Bologna: Maserati
MC Sport Line is unveiled at Bologna Motor Show as Maserati remains positive
Maserati's head remains high while other premium manufacturers are struggling, although there are hints at the Bologna show that the financial crisis is affecting new models at the sports car maker.
The MC Corse concept is still in development, with no firm plans for it yet. Maserati was initially going to announce the intended use for the car - be it a lightweight Porsche GT3-rival, Trofeo cup race car, or something else altogether - at Bologna, but due to unsure times in the car market, evaluations are still taking place as the car continues dynamic developments.
A spokesperson did say that on the whole, a one-make series is a sensible outcome for the car. Whether that happens for real remains to be seen. In the meantime, many of the exterior design touches of the car have made it to production via the MC Sport Line range of enhancements for the GranTurismo S.
Carbon fibre wing mirrors, door handles, front and rear spoilers and side skirts all feature while there are flourishes of lightweight materials inside the car. Dynamic tweaks include stiffer springs, shock absorbers and anti-roll bars, with more freedom given to the driver via new stability control software. You're allowed to have more fun, in other words. The car can also be lowered 10mm.
A selection of the above can be selected for the Gran Turismo S from early 2009, with the stock GT and the rest of the Maser range to follow throughout the year. Also in attendance at Bologna is the tweaked Quattroporte and QP S which were launched a couple of months ago. In its five-year life, the QP has clocked up 15,000 sales. For 2008, Maserati has recorded 7700 sales thus far, up 22 per cent and giving reason to cheer, for now at least.
For more from the Bologna motor show, click here.
