More bad news regarding the next Maseratis
Discussion
The latest issue of Car magazine was delivered by postie this morning. One news article relates to more news regarding the canning of the next generation Coupe & Spyder. Car alleges that these cars were ready for production but were cancelled at the last minute by the new boss (at a cost of $100m!!!!)
Car also confirms that plans are afoot to base the next Coupe and Spyder on the new Alfa Brera/159 platform and that the V8s will be no more. Instead, a "Maserati-ised" 3.2V6 (a GM design about to be used by Alfa) will be used transversley. Top end models will use a Twin Turbo version. This platform uses a rear biased 4-wheel drive chassis.
One item of "good" news is a new "birdcage" model. No, not the latest supercar concept, but a 1111kg front engined Exige rival. Hmmmm :rolleyes:
I stated previously that I wouldn't have a problem with a "cheaper" Coupe & Spyder, as long as the original V8 replacements were put into production as well.
Surely such a line-up makes sense? It's just what Porsche and Aston make available.
I'm hoping that someone's not telling the full story and that the "proper" V8 cars will appear at the next big Motorshow, followed a couple of years later by the cheaper cars. If this doesn't happen, then surely Ferrari WILL use the cars as a basis for it's "new Dino".
At the end of the day Maserati needs to sell cars to stay in business. However, babies and bathwater spring to mind at the moment. :(
Car also confirms that plans are afoot to base the next Coupe and Spyder on the new Alfa Brera/159 platform and that the V8s will be no more. Instead, a "Maserati-ised" 3.2V6 (a GM design about to be used by Alfa) will be used transversley. Top end models will use a Twin Turbo version. This platform uses a rear biased 4-wheel drive chassis.
One item of "good" news is a new "birdcage" model. No, not the latest supercar concept, but a 1111kg front engined Exige rival. Hmmmm :rolleyes:
I stated previously that I wouldn't have a problem with a "cheaper" Coupe & Spyder, as long as the original V8 replacements were put into production as well.
Surely such a line-up makes sense? It's just what Porsche and Aston make available.
I'm hoping that someone's not telling the full story and that the "proper" V8 cars will appear at the next big Motorshow, followed a couple of years later by the cheaper cars. If this doesn't happen, then surely Ferrari WILL use the cars as a basis for it's "new Dino".
At the end of the day Maserati needs to sell cars to stay in business. However, babies and bathwater spring to mind at the moment. :(
WEll if this really is true then I'd be very sad to see te demise of the trident. However I don't think that we've necessarily heard the whole story yet. The very existance of the MC12 (even if it is an Enzo underneath) suggests that there has to be some kind of long term plan for Maserati...
The MC12 appears to have been a last "hurrah" under Ferrari ownership.
One of the monthly mags ran quite a good article on the Birdcage 75 concept. The Pininfarina spokesperson said something along the lines that the head and tailights were similar to the 4200 replacement's. Maybe he isn't up on the latest news regarding their cancellation.....or maybe we really haven't heard the full story.
I'm not normally one to want the summer to fly by, but I can't wait for September (I think that's when the Frankfurt motorshow is). If the new 4200 isn't released then, then I think there's a good chance the bad news is true.
The Gransport is finally being recognised as the "fully sorted" car the 3200 should have been when it was launched, the Qporte gets great reviews (gearbox aside). It seems Maserati were on the verge greatness and it's all going to be thrown away. What seems most bizarre is the fact the new cars were ready to roll.
Maybe I'm just a romantic fool, but I want Maserati to be producing great cars again, such as the 3500GT, Ghilbli, Khamsin etc etc. I don't want a warmed over Alfa Romeo.
One of the monthly mags ran quite a good article on the Birdcage 75 concept. The Pininfarina spokesperson said something along the lines that the head and tailights were similar to the 4200 replacement's. Maybe he isn't up on the latest news regarding their cancellation.....or maybe we really haven't heard the full story.
I'm not normally one to want the summer to fly by, but I can't wait for September (I think that's when the Frankfurt motorshow is). If the new 4200 isn't released then, then I think there's a good chance the bad news is true.
The Gransport is finally being recognised as the "fully sorted" car the 3200 should have been when it was launched, the Qporte gets great reviews (gearbox aside). It seems Maserati were on the verge greatness and it's all going to be thrown away. What seems most bizarre is the fact the new cars were ready to roll.
