ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS, N.J.,
Jan. 12, 2015 /PRNewswire/ --
Maserati opened Detroit's 2015
North American International Auto Show with the Maserati Ghibli
Ermenegildo Zegna Edition, which made its North American
premier alongside the acclaimed Alfieri concept and all-wheel drive
2015 Maserati Quattroporte S Q4.
The Ermenegildo Zegna and Maserati collaboration is an extension
of a partnership between these two Italian powerhouses which
previously created the Quattroporte Zegna Limited Edition, which
was limited to 100 examples worldwide. The newly-debuted Ghibli
Ermenegildo Zegna Edition concept is based on the S Q4 version of
the Ghibli and provides a first glimpse at Maserati's possible
future product line-up.
In addition to being the Trident's best sales year on record,
2014 also marked the 100th Anniversary of Maserati,
which the brand celebrated worldwide with an array of special
events for its valued clients and fans. "We are proud to end 2014
on such a high note, expanding our dynamic product portfolio,
entering new segments, and reinvigorating the Maserati brand," says
Harald Wester, CEO of Maserati. "We
are fiercely confident in the future of Maserati design, as seen
with the spectacular Alfieri and Ghibli Ermenegildo Zegna design
concepts here today, as both are cues of what's to come from the
Trident. And, we are committed defining 'the absolute opposite of
ordinary' in everything that we do, reaffirming our unique
positioning in the luxury sports car market," he concludes.
Maserati has gained solid momentum this past year, reporting a
significant boost in sales worldwide and record increases
North America, the Trident's
global market leader, and closed out 2014 with a record number of
sales, representing the highest sales in the company's one hundred
year history.
RECORD SALES IN 2014
In 2014, Maserati sold approximately 36,500 cars worldwide, an
increase of 136% compared to 2013 and almost 6 times the sales
figure for 2012. There was growth in all the main markets in
which Maserati operates: the major milestone was achieved thanks to
the sales volumes generated by the Ghibli, the brand's first E
segment executive saloon, followed by the Quattroporte, the luxury
flagship saloon, and the exclusive range of GranTurismo and
GranCabrio sports cars.
23,500 Ghiblis were delivered to the network, while the figure
for the Quattroporte was 9,500 units. The total was completed by
3,500 units of the GranTurismo and GranCabrio models.
The American market, with 14,690 units and growth of 110%
compared to 2013, confirmed its status as Maserati's biggest market
in 2014, with sales boosted by the Ghibli and Quattroporte versions
equipped with the 410 HP Twin Turbo engine and Q4 all-wheel
drive.
The second largest market in terms of volume was China, with 9,400 units and growth of 148%
compared to 2013; the best-selling Quattroporte and Ghibli versions
were those with 330 HP Twin Turbo engine and rear-wheel drive.
In spite of the widespread economic instability, Europe also recorded a large rise of 153%
compared to 2013, with no fewer than 6,360 units sold. The market
leading Quattroporte and Ghibli versions were the rear wheel drive
versions with the 275 HP V6 Turbo Diesel engine.
Performance in the Asia-Pacific
area (excluding China) was
excellent, with 4,000 units, representing a 206% increase over
2013.
The results achieved in the Middle
East were also very impressive, with 2,050 units sold and a
growth of 144% compared to 2013.
GHIBLI ERMENEGILDO ZEGNA EDITION
Beginning with a new exterior color, Azzurro Astro, a sinuous
and specially fashioned exclusively with Zegna, the concept is a
scene stealer. This special trimmed Ghibli S Q4 enhances its
character to create the ultimate contemporary look. The interior
features Zegna-inspired materials and trims with special contrast
color combinations of the finest Italian leather and 100% Italian
natural fabrics. The result is a bold and contemporary product
fashioned for the detail-oriented enthusiast and tailored for
connoisseurs of luxury. It pays tribute to the harmony of
opposites, a stylistic synthesis between sophisticated design and
technological dynamism.
The new, exclusive exterior Azzurro Astro color (triple layer of
pigment) volume, shine and iridescence to the finish, which is
enhanced by iridescent highlights blue and ash grey. The aluminum
pigments used for this special color magnify the vehicle's exterior
lines and bring out the muscular profile of its bodywork. The car's
sculpted outline is enhanced by the color used, while the
transparent top coat adds another layer of depth and high gloss
shine. The exterior is further distinguished by 20" Urano design
high-polished alloy wheels, with a distinctive color that was
carefully conceived for this concept car named Liquid Metal. The
futuristic wheel design emphasizes its sporty style, high tech
appeal and luxury finishes.
The shared experience with the Quattroporte Zegna Limited
Edition helped Ermenegildo Zegna create a pure silk fabric that
combines its quintessential soft feel with an elegant yet technical
look. The passenger compartment is dressed in leather tones and
Zegna anthracite silk. The natural color leather of POLTRONA FRAU
is matched with Ermenegildo Zegna's micro-chevron silk weave. Silk,
an inherently sophisticated material, is further embellished by the
hand-stitched macro-chevron pattern and finished off by the seat
piping. The door panels also feature matching salt and pepper silk
jersey and rib embroidery. The seat cushions feature extra fine
grain, natural color leather with contrast light grey stitching,
which matches a silk insert with a micro-chevron weave on the
central seat and backrest area, also with a special macro-chevron
weave.
