Befitting a city as classic as it is modern, as fast moving as it is timeless, the new Maserati GranTurismo, styled by Pininfarina, is presently making its North American debut at the New York International Auto Show (6th-15th April). The GranTurismo, which is currently taking pride of place on the Maserati stand at the Jacob Javits Convention Center in New York, is the dark blue example that graced the Geneva Palexpo last month on the occasion of the sportscar's world première. At the Swiss motor show the new Trident model was one of the biggest stars of the event and it is expected to be very well received in the brand's most important market, North America, when it arrives in the showrooms there later this year.

The 'gran turismo' tradition began for Maserati in 1947 at the Geneva Auto Show where the Modenese racing firm presented the sleek A6 GranTurismo. Styled by well-respected coach constructor Pinin Farina, it was the first pure road going Maserati after 33 years producing competition cars. Fifty-eight vehicles found a select clientele familiar and appreciative of the knowledge Maserati gained in victories around the globe at Grand Prix and endurance contests against the finest international competition.

In 1952 the A6GCS Pinin Farina Berlinetta bowed at Turin and in time was considered a masterpiece. In 1957, Juan Manuel Fangio defined legendary in the 250 F at the Nürburgring and Maserati rolled out the first of 1,983 examples of the 3500 GT, a production number previously inconceivable to the Maserati brothers whose only concern was agility, response and clear feedback for their racing drivers.

The 2008 Maserati GranTurismo, inspired by the A6GCS of the past and the Pininfarina Birdcage 75 of the future, presents a strong visual impact of timeless design. Wind tunnel sculpting form lines of a thoroughbred; well-proportioned and purposeful: A True Maserati. The name of the new model - Maserati GranTurismo - is no coincidence. Once again, the Maserati - Pininfarina team has produced an exciting car whose construction, unique and inimitable style sets it apart from the competition.

The New York debut of the Maserati GranTurismo comes on the heels of a previous significant product development. At the 2007 North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January, Maserati presented the Quattroporte Automatic.
 

The Quattroporte Automatic is a car that defines the spirit of the Italian flagship and adds to the extraordinary design by Pininfarina an important development suggested by the name itself, a completely new hydraulic 6-speed transmission.

"The GranTurismo is a true Maserati a first glance, it has already garnered global admiration and we are proud to now bring it to North America. As with the Quattroporte the design is powerful, elegant, understated and graceful: a modern interpretation of timeless style," commented James Selwa, President and CEO of Maserati North America. "Maserati has become a competitive, credible choice in the US$100,000 plus range, no small feat given the strong field of competitors in our segment. North America is proud to play a central role in the global success of Maserati, helping the brand re-establish itself as a producer of advanced products of style and substance. Maserati has found an enthusiastic client base in this market and is growing the awareness of our products through targeted initiatives across our business," continued Selwa. In 2007 Maserati North America expects the Maserati GranTurismo and the Quattroporte Automatic range to help reach an even larger segment of consumers while the Quattroporte models equipped with the DuoSelect transmission will continue to appeal to the current more performance oriented customer.

Maserati North America expanded its reach in 2006 with the opening of two high profile locations in the Southern California market where it derives 35% percent of sales. Maserati currently benefits from 49 dealers across North America. In 2007 the expansion of the dealer network will continue with a target of 55 retail points strategically located in the most important markets. Maserati North America is proud to have the top selling dealer in the world, The Collection in Coral Gables, Florida. The southeast is the second leading region for Maserati in the US followed by the New York Tri-State area.