Maserati

Maserati: A long, celebrated heritage

Maserati represents one of the automotive industry's marquees of elegance, prestige and luxury. Ever since it was founded in 1914 in Bologna, Italy, Maserati has played an important role in the development of car culture.

The Maserati Tradition

Maserati's vehicles embody traditional Italian styling as well as the spirit of sport. Their aura of sophistication and excellence comes from a long history of racing, craftsmanship and technology that's ahead of its time.

Maserati has hit several significant milestones throughout the years, including the 246.029 km/h world speed record set by the Borzacchini in 1929. Another milestone was the F1 World Champion title won by driver Fangio in the 250F. Finally, the launch of the 390 bhp Coupe Cambiocorsa in 2002 marked Maserati's return to the U.S. market.

The Maserati Driver

Maserati is dedicated towards providing their consumers with the highest quality vehicles that will satisfy their every desire. Customer satisfaction is their number one priority. The Maserati owner is somebody who appreciates the fine quality craftsmanship of the Italian sports car, has a passion to be an exotic car owner and has the means to afford such an exclusive investment.

Maserati Spotlight: GranTurismo

The new 2008 Maserati GranTurismo represents the company's rich heritage and will replace the Coupe model. With a price tag of about $130,000, it's a good thing that Maseratis tend to hold their value quite well. The new GranTurismo is expected to arrive in North America in September with 300 to 400 cars heading for U.S. dealers.

Style: The new car reflects the history of Maserati, with classical proportions but a very modern design. It was designed to show the lineage of the company, something that he previous Coupe did not. The GranTurismo is a luxury sports car that can comfortably hold four passengers. The styling of the car can be described in one word: Beautiful.

Performance: The 2008 GranTurismo will have a 4.2-liter V8 engine, capable of producing 405 horsepower with a top speed of about 177 m.p.h. It will feature a smooth six-speed automatic transmission - the same transmission found in Jaguar's XK and XKR models - that will allow for seamless shifting.

Safety: All Maserati vehicles encompass both active and passive safety features. Active safety refers to the vehicle's ability to prevent accidents in the first place. This includes the Maserati Stability Program, anti-lock braking, electronic brake force distribution, electronic parking brake and tire pressure monitoring system.

Passive safety refers to the features of the car that protect the passengers if an impact does occur. The GranTurismo has a strong, rigid body equipped with six passenger airbags. The airbags and seatbelts are all equipped with sensors which ensure that only the right amount of force is applied. The rigid chassis has met or exceeded all of the U.S. crash test standards. Maserati ensures that all of its vehicles reach the highest levels of safety.

Reliability: The GranTurismo, like all of Maserati's vehicles, has been put through rigorous developmental tests to see how the vehicle performs with high mileage. It has been engineered to achieve the highest standards of endurance and reliability. Their vehicles are even winter tested in Sweden to make sure they perform well under extreme conditions.

Fuel Economy: The GranTurismo has a combined city / highway fuel economy rating of 19.2 m.p.g. - this isn't bad for an exotic sports car, but not as good as expected by such a prestigious manufacturer. Fuel economy ratings are similar for the entire Maserati line-up.

It used to be we could depend on the reputation and reliability of North American cars to meet our standards - but could it be the times are changing? Here in the U.S., overseas models are continuing to rise in popularity. Find out why!

If you love your car, you’ve got treat it right – stock will never do for your hot wheels! Whether it’s for performance or just for the look, aftermarket parts can turn that car you just brought home into your own pimp ride.