The Quattroporte – Maserati’s Success Story

Modena,13 January 2007- From production through to sales, Maserati’s figures for 2007 are impressive; a production record was set in October, when 850 vehicles left the Modena plant — equivalent to the annual production of just a few years ago — while December ended with a record of over 1000 vehicles registered. Through 2007, 7353 cars were delivered to customers, 33,3% more than previous year, via a network of 272 dealers in 59 countries on 5 continents: the US market was in first place, with 2600 vehicles delivered in 2007, 20,5% more than the preceding year, followed by Italy with 714 vehicles, a 40% increase compared to 2006. In third place was the United Kingdom (611), whose close rivals throughout the year were Germany
and Japan. These markets were followed by Switzerland, France, China (eighth place), Arab Emirates and Australia.

2007 was also a hugely satisfying year in financial terms. Pending the arrival of the official figures from the FIAT Group, expected at the end of the month, exciting results were recorded during the
third quarter, when the company earned revenues of € 141 million, up by 33% compared to the same period in 2006. Total revenues during the first 9 months amounted to € 485 million, an increase of 29.3% and profits of € 6 million from ordinary operations — the exact opposite of the result for the previous 12 months, in which € 6 million losses were recorded. Looking at the period from January to September, the comparison is even more pronounced: € 6 million profit in 2007, € 32 million loss in 2006.

These commercial and financial successes are mainly due to the Quattroporte model, restyled for the last Detroit Motor Show with the introduction of automatic transmission, in addition to the Duo Select. Winner of 40 international awards, approximately 15,000 have been delivered since its launch. Of all the Quattroporte delivered in 2007, 74% were automatic models and the remainders were Duo Select, in the following versions: Executive GT, Sport GT and Sport GT S, launched at the Frankfurt Motor Show with automatic transmission only.

A study of the figures for the period from January to September 2007 in the eight largest international car markets (in Europe: Italy, Great Britain, Germany, France and Switzerland), and the USA, Japan and Australia, reveals that the Quattroporte is the fourth most popular car in its category (on average), and the second-highest seller in the five European countries. Mainly, the best performances were achieved in Italy and France, where the Quattroporte is top of its segment, while in Switzerland and Australia it is second.

QUATTROPORTE “COLLEZIONE CENTO”
To start off 2008, Maserati has brought to Detroit its flagship sedan with super-luxe dress — the
Quattroporte “Collezione Cento” — of which just 100 will be produced: comfort, technology and luxury all rolled into one, dressed for the occasion in a sophisticated Italian outfit — in a brand-new ivory color, with a livery on the sides that enhance the sinuous lines of the Quattroporte. On the exterior, the 20” wheels are fitted with polished rims, adding a touch of sophistication and elegance. The chromed honeycomb front and side grilles also bring out the executive flagship nature of this sedan.

The interior is no less spectacular. Everything exudes luxury, from the Poltrona Frau “Cuoio” colored leather seats with diamond-shaped stitching and matching buttons in the centre to the polished Wengé wood inserts on the steering wheel, center console and receptacle. The mother of pearl inlays are a true delight, adding an unusual gleam to the name of the vehicle and the trident on the gear shift knob. Cuoio colored leather is also used for the superior-weight overmats, enhanced by Beige contrasting edges. The interior’s concept was exclusively presented to Maserati customers last year at Frankfurt’s Motorshow: the “Collezione Cento” is born from customer feedback and comments.

Technology is another area where the Collezione Cento scores highly. Back seat passengers in the new Quattroporte find themselves in a multimedia paradise controlled by the Maserati Multimedia Entertainment system. The technology is housed in the rear center armrest, which contains an AUX-IN socket, iPod docking station, SIM card seat and USB port so that passengers can view photographs, videos or listen to MP3/WMA tracks contained in other peripherals through the car’s sound system or the special Bluetooth headsets.

