Maserati’s tailor-made upgrades

MASERATI will introduce new sports-orientated options and accessories for buyers of its GranTurismo and Quattroporte models.

Due to become available from about the middle of next year, the motorsport-themed MC Sport Line provides enhanced driveability as well as visual titivation.

Maserati says it chose last week's Bologna motor show as the launch venue for MC Sport Line because Italy’s annual motorsport showcase seemed to be the appropriate venue, particularly as the event also includes a racetrack among its displays.

The recently released GranTurismo S coupe will be the first recipient of the new options pack in Australia, with the regular GranTurismo coupe and Quattroporte sports/luxury sedan that spawned it following suit later on in 2009.



The Italian company’s ‘Maserati Corse’ racing and competition department contributed to the development of the options pack, with the view that buyers can alter the driving experience as well as change the look or technical specification of their vehicles if they so desire.

An example is the availability of the Maserati Corse-honed carbon-fibre front and rear spoiler set, which can alter the download characteristics bearing down on the vehicle at speed, as specified by the racing team.

Choosing the MC Sport Line suspension set-up results in a 10mm ride-height reduction and stiffer tune, thanks to revised springs, shock absorbers and anti-roll bars, while the stability control program software has been subtly altered in accordance to the firmer damping.

Other options include carbon-fibre mirror housings and door-handles, glossy black 20-inch alloy wheel rims, carbon-fibre door-sills, and carbon-fibre trim on the door panels, dashboard and central tunnel.

Carbon-fibre is also available for the steering wheel rim and paddle shifts for the electro-actuated transmission.

Pricing for each MC Sport Line accessory will be revealed closer to the option packs’ arrival next year.

According to Maserati’s Australian public relations manager, Edward Rowe, MC Sport Line is more akin to an accessory package rather than a separate model variant in its own right.

“Customers can pick individual items from the package,” Mr Rowe explained. “It simply widens the choice from which the customer can choose.”Mr Rowe said that most Maserati customers have traditionally chosen more luxury-orientated equipment upgrades for their vehicles, so the MC Line has been devised for those who desire a sportier flavour.

“Up until now packs have been predominantly for luxury features… but nothing has been as specific a package of sporting features as the MC Sport Line,” he said, adding that it allows customers to add the desired level of sporty elements according to their own wishes.

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