We went to a Maserati track day and fanged around in cars with a total value of at least $2mill worth. Maserati COO tells us why that is a good thing. I like the guy.
Maserati is a name that evokes images of sports cars blasting through tight windy roads along the Mediterranean or through the hills. It evokes images of fun, frivolity and performance.
The 2019 Maserati Range has undergone some significant upgrades for some models and others retain the existing features.
Levante include changes to the exterior that make the GranSport and GranLusso more distinctive sporty and luxurious respectively; new interior trim and finishes to augment exclusivity; the new gearstick enhances the driving experience; particulate filters for the Twin Turbo V6 engines to boost environmental performance; the ADAS driving assistance technology has been upgraded to include pedestrian recognition and the option of advanced matrix LED headlights is now available.
“These changes to the Levante range represent not just a change in price, this is combined with additional features and equipment that enhances the exclusivity and personalisation of Maserati’s unique SUV,” says Mr Sealey. “If the equipment offered by key rivals is matched against Levante, its value for money becomes even more self-evident and that is before the Levante’s exclusivity and unique Italian style and craftsmanship is taken into account.”
“The changes to the Ghibli range have been determined by the reduced popularity of diesel propulsion in this particular market sector, as in most areas of the world, along with a preference by clients purchasing the most powerful Ghibli, the 430 bhp Ghibli S, to make full use of the unique and exclusive equipment offered by the GranSport and GranLusso versions,” says Mr Sealey.
Both Maserati Ghibli and Quattroporte benefit from a strong new bumper, front valance and grille design that is more overtly performance orientated for the GranSport variant, while inside both are now available with the new Pieno Fiore natural leather upholstery, new trims and, in the case of the Quattroporte, two new wheel designs. Both models also feature the new gearstick.
“Once again the changes to the Quattroporte range are accounted by client preference for the GranSport and GranLusso variants and client preference for the value they represent in terms of equipment and style,” says Mr Sealey. “Equally our clients looking for a performance Quattroporte have a clear preference for the ultimate variant, the 390 kW Twin Turbo V8, which blends effortless performance, luxury and a unique driving experience.”
There are no changes to Maserati GranTurismo and GranCabrio which while being the epitome of Maserati values in terms of sports cars, are only available for a select few clients looking for the ultimate Maserati experience.
“These changes to the Maserati range for 2019 represent a smooth evolution of the Maserati range for Australia that is a response to both changes to the market as a whole and a response to the specific requirements of Maserati owners which would be expected with so many of them enjoying the Maserati ownership experience for the first time,” explains Mr Sealey. “These changes also prepare for the arrival of the spectacular Maserati Levante GTS in the fourth quarter which will be a fabulous flourish with which to end the year.”