Maybe I'm just a romantic fool, but I want Maserati to be producing great cars again, such as the 3500GT, Ghilbli, Khamsin etc etc. I don't want a warmed over Alfa Romeo.
I am aware of the issues regarding the new coupe - I've heard conflicting info from dealers and insiders not to mention the info in EVO / the press generally.
Whether Maserati is a sacraficial lamb for the Ferrari floatation isn't in question - it seems pretty obvious that the loss making Maserati will be seperated from Ferrari for the event. Given that the rumour is however that the technology sharing agreements will remain then there is still hope. Although not so umbillically connected to Ferrari, Maserati could continue to exist as an Alfa 'Halo Brand' using ferrari engineering input and possibly engines in the top of the range cars.
I'm only guessing and probably way off the mark thoguh...
Whether Maserati is a sacraficial lamb for the Ferrari floatation isn't in question - it seems pretty obvious that the loss making Maserati will be seperated from Ferrari for the event. Given that the rumour is however that the technology sharing agreements will remain then there is still hope. Although not so umbillically connected to Ferrari, Maserati could continue to exist as an Alfa 'Halo Brand' using ferrari engineering input and possibly engines in the top of the range cars.
I'm only guessing and probably way off the mark thoguh...
I hope you'er right, Mr Tony. That would certainly work for me.
However, Mr Clarkson made a passing comment on Top Gear that even though Maserati now resides with Alfa Romeo, another sale maybe in the offing.
Its all pure conjecture and I can't think of anyone that would be suitable new owners for Maserati (Ford have done wonders with Aston, but are in the financial do-do, VW would make sense although the new Bentleys are too "Phaeton" for my liking. Maybe Toyota, bringing Maserati and Lexus together? Can you imagine Maserati looks and soul but built with the precision of a Lexus?
Time will tell, but I WANNA KNOW NOW!!!!!
I'm also amazed that the cars aren't selling well in California. Why is this? Poor marketing? I guess they've only recently made a comeback (they hadn't been sold in the US for a while, right?) If that nice looking girly out of Desparate Housewives isn't enough to get them flocking to the showrooms, nothing will!!
However, Mr Clarkson made a passing comment on Top Gear that even though Maserati now resides with Alfa Romeo, another sale maybe in the offing.
Its all pure conjecture and I can't think of anyone that would be suitable new owners for Maserati (Ford have done wonders with Aston, but are in the financial do-do, VW would make sense although the new Bentleys are too "Phaeton" for my liking. Maybe Toyota, bringing Maserati and Lexus together? Can you imagine Maserati looks and soul but built with the precision of a Lexus?
Time will tell, but I WANNA KNOW NOW!!!!!
I'm also amazed that the cars aren't selling well in California. Why is this? Poor marketing? I guess they've only recently made a comeback (they hadn't been sold in the US for a while, right?) If that nice looking girly out of Desparate Housewives isn't enough to get them flocking to the showrooms, nothing will!!
After my years ownership of a 3200 and my colleagues years ownershaip of a 4200, I think that Maserati have a long way to go before they make a good all round car.
I think a Japanese or German parent would be a great move for them. If they sort the reliability out and have a decent dealer / service network in the UK they could be a very successful company. Unfortuantely, until then I will always view them in the same light as TVR - Hugely attractive, high performance cars that I don't want to own.
What a shame.
I think a Japanese or German parent would be a great move for them. If they sort the reliability out and have a decent dealer / service network in the UK they could be a very successful company. Unfortuantely, until then I will always view them in the same light as TVR - Hugely attractive, high performance cars that I don't want to own.
What a shame.
onl;y possible parent I'm aware of would be V.A.G. - in that I know they were interested in using the QP chassis technology for their phaeton replacement and were in the process (or already had) negotiated a deal with MAserati.
Coudl be interesting option for V.A.G. to slot Maserati in under Lamborghini perhaps? Not sure how it would make sense really though - especially with Audi about to attack the world with the R9 taking on the 911 - the natural price point for Maseratis for some generations....
