Uno, due, tre, quattro, cinque – that’s counting up to five in Italian. Most have some familiarity with those numbers spoken in Italian, given their commonality with other languages like Spanish. Maserati has always pushed the envelope in the exotic industry, being the first to produce a four-door sedan. Aston Martin has dabbled with four-door sedans throughout the years, introducing the Rapide a few years ago.

Most enthusiasts know that the Quattroporte’s name quite simply means four-door. Italian website AlVolante.itreports that Maserati has registered the name “Cinqueporte” in Italy. Given the new SUV’s five-door lift gate, that makes sense. It has cachet, and fits in with the rest of the lineup. Will that be the name used on the new SUV though? No one knows for sure.

The upcoming Jeep Grand Cherokee-based (purists gasp!) SUV was previewed Frankfurt Auto Show under the Kubang Concept banner, a reprise of the Kubang SUV Concept from 2003. Clearly Maserati likes the name. Italian website AlVolante.it reports that Maserati executives told them the Kubang name hasn’t been decided upon however.

The new SUV is going to be powered by a new generation of engines developed in Modena, Italy and produced by none other than Ferrari. The project is being led by Paolo Martinelli, the Head of Powertrain at Maserati. Before his stint at Maserati, Martinelli served as engine development chief for Ferrari’s Formula One racing team. The Fiat Group has big plans for Maserati, planning to push global sales up to the 50,000 a year mark. For a brand focused on sports cars and selling just over 5,000 vehicles globally last year, that will take a much-expanded lineup.

Another model slated to arrive along with the SUV is a new sedan under the Quattroporte. We’re wondering where Maserati will decided to price and position the new SUV. Head-to-head with the Porsche Cayenne, or starting more at the top end around $95-$115,000. It all depends how much volume Maserati needs to get out of it. Just watch though; we have a hunch it will quickly become the best-selling Maserati in the U.S.

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2. The Original Exotic Sedan: History of the Maserati Quattroporte
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We’re happy to report that the “leaked” image of the Maserati SUV that surfaced last week is wholly and totally a fake. We thought so, but you never know for sure. Today, Maserati has dropped official pictures of its new concept SUV, the Kubang. Wait, we’ve heard that name before haven’t we?

Yes, we have; Kubang was a concept SUV by Maserati in 2003. The idea for a Maserati SUV was being considered for quite some time, a year after the brand returned to the United States once more. This time though, Kubang previews a production vehicle. Much has changed since 2003 – Maserati now has a platform to base an SUV on.

Thankfully, the Kubang looks nothing like the Jeep Grand Cherokee it shares a platform with. Not that the Grand Cherokee doesn’t look great (it does), but Maserati needs to have a product that is entirely different.

Maserati says the two will share very little other than basic underpinnings: “style, engine, suspensions, brakes, handling and performance will all be 100% Maserati, in picture-perfect continuity with the brand’s core values.”

The main focus of the Kubang will be on driving experience. According to Maserati, none of its competitors in the segment offer “the kind of uplifting driving pleasure and luxury atmosphere that are two givens of today’s high-end sports and luxury cars.” We’ll see if the Kubang can live up to that tall order.

The Kubang of 2011 has a far more aggressive design than the previous concept. Curvaceous body panels dominate; the rear view would definitely have to be our favorite. Other than a press release, specifications aren’t available. We do know a new generation of Maserati-specific engines are being developed in Modena, Italy – where they will also be produced by Ferrari. The work is being led by Paolo Martinelli, Maserati’s Head of Powertrain Department. Prior to work at Maserati, Martinelli served as engine chief of Ferrari’s Formula One racing team. How is that for pedigree? No interior pictures of the Kubang are available yet. No word on when this thing will hit the road; stay tuned.

Related posts:

1. Quattro, Cinque: Maserati Registers Possible New Name For Upcoming SUV
2. Maserati SUV Concept Coming to Frankfurt
3. Grand Cherokee-Based SUV Coming to Maserati

Like it or not, a Maserati SUV is coming, and it will be based on the Jeep Grand Cherokee. The current Grand Cherokee is a far different animal than it was in the past; it is more refined thanks to a unibody platform. It also has shown the capability for significant performance upgrades with the SRT-8.

While that basis might make purists choke, it is part of Fiat’s plan to significantly expand Maserati’s lineup and global presence. That means taking sales from around 5,000 a year globally to 50,000 units. That plan includes the SUV, as well as a mid-size sedan slotting below the Quattroporte to compete with cars like the BMW M5. It marks a shift in focus downmarket for Maserati, which historically was more at the exotic level.

