Maserati has had an exceptionally good year and though it is being cautious about 2009 a spokesperson at the Bologna Show this week stated that Maserati is prepared to react to the financial climate. Further enticing buyers at the Italian show, Maserati launched a new range of customisation options, under the 'MC Sport Line' banner.
'MC' comes from the company's racing team, Maserati Corse, and the range of options is targeted at racing enthusiasts, keen drivers and evidently, people with a carbon-fibre fetish. As an example of what can be done, Maserati took the covers off a version of the GranTurismo S featuring a significant number of upgrades.
Taking inspiration from the
GranTurismo MC concept on display in
Paris earlier this year, the MC Sport Line equipped GranTurismo S features new front and rear spoilers, made from carbon-fibre, a matt black side sill, carbon-fibre door mirrors and handles and gorgeous glossy black 20-inch alloy wheels.
The carbon-fibre theme continues inside, with a bespoke 'MC Sport Line' door sill and carbon door panels, dashboard, transmission tunnel, steering wheel rim and gearchange paddles, while the pedal block is machined from solid aluminium.
Buyers can pick and choose from the list of components to suit their tastes, while Maserati will also offer chassis upgrades. The show car rides 10mm lower than the already focused
GranTurismo S and features stiffer springs, dampers and anti-roll bars, as well as a reprogrammed electronic stability system to allow the driver more control.
The MC Sport Line will be initially available on the GranTurismo, with Maserati planning to roll it out across the range by the end of 2009.
Shane O' Donoghue - 4 Dec 2008