On the door panels, the center panel is covered with Zegna silk
Jersey and embellished with a diagonal roll pattern, quite unique
for the interior of a vehicle. The same fabric is used to cover the
car's roof lining, top pillars and sun shades, carrying
"Ermenegildo Zegna Exclusively for Maserati" brand labels. Other
sophisticated and beautifully appointed luxurious finishes include
the signature Trident emblem with contrast stitching on the
headrests. The sophisticated, luxury finish of the car interior is
also expressed by the headrests, featuring an embroidered Trident
emblem and contrasting stitching. Glossy and decorative carbon
fiber inserts are applied to the massive central tunnel and door
panels. Other added touches include black mat covers with special
leather inserts with the Ghibli name embroidered.These are finished
off by a natural color leather edge and fixed to the car floor with
buttons machined from billet aluminum. The door sill plates are
also crafted of billet aluminum and satin-finished with a glossy
carbon fiber insert, marked by the Maserati trident logo. For the
final touch, an Ermenegildo Zegna Edition plate is applied to the
central pillar and tunnel between the two front seats.
The car is powered by the high-performance 410 HP V6 Twin-Turbo
engine, with "Q4" all-wheel drive system, ensuring 0 to 60 mph
acceleration in just 4.7 seconds, thanks to 406 ft-lbs of torque
and fully capable of reaching a top speed of 175 mph.
ALFIERI 2+2 CONCEPT
Created to commemorate Maserati's Centennial, the Alfieri—which
takes its name from Alfieri
Maserati, the most prominent of the Maserati
brothers—explores the stylistic heritage of the brand and
anticipates future design trends. A sleek, Italian style 2+2,
today's Alfieri is at the concept stage, yet poised for reality: it
was created, designed and built with this goal in mind. Recently
revealed in the U.S. at the Los Angeles Motor Show, the Alfieri has
received praise from around the world.
This concept interprets Maserati's most iconic signatures:
restyled triple air ducts on the wheel arches; the Trident emblem
in a central position on the front grille; the "Saetta" logo on the
rear pillar; and forged wheels whose spoke design gives a nod to
the Trident profile. The designers' brief was simplicity and
minimalism with a "kick of poetry" to create the comfortably sized
2+2 seat passenger compartment while emphasizing the racing nature
of the brand.
Poltrona Frau aniline leather has been generously used for the
interior, matched with copper, aluminum and other materials
reminiscent of oxidized steel, commonly used in the racing cars of
the Fifties. Vintage racing also inspires the wraparound design of
the seats, offset by their futuristic look and modern structure.
One of the most fascinating cars of all times designed by
Pininfarina in 1954, the A6GCS proved a valuable source of
inspiration for the designers of the Alfieri concept of today.
QUATTROPORTE S Q4
Now on sale, the 2015 Quattroporte range includes enhancements
and added standard equipment for both S Q4 and GTS. The 2015
Quattroporte S Q4 – with 404 HP, state-of-the-art twin-turbo V6
engine and standard all-wheel drive the selection of options has
been expanded to include three new paint finishes (Grigio, Grigio
Maratea and Bianco Alpi). Two new
wheels become available: 19" Apollo wheel with a diamond-smoothed,
matt transparent anthracite finish and 20" GTS design wheel in
silver finish. A wider selection of interior features is available
including contrast stitching, red leather upholstery and Black
Piano Lacquered trim. Wifi in vehicle hotspot also becomes standard
on the Quattroporte range. The top of the range, Quattroporte GTS,
with 523 HP from its potent twin-turbo V8 powering the rear wheels
– benefits from a sportier and aggressive appearance, heightening
its dominance on the road while further differentiating its
position at the very top of the range.
Maserati has weathered the winter well with the all-wheel drive
Ghibli and Quattroporte S Q4 performance sedans, the Trident's
top-selling vehicles in North
America. The S Q4 Quattroporte keeps a firm footing with its
all-wheel drive capabilities, perfect for all weather conditions,
its success has helped sustained the brand's success across the
U.S. and Canada.
High Resolution Images available at the following link:
http://we.tl/1fesT2F1oV
ABOUT MASERATI:
Maserati produces a full line of two and four door models
legendary for their spacious handcrafted luxury, thoroughbred
performance and everyday usability. The Maserati range includes the
all-new full-size Quattroporte and the mid-size Ghibli sport sedan,
which earned a 2013 Top Safety Pick from the Insurance Institute of
Highway Safety (IIHS)*. The flagship Quattroporte GTS leads the
charge with a 523 HP twin turbo V8 while both the Ghibli and
Quattroporte are available with all-wheel drive, a competition bred
twin-turbo 404 HP V6 and an adaptive 8 speed automatic
transmission. The two-door GranTurismo line continues with several
variants of coupes and convertibles that combine elegance and
comfort for four adults, with a 6 speed automatic transmission to
keep the legendary Maserati performance and exhaust note close at
hand. Maserati automobiles and merchandise can be found at
authorized retailers across North
America. Information on Maserati can be found at
www.maserati.us for the U.S. or www.maserati.ca for Canada, 1-800-My-Maserati. *Built after
November 2013.
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SOURCE Maserati North America, Inc.