The ink is hardly dry on Maserati’s decision to produce one crossover SUV, but Car and Driver reports that another one is coming. Maserati has toyed with the idea of making an SUV for years.

Recently, Fiat committed to making a large investment into the brand, with the goal of growing sales to 50,000 units per year globally. Access to the Chrysler Group’s platforms has made developing an SUV more of a feasible possibility.

Purists are up in arms, but Maserati is preparing the Levante SUV, which is based on the Jeep Grand Cherokee platform and will be built here in the United States. This model’s styling was previewed by the Kubang concept. Inspiration for the Kubang was clearly drawn from the success of the mid-sized Porsche Cayenne. Those paying attention will know that Porsche is readying another crossover model, the Macan, which is based on the Audi Q5 platform. Going smaller means a more athletic driving experience as well as more practical considerations such as efficiency.

Given that Maserati intends to compete with Porsche head on, capturing sales in the segment is a priority for the company. If purists were mad about the Levante, just wait until the smaller crossover arrives. C&D reports that the as-yet-unnamed new crossover will be based on the Compact U.S Wide. This platform underpins the Alfa Romeo Giulia and the Dodge Dart. This is a platform designed primarily for front-wheel drive small models, but it is able to accommodate all-wheel drive as well. We would hope that the Maserati model will be available only with AWD. You have got to draw the line somewhere. Hopefully, Maserati will be able to grow its sales while still retaining its unique character. Maserati’s more mainstream focus begins with the redesigned 2014 Quattroporte. The car is expected to sell 13,000 units next year.

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It has been over ten years since we have heard about Alfa Romeo’s imminent reentry into the United States market. In an interesting twist of fate, the Fiat brand has actually launched before it. No one would have thought this at the beginning of the last decade, when Alfa’s relaunch was first being discussed.

Since then we have seen delay after delay. Last we have heard is a scheduled launch in late 2013 or early 2014. These delays have cost Fiat money. Chief Executive Officer Sergio Marchionne realizes that Fiat needs a high-margin luxury brand to boost profits. He has big plans for Alfa, but along with those, Fiat is turning to Maserati.

A whole slew of new models are scheduled, with plans to boost global sales to 50,000 units. The larger 2014 Quattroporte, an upcoming crossover called the Levante (also known as a Kubang) and a smaller sedan to go against the Audi A6, BMW 5-series and Mercedes-Benz E-class. The Quattro’s update for 2014 made it a lot bigger so that it could have interior space to rival the Mercedes-Benz S-class. Maserati is hoping that will do the trick.

Marchionne thinks that the Quattroporte will be able to sell 13,000 units globally next year. That’s a tall order; Maserati sold 6,159 cars in 2011 and 2012′s number will come in well below that. That is not to say that the brand cannot be successful with a new SUV or smaller sedan. We think Maserati’s brand name and established image will give it a leg up versus Alfa Romeo. It is just too bad that the Quattroporte wasn’t more compelling. On the design front, we sure hope that the Ghilibi is far more engaging. A couple of renderings have floated around online that are very impressive. If priced right, the new sedan will sell well – just look at the Biturbo.

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The Fiat Group has big plans for Maserati. It is looking to boost sales to the 50,000 mark globally, up from under 10,000 last year. Much has been made about what kind of volume models will be introduced to reach that goal. A new BMW M5-fighting sedan will slot in below the Quattroporte, while the Maserati Cinqueporte SUV will take it to the Porsche Cayenne. A range of new V-6 and V-8 engines is being developed by Ferrari to power these cars; a diesel is even in the mix (really now?) for Europe. Along with all these rumors though has been a consistent one regarding a new mid-engined sports car.

Lately Maserati has been all about front-engined grand tourers, such as the Gran Turismo. In the past though mid-engined models played a bigger role. Earlier in the year rumors were centering around a GranSport model based on the 458 Italia. A few days ago Car Advice obtained a Maserati e-mail advisory about new models at the Paris Motor Show. In it the company stated Paris would be hosting the “world premiere of a car that opens up new frontiers in terms of exclusiveness, performance and style.”

