Despite the fact that Los Angeles is probably one of the largest luxury market in the United States, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati and Bentley won’t be attending next month’s 2009 LA Auto Show.

“Bentley won’t have a presence in LA,” Dark Reuter, Bentley’s chief U.S. spokesman told The Detroit Bureau. Ferrari also said that it won’t be attending the show along with its sibling brand Maserati. Both have pulled their displays from the famous Concours Hall in Staples Center.

“It’s just the economy.  We’re cutting back on a lot of things,” the Ferrari executive said.

Well, that mean no Ferrari 458 Italia for us when we land in LA next month.

- By: Kap Shah

Source: LA Auto Show, The Detroit Bureau

Michael Schumacher, one of the world’s greatest drivers, and Salvatore “The Maestro” Calabrese, one of the world’s greatest bartenders, teamed up to show how drinking and driving don’t mix.

The video shows Schumacher showing off his extreme driving skills in a Maserati GranTurismo S as Calabrese tries to mix the perfect cocktail.

Thanks for the tip Mike.

- By: Kap Shah

Meet the Maserati Kuba Crossover, a design project by Russian student Andrei Trofimtchouk. Right off the bat we want to point out that the Maserati has no plans to do an SUV or Crossover anytime soon but if they ever do, let’s hope it looks somewhat like this.

The Maserati Kuba looks something like the Spyker D12 Peking with a Maserati trident and design cues.

WorldCarFans says that power for the Maserati Kuba could come from Alfa Romeo’s 3.2L V6 or the 4.7L V8 used in the Gran Turismo.

Dream away.

Maserati Kuba by Andrei Trofimtchouk:

- By: Kap Shah

Source: Car Design (via WCF)

Maserati welcomed the brand new 2010 GranCabrio – which in the United States is called GranTurismo Convertible – to a packed room at its Corporate Showroom on Park Avenue, New York. The premiere took place after a week on display in famed Grand Central Station in New York City.

The 2010 Maserati GranCabrio made its debut at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show earlier this year. Power comes from a 4.7L V8 producing 440-hp with a maximum torque of 361 lb-ft. Mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission, 0-62 mph come in just 5.4 seconds with a top speed of 176 mph.

Maserati dealers in the U.S. are taking orders now with deliveries to begin in early 2010. Pricing has not yet been announced.

2010 Maserati GranTurismo Convertible:

- By: Omar Rana

- Key Competitors: Aston Martin V8 Vantage Roadster, Porsche 911 Carrera 4S Cabriolet, Bentley Continental GTC.
- Engine: 4.7L V8 producing 440-hp/361 lb-ft.
- Transmission: 6-speed automatic.
- Performance: 0 to 62 mph 5.4 seconds. Top speed comes in at 176 mph.
- Pricing: TBA.

Maserati has taken the top off its GranTurismo Coupe here in Frankfurt and has given it a new name – the Maserati GranCabrio. The convertible version of the GranTurismo is powered by a 440-hp 4.7L V8 that gives it the ability to go from 0 to 62 mph in 5.4 seconds.

Sales of the GranCabrio will begin this winter in Europe, with worldwide sales to begin in spring of 2010.

Make the jump for the press release and the high-res image gallery.

2009 Frankfurt: 2010 Maserati Gran Cabrio:

2010 Maserati Gran Cabrio:

Press Release:

The open-top GranCabrio is pure Maserati. It is a Maserati in the truest sense, with an unmistakable Pininfarina design, spacious interior, handcrafted details, driving pleasure and high performances. The Maserati GranCabrio touches all five senses in an open-air experience that retains all the typical comfort and performance brio. Like all Maserati’s open-top models, the GranCabrio is a special car intended for true connoisseurs.

The GranCabrio continues in the footsteps of the Maserati tradition in open-top models, and adds to a line-up of models that has made the history of the Modena manufacturer, such as the 1950 A6G Frua Spyder, the 3500GT Vignale Spyder (1960), the Mistral Spyder (1964), the Ghibli Spyder (1968) and the 2001 Spyder, the car Maserati chose for his comeback to the United States.