The armrest also features a built-in folding keypad for Internet browsing and email access. And
because image also counts, especially when it comes to luxury, there are two eye-catching built
1.04” touch screens built into the back of the seats, complete with a CD/DVD player built into the back of the centre receptacle.

The 100 lucky owners will be guaranteed luxury and exclusivity, with a special serial number for each vehicle plate built into the dashboard molding.

The Quattroporte Collezione Cento is fitted with a 4244 cc engine (400 bhp) paired with hydraulic automatic 6-speed transmission that guarantees the same performance as the Quattroporte Automatica range.

QUATTROPORTE GT S, A FLAGSHIP WITH ATTITUDE
The Quattroporte Sport GT S deserves a separate mention. The Trident sporty flagship vehicle, debuted at Frankfurt last autumn. The Sport GT S is a car for those looking for the might and muscle of the racetrack in a luxury sedan. With an automatic 6-speed transmission, it stands out for its remarkably dynamic on-road behavior and uncompromising handling. Two real gems are hidden beneath the panels of this car from Modena: the single-calibration shock absorbers, the new lower, stiffer suspension, and the innovative braking system developed from the dual-cast brake disc, the result of a partnership with Brembo, used for the first time in the automotive industry on the Quattroporte Sport GT S.

The car also has a more aggressive look, with black being the dominant color: black-chrome honeycomb mesh grille, twin exhaust pipes finished in black, door handles to match the bodywork and seven-spoke 20” wheel rims in the new Dark Chrome finish. As for the interior, it is every bit as striking: carbon detailing with a new aluminum weave design, restyled front seats for improved comfort, great stability for chest and legs in racing mode, and the traditional Poltrona Frau leather combined with Alcantara.

GRANTURISMO
The success of the Maserati GranTurismo is now well-established. The high-performance sports car from the House of Trident continues to amaze and captivate the international market. Its world début in Geneva nine months ago has been followed by launches in each of the 59 countries in the Maserati network. The launch program was completed at the end of the year with the introduction of right-hand drive. By the end of 2007, the GranTurismo was parked in the garages of no fewer than 1326 customers, with orders totaling 2333.

The exclusive, exquisite lines penned by Pininfarina conceal a sporty, aggressive vehicle with a sparkling performance, suitable for everyday driving thanks to its excellent handling. Total comfort is guaranteed by the excellent quality of materials, attention to detail and spacious interior. The rear seats can comfortably accommodate two adults, even on long journeys.

The engine compartment houses a V8 4.2 engine (405 bhp at 7100 rpm), capable of a top speed of 285 km/h. With acceleration of 0-100 in 5.2 seconds, exciting driving and thrilling performance is guaranteed.

Just months after its launch, the GranTurismo has already collected four international awards, two of which were won in the United States. The success of the Maserati GranTurismo began 60 years ago, when the Modena manufacturer launched 58 models of the A6 Gran Turismo styled by Pininfarina. Ten years later, it was the turn of the first standard GranTurismo, the 3500 GT, a car which marked a turning point for the company as it shifted its attention from racing cars to road going production cars, turning out 1983 models of the 3500 GT in seven years. Those days may be long gone, but they have been well and truly revived with the 2007 version of the GranTurismo.

ECO-COMPATIBILITY
Environmental issues, fuel and emissions reduction are central themes on the Maserati agenda. While preserving the Trident tradition, in other words cars that guarantee high performance to reflect the characteristics and content of Maserati models, the company is also researching ways to reduce fuel consumption and is paying more attention to environmental concerns.

The recent models have already led to considerable fuel savings, with a reduction of 9% (non-urban driving) for the Quattroporte Automatica and the Quattroporte Sport GT S, and a further 3% for the newly-launched GranTurismo.

MASERATI IN NORTH AMERICA
2007 was a significant year for Maserati in the United States and Canada. With the successful introduction of the GranTurismo and Quattroporte Automatic, Maserati now has a product that is not only competitive and credible, but industry leading in terms of design, performance and desirability.