LONDON SALON PRIVE

14.07.2006 MASERATI ARE SHOWING THEIR LATEST MODELS AT SALON PRIVÉ THIS WEEK

Guests at this year’s London Salon Privé are able to admire the elegant Quattroporte Executive GT and Sport GT, together with the Maserati Trofeo GranSport in Audemars Piguet livery which was driven up Goodwood Hill last weekend by supermodel Jodie Kidd and Superbike Champion Troy Bayliss.

At its debut on London’s social calendar, Salon Privé, being held in The Hurlingham Club’s magnificent grounds, is a stylish high-summer garden party by day, and a glamorous cocktail party by night. The show takes place over four days and features eight unique events during the days and evenings, offering bespoke hospitality and entertainment to accompany the amazing display of performance cars. In essence, Salon Privé is a society garden party in the middle of London by day and a glamorous cocktail party by night; an opportunity to celebrate, admire and view the best that the automotive industry has to offer – spectacularly rare and exotic cars.

More than twenty super and luxury car manufacturers have their products on display at Salon Privé in London this week, including in number of rare models and several new UK launches. Maserati have weighed in with three models: the Quattroporte Sport GT and Executive GT, and the GranSport Trofeo. 

The Maserati Quattroporte Executive GT epitomises the great Italian flagship saloon at its most exclusive, raising the elegance of the car’s design and the sophistication of its interior to a whole new level. The Executive GT version is instantly recognisable thanks to its chrome front and side grilles and 19" wheels. Great attention has been lavished on both the comfort of the interior and the exclusive finish. This version also includes the Quattroporte Comfort Pack (combined heating, ventilation and massage for rear passengers as well as electric adjustment of both seats and backrests), retractable wood rear tables matched to the rest of the interior, and curtains for extra privacy and comfort. The cabin also boasts Alcantara roof lining, a leather-trimmed steering wheel with wood inserts and a climate control panel for the rear seat passengers. Maserati Quattroporte prices start in the UK at £74,550, while the luxurious Executive GT model is on sale at £83,150, a price that includes a ‘Peace of Mind’ package which covers the scheduled servicing for the first 3 years.

Meanwhile the Sport GT version of the Quattroporte was created to further enhance the high performance spirit and sporty character that set the Quattroporte apart from any other executive saloon.
 

Maserati is showcasing the latest additions to its range at Salon Privé, the Quattroporte Sport GT, the GranSport Spyder and the Quattroporte Executive GT.

Golfer Nick Faldo with the Maserati Trofeo GranSport at Salon Privé.


From an engineering point of view, the gearbox has been given the most radical overhaul; the Sport button allows the driver to significantly cut gear changing times (which are now 35% faster on average), thanks to a development in the electro-hydraulic transmission system’s CPU. At high engine speeds, the Quattroporte Sport GT’s exhaust system also gives a much deeper rumble to the already sporty sound of the Maserati 4.2 litre V8.

The 20" wheels and specific Skyhook adaptive damping software mean a clear improvement in dynamic handling when used in more press-on situations. The wheels, which include the tyre pressure monitoring system, are combined with brakes featuring metal weave tubing, cross-drilled discs and titanium-coloured callipers. The car’s sporty character is enhanced by subtle yet significant aesthetic touches. The black chrome of the grille and the side air intakes and the carbon fibre trimmed steering wheel, complete the look of the Quattroporte Sport GT. Priced from £80,595, the stylish Quattroporte also includes a ‘Peace of Mind’ package which covers the scheduled servicing for the first 3 years.

Also Salon Privé Maserati is showing Trofeo GranSport, the racing version of the Maserati GranSport. Built at the Maserati factory in Modena on the same production line as the GranSport, the Trofeo was designed to offer the driver an easy-to-drive car capable of stirring the emotions on the race track. The 4200cc V8 engine produces 415 bhp and coupled to the six-speed gearbox from the standard road car it allows the driver to make the most of the power without compromising the torque. The ride height has also been reduced by 50mm. All non-essential accessories have been removed substantially reducing the weight of the Trofeo and improving the handling of the car. Pirelli are a sponsor and sole tyre supplier of the Trofeo Audemars Piguet Maserati Europe. Pirelli P0 tyres, especially developed for Maserati Trofeo GranSports, guarantee a great level of grip and performance in all weather conditions and temperatures.

Other exotic cars on show at Salon Privé this week include the Bugatti Veyron - the ultimate supercar, while the Koenigsegg’s CCX is making its UK debut. Bentley are showing their GTC, Flying Spur and Continental GT models, alongside Rolls-Royce’s 101EX, the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano, McLaren SLR, Mosler MT900S and the Shelby Daytona Coupe. Other attractions include Spyker, the Dutch firm presenting their C8 alongside the latest models from Lamborghini and a new model from Marcos.
 

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Additional information: Maserati UK & Salon Privé / Photos: Maserati UK / © 2006 Interfuture Media/Italiaspeed