Maserati is scheduled to show a concept version of its SUV at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Prior to this unveiling, a new image has appeared in Automotive News Frankfurt Motor Show catalogue. Is is the real thing? Some are saying it is a photoshop, others that it is indeed the actual vehicle coming to Frankfurt. Usually Automotive News is a reputable source, but they didn’t say anything about whether it was an artists rendering or a leaked image of the actual product.

We say it’s computer generated image. It doesn’t appear to be based off the Grand Cherokee’s platform. In addition to thinking its a fake, we’re sure hoping it’s one as well. The Maserati SUV has the potential to be a good seller, given the success of other models like Porsche’s Cayenne. Looking like that though? Not so much. The design of this SUV throws out any semblance of attractiveness. Yikes. Hopefully Maserati’s designers have better sense than that. There is only one way to find out though and that is to wait until next week.

Related posts:

1. Frankfurt: Maserati Kubang Arrives; Looks Nothing Like a Jeep
2. Quattro, Cinque: Maserati Registers Possible New Name For Upcoming SUV
3. Maserati SUV Concept Coming to Frankfurt

Celebrating 80 years in 2010, Pininfarina is still a family-operated design house, Renowned for artistic excellence even beyond the auto industry, their styling grace with cars and trucks still generates the most fanfare. Growing from a small factory on the outskirts of Turin, over 3,000 employees serve many faucets of industrial design with now a third generation Pininfarina.

With focus on automotive design restored, Maserati in recent years trusted Pininfarina to redesign and redefine their brand to the world starting with a Quattroporte sedan. Taking large inspiration from personal sports cars, the Quattroporte takes four-door luxury to an uncompromised level of perfection. Shortly following the warm Quattroporte’s debut, Pininfarina gave form to the Maserati GranTurismo. Bringing the best elements from the trident-brand automaker’s best vehicles, the GranCabrio (known as the GranTurismo Convertible in North America) was introduced in 2010 as the latest continuation of Italian companies.

In recent years, Pininfarina has reverted into a full circle recovery to the 1960s sport convertible glory through cooperation with Ford. Started with the bread and butter European-marketed Ford StreetKa which sold 37,000 units between 2003 to 2006, Ford and Pininfarina utilized advanced computer design and simulation technology to quickly adapt a sporty, sub-compact convertible. Since 2006, the international Ford Focus added a Coupe-Cabriolet hardtop which is built in Pininfarina’s Bairo production plant through a technical partnership.

Premiering at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show, the Pininfarina Sintesi is a design study into applications for new age powertrains. Envisioning the future of alternative power vehicles is not a new thing for Pininfarina. Since a 1978 cooperative effort with Fiat resulting in the Pininfarina Ecos, a series of electric cars have been conceptualized. The Sintesi, developed on a process Pininfarina calls “Liquid” Packaging, unconventionally allows fuel cell drivetrain to fully compliment the Sintesi’s aerodynamic form instead of accepting vehicle design limitations by mechanical hindrances. With the styling practices demonstrated in this bold concept, Pininfarina integration into an automotive future is evident with every Sintesi’s curve.

As auto companies exploit the emerging Chinese and Indian markets, Pininfarina has entered partnerships in new territories. Involved with China’s Chery and Brilliance auto companies, the Italian artisans have since claimed nearly one-third of the country’s auto design business. Pininfarina is also entered in a design collaboration with India’s Tata Motors. The Tata Pr1ma, a sedan shown at the 2009 Geneva International Motor Show, is the first vehicle blending Italian styling into an Indian-focused product.

Spotlight Die Cast Offerings:

Appearing in a massive 1:18 scale, Hot Wheels representation of the Maserati Quattroporte provides the next best thing to seeing Pininfarina’s actual creation. Maserati GranTurismo coupe is also available in 1:18 by Mondo Motors die-cast wearing one of two colours. Prices for owning these two miniaturized Maseratis fall under the $100 range. For a more frugally minded die cast collectors, a Ford Focus is recently released by Minichamps.

While the full-sized Pininfarina creations vividly pomps automotive art mastery, scaled representations of their famous Ferraris, Maseratis, and other cars repeatedly preserves the four-wheeled subject. Die-cast form is a the leading three-dimensional bask on the essence of each Pininfarina vehicle’s every emotion.

Information source: Maserati, Minichamps, Pininfarina S.P.A.
Photo source: Pininfarina S.P.A.

