Alfa sees a 2008 comeback, starting with the Competizione 8c. Prices likely will start around $200,000, and only 500 will be produced. This will be followed in 2009 by a soft-top Spider, of which 500 will also be produced. The United States is slated to get 250 of these, distributed among the 47 Maserati dealerships. Around 2010 Alfa plans to launch the volume Spider, Brera coupe, and 159 sedan models.
The carbon fiber bodied car is rumored to get Maserati's 4.2L V8, possibly even Supercharged or Turbocharged for over 400hp.
The Quattroporte proved its perfect combination of performance, comfort and unmistakeable style again for Michael Schumacher at the American GP. Michael Schumacher is no stranger to Maserati, and the Quattroporte in particular, often using it as his transportation during Formula One race weekends. This past week he could be seen driving a beautiful Grigio Touring Quattroporte Sport GT at Indy:
Michael Schumacher (green shirt) after parking his Quattroporte Sport GT at Indy (click for fullsize image)
Recently edo-competition took delivery of a customer's brand new Maserati MC12. They modified the engine, gearbox, suspension, exhaust and brakes. This car is a daily driver and has been driven over 5000 kilometers in 3 months. Here is a very cool video of this MC12 being driven around Hockenheim racetrack.
The Maserati MC12 continues its winning ways with a 1-2 finish at Oschersleben in Germany. The Vitaphone racing team beat out the competition from Aston Martin and Saleen at the end of three hours of hard racing. The Bartels-Bertolini car qualified on pole and never looked back, while the second MC12 driven by Davies and Biagi had more work ahead of them after a penalty moved them to start the race from the seventh row (14th position).
Jamie Davies climbed 7 positions in one lap, and up to fourth place by the first pit-stop, on lap 46. By the second pit-stop on lap 90 the Maseratis had gained their first and second positions and cruised to the finish. The 1-2 finish comes on the heels of first place success at Silverstone, and moves the Bartels-Bertolini car into first in drivers cup points, and Maserati into second for Manufacturers cup points.
The next FIA-GT race takes place July 29-30 with the fascinating 24 hours of Spa Francorchamps (Belgium).
While the Maserati Quattroporte boasts many technological and engineering advancements to the Sport Saloon architecture, one might not expect these to include one of the first major uses of Nanocomposites in the engine bay. Maserati contracted for the major engine bay covers to be made by Rieter Automotive, molded from Ube nylon 6 nanocomposite, containing 2% nanoclay by weight. The use of nanoclay in the composite decreases weight, increases mechanical performance, especially at high temperatures, and features improved surface appearance vs. glass-reinforced nylons. Rieter Automotive has in fact been awarded the Ferrari Technology Award for the excellent cooperation between Ferrari/Maserati and Rieter Automotive Systems. Rieter Automotive Systems was recognized for its “sophisticated and efficient technology of soundproofing components and hot air housings”.
