NOVITEC TRIDENTE Tunes the Maserati GranTurismo MC Stradale Photo Gallery and Video

The MC Stradale is the sportiest model in the Maserati GranTurismo model series. NOVITEC TRIDENTE, the global leader in tuning for the automobiles from the Italian manufacturer, now offers a SUPERSPORT supercharged engine with 646 hp / 475 kW, three-piece wheels with diameters of 21 and 22 inches, a ride-height lowering by some 25 millimeters and numerous other exclusive options for the two-seater car. The combination of the ultra-powerful NOVITEC TRIDENTE engine and the lightweight-design concept of the MC Stradale results in sensational performance: 3.9 seconds from 0 – 100 km/h, 11.4 seconds to 200 km/h and a top speed of 306 km/h add even more excitement to the coupe.

Following tried and proven NOVITEC TRIDENTE tradition, a supercharger is also employed to enhance the performance of the sport model of the Maserati model range. The 4.7-liter eight-cylinder four-valve V engine drives the supercharger via a cogged belt. Maximum boost pressure is limited to 0.43 bar. To keep the charge-air temperature as low as possible, the supercharger system also includes a water-to-air intercooler connected to a dedicated water circuit with two heat exchangers that provides ideal temperatures.

The conversion, available for EUR 23,900, also includes a bigger intake manifold, larger injectors and newly calibrated mapping for the engine electronics. The new mapping coordinates the NOVITEC TRIDENTE high-performance components, and ensures a powerful and extremely linear power curve as well as exemplary engine longevity.

The central air scoop in the NOVITEC TRIDENTE hood provides the supercharged engine with an optimal amount of combustion air. The hood is optionally available made from especially lightweight clear-coated carbon fiber. For optimal venting of the engine bay the hood, which also available individually without engine conversion, features two large air vents.

To match the rear diffuser of the MC Stradale the tuner upgrades the butterfly-valve production exhaust system with two black-coated or polished tailpipes with a diameter of 105 millimeters.

The complex supercharger conversion elevates the Maserati sport model to a new performance level: with 646 hp / 475 kW at 7,500 rpm the NOVITEC TRIDENTE engine surpasses its root by 196 hp / 144.1 kW. Simultaneously peak torque grows to 624 Nm at 5,600 rpm. As is characteristic for a supercharged engine, the high-performance engine offers an extremely wide usable rev range from idle speed to the rev limiter.

Source: Novitec Tridente Press Release

Maserati GranCabrio from NOVITEC TRIDENTE

Open-air driving fun thanks to a supercharged engine with 590 hp / 434 kW, a peak torque of 572 Nm and a top speed of 301 km/h: NOVITEC TRIDENTE now refines the Maserati GranCabrio as well. The refinement also includes a sporty designer suit with subtle aerodynamic-enhancement components made from clear-coated carbon fiber, three-piece wheels with diameters of 21 and 22 inches, a hydraulically height-adjustable coilover suspension and exclusive interior options.

More power through supercharging is the recipe of the NOVITEC TRIDENTE engine specialists. This technology, proven in the GranTurismo and Quattroporte, is now also available for the Maserati GranCabrio.

The 4.7-liter V8 engine is upgraded with a perfectly dimensioned supercharger driven by a cogged-tooth belt. Maximum boost pressure is limited to 0.35 bar. A water-to-air intercooler with dedicated water circuit ensures optimal power yield and healthy engine temperatures.

The NOVITEC TRIDENTE SPORT compressor conversion also includes a custom intake manifold and larger injectors. Newly programmed engine electronics coordinate the perfect interaction of the new high-performance components. The new mapping also ensures optimal power yield, durability and compliance with current exhaust emission standards.

The engine conversion costs 19,900 Euros and ideally is complemented with the NOVITEC TRIDENTE sport exhaust system. The fully stainless-steel system features four slanted tailpipes with diameters of 90 millimeters and is available with or without control flap. The former allows the driver to engage in sound tuning from the cockpit. Depending on the control flaps’ position, the eight-cylinder engine sounds either sporty subdued or aggressive like a race car.