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You have made it to the top. Successful and in charge, you want to live life to the fullest. All the money you’ve made has allowed you to indulge in your favorite hobby, collecting cars, but now you find yourself stuck in the office all day. As far away from your obsession as possible. Have no fear, you are not alone. Car lovers dwell in office spaces the world over and the most artistic of us have designed everything a car lover would need to remodel that drab cubical into a high class gear head power office. What do you need in your office to keep you revved up and making that money? A desk, some chairs, adequate lighting, and a few other creature comforts, I’m sure.

So let’s start with a desk. This has to be the center piece of your office, the place where all the deals go down. For you F1 lovers, there’s the F1 inspired desk from PitStop Furniture. At a modest $450, you won’t be too over the top.

Formula racing isn’t for everyone. Some people like to keep a lower profile. If you want your desk to reflect that more subtle image, this desk may not be for you. A nearly complete Mini could be the place where you get all of your work done. For about $4,500 this desk would probably cost about the same as the real deal, but you can’t drive a real Mini into your office building, no matter how easy those guys on The Italian Job make it look.

   But, if you think the F1 desk looks like it was built from the Erector set you had as a kid and the Mini looks a tad worn for the wear, then perhaps you need the The Executive Desk from designer Dale Mathis. At the tune of $21,000, this clear top desk lets you become memorized by the daily gear grind. You can sit and stare straight down all day long as you see this functional piece of art at work, just don’t forget you need to work too.

Now that your desk situation is under control, you need to find your throne, the place at which you will sit for 8-12 hours a day. At Racechairs.com you can find any number of chairs that will fit your decor and your body.

The “12 Hours of Sebring” chair has to be the most ironic and my number one choice for a few reasons. First, unless you pay for it, there is no seating in Sebring, a fact that they neglect to mention when you buy passes or look on the website. Secondly, at about $400, it won’t break the budget.

Budget? What budget, you say. Money is no object? Then buckle up. You can enjoy the same seating as the owner of a Ferrari Scuderia 16M for the everyday low price of $25,000. Touted as one of the most comfortable seats from Ferrari, don’t expect it quick- each chair is custom made.

You now have a sweet chair to sit in behind that power desk, but what will you be working on? Why, a car inspired computer, naturally. Computer manufacturer ASUS has teamed up with Lamborghini to introduce the ASUS- Automobili Lamborghini VX7 laptop. Now, you can speed through the cyber world like it’s the Autobahn because this $2,200 laptop has the Intel Core i7 Extreme Edition processor that not only helps you get the job done, but gives you the best gaming performance out there. (Just don’t tell the boss…)

With the coolest desk, the sickest chair, and the fastest computer you now have a line of people waiting to see you. They know that you are the one who can make things happen, but what will you have them sit on? Carbon fiber sitting chairs are a great choice. GarageWorks Industries has a line of modest looking carbon fiber chairs, including a rocking chair for when your mom visits starting at about $1,400.

But, if the carbon fiber chair is just a tad to plain for your tastes, you can always step it up a notch or three. You can have your guests sit in style in a Porsche 917 1970′s inspired seat from Inspired Designs, while you run through the numbers. But at about $5,800, you may be a bit more picky who you give the green light too for a test sit.

If you’re after something a bit more elegant then look no further than Aston Martin Heritage Designs. They have handcrafted a love seat out of the boot of an Aston Martin DB6. The sofa is a custom order that may run you upwards of $7,300.

Every visitor to your office will more than likely have something they will need to set down. You want to give them another stylish and car inspired piece to do that with, a table. Different’ sizes and shapes, coffee tables and end tables can make or break a look. If you have gone with the F1 Inspired office with the carbon fiber chairs, why not keep with it by investing in carbon fiber tables? From $800 up, a carbon fiber table from Seibon will not only be indestructible, but also a sleek and chic way to impress.

If your tastes for the unique have won your designs over, then have no fear, I have the best coffee table for you, one made from an engine block. Many tables made from blocks are custom orders and can range in price from $500 to a couple of thousand. It’s best to not get one made from an inline formation, the wedge of a V engine will support a glass top better. Most will be made from a Chevrolet V-8, but a connoisseur can have anything, including an Aston Martin V-12 converted into usable work of art.

Now, you have all of the basics covered, desk, chair, computer, seating, and tables, but what about the accessories that will drive home the fact that you’d rather be racing than working? No problem. You can provide all the lighting you could ever want with a pair of Maserati inspired and Lumina produced lamps.

With the work day being stressful on a loyal servant such as yourself, you find that music in the background soothes your soul. But, not just any stereo system will do, oh no. You want the best, so you shell out $20,000 for a Ferrari speaker tower called the Art.Engine. It should pair up nicely with your Ferrari FMP160 MP3 player.

