Maserati is this week obtaining strong attention from the Chinese press and representatives of the automotive industry at the 2005 Shanghai Motor Show.

On the stage at the show, Maserati has just made the presentation of the GranSport model on the Chinese market, a car that is already receiving wide spead approval both in Europe and in the US, among the youngest and most sporty target of the “Tridente”.

The GranSport's main characteristics are the extremely aggressive design that arises from accurate aerodynamic research, an engine that features more bhp, and the more sporting setup. Hi-tech materials have also been employed for the car interiors, such as carbon-fibre and the innovative BrighTex fabric, on its first use within the automotive industry.

Among the many great 'characters' at the Shanghai Motor Show this week is the Quattroporte, the Italian luxury flagship, which was created with the aim of coupling style and elegance, with performance and prompt driving response, features that so define authentic Maserati cars. The first objective of the Modenese firm in launching this new model was the affirmation of the concept of Italian design, both in the shape and in details of the Quattroporte.
 

In this unique automobile, design house Pininfarina reached the highest balance among the outstanding dimensions of the car, peculiar traits of Maserati models, and shapes that are typical of GT cars.

The Quattroporte is indeed a car that is sure to encounter the favour of the Chinese market, which is now looking for unique and distinctive elements that testify its fast growth rate and high life standards of the local entrepreneurial community.

The third “piece-of-art” at the exhibit, is the MC12. It is a fortunate return to China for the Maserati supercar, as it had the honour of inaugurating the majestic Shanghai circuit, with official test driver Andrea Bertolini behind the wheel, when the circuit was launched in 2004.

Recently, the young and talented Chinese driver Tengyj Jiang, who was previously in evidence in European competitions and in the Trofeo Maserati, tested the MC12 road version on the Balocco track. From the road version of this supercar, which was produced in a limited edition of fifty exclusive cars that immediately sold-out, was directly developed the racing MC12, which is obtaining outstanding results both in the international FIA GT Championship and in the North American ALMS series. Indeed it was here in China, at the Zhuhai circuit, that the MC12 registered a great one-two placement, in 2004.

Starting the trading relationship with China, currently the economy with the highest growth rate in the world, and with a top future potential, represents for Maserati an important challenge. The challenge of launching here a brand of great heritage and tradition, in a market that is sure to become one of primary importance for the Modena based car-maker.