True to its tradition, the Maserati GranCabrio yet opens a new chapter, because never before have four-seater top-down models been produced at the Viale Ciro Menotti Maserati factory in Modena. There are four proper seats are provided, so that the rear passengers are not merely supporting actors, but co-stars of the journey.

The Maserati GranCabrio is powered by a 4.7 liter V8 engine paired with the fluid 6-speed automatic transmission. In Sport mode, the V8 gives the driver and passengers the full power of its 323kW, with a thrilling roar that becomes even more exciting with the top down, as it becomes one with its surroundings.

Completely re-engineered
The body of the Maserati GranCabrio has been thoroughly overhauled. Despite the lack of an overhead frame and a wheelbase at the top of its class (2.942mm: longer than its direct competitors) it guarantees the best possible performance in terms of structural rigidity. This enhances the smooth handling, safety and comfort of the car, and fully exploits the powerful, efficient mechanics.
The newly-designed bearing monocoque has been made using materials and technologies designed especially to optimize weight: the bonnet and cross beams are made from aluminum, while the boot is made from SMC (Sheet Molding Compound).

The excellent weight distribution (with higher load at the rear) also facilitates excellent on-the-road dynamics and improved safety, in combination with the vehicle’s control systems. These include, for the first time ever, the Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA), which optimizes brake performance both in frequent use and in emergency situations.

The new body took thousands of hours of calculations, testing and development. The result of all this work is a static rigidity at the top of its class (75000 DaN/m/rad) and dynamic torsional frequency of 27.2 Hz.

Particular attention has been paid to developing the aerodynamics, with the creation of a flat aluminum base that not only adds to the overall body’s rigidity but also reduces Cx by 6 points. In this way, for the first time, the convertible version of a car is able to maintain the same aerodynamic performance of the coupé, with a Cx of 0.35.

An all-round experience
Behind the wheel of the Maserati GranCabrio, driving fun combines with comfort and safety in all road conditions. With the longest wheelbase in its segment, the Maserati GranCabrio gives all passengers an extremely comfortable ride even on long journeys. Their safety is enhanced thanks to the extendable roll bars behind the rear seats, which are activated if necessary.

Passenger comfort onboard the Maserati GranCabrio also comes from the perfect integration between the vehicle’s hood and its main systems, guaranteeing maximum efficiency and drivability in all conditions. The automatic dual-zone climate control function optimizes the conditions inside the car, adjusting the internal temperature and the intensity of ventilation depending on the outside temperature, heat of the sun, and air humidity.

By capitalizing on the close collaboration between Maserati engineers and BOSE technicians on the GranTurismo, the GranCabrio has been equipped with a BOSE audio system that adds another dimension to open-air music.

The Maserati GranCabrio is fitted with Skyhook suspension as standard. The braking system uses high performance dual-cast technology, developed in collaboration with Brembo and already successfully employed on the GranTurismo and Quattroporte.

The GranCabrio’s roof is strictly canvas-made, emphasizing the link with the Maserati tradition.
Aerodynamic, aero-acoustic efficiency and the desire to make the GranCabrio a car suitable for all year driving are the principles which led the Maserati technicians to develop a three-layer canvas hood. Not only does it offer ample opportunities for customization, but it also adds considerable benefits in terms of on-the-road dynamics, as the car’s centre of gravity is lower. In 28 seconds, passengers can enjoy the thrill of the open-air experience, activating the open/close mechanism even when the car is moving, at speeds of up to 30km/h.

The Maserati GranCabrio will be marketed this coming winter, and experienced by customers the world over from the following spring.

Clients and supporters of the brand can already choose contents and features of their own Maserati GranCabrio, thanks to a completely renewed car configurator ( HYPERLINK “http://www.configurator.maserati.com/grancabrio/” www.configurator.maserati.com/grancabrio/), which is state of the art in terms of image quality and flexibility of usage. The Maserati GranCabrio is also on the web with a dedicated minisite ( HYPERLINK “http://www.maseratigrancabrio.com” www.maseratigrancabrio.com).

Technical specifications

Body
High-strength steel bearing monocoque with box-section panels and structure constructed in sheet galvanized, two-door cabriolet, four seats, longitudinal centre-front engine (between the two axles), rear wheel drive.