Ah, another tumultuous work day comes to a close. You made the numbers you needed to this month and you would like to pour a toast to the entire office to celebrate. You duck into your office and see what you have in the final piece in your office transformation, a Jaguar Etype V-12 engine block that has been transformed into a wine rack. Each cylinder now capable of holding a full 720mL bottle of bubbly, you’ll be looking for reasons to pop a cork at 5:00.

You have created your ultimate work space, a gear heads paradise away from the garage and you like it. Sure it’s set you back more than some people pay for houses, but your life is cars. You went to a lot of different places to get these goodies, and you are now basking in your stylistic glory. But, if you’re way too busy to do all of the digging and running around to find all of these pieces you’re in luck; LA Design Studios in Poland as developed a whole office furniture line inspired by the Shelby AC Cobra 427 from the mid-1960′s(pictured first). So, instead of each piece bringing it’s unique characteristics to the room, all the pieces will coordinate to make your space feel like it was designed by Shelby himself. This one stop shop won’t save in the budget however, but at least one check is easier to write than 15.

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Since the beginning of motoring, the convertible lingered long before the sport utility, minivan or crossover captured buzz. In modern times, the convertible is a type of freedom symbol allowing the confides of everyday responsibilities and routines to slip away temporarily. As the mercury rises, as temperatures spike, the choices for fashion open up to embracing the more refreshing outdoor weather. For the world of automobiles, the warmer summertime climate ushers away the cocoon of so many closed cabin vehicles. For 2011, the latest crop of liberating drop tops could become a companion to a holiday weekend memory.

Ford Mustang GT Convertible

Mobilizing the youth of North America thought the 1960s when gasoline was cheap and cross-country trips were a common theme during the warmer months, the Ford Mustang Convertible continues to remain a rather accessible dream machine. Though the more the ample momentum of the Ford’s 3.7 liter V-6 powerplant will grant any summer weekend adventurer the soul of American-style, top-down riding, the intense gallop of 412 horsepower of the Ford Mustang GT Convertible provides an even more aggressive stride towards good times. Backing up the full-hearted performance with classic American muscle car appearances, the Mustang GT Convertible also combines the benefits of 21st century enjoyment including Ford SYNC. A voice-activated navigation system is also available to assure maximum vacation time rather than devoted to constant map reading.

Chrysler 200 Convertible

A budding new creation of Chrysler’s fleet wide makeover, the “Imported from Detroit” convertible version of the Chrysler 200 reflects on past staples of American elegance. The 2011 Chrysler 200 is not only the sole existing convertible in the auto manufacturer’s product portfolio but it is the brand’s only two-door vehicle. Charming with a premium ride and luxury, the 200 convertible most amusing characteristic is a base price under $30,000 US. A big chrome grille topped by a pronounced emblem, the all-new Chrysler 200 convertible features the tasteful sheltering of either a soft or a hard top. Inside, an available voice-activated media center features a 30-gigabyte hard drive sound system that includes nationwide coverage of a Sirius satellite radio as well as Sirius Travel Link. Standard power comes from a 2.4 liter World Gas Engine, the best cruising enjoyment will be partaken when the 283 horsepower Pentastar V-6 powerplant drives your holiday.

Mercedes-Benz SLK

Just in time to take advantage of the warm, convertible weather, the brand new Mercedes-Benz SLK enters the North American marketplace presenting more than one option to enjoying (or hiding) from the weather. On ideal days, the open-air roadster providing up to 302 horsepower to delightfully navigate through a scenic country drive. The driver, as well as passenger, rides inside of a cabin decked with brushed aluminum trim accents and optional sun reflective leather. On less than perfect days, Mercedes-Benz SLK owner came either seek the cover of a coupe-like hard top or a tinted glass vario-roof. A high-tech new option is MAGIC SKY CONTROL interacts with crystals embedded in a glass panel to variably regulate the amount of light shining through to the interior.

Maserati GranTurismo

An Italian auto company under the Fiat umbrella, Maserati’s best efforts frequently buried under the achievements of Lamborghini and fellow Fiat brand Ferrari. Giving worthwhile recognition with subtle yet lavish Pininfarina styling, the personal luxury coupe Masersati GranTurismo blew its top in 2010. The Maserati GranTurismo convertible rushes down the streets of Rodeo Drive or a Sunday cruise with a pair of 400-plus horsepower V-8 engines. Featuring a 6-speed automatic transmission and adaptive Skyhook suspension, the Maserati GranTurismo convertible delivers the open-air motoring that can be expected from a $136,300 vehicle. A 2+2 convertible the configuration allows the driver to be generous to three passengers (however, one choice passenger can be liberated from the less catered rear seating).