New frontiers? A mid-engined GranSport could fit the bill for that. Word on the street says the car would be powered by a twin-turbocharged V-6. Chief competitor is said to be the Porsche 911. We would assume that they mean upper level trim levels of the 911. To be in 911 territory at all though means we doubt the GranSport would be based on the 458 Italia. The price tag would have to be too high. Also, as Ferrari is the golden goose, Fiat will want to keep a clear separation between the two brands. For now all we can do is wait until Paris – this debut looks like it will be a true surprise.

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The Maserati Quattroporte is the quintessential exotic sports sedan, but it has largely faded from view over the past few years. That is surprising, given that the “four-door coupe” segment has exploded.

Audi A7, Aston Martin Rapide, Porsche Panamera, anyone? The Quattroporte has a rich history of four-door performance. The current car is getting long in the tooth; the current car was introduced back in 2004. Fiat is in the process of relaunching Maserati, with the brand slated to play a much larger luxury role at the company going forward.

That’s why the next Quattroporte has a opportunity to make a big statement for Maserati design. Currently, the Fiat-Chrysler group is without a global volume luxury brand. That impacts margins and is something Chief Executive Officer Sergio Marchionne is aiming to fix. With Alfa Romeo years away from reaching that status, Fiat plans to boost global Maserati sales to 50,000 units. A redesigned Quattroporte and smaller M5-fighting sedan are on their way to help achieve that. The redesigned Quattroporte will move upmarket to accommodate the smaller sedan.

To that end, Motor Authority has discovered some patent renderings depicting the next-generation sedan. They were filed with the European Patent Office. As is the case with most renderings, they do little more than show off the basic shape. What we do know from them is that the new sedan will continue to be large, and display traditional Maserati design cues. After seeing some renderings, we’ve had high hopes that the new sedan would be an all-out stunner. The trademark drawings seem to indicate that Maserati will play it relatively safe. However, these types of filings don’t do any justice to a car’s design, so don’t get to judging just yet. We won’t have to wait that much longer to see the real thing: the production Quattroporte is scheduled to debut next January at the North American International Auto Show.

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We love Ferraris, but they aren’t known for reliability or low maintenance costs. That just won the understatement of the year award. Those two things are antithesis to what Ferrari has ever been. Given that history, it is interesting to read this reports from Leftlanenews. It states that Ferrari will be taking the developmental lead on some new engines for Alfa Romeo, Maserati and Lancia.

We’ve heard about Maserati getting a range of Ferrari-developend engines before, but it is a new development to hear other brands in the Fiat Group will be included as well. Particularly for Alfa Romeo and Lancia reliability takes on a heightened importance. Alfa Romeo has designs on a big future in the United States. We’d all like a little exotic spice in our cars, but not when it comes to our pocketbooks right?

Italian vehicles aren’t known for their reliability. You might have heard the old adage for Fiat: Fix It Again Tony. It is, however, a different story with today’s Fiats. Given the competitiveness of the marketplace, you can’t survive long with subpar reliability in the mainstream sector. The two engines reportedly being developed are a twin-turbocharged V-6 with a top end of 450 horsepower, as well as a naturally-aspirated V-8 with over 500 horsepower.

At Maserati, the upcoming Kubang/Cinqueport would gain Ferrari-developed power, as well as the new sedan to slot in below the Quattroporte. At Alfa Romeo, we could see the V-8 used in the flagship rear-wheel drive model. The Alfa Romeo 159 replacement could be the first to debut the twin-turbocharged V-6. The car has been delayed for a range of reasons, one due to the supposed lack of a competitive powerplant. Why not the Pentastar? Beats us. If it ever gets there, the new V-6 would seem like a perfect fit though.

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For some (*cough* enthusiasts *cough*), one of the pleasures of driving is the aural feedback. A nice exhaust note is a key part of the experience – whether it is a high-strung scream or a low burble. That sensation is one that really is only had with a traditional internal combustion engine. Electric cars? Forget it, the experience is totally different.

Before we’ve heard of anything like it, we’ve long thought that it would be brilliant to have simulated engine exhaust sounds in electric cars. If you wanted, it could even be taken a step further with some vibration in the steering wheel and what not. However, we think at the point most people who want that will be in a gas-powered vehicle anyway. But, we digress. What we didn’t ever think of was technology being used with diesel engines.

