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Maserati GranSport and GranSport Spyder Sales Hot for 2006 Review

September 2006
Filed under: MASERATI AND FERRARI Car News | MASERATI AND FERRARI Headlines
ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS, N.J., Sept. 5 /PRNewswire/ -- "The only thing faster than our two door cars is the rate at which they are selling," commented James Selwa, President and CEO of Maserati North America upon closing out one of the hottest sales months on record for the Trident brand. In August, Maserati North America delivered 120 GranSport and GranSport Spyder models, representing a 47% increase over August sales for 2005. Year to date, Maserati has retailed 499 of the exclusive units, up from 388 the year before. The 400 horsepower V8, technically avant-garde Maseratis, have won numerous accolades including 5 star ratings from the world's toughest automotive enthusiast publications.

"The only thing faster than our two door cars is the rate at which they are selling," commented James Selwa, president and CEO of Maserati North America upon closing a hot sales month for Maserati. In August, Maserati North America delivered 120 GranSport and GranSport Spyders, a 47% increase over August 2005. The 400 horsepower V8, technically avant-garde Maseratis, have won numerous accolades from the world's toughest automotive enthusiast publications. (PRNewsFoto/Maserati North America)

Maserati sales have maintained the strong pace set in 2005 when Maserati North America delivered 2,100 cars, nearly doubling sales volumes compared to the 1114 units of 2004. Of the 2,100 cars, 1,550 were Quattroporte, the Italian sedan quickly becoming known as a unique and special offering. In fact the Quattroporte finished the year with a commanding lead in its segment with a 40% share of the market for individual sedans with a base MSRP between $100,000 and $150,000. Maserati North America expects to end 2006 at roughly the same level as 2005 as the advanced Modena factory is running near current capacity.

"We are proud that Maserati has become a credible choice in the $100,000 range. On top of its extraordinary performance, the GranSport coupe is a true four seater -- something most of our competitors can't say, and the Spyder is a thrilling open air thoroughbred," said Selwa.

In times of ownership uncertainty for companies like Jaguar and Aston Martin, Maserati with it strong Ferrari connection and sound ownership at Fiat becomes the obvious choice for those making an investment in a $100,000 plus car.

Maserati North America is led by President and CEO James Selwa and is headquartered in Englewood Cliffs, NJ. North America represents 40% of Maserati's total volume. Success in the United States is mirrored globally by Maserati now present in 57 countries on five continents with an overall network of over 275 dealerships. In the main global markets, Maserati directly controls its subsidiaries, including a joint venture in China.

MASERATI GRANSPORT -- Solid design and technical innovation set the tone

It's a rare occasion when CAR and evo, two of the worlds most esteemed automotive enthusiast publications award their highest 5 star ratings. Yet the Maserati GranSport received 5 star ratings from both. Why? Maybe it's the Ferrari engineered V8 engine which punches out 400 horsepower. Or, its F1 derived Cambiocorsa paddle-shift transmission which can change gears in 1/10th of a second. This combination and the car's innate balance produce world class performance; a 4.75 second 0-60mph sprint, a 1/4 mile time of 12.8 seconds and a top speed of 180 mph.

Both aggressive and understated, the GranSport communicates its owner's knowledge and genuine enthusiasm for sports cars. The athletic Giugiaro design is enhanced with sleekly enhanced mesh grillwork, lower side extensions, and effective aerodynamic spoilers front and rear. 19" trident spoke wheels highlight a low and ready performance stance.

The GranSport's natural balance is enhanced by a host of technological innovations that are designed to transparently help control its power. The Skyhook continuously variable adaptive suspension is electronically integrated with the Maserati Stability Program, Automatic Slip Regulation, and Electronic Brake Distribution, all of which aid dynamic equilibrium. The Cambiocorsa paddle shift transmission system's variable settings can be set to match the driver's mood and conditions -- or it can be left active and robotically adapt to driving conditions. Large cross-drilled Brembo brakes with four piston calipers and ABS help optimize stopping power.

The GranSport's interior is functional and driver-focused. A classic gauge layout provides the information a driver requires and controls are within easy reach on the center console. The supportive seats are equally comfortable on highways or twisty roads. Sized for adults, the functional rear seats help make this sports car a practical daily driver. Like all Maseratis, the GranSport can be extensively personalized to match its owner's taste, the possible options guaranteeing a uniquely tailored car for the driver who requires one.

GRANSPORT SPYDER -- Thrilling performance and open-air Maserati style

This open air GranSport Spyder maintains every ounce of the temperament and aggressive look of the GranSport coupe. This is emphasized first by a ground hugging stance, a very pronounced front lower spoiler and by the side bars elegantly integrated into the body itself, all resulting in improved aerodynamic performance.

The athletic look of the car is completed by the 19" alloy wheels in the same design of those used in the Maserati Trofeo Championship mated to specially produced tires with a profile designed to make the GranSport Spyder even more agile and responsive to the steering wheel.

The Italian roadster also shares with the coupe the evolved version of the 4.2 litre V8 producing 400 hp and a 333 lb-ft of torque, placing the GranSport Spyder among the fastest convertibles in the world. The engine has been combined with an exhaust system designed to give enthusiasts an instantly recognizable deep, full-bodied rumble. Thanks to new specific software, the GranSport Spyder offers even faster gear changing, on average 35% faster than its predecessor.

The design and materials of the interior are a perfect mix of leather, high-tech fabric and the most use of Carbon fiber in the class. The upper part of the dashboard is trimmed in leather, while the central area, framed by the piping, can be trimmed in BrighTex(R), the same high tech fabric of the racing MC12.

All information and images on the complete Maserati line-up are available on the Maserati media website at http://www.media.maserati.com/ and http://www.maseratiamerica.com/


Source: Maserati North America

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