New models lead Maserati to profit

The IAA motor show in Frankfurt showcases the latest technology and future themes, but it was a relatively quiet show for Maserati.

Only one new model was unveiled -- the Quattroporte GT S -- and that is actually a variation on an existing theme.

The Italian company used the opportunity presented by the show to dwell on past motor racing glories, with the stand featuring the original 250F Grand Prix racer that was the mount for famed Argentinian driver, Juan Manuel Fangio.

Fangio drove this particular car to victory in the 1957 German Grand Prix at the Nurburgring, clinching the driver's title in the process.

Just to counterpoint the old with the new, Maserati also presented a current MC12, the Enzo Ferrari-based car that is dominating the GT World Championship.

Maserati's best selling model of any kind to date is the Quattroporte sedan, which was represented at the show by the latest variant, the Quattrosporte GT S (more here).

Fitted with a six-speed automatic transmission, 'racing-tuned' suspension, an exclusive braking system jointly developed by Maserati and Brembo, the Quattroporte GT S is a sports-oriented model with some cosmetic features to distinguish it from other models. It returns a fuel economy figure nine per cent better than the Quattroporte DuoSelect, according to Maserati's "non-urban" figures.

In detail, the suspension has been lowered 10mm at the front and 25mm at the rear, resulting in reduced body roll and pitch. Both the general road-holding and traction exiting corners have been improved as a result of these changes.

For the brakes, Maserati and Bremo did away with the conventional cast-iron disc rotors and opted for composite cast-iron and aluminium rotors to reduce weight. The braking surface remains cast-iron, but the hub or 'hat' of the rotor is formed from cast aluminium. By using the lighter material for the rotor hub, Maserati was able to increase the total diameter of the front rotors to 360mm without adding unsprung weight. Six-piston front calipers further contribute to optimised braking prowess.

Tyres measure 245/35 R20 at the front and 295/30 R20 at the rear. They're fitted to dark-chrome finish 20-inch alloy wheels in a seven-spoke design, serving to identify the Quattroporte GT S, as distinct from other models in the range.

Further distinguishing cosmetic features include a dark-chrome mesh grille insert. Side window trims and the exhaust pipes are finished in black and the door handles are body-colour.

Interior design combines carbonfibre and aluminium highlights. 'Poltrona Frau' leather coordinates with Alcantara applied to the centre inserts for the seats, the door panels and the steering wheel rim. Maserati is offering five colours, Beige, Pearl Beige, Grigio Grey, Nero Black and Blu Trofeo. The appointments include new front seats with deeper contours for more comfort and more lateral support.

The company plans to bring the Quattroporte GT S to Australia, during the latter half of 2008 and full specifications and pricing will be announced at that time.

On the stand alongside the Quattroporte GT S were the Quattroporte Automatic and DuoSelect. The former has been quite the success story for Maserati, helping to lift the company's revenue by 19.6 per cent over the figure for 2006. Additional revenue from the Quattroporte Automatic and cost cutting measures have resulted in Maserati posting a profit during the second quarter of this year -- the first time the company has posted a profit since acquisition by the Fiat Group in 1993.

Maserati announced during the media presentation that GranTurismo production has been pre-ordered "well into" next year. That indicates that production for the remainder of 2007 and most of 2008 has been sold in advance. 

A hundred cars have been set aside for Australian and NZ buyers and the first cars to enter the country will go on display at the Australian International Motor Show in October 2008.

Styled by Pininfarina, the GranTurismo (more here) is a full four-place coupe with a 4.2-litre V8 developing 460Nm of torque from 4750rpm. 75 per cent of that torque is available from as low as 2500rpm. Top speed is 285km/h and the acceleration time to 100km/h is 5.2 seconds.