Everyone knows that, while they sound much better than models of yore, diesels don’t have the satisfying exhaust notes of their gas-powered counterparts. More like a low clatter. Maserati, a brand known for its great engine soundtracks, is said to be exploring technology like that. The news was uncovered by a question to Maserati from British magazine What Car. The question came about in relation to Maserati’s announcement that the Kubang SUV will have a diesel engine.

While diesel power seems anti-Maserati, vice president of product development Roberto Corradi says that it will be necessary to keep up with competitors like the Porsche Cayenne. What Car? asked how that would be reconciled with Maserati’s “reputation for great sounding cars.” Corradi responded that the company was looking into providing a healthy exhaust note via the sound system. Given that this could be turned on or off, this is very interesting – an admission of the downfalls in working with diesel power. Whether or not this makes it to fruition will be a development we’ll follow closely. We wouldn’t be surprised to see other manufacturers follow suit.

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Maserati’s current lineup is biased toward the luxury/grand touring end of the spectrum. That market positioning has come as part of a plan to keep it differentiated from Ferrari. Yes, Ferrari has grand tourers but they are clearly separated from Maserati’s offerings. Recent efforts have been made by Maserati to introduce variants with a sharper performance edge. When it comes to performance though, Ferrari has always been the main focus.

It may not be the performance focus, but while Maserati hasn’t played much of a role in the past, that is set to change. Fiat plans to boost sales to the 50,000 unit mark by 2015 thanks to a bigger lineup of models. One will be – you guessed it – a production version of the Kubang SUV. The other is a smaller sedan slotting below the Quattroporte and aimed at the BMW M5 and Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG.

What we haven’t heard is new sports cars being included in the plan. Motori Online says that a V-8 powered mid-engined Gran Sport is in the works. The rumor comes right from Chief Executive Officer Harald J. Wester. The car would be a “Pure Sport” with a lightweight chassis and carbon fiber frame. We’d imagine there would be a heavy use of aluminum in the body panels as well – if produced.

This is one of those projects we aren’t convinced is really happening. It seems to close to the Ferrari 458 Italia. The price tag is quoted at around 150,000 euros, or around $200,000. That is significantly less than the 200,000 euro 458 Italia, which further endangers its prospects for production. The media has also reported that this car would go head-to-head with the 911. Last we heard the majority of 911 sales are much lower in the price spectrum, placing the GranSport in a different category. We’ll have to see how this all shakes out. The key here though is that Fiat hasn’t approved the project; it is just a rumor.

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Fiat’s on again/off again plans for Alfa Romeo have led to an expansion in future plans for Maserati. While its name definitely has an exotic-car cachet in the marketplace, it for most of its history it has occupied a space below Ferrari. Take for instance the Maserati Biturbo or Quattroporte, both areas Ferrari never dared to tread. Given this, instead of tainting the Ferrari name with a sedan or SUV, Maserati is taking that role.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee-based Kubang Concept (likely called Cinqueporte in production) is evidence of this. More is in the works though – a centerpiece being a smaller sedan to slot in below the Quattroporte. The new car would go up against the BMW 5-Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class; particularly the sporting versions of these cars.

Competing directly against the BMW M5, Cadillac CTS-V and Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG would preserve Maserati’s performance reputation. The as-yet-unnamed car would leave room for the Quattroporte to grow and move upmarket in price tag. The car would be a foot shorter than the Quattroporte.

Automobile Magazine has penned a new rendering of what the car could look like, and it is gorgeous. Underneath is Chrysler’s LY rear-wheel drive platform, but reworked for Maserati duty. Only the most basic platform components will be shared – from the sounds of it the car will be nothing like its Chrysler counterparts. Automobile spoke with Maserati chief engineer Harold Wester and he said “Every brand-relevant item will be developed from scratch….when there is a need to cooperate, it will happen internally among Maserati, Alfa Romeo, and Ferrari. Automobile says the new sedan will include Maserati-developed braking, suspension and steering systems, as well as new engines. Instead of V-8s, the new Maserati sedan will be powered by a turbocharged MultiAir V-6. The new mid-size sedan as well as the Quattroporte are slated for a launch in 2013.

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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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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.

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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.

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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 $2,700 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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