The performance figures of the NOVITEC TRIDENTE supercharged engine speak for themselves: rated power of the four-valve engine jumps by 150 hp / 110 kW to 590 hp / 434 kW at 7,300 rpm. Simultaneously peak torque grows from 490 Nm to 572 Nm at 5,400 rpm.

The power plant interacts perfectly with the standard six-speed automatic transmission, both in manual and automatic mode: The sports car sprints from 0 – 100 km/h in just 4.5 seconds. Top speed increases from standard 283 km/h to 301 km/h.

These high speeds place enormous demands on the aerodynamic properties of the vehicle. The NOVITEC TRIDENTE designers have developed components that also fit the GranTurismo Coupé. They further emphasize the cabriolet’s sporty character and optimize its aerodynamic properties. All body components are made from carbon fiber with a clear-coated finish or painted in body or contrasting color.

The NOVITEC TRIDENTE front spoiler lips are attached to both sides of the production front apron. Their sophisticated shape reduces lift on the front axle, thus further improving directional stability at high speeds. In combination with the carbon-fiber radiator grille surround the two spoilers give the vehicle an even sportier face.

The NOVITEC TRIDENTE rocker panel trim calms the airstream along the vehicle’s sides and gives the two-seater a longer, sleeker appearance.

To create an optimal aerodynamic balance, the GranCabrio can be upgraded with the NOVITEC TRIDENTE rear spoiler lip and a diffuser for the standard bumper. In addition to even more stable handling at high speeds, these two components also add even more sporty character to the rear appearance.

Striking looks thanks to making optimal use of the available space in the wheel wells and further improved driving dynamics are provided by the NOVITEC TRIDENTE tire/wheel combination for the drop-top Maserati. The staggered combination of 21- and 22-inch alloy wheels for front and rear axle further emphasizes the wedge-shaped design of the sports car. The three-piece wheels with five double spokes are available in any desired color and upon request even coated with carbon fiber. The size 9Jx21 wheels on the front axle are fitted with Pirelli P Zero high-performance tires in size 255/30 ZR 21. In the rear, size 315/25 ZR 22 tires on size 11.5Jx22 rims provide optimal traction.

The NOVITEC TRIDENTE sport suspension is specifically calibrated to these high-performance tires. This suspension lets each customer select his or her individual ride- height lowering and damper settings. But that’s not all: To further improve the vehicle’s everyday utility the body can be raised hydraulically at the push of a button by 40 millimeters on the front and rear axle. It makes navigating speed bumps or parking garage ramps easier. Afterwards the suspension can be lowered again to its original position at the push of a button. Alternatively, upon reaching a speed of 80 km/h the suspension reverts to its original position automatically.

NOVITEC TRIDENTE can also customize the interior of the Maserati GranCabrio to suit the owner’s personal taste. In doing so, NOVITEC TRIDENTE applies the finest leather or Alcantara in any desired color with utmost precision.

Source: Novitec Tridente Press Release

2011 Mansory Maserati GranTurismo

MANSORY has long been known has the specialist for refining luxury automobiles. Now, the company from Brand in Bavaria has added an additional traditional brand to their tuning portfolio. The stylish and sporty conversion of the Maserati GranTurismo is once again proof of the fact that MANSORY has excellent know-how when it comes to customising Italian premium sports cars. Besides, the star, Emily, Flying B, leaping race horse, Bugatti oval and Aston wings, MANSORY products now also adorn sports cars with Neptune’s trident.