Porsche Boxster Spyder

So your weekend getaway doesn’t prescribe to an easy drive to a resort, the Porsche sports car line-up is infused with the ideal ingredients for an adrenaline-seeking few days. Led by 320 horsepower, the Porsche Boxster Spyder is specially built as a reaction to pure sports car fans. A slimmed down by 167 pounds compared to the Boxster S, the Porsche Boxster Spyder launches in only 4.9 seconds with a 6-speed manual or as little as 4.6 seconds when equipped with a Sport Chrono Package Plus fitted to a PDK (Porsche Doppelkupplung) transmission. The comfort accessories coming standard on the Porsche Boxster Spyder are kept scarce for the purpose to honour the raw performance dynasty. For times when weather begins to interrupt the fine driving experience, there is only a basic soft top without the fancy automatic operation.

Tesla Roadster 2.5

Granting not only a connection with the wind flowing over separated by an aerodynamic pocket, the Tesla Roadster 2.5 merges the driver into 125 mile per hour motoring with hardly a peep. Powered by an air-cooled 375-volt AC Induction electric motor, a driver and passenger of the Tesla Roadster 2.5 advanced powertrain equating to 288 horsepower is matched with striking exotic car looks. Currently the only popular all-electric sports car on the market, the Tesla Roadster 2.5 consists of a newly prepped interior and exterior introduced mid-last year. A two-seat performance roadster that will still capture attention despite its silence, the driving experience will be somewhat more limited when it comes to distance. Range for the Tesla Roadster 2.5 is slated to as much as 245 miles.

Information source: Chrysler Group, Ford Motor Company, Maserati, Mercedes-Benz USA, Porsche Cars North America, Tesla Motors
Photo Source: Chris Nagy, Chrysler Group, Ford Motor Company, Porsche Cars North America, Tesla Motors

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It might be surprising to some who aren’t paying attention, but for luxury manufacturers the action is clearly in the Chinese market. With the largest population in the world and an increasingly wealthy clientele, it makes for a powerful allure.

As a result, the Shanghai Motor Show has seen no shortage of luxury introductions, particularly long-wheel base models. At the high-end the Chinese market is very chaueffer-driven, unlike in the United States where we like to drive our own cars.

A new report out by The Detroit Free Press says that a staggering 115,353 Audi A6L sedans were sold in the country last year. With that background, according to Car & Driver Maserati is laying out a future strategy for success in the country that includes new models.

Currently, the Maserati lineup includes the Gran Turismo convertible, coupe and the classic Quattroporte sedan. We know from Fiat Group’s 5-year business plan that a new model to slot in below the Quattroporte is in the works.

This model would be in the mid-size sedan class and positioned toward the higher-end of the segment, leaving room for the Quattroporte to move a bit upmarket. C&D says both cars are being designed in cooperation with Italian design house Pininfarina.

A new revelation in the report is that Maserati would use a variation of the Pentastar V-6 for its future models. It would be a turbocharged Multiair-equipped performance version making 400 horsepower.

Perhaps worst for purists is an SUV in the works. Despite showing off concepts like the Kubang as far back as 2003, Maserati never entered the segment.

An SUV holds allure in the Chinese market, as well in the U.S, where Maserati would like to make further inroads. The new Maserati SUV would be based on Jeep’s unibody Grand Cherokee. A Maserati SUV, based off a Jeep? It is sure to make purists howl.

Production would either take place at the Jefferson Avenue Assembly Plant in Detroit, Michigan or an ex-Bertone factory in Italy near Turin. The Italian location certainly would help to maintain a bit of prestige for the SUV. The new Maserati lineup is set to take shape by 2014. As long as Ferrari remains untouched, we think we’ll be able to handle it.

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Things are going pretty well for Chrysler-Fiat, with losses seemingly disappearing in the rear view mirror and (finally) a focus on new products.

Since taking over after the Chrysler bankruptcy, Fiat has accelerated mid-cycle refreshes like the 200 and 300 models, along with other all-new products like the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Magnum.

The Grand Cherokee has been an impressive vehicle for Jeep. The venerable SUV has been widely lauded for retaining its impressive off-road characteristics while moving to a refined unibody platform shared with Mercedes-Benz. Synergies between Chrysler and Fiat are just now being explored, and the platform is slated to be used in a surprising place – Maserati.

There are two pretty significant developments in this news – first, a Maserati sport utility vehicle is coming and secondly, it is based on a Jeep. Welcome to the brave new world. Riding on the same platform as the Mercedes-Benz ML, the 2011 Grand Cherokee is a far cry from Jeeps of old however. With some Maserati-specific performance engineering, there is no doubt the platform can serve duty underpinning a capable performance crossover.