Cx 0.35 with car closed and 0.39 with car open.

Monocoque
Multi-material bearing monocoque, passive safety performance conforming to “worldwide” regulations, integration of various design technologies for weight/performance optimization: steel structural part, aluminum bonnet and bumper front reinforcement cross member, boot lid in thermosetting composite material.

Frame
Derived from the Quattroporte structure, with reduced wheelbase and rear overhang, designed to satisfy the most stringent American crash standards (FMVSS208, Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard), front structure compliant with ACEA1 “pedestrian impact” standards.
Constructed in high-strength steel boxed sections; it integrates a tubular structure in the rear part to support suspensions and differential; front serves to support the suspensions and engine.
Aluminum sub-floor structural reinforcements.

Suspension
Standard Skyhook system.
Front: quadrilateral with forged aluminum hub carriers and struts, basic aluminum gas dampers with continuous damping variation and acceleration sensors on each wheel (Skyhook), coaxial helical springs.
Rear: with quadrilaterals with forged aluminum hub carriers and struts, additional radius bar for toe-in control; basic aluminum dampers with continuous damping variation and acceleration sensors on each wheel (Skyhook).
Front and rear suspension fitted with hollow bars that reduce roll and mass, and increase driving comfort.

Steering
Hydraulic steering box with tacho-sensitive servo assistance with on road steering ratio 64 mm/rev.
Steering diameter (from pavement to pavement): 10.7 m.

Transmission
Architecture with front transmission in unit with the engine, drive shaft, rear differential. 6-speed hydraulic torque converter gearbox (ZF 6HP26).

Transmission gear ratios: 1st gear 4,171; 2nd gear 2,340; 3rd gear 1,521; 4th gear 1,143; 5th gear 0,867; 6th gear 0,691; R 3,403.
Asymmetric limited slip differential (25% in traction, 45% in release) with bevel drive with final ratio 3.73 (15/56).

Steel drive shaft, 69 mm diameter, articulated in two pieces with three constant-velocity joints, and supported at the centre with a bearing which is integral with a support cross member tightened to the chassis, with an interposed rubber ring.

Traction control and Maserati Stability Program (MSP) incorporating the traction control (ASR), release torque (MSR), anti-lock braking (ABS), and electronic brake distribution (EBD) systems.

Engine
8 cylinders in 90 degree V, total displacement 4,691 cm3. Crankcase and cylinder heads in hardened and tempered aluminum alloy, crankshaft in hardened and tempered steel, balanced individually on 5 main bearings.
The timing system features double chain-driven overhead camshaft per bank; four valves per cylinder driven by hydraulic cups.

Continuous phase variator on intake camshafts.
Increased-diameter Nikasil-coated thin steel cylinder liners.
Wet sump lubrication, oil sump integral with crankcase, single oil bath pump.
Bosch integrated ignition and injection systems, and drive-by-wire accelerator.

Displacement: 4,691 cm3
Bore: 94 mm
Stroke: 84.5 mm
Compression ratio: 11.25:1
Maximum power output: 323 kW (440 CV)
Engine speed at maximum power output: 7,000 rpm
Peak torque: 490 Nm (50 kgm)
Engine speed at peak torque: 4,750 rpm
Maximum engine speed: 7,200 rpm

Dimensions and weight
Length: 4,881 mm
Width (without mirrors): 1,915 mm
Width (with mirrors): 2,056 mm
Height: 1,353 mm
Wheelbase: 2,942 mm
Front track: 1,586 mm
Rear track: 1,590 mm
Front overhang: 873 mm
Rear overhang: 1,066 mm
Trunk capacity: 173 l
Fuel tank capacity: 75 l
Dry weight (UE version): 1,887 kg
Kerb weight (UE version): 1,980 kg
Weight distribution: 49% front; 51% rear with car closed;
48% front; 52% rear with car open

Performance
Top speed: 283 km/h with car closed
Acceleration 0-100 km/h: 5,4 s
Pick-up 80 -120 km/h: 4.2 s
Stopping distance from 100 Km/h – 0: 35 m

- By: Omar Rana

The new 2010 Maserati GranCabrio, a four-seater convertible version of the GranTurismo, will make its world debut on September 15 at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show. The soft-top convertible now completes Maserati’s product line-up that now consists of three different families of models: Quattroporte, GranTurismo, GranCabrio.

