thanks to two acoustic actuators. By pressing the Sport button on the central tunnel, the engine note becomes even more thrilling.

All the Ghibli versions are equipped with an automatic eight-speed gearbox, which allows for maximum comfort and shift speed to guarantee top performance levels.

The Ghibli's superb handling is the result of a combination of perfect weight balancing, double-wishbone front suspension, and multi-link rear suspension, that guarantee great driving pleasure and safety under any road condition.

Like the Quattroporte, its bodyshell is built around a rigid and extremely secure steel safety cell that employs an array of different steel and aluminium alloys to deliver precise strengths and minimal weight.

The front section of the bodyshell is obtained from an aluminium casting with reinforced cross-strut that delivers outstanding rigidity in all directions. The rear section is made from rolled steel.

Ghibli is the only car in its category to offer as a standard a limited slip differential to guarantee a better grip in all driving conditions.

The Ghibli's wheelbase (2.99 metres) is about 20 centimetres shorter than that of the Quattroporte. Overall length is 4.97 metres, 29 cm less than the new Quattroporte.

The Ghibli S is equipped with 360 mm x 32 mm dual cast, ventilated and drilled brake discs at the front and 350 mm x 28 mm ventilated discs at the rear. The front wheels are braked by Brembo six-piston fixed calipers while the rear wheels are fitted with four-piston calipers. Stopping distance from 100 km/h to zero is only 36 metres.

The standard Ghibli is fitted with 18" wheels and tyres while the Ghibli S variants have 18" wheels with tyres of different widths at the front and rear. 19", 20" and 21" wheels are available as optionals.

Like the Quattroporte, the Ghibli too can be equipped with a Bowers & Wilkins high end premium audio system, one of the finest hi-fi systems in the automotive sector.

The choice of system components, the positioning of the 15 speakers, the perfect configuration of the Harman QuantumLogic™ Surround Sound processor and the effective integration of the whole system are the result of long and exhaustive testing and endless hours of listening by the audio industry's top engineers.

The system perfectly reproduces every nuance of sound with the highest levels of dynamic purity and realism, and delivers a completely new level of music enjoyment on the road.

The key characteristics of the Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system are:

15 speakers
5 x 25 mm aluminium dome tweeters
5 x 100 mm Kevlar midrange units
2 x 165 mm Kevlar midrange/woofers
2 x 165 mm Rohacell woofers
1x 350 x 200 mm subwoofer
16-channel D-class amplifier with total output of 1280 W
QuantumLogic ™Surround Sound processing system

GRANTURISMO MC STRADALE

The new four seater GranTurismo MC Stradale represents the ultimate in sports driving with all the luxury of a Maserati coupé made in Modena. While the new Quattroporte is the first Maserati to be built at the new Avv. Giovanni Agnelli plant in Grugliasco, the GranTurismo MC Stradale will roll off the production lines of Maserati's historic factory in Viale Ciro Menotti, Modena.

The new four seater GranTurismo MC Stradale takes its inspiration from the racing version that competes in the Maserati trophy just like the previous two seater, but offers a perfect combination of sports style, luxury and elegance, functionality and dynamism for four occupants. The GranTurismo MC Stradale boasts a new-look exterior with a decisive racing character enhanced by a carbon fibre bonnet framing a central air intake, two rear extractors and new 20" forged alloy wheels. The interior is also new in terms of materials and style, and capable of seating four people in comfort.

The 4.7 litre, 460 HP aspirated V8 engine that made its debut in the GranTurismo Sport is also installed in the new GranTurismo MC Stradale, making it the standard choice for the entire 4.7 litre GranTurismo family. In conjunction with the MC Race Shift 6-speed robotised gearbox, this engine guarantees thrilling performance and pushes the car to a top speed of 303 km/h. Active safety is guaranteed by Brembo carbon ceramic brake discs. In keeping with the Maserati philosophy, the new GranTurismo MC Stradale also benefits from the advances made on the previous model in terms of reducing fuel consumption and emissions.

MASERATI'S FIRST SIX MONTHS

Maserati shipped a total of 2,291 vehicles during the second quarter, representing a 29% increase over the 1,772 units shipped in Q2 2012. The continued success of the GranTurismo and GranCabrio models, in addition to the commercial launch of the new Quattroporte, all contributed to the result and the brand posted significant year over year gains in nearly all markets.

Revenues totalled €282 million for the second quarter, increasing 34% over the corresponding period in 2012.

Trading profit and EBIT came in at €9 million, decreasing from €15 million in Q2 2012 primarily as a result of higher costs associated with the launch of the new Quattroporte.

For the first half of 2013, brand shipments were up 14% over the same period in 2012 to 3,595 vehicles and revenues increased 17% to €439 million.

Trading profit and EBIT totalled €5 million for the period, compared with €31 million in H1 2012. As for the quarter, the decrease was mainly attributable to higher costs associated with the launch of the Quattroporte.

Text and photos courtesy of Maserati