Maserati didn’t succumb to the SUV craze under Ferrari’s ownership, but with Fiat at the helm it looks like it will take on a new direction.

Recent Maserati news has focused on a smaller four-door sedan to slot in below the Quattroporte, competing with performance iterations of mid-size luxury sedans like the BMW M5. Especially with Ferrari opting out of producing SUVs or four-doors at any level, Fiat intends Maserati to compete in those niches.

Chief Executive Officer Sergio Marchionn alluded to the upcoming Maserati when speaking to The Wall Street Journal. The paper says the vehicle will likely be produced at the same assembly plant as the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango. A Maserati SUV based on a Jeep, built in Detroit? We can already tell this one is going to be a big hit with Maserati purists…..

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The new Maserati GranTurismo MC Stradale will be the fastest, lightest and most powerful car in the Maserati range.

Sounds promising, doesn’t it? The Maserati GranTurismo range was never really meant to be a car you can take to the track and expect any sort of decent times. But it’s a fantastic car all-around, and that 4.7-liter V8 engine is downright superb, so the possibilities extend far past its touring roots, for those who something a bit more exciting.

Inspired by the Trofeo GranTurismo MC and the GT4 motorsport models, the MC Stradale takes the GT’s already excellent V8 and bumps the output up to 450 horsepower while keeping the same fuel economy as before. Sadly, Maserati isn’t releasing many details about the new car, but gives a lot of generalities: “The GranTurismo MC Stradale produces more aerodynamic down force without producing more aerodynamic drag,” for example, doesn’t really tell us much about what’s been done to it aside from what we see in the pictures. There’s an obvious (and significant) weight savings, but what they stripped out to get it? No idea, although I’m confident a decent amount of carbon fiber is being used to help with that diet. Maserati is also saying the car will break the 300km/h (186 mph) barrier – something fairly standard when we’re talking about Lamborghini and Ferrari, but a nice jump in speed when a grand touring car holds the number.

The Maserati GranTurismo MC Stradale will be officially unveiled at the 2010 Paris Motor Show. Expect more coverage on this car after that. Until then, check out a few images of the car below:

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Four-door “coupes” are a hot commodity, and an automotive trend that I really do like. When Mercedes-Benz hit upon a successful, profit-rich formula with the CLS, a load of copycat models were sure to follow.

The Volkswagen CC and Hyundai Sonata aim to replicate the style of the CLS for less. The Porsche Panamera and upcoming Audi A7 Sportback and BMW Gran Coupe take a direct aim.

While further upmarket still, there is Aston Martin with its Rapide. In addition, Lamborghini toyed with the idea by producing the Estoque concept car. The fact it made a big splash is established.

The CLS has brought on a new interest in four-door coupe-like vehicles. While Mercedes-Benz has always made four-doors, Aston Martin and Porsche have not.  With these new models, I thought it would be interesting to explore the original exotic four-door, the Maserati Quattroporte. Sure, there were other performance sedans from obscure manufacturers like Facel (the Vega) and the Lagonda (the Rapide, the name Aston chose to bring).

However, the Quattroporte was the first from an established exotic car manufacturer. It began its life when a special four-door car was made by Italian design house Pietro Frua, commissioned by Prince Karim Aga Khan. Soon after in 1963, Maserati debuted the first production Quattroporte. Its name literally means four-doors in Italian.

Image Credit: UltimateCarPage

The original car was powered by a 4.1 L V-8 engine that produced 256 horsepower, and was mated to either a five-speed ZF manual transmission or three-speed automatic. Those figures were good enough for a top speed of 143 mph. In all, there have been five generations of the Quattroporte.

The “second generation” model, if you can call it that, was developed during a difficult time for the auto industry. Maserati was then under a brief period of ownership by Citroen. Designed by Bertone, it wasn’t in keeping with the Quattroporte’s original philosophy.

In an era of fuel conservation, the Quattroporte was downgraded to a 210 horsepower 3.0-liter V-6. It was also saddled with Citroen’s hydropneumatic suspension. That is the bad news – the good news is that only 13 were made. Six were pre-production prototypes and the other seven were  production models.

The next model was a lot better, developed when the Maserati brand was under new ownership by Alejandro De Tomaso. He turned to yet another design house, ItalDesign Giugiaro, for the car’s styling.

The Maserati Biturbo that came a bit later was a smaller version of the Quattroporte – the two looked nearly identical. Power was back to up to a V-8, a 4.9 liter unit making 280-horsepower.