Coudl be interesting option for V.A.G. to slot Maserati in under Lamborghini perhaps? Not sure how it would make sense really though - especially with Audi about to attack the world with the R9 taking on the 911 - the natural price point for Maseratis for some generations....
My dealer has denied all this for weeks, but yesterday admitted that changes were inevitable. He said the latest rumour was a French buyer for Maserati.
With Fiat's financial situation anything could happen, but I seriously doubt if a firm decision has yet been taken.
I totally disagree with the notion that Maserati can't make a "good all-round car" and have found my GranSport abslutely first class.
It requires more than the usual input from the driver, but after two weeks learning its characteristics I find it rewarding and refreshing in comparison to most of the anodyne competition.
With Fiat's financial situation anything could happen, but I seriously doubt if a firm decision has yet been taken.
I totally disagree with the notion that Maserati can't make a "good all-round car" and have found my GranSport abslutely first class.
It requires more than the usual input from the driver, but after two weeks learning its characteristics I find it rewarding and refreshing in comparison to most of the anodyne competition.
Have to agree with McNab - Maserati have created some excellently engineered cars in the 3200GT/4200 and particularly the GranSport. (Still want one!)
It's a shame that this could see the end of the marque in it's present revived form. Equally if a good buyer can be found then there is hope for the future - hope even that Maserati can go back to competing with Ferrari to produce hi end luxury / sports / gt carsrather than merely completmenting Maranellos output. We can hope!
In the meantime I still want a GranSport (with boomerang lights!)
Also more info from italspeed - of course it's all just rumours but there seems to be a lot of detail....
www.italiaspeed.com/2005/cars/alfa_romeo/02/alfa_maserati/1502.html
>> Edited by mr_tony on Wednesday 1st June 16:56
It's a shame that this could see the end of the marque in it's present revived form. Equally if a good buyer can be found then there is hope for the future - hope even that Maserati can go back to competing with Ferrari to produce hi end luxury / sports / gt carsrather than merely completmenting Maranellos output. We can hope!
In the meantime I still want a GranSport (with boomerang lights!)
Also more info from italspeed - of course it's all just rumours but there seems to be a lot of detail....
www.italiaspeed.com/2005/cars/alfa_romeo/02/alfa_maserati/1502.html
>> Edited by mr_tony on Wednesday 1st June 16:56
Hmmm, interesting stuff from Italiaspeed. I like the idea of Maserati underpinnings for Alfas (it's the other way around that worries me). Using an Alfa 4x4 platform for a Maserati SUV type thingy doesn't both me too much, it's not my type of car at all. If it helps the profits for Maserati, I guess its no bad thing (however, with the SUV backlash at the moment, now might not be the time to be investing loads of money in developing one....sales may not be what they hope).
Great to read they think the Alfa 8C may not be dead afterall. One of these based on the 4200 replacement would be stunning (and a tough choice between the two - I'd just have to have both
)
Oh, and the 400bhp Brera sounds interesting
Italiaspeed maybe painting a pretty picture (I hope they have inside knowledge though) but it would seem it's not all doom and gloom. Fingers crossed.
Great to read they think the Alfa 8C may not be dead afterall. One of these based on the 4200 replacement would be stunning (and a tough choice between the two - I'd just have to have both
) Oh, and the 400bhp Brera sounds interesting
Italiaspeed maybe painting a pretty picture (I hope they have inside knowledge though) but it would seem it's not all doom and gloom. Fingers crossed.
I REALLY wanted to buy a Quattroporte to replace my increasingly leggy S8, but the current uncertainty allied to the lack of any dealer support in my area means that my head is ruling the day!, despite my Hearts best efforts!
It seems Maserati may indeed have been moments away from greatness! Tis a cruel world.
It seems Maserati may indeed have been moments away from greatness! Tis a cruel world.
I just realised the Italiaspeed link was from the 15th Feb......so all pure conjecture back then I guess
BTW, any of you guys in your 3200s cruise through Guildford last week? Not sure of the make of the aftermarket exhaust, but it sounded superb
>> Edited by Twin Turbo on Sunday 5th June 15:46
BTW, any of you guys in your 3200s cruise through Guildford last week? Not sure of the make of the aftermarket exhaust, but it sounded superb
>> Edited by Twin Turbo on Sunday 5th June 15:46
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