In the first instance, the eye is drawn to the striking MANSORY bodywork modifications: a newly designed front spoiler with discreet spoiler lip gives the front a significantly more sporty appearance, and the carbon fibre radiator grille highlights the famous Maserati trident in the centre of the grille. Additional air inlets and outlets enable the new light-construction bonnet to optimally regulate the temperature in the V8 engine compartment. The GranTurismo seems much closer to the tarmac thanks to the drawn-down deep door-sills. The carbon fibre spoiler lip at the back, the carbon inlay for the integrated exhaust pipes in the rear apron and a diffuser complete the sporty look. All add-on parts are made from carbon fibre and are manufactured by MANSORY using autoclave prepreg processing.

To ensure extra focus to the sporty add-on parts, MANSORY uses progressive sport suspension in the front and rear axles, which lower the vehicle’s centre of gravity by around 30 millimetres. Contact to the tarmac is maintained by 255/30 R 20 front tyres and 305/30 R 21 tyres at the back. MANSORY is the first manufacturer worldwide to market forged wheels exclusively for Maserati GranTurismo models. On request of the customer, these wheels are sprayed in the colour of the vehicle and decorated with black accents.

The Maserati GranTurismo and GranTurismo S also gain power under the bonnet, thanks to MANSORY. A performance-optimised ECU, an air filter with increased air throughput and a sports exhaust system with two double-suction tail pipes enhance the performance of the V8 aggregates by 30 HP each (series: GT 405 HP / GTS 440 HP). At the same time, the torque is increased by around 40 Nm compared to the series models (GT 460 Nm at 4750 / GTS 490 Nm at 4750).

The interior features MANSORY’s own brand of upholstery. The finest materials have been processed in traditional top-quality craftsmanship to add that individual touch to the inside of the MANSORY GranTurismo. The leather used by MANSORY for the interior is hard-wearing yet exceptionally soft. The chequered stitch in the ornamental seams on the inside makes for elegance as well as sportiness. Wherever you look: expert handcraft, individual design and top quality. The aluminium pedals and new ergonomically designed sporty steering wheel are additional visual highlights.

(Source: Maserati Press Release)

2011 Maserati GranTurismo MC Stradale

The new Maserati GranTurismo MC Stradale will be the fastest, lightest and most powerful car in the Maserati range when it goes on sale in the first quarter of 2011.

Inspired by the Trofeo GranTurismo MC and the race-winning GT4 motorsport models, the two-seater Maserati GranTurismo MC Stradale that will debut at the Paris Auto Show will feature razor-sharp handling and will break the 300km/h barrier.

The GranTurismo MC Stradale responds to demands for a GranTurismo which can balance on-road driving needs with race-driving desires, incorporating the handling and aerodynamic lessons from Maserati’s three racing programs.

The GranTurismo MC Stradale produces more aerodynamic down force without producing more aerodynamic drag, it produces more power – 336kw, 450 hp – without using more fuel and it is more agile without sacrificing the GranTurismo S’s highly praised ride quality.

(Source: Maserati Press Release)

Maserati GranTurismo and Quattroporte by Wheels and More

Individual high-performance tuning upgrades with the latest technology for exclusive luxury cars are the specialty from German tuning company wheelsandmore.

 For those who think a Maserati isn´t exclusive enough wheelsandmore developed high-end products for the models Quattroporte and Gran Turismo

The Quattroporte gets an ecu upgrade combined with a handmade, stainless steel exhaust system with valve flaps, obtaining enormous 440hp and 490 lb-ft .

The Maserati GranTurismo gets a power increasement in the same way, resulting 447hp and 500 lb-ft of torque.

The performance is further upgraded with the special forged, lightweight wheel model 6Sporz from wheelsandmore.

At the Gran Turismo front axle a 9,0×20“ wheel with Dunlop Sportmaxx GT tyre 265/30/20 and an extreme 12,0×20“ wheel at the rear wearing a 325/30/20 barrel, presenting the coupe much sportier and more exciting.

Because of the more slender body the Quattroporte is coming with „just“255/35 and 305/30/20” Pirelli tires.  

 The exclusive tuning program is completed by a coil over kit with adjustable compression and rebound, called Street Comfort and is made by KW suspensions in Germany.