This generation of the Quattroporte proved to be the longest running of any so far, being produced between 1979 and 1990.

The fourth generation of the Quattroporte was the first to be developed under Fiat’s ownership of Maserati, an ownership which continues to this day.

For the base model, the Quattroporte came with a V-6, a 2.8-liter twin-turbocharged 284-horsepower unit. At the top end, there was an available 326-horsepower 3.2-liter V-8.

Unfortunately, this generation of the Quattroporte wasn’t sold in the United States. Too bad, because it was the smallest and most dynamic of all the Quattroportes, and a true sports sedan in every respect. In some ways, its small size made it more of a successor to the Biturbo than the third-generation Quattroporte.

That brings us up to the current model, introduced in 2004 and the latest and greatest in the Quattroporte succession. The car was designed by Pininfarina, completing the major Italian design house rounds for each new Quattroporte.

With a 4.2-liter V-8 making 400 horsepower, it was developed to be a four-door version of the Maserati sports cars – exactly what it should be. If you wait for the right one, current generation cars can be found on the market for good prices.

With models like the Aston Martin Rapide and Porsche Panamera entering the space the Quattroporte has occupied, it will be interesting to see how Maserati responds. The Rapide has set the new styling benchmark for cars in the segment – will the new Quattroporte push the styling envelope?

It seems like Maserati could be preparing to do just that. The brand’s latest business plan indicates that the car will be moving up the price ladder to make room for a less-expensive new four-door. Regardless, this writer is eager to see what is in store for the pioneer of the exotic four-door.

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Oh this should be very, very interesting. Word out of Italy is that Maserati is looking to expand down market, and take on the likes of BMW’s 5 series sedans. Just what does this mean? Does this mean I can have visions of M5 thumping Masers with Ferrari sourced plants under the hood? I sure hope so. Not only because I’m Italian and I’m more than a little tired of BMW’s smugness with the whole performance sedan thing (yeah, let’s see them make a full blown two seater that can keep up with a Ferrari), but also because I’d like to see what an Italian sports sedan could do if you were to fully uncork it.

The Fiat Group, owners of Maser, recently revealed the Italian auto giant’s future plans for the Maserati brand. These plans include the presentation of a new and as yet unnamed entry-level model as well as a replacement for its flagship big sedan, the ever-so continentally named Quattroporte. The announcement was made recently during the presentation of Fiat’s 2010-2014 Business Plan that was given to financial analysts and institutional investors in the company’s hometown of Turin.

According to the Italian automaker, the new Maserati entry level model will carry a price tag under €55,000 (about US$74,000 at today’s exchange rates). I guess if you’re buying a Maser, about US$74,000 is what counts as being “entry level”. Oh to have such concerns. Said smaller Maserati will be situated in the upper-end of what’s known as the E-Segment. That market segment includes such vehicles as the Jaguar XF, BMW 5-Series, and Audi A6. Heavily contested territory.

Maserati also let it be known that they are planning to introduce a successor to the Quattroporte luxury sports sedan. The new Quattroporte will be marketed and priced closer to cars like the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and BMW 7-Series.

Source: Car Scoop

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After Ferrari debuted its Hy-Kers hybrid at Geneva, reports have it that corporate sibling, Maserati, will soon follow suit. Ferrari is planning to push hybrid versions of every model in its lineup within three to four years, so it follows, with the technology sharing between the two companies, that hybrids most likely will be in Maserati’s future.

The two auto manufacturers, aren’t as tightly intertwined as they used to be, but both are still under corporate boss Fiat’s umbrella, and Maserati is expected to leverage Ferrari’s hybrid R & D development for its own cars.

In a lot of ways, this makes more sense, from both engineering as well as a marketing perspective. For one thing, Maserati makes bigger cars (sedans even) and that means packaging hybrid components will be much easier than for a smaller, two place sportscar. Also, Maseratis are normally less pricey then Ferraris, Maseratis are more frequently driven and rack up more mileage on a yearly basis, and they are also as much about image as anything else; so if you are wanting to be a clean, green show off, a Maserati is potentially a better way to go. Also, the potential costs to performance and weight won’t have the purist’s sports car bias to overcome with your typical Maserati buyer.

Ferrari is known to be deploying the KERS system across its range as a way of meeting necessary emissions targets. So, although there are some performance benefits to running an F1-derived KERS hybrid system on the street, Ferrari is also looking to meet European and American emissions standards. That same logic to meet the regs on two continents also applies to Maserati. In other words, there will most likely be more than one hybrid Maserati spearing over the next several years.