“The GranCabrio represents the very essence of Maserati in terms of open-top cars,” says Maserati. “It’s a Maserati in the purest sense of the word: from the unmistakable style by Pininfarina to the spacious interior, from the craftsmanship of each detail to the driving pleasure and performance.”

Power for the Maserati GranCabrio comes from the GranTurismo S’s 4.7L V8 making 440-hp and is the longest wheelbase convertible on the market.

Sales of the GranCabrio will begin this winter in Europe, with worldwide sales to begin in spring of 2010.

2010 Maserati GranCabrio:

- By: Omar Rana

It’s that time of the day again – where we gather up some of the random things we’ve come across from our editor’s desk into our Miscellaneous Thoughts post.

No smiling rule in place when taking your driver’s license photo: Arkansas, Indiana, Nevada and Virginia have adopted a new rule that forces citizens not to smile when taking their driver’s license photo. ”Neutral facial expressions” are required and allows the DMV to compare a new photo to those in the system. This helps the DMV avoid fraud by using a new face recognition software. – USAToday

Former Cadillac boss Mark McNabb to join Maserati: As reported last week, Mark McNabb has resigned his position as the head of GM’s Cadillac brand. Sources told Automotive News that McNabb will lead Maserati’s North America division and will replace Marti Eulberg who left the Italian automaker last month. McNabb joined General Motors just 13 months ago and will leave on June 1.

Ford’s Advantage Plan ends June 1: Ford’s 0% APR financing and “we’ll make your payments for up to 12 months if you lose your paycheck” plan will be ending on June 1. Interested in buying a Ford but fear that you may lose your job? Go buy one right now. – KickingTires

- By: Kap Shah
Photo Credit: H. Darr Beiser, USA TODAY

A modified Maserati? It may be a rare sighting but German-based tuning firm Novitec specializes in offering tuning packages for Fiat Group brands including Ferrari, Fiat, Alfa Romeo, Lancia and… Maserati. The company’s Novitec Tridente made its world debut with a performance package for the Quattroporte in 2007 and is now back in 2009 with a performance package for the GranTurismo S.

Now the GranTurismo S may be everything one wants from a high-priced vehicle including luxury, eye-popping gorgeous looks and a powerful engine. However at 440-hp, the engine doesn’t do justice to the segment in which this Maserati competes in.

In comes Novitec with a supercharged 4.7L V8, an upgraded ECU and a tuned exhaust system. Power has been increased from a boring 440-hp to a whopping 600-hp.

Novitec is also offer modest appearance upgrades for the GranTurismo including a front spoiler, rear wing, side skirts, and 21-inch 5-spoke wheels.

Click through for more pictures.

Novitec Tridente Maserati GranTurismo S:

- By: The Daily Auto Editor

Source: WCF

Maserati will unveil a convertible version of its GranTurismo at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show in September later this year.

It is reported that the Maserati GranTurismo Spider will feature a hard-top and will easily accommodate four-passengers. Power will most likely come form the current 405-hp engine found in the base GranTurismo. No word on whether Maserati will offer a GranTurismo Spider S with a 440-hp 4.7L V8  from the GranTurismo S.

The Maserati GranTurismo Spider will go on sale in early 2010, with prices to start around $130,000. It will rival the Mercedes-Benz SL550, Aston Martin V-8 Vantage roadster, Jaguar XKR convertible, and the BMW M6 convertible. 

- By: Kap Shah

Source: CARandDRIVER

Inspired by the Maserati GranTurismo MC Corse Concept and based on the GranTurismo S, Maserati has unveiled the production version of the GranTurismo MC at the FIA GT “Media Days.” 

Power comes from a 4.7L V8 mated to 6-gear electro-actuated gearbox system (Maserati did not disclose any output figures.

The GranTurismo MC will participate in some GT4 European Cup events during the second half of this season. The car will go into a limited-series production for “gentlemen drivers” who wish to race in the 2010 GT4 European Cup and the national series. Sales will begin in Oct. 2009 with prices starting at 135,000 Euro ($180,288 USD).