The kit can also be used at cars with serial skyhook suspension.

 All information about the Maserati and all other tuning programs at www.wheelsandmore.de

(Source: Wheels and More Press Release)

2011 Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT S Awards Edition

On the basis of the Quattroporte Sport GT S comes the car which celebrates the countless awards that the Maserati flagship sedan has received from the day of its debut to today.

The Quattroporte Sport GT S “Awards Edition”, the latest jewel in the Maserati range, makes its official debut at the prestigious Geneva Auto Show.

Six years after its birth, the car that created the luxury sport sedan segment continues to receive accolades from the general public, automobile enthusiasts and the press. Maserati has decided to celebrate its success with a superlative version, blending the elegance and sporty stylishness of the brand’s flagship, thanks to the combination of highly refined details, handcrafted finishes and features with a decidedly sporty flair.

During its six years of life, the Maserati Quattroporte has received no less than fifty six awards from the most prestigious automotive and lifestyle publications in fourteen countries over in four continents: a global approval for a car that has known how to recreate itself over the years, never failing to maintain the appeal of the lines and purity of the forms created by the hand of Pininfarina, which defined it an instant classic.

The Quattroporte Sport GT S “Awards Edition”, based on the Quattroporte Sport GT S, aims to combine in one car all the features that have made the Trident flagship a benchmark for its segment:

•  the unique and elegant styling, mixed with a hint of sporting flair due to the eye-catching features adopted on both the exterior and interior fittings;
•  driving enjoyment, because the “Awards Edition” is based on the Quattroporte Sport GT S, which boasts dynamic and top-class performance;
•  the craftsmanship of the hand-finished details which make each car a unique product.

The new Quarzo fuso finishing – a pearlescent metallic grey with golden nuanced colour – exclusive to this model, makes the exterior immediately recognizable, and highlights the body’s elegant lines. The burnished treatment used on the exterior chrome parts, as well as on the side air vents and radiator surround, also blends with the 20’’ Multi Trident dark grey rims with satin finish.

The brake system, which replicates the system fitted to the Quattroporte Sport GT S and uses dual-cast technology, is further enhanced by the hand-polished calipers both at the front and rear. With the Quattroporte Sport GT S “Awards Edition”, Maserati and Brembo are introducing on the market for the first time polished calipers, treated with precision mechanical processes and featuring a hand finish which gives them their special mirror-like appearance and enhances their sporty credentials at the same time.

The interior also bears witness to the combination of sporting flair and craftsmanship that has always characterized the Maserati flagship sedan. The Poltrona Frau leather of the seats is combined with perforated Alcantara with a new undulated pattern, and the headlining still in Alcantara. Completing the interior space are the special brushed aluminum door sills and Piano Black satin-finish wood moldings.

The boot with a full black trim has been embellished further with chrome details and a leather side pocket. The attention to details has even been extended to the mats, which are made of even richer and softer material.

A special exterior “Awards Edition” series plate completes the car’s look and makes an already unique car even more unmistakable.

The Quattroporte Sport GT S “Awards Edition” will be available in the latter half of 2010 as model year 2011

(Source: Maserati Press Release)

Concorso Italiano Returns To It’s Glory

With the Leguna Seca Golf Ranch as setting, Concorso Italiano has recaptured the Italian car enthusiast. Concorso celebrated 50 years of DeTomaso and 25 years of the Ferrari 288 GTO. Lining the fairways was wall to wall Lamborghini’s, Ferrari’s, Maserati’s, Alfa Romeo’s…you name it, if it is Italian, it was there.

Other notable cars were the Tesla Roadster, the SV 9 Competizone and the three original BAT cars.

Celebrity sightings included the legendary Lamborghini test driver Valentino Balboni, Jay Leno (who was inducted into the Concorso Italiano Hall of Fame) and Porsche enthusiast Jerry Seinfeld.

A true celebration of Italian style. We can’t wait till next year! More photos to follow in future posts.