According to our sources, Maserati is also working on other initiatives beyond the rumored hybrid drivetrain to help improve fuel efficiency in its cars, including weight reduction. And I have to say that all this sounds great. All car companies should be figuring out how to make there cars more efficient and lighter, so why not Maserati?

Source: Motor Authority

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Maserati is set to unveil the third model (third prong, if you will) in their line-up at the Frankfurt Motor Show next month. The GranCabrio, as you might expect from the name is a convertible version of their excellent GranTurismo.

The Maserati GranCabrio, just like the GranTurismo S, will be powered by their smooth 4.7-liter V8 producing 433 horsepower. Maserati is sticking with a canvas top, which while generally not as attractive as retractable hardtops, is lighter, cheaper, and keeps with tradition more so than the rigid alternative. You won’t be driving this around with the top up anyway.

I had the opportunity to drive the Maserati GranTurismo last year during World Class Driving, and I was very impressed with how pleasant the car is to drive. A very high quality interior and smooth power delivery made the GT an excellent cruiser, so a convertible version as the next logical step makes sense.

You’ll start seeing ads for the 2011 GranCabrio this winter, and expect to see them in showrooms next Spring as a 2011 model. Pricing hasn’t been announced, but expect it to be somewhere around $130,000.

I’ve never been a fan of Maserati’s styling – I think the Quattroporte is butt-ugly, but the GranTurismo and now the GranCabrio I think are gorgeous. I hope Pininfarina continues along these sexy and aggressive designs, because Maseratis are excellent cars. I’m really looking forward to the opportunity to drive a GranCabrio next year.

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The world of electric cars, or at least electric cars that are more than half-assed jokes, golf carts with pretensions and pipe dreams of the well meaning, just got a lot more interesting. For those of you that don’t follow this stuff, there’s an electric car company out there called Fisker Automotive. To a certain extent, they are to Tesla what Chevy was to Ford 100 years ago. They are serious, well funded, and aim to have the car you see pictured here, up and running as a viable, every day car for sale to the public. And to show you just how serious they are, Fisker just hired away Maserati’s chief sales and marketing “guy”.

After being head of Maserati North America for less than one year, Marti Eulberg is now vice president of global sales and marketing for Fisker. This dovetails with Fisker’s stated goal of making not just viable, every day electric cars, but luxury electric cars. Eulberg’s will “develop global sales and marketing strategies and manage Fisker’s worldwide retail network.” And just in case you’re wondering, that would be Mizz Eulberg, Marti is not a Finnish guy. She’s got auto industry bona fides falling out of her briefcase, having also worked for Jaguar, Volvo and BMW as well as managing Ford dealerships and interning at General Motors.

Fisker, as is their want, is charting a course quite distinct from its competitor, Tesla. For one thing, Fisker have been stressing the word luxury since day one, and letting the sporting nature of their cars come second. They seem to be aiming their car for eco-conscious well-to-dos, where as Tesla have taken initial aim at people like you and me: Gearheads that want an electric car that hauls ass.

And unlike Tesla, Fisker is not following Tesla down the independent store path. Fisker will license independent dealerships, and will benefit from their expertise with selling expensive vehicles in a given local market.

Is this a better approach, from a sales and marketing perspective? There’s a lot to be said for Tesla, which is sort of taking the Apple store route with their boutique dealerships. Having one of them open in your town is something of an event. On the downside, there it sits, all by its lonesome. And there, sitting over in a corner of the XXX luxury brand showroom, will be a Fisker one day (if all goes according to plan).

So will that work? Will it drive customers to Fisker, or will it end up being like the time DeTomaso tried to sell Panteras in Ford dealerships in places like Kansas City?

Source: AutoBlogGreen

Photo from Flickr user Mike Babcock

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The most recent car out of the garage of German tuner Novitec is a modified Maserati GranTurismo S. Exterior modifications are subtle, but include a front spoiler for downforce at high speed, rocker panels, a rear lip spoiler, and a rear diffuser, all available in clear-coated carbon fiber finish.

Despite the subtle exterior changes, the engine is where the big difference is in this car. Novitec has added a supercharger system to the stock 440hp 4.7-liter Maserati V8 engine, boosting the power to 600hp. This helps the GranTurismo reach 62mph from a stop in only 4.5 seconds (a 0.4 second increase from stock,) and reaches a top speed of 195mph. Along with the supercharger, Novitec has added a water-to-air intercooler, a new intake system, and larger fuel injectors.

Last on the list is a modified ECU, making sure the car benefits the most from its modifications. The conversion starts at a hefty $32,260. More pictures below:

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