Make the jump for the press release.

Maserati GranTurismo MC:

Maserati GranTurismo MC Corse Concept:

Press Release:

Official debut of the new Maserati GranTurismo MC

Le Castellet (F), 6 April 2009 – The new Maserati GranTurismo MC will be officially unveiled during the FIA GT “Media Days” at the Paul Ricard circuit. The new model is an offshoot of the Maserati GranTurismo MC Concept introduced last September in Monza and based on the Maserati GranTurismo S road version, with electro-actuated gearbox system.

On 17 and 18 March the car participated in the “Balance of performance”, two days of practices organized by SRO at the Paul Ricard circuit in order to analyze and balance the performance of the models that will be racing in the GT4 European Cup.

A Maserati GranTurismo MC entered by a private team is to participate in some GT4 European Cup events during the second half of this season.

A limited series of the Maserati GranTurismo MC produced for gentlemen drivers who wish to race in the 2010 GT4 European Cup and the national series, will be on sale as of October 2009. The indicative price is 135,000 Euro + VAT. The cars will be sold directly through Maserati Corse.

In 2010 Maserati intends to once again organize a European single-make cup race. The cars participating in this Cup shall naturally present specifications that will set them apart from the GT4-version Maserati GranTurismo MCs.

Maserati chose to create a model with GT4 features because GT4 is the category with the closest links to production models. There is a niche of GranTurismo road car owners who love racing and want to be able to test their mettle on a track driving a racing version of the same model they own.

The Maserati GranTurismo MC is the result of a development work carried out during many test sessions that started in the Summer of 2008.

Various drivers have taken turns developing the Maserati GranTurismo MC Concept from which the Maserati GranTurismo MC stemmed. With their strong professional and racing background, each and every one of them contributed to the creation of the final version.

The predominant part of the fine-tuning work was conducted by Andrea Bertolini, official Maserati tester as well as incumbent FIA GT Champion at the wheel of the MC12.

Bertolini worked together with Thomas Cremonini, Maserati series production tester, and Vitaphone Racing Team teammate Michael Bartels, also 2008 FIA GT champion.

During the most recent tests, the Maserati GranTurismo MC with GT4 specs was also tested by former F.1 driver Ivan Capelli.

With the creation of the Maserati GranTurismo MC, the tradition of the Trident logo car manufacturer who remains loyal to its origins – those of a company founded in 1914 to tune and subsequently build racecars – lives on.

The Maserati list of wins is abundant and it includes a two consecutive wins at the famous Indianapolis 500 in 1939 and in 1940, with Wilbur Shaw at the wheel of the 8CTF “Boyle Special”. This year is the 70th anniversary of that first success.

Juan Manuel Fangio won two F1 world titles in 1954 and in 1957 at the wheel of a Maserati 250F.

In the 1950s and 1960s cars with the Trident logo won a good many Endurance races, while the last victory in a Formula 1 GP was clinched by Pedro Rodriguez on a Cooper-Maserati in 1967.

In 2004 Maserati Corse started racing again internationally in the FIA GT Championship featuring the MC12; it achieved three victories at the prestigious Spa 24 Hours (2005, 2006, and 2008 Vitaphone Racing Team) and no less than ten absolute titles:

- Three FIA GT Drivers Championships in 2006 (Michael Bartels/Andrea Bertolini), in 2007 (Thomas Biagi) and in 2008 (Michael Bartels/Andrea Bertolini)

- Four FIA GT Teams Championships in 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008 (Vitaphone Racing Team)

- Two FIA GT Manufacturers Cups in 2005 and 2007

- One Citation Cup for gentlemen drivers in 2007 (Ben Aucott).

Race have always been the most demanding test-bench for all cars. Traditionally, reliability and performance are checked on track. It is in races that new technologies and materials are tested. And it is on the circuit that Maserati has decided to raise the much praised-sporty verve of its Maserati GranTurismo S to even higher levels to create the Maserati GranTurismo MC.

GRANTURISMO MC – TECH. SPEC.

DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHT

Width: 1914,0 mm

Lenght: 4935,3 mm

Height: 1300,0 mm

Overhang front: 930,5 mm

Overhang rear: 1064,1 mm

Wheelbase: 2940,7 mm

Front track: 1618,4 mm

Rear Track: 1580,7 mm

Weight: < 1400 Kg

Weight distribution: 51,3 front / 48,7 rear

ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION

Engine: V8

Displacement: 4,691 cc

Maximum power: ND

Maximum torque: ND

Weight/power ratio: <4.6 Kg/KW (<3.4 Kg/HP

Ignition: Bosch – digital system

Air intake: Double cone racing type filter

Exhaust system: Racing type with removable catalyzers

Lubrication: Wet sump

Gearbox: Rear, longitudinal gearbox, with transaxle scheme.

6 gears + reverse, syncromesh.

Electrohydraulic activation, with paddles shift

CHASSIS AND BODYWORK

Bodywork: Carbon fiber

Windows: Windscreen, rear and side windows in Lexan.

Chassis: Steel with welded integral rollcage structure, FIA approved.

Interior: Backward-set driving position, with racing seat, dashboard and console in carbon fiber throughout.

6-points seat-belt compatible with HANS protection system.

Electrical system: Specific, with data acquisition system integrated in the dashboard.

Fuel tank: 120 L, with carbon safety structure, FIA approved.

Brakes:

Racing system without ABS, with steel discs:

Front disc: 380 mm

Rear disc: 326 mm

Front caliper: 6 pistons

Rear caliper: 4 pistons

Wheels:

Front: 11”x18”

Rear: 11”x18”

Tyres:

Front: 305/645/18

Rear: 305/680/18

Shock absorbers: Carbon fiber

- By: Kap Shah

The Centurion Card, known as the Black Card, is a credit card issued by American Express to the very elite. To become a Black Card holder, one must meet a strict criteria by American Express and must pay an annual and initiation fee. It comes with a lot of benefits, which now includes a limited-edition Maserati Quattroporte.

Unveiled at Forbes House in London to an exclusive audience of Black Card holders, the Maserati Quattroporte for Centurion special series is exclusively built to order. The model is finished in metallic Nero Carbonio (carbon black) with a Bianco Polare (polar white) Poltrona Frau leather interior with embossed Centurion logo on the headrests. It also has a bespoke numbered plaque, titanium colored trim and 20-inch wheels.

Power comes from a 4.2L V8 making 400-hp allowing Black Card holders to go from 0 to 62 mph in 5.6 seconds with a top speed of 167 mph. There is also a Quattroporte for Centurion 4.7 which is powered by a 430-hp allowing for a 0 to 62 mph time of 5.4 seconds.

Pricing starts at £88,315 ($124,352 USD) for the Maserati Quattroporte for Centurion 4.2 and £94,185 ($132,617) for the Maserati Quattroporte for Centurion 4.7.

Maserati Quattroporte for Centurion:

While you’ll have to wait until the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show to see the GranTurismo Spyder, Maserati today unveiled the brand new GranTurismo S Automatic at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show.

The new Maserati GranTurismo S is powered by a 4.7L V8 producing 440-hp with 361 lb-ft of torque. The engine is mated to a ZF 6-speed automatic gearbox for those that don’t like the hassle of changing gears (to us it’s mandatory – not a hassle.

Other than that the GranTurismo S Automatic gets 20-inch wheels, Bluetooth as standard with an optional iPod interface that completes the Maserati Multi Media System.

Click through for the high-res image gallery.

2009 Geneva Motor Show: 2009 Maserati GranTruismo S Automatic:

Maserati announced today that it will unveil the GranTurismo S Automatic at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show next week. The GranTurismo S Automatic will be powered by the same 4.7L V8 making a total of 440-hp with a maximum torque of 361 lb-ft.

The engines will be mated to a ZF 6-speed automatic gearbox. Other than that, the Maserati GranTurismo S Automatic features all the aggressive styling from its GranTurismo S sibling along with the 20-inch wheels. Inside the GranTurismo S Automatic features Bluetooth as standard with an optional iPod interface that completes the Maserati Multi Media System.

As reported before, Maserati will unveil the GranTurismo Spyder (convertible) at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show in September.

2009 Maserati GranTurismo S Automatic:

One of the few luxury automakers to report record sales in 2008, Maserati plans on stay pretty busy for 2009. Following the launch of the new 2009 Maserati Quattroporte GTS, unveiled at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show, Maserati will be adding a GranTurismo GTS later this year.

The Maserati GranTurismo S currently produces 440-hp from a 4.7L V8. The GranTurismo GTS is expected to have more power mated to a fully automatic unit.

Joining the GranTurismo GTS will be a new convertible, or GranTurismo Spyder, in early 2010. Maserati says that the GranTurismo Spyder will easily accommodate four passengers. It is expected to make its auto show debut at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show.

Source: What Car

Maserati has taken the wraps off of the 2009 Maserati Quattroporte GT S here in Detroit. The special-edition Quattroporte celebrates Maserati’s 70th anniversary of its first Indianapolis 500 win.

Engine mapping of the 4.7L V8 increases output to a total of 433-hp allowing it go from 0 to 60 mph in about 5.5 seconds.

The 2009 Maserati Quattroporte GT S also gets A new black grille with concave vertical fins featuring the Trident logo with red accents, new metallic titanium headlights and black twin oval exhaust pipes. Inside the Quattroporte GT S has new M-design seats with perforated Alcantara leather upholstery and a Titantex trim.

Follow the jump for the high-res image gallery.

2009 Maserati Quattroporte GT S – Live from the 2009 Detroit Auto Show:

• •  Model celebrates Maserati’s 70th anniversary fir Indianapolis 500 win.
• •  4.7L V8 making 433-hp.
• •  Upgraded front and rear suspension.

At the 2009 North American International Auto Show next month in Detroit, Maserati will be celebrating the 70th anniversary of its first Indianapolis 500 win. To celebrate the occasion Maserati will unveil a special-edition 2009 Quattroporte Sport GT S, a model that it says is a “a real driving machine in the guise of a luxury sedan”.

There are no performance figures yet on the 433-hp sedan. Maserati said that it has upgraded the gearshift management software, the front and rear suspension system with single rate-dampers, stiff springs and a lower ride height, and a new sports exhaust that creates a “deep, throaty and captivating sound.”

The 2009 Maserati Quattroporte GT S also gets an aggressive look with a new black grille with concave vertical fins featuring the Trident logo with red accents, new headlights in metallic titanium finish, the side and rear “shadow line” which includes black finishing around the doors, body-colored door handles and black twin oval exhaust pipes. Inside the Quattroporte GT S has new M-design seats with perforated Alcantara leather upholstery and a Titantex trim.

Click through for the high-res image gallery.

2009 Maserati Quattroporte GT S:

The 450-hp Maserati GranTurismo MC Corse Concept was created by Maserati Style Center as a racing-version of the GranTurismo S made just for the track. It was reported last month that Maserati is considering a road-going version of the car that would compete with the likes of the Porsche GT3 RS.

Well while Maserati is still considering, the Italian automaker unveiled the new MC Sport Line at the 2008 Bologna Motor Show that adds to Maserati’s already extensive list of personalized features which enhance the look of your Maserati GranTurismo or GranTurismo S.

Maserati is presenting the MC Sport Line with the GranTurismo S at the Bologna Show which features a front and rear carbon fiber spoiler straight from the GranTurismo MC Corse Concept, new side skirts finished in matte-black, carbon fiber mirror housing and door handles and glossy black 20-inch wheels.

Maserati GranTurismo S with MC Sport Line Package:

HAMANN hasn’t gotten around to offering us a Maserati GranTurismo with more power but it is offering its 21-inch EDITION RACE wheels for the sexiest car in Maserati’s collection. The set includes FA 9.0Jx21 with 245/30ZR21 tires and RA 12.5Jx21 with 345/45ZR21 tires.

You can throw the look-changing set of wheels on your 405-hp 4.5L V8 GranTursimo or your 440-hp 4.7L V8 GranTurismo S.

We’re looking forward to a HAMANN aerodynamic and performance package in the future.

Check out more images after the jump.

HAMANN 21-inch EDITION RACE Wheels for Maserati GranTurismo: