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Maserati has ambitious plans to break out of the fringe and into the mainstream. To do so, the Trident marque is going to need more than just the two models it currently holds in its stable. Fortunately, Maserati has plans in place to expand and they're beginning to come into focus.

Following earlier reports from back in April that the Modenese automaker was planning to slot a BMW 5 Series rival in below the current Quattroporte, and subsequent rumors that the QP's successor could go both all-wheel drive and more eco-friendly, come new reports on the smaller sedan's progress.

Motor Trend projects that the baby QP will arrive around 2015 with a starting price around $68,000. A flexible new platform could underpin the next Quattroporte itself, as well as the successor to the current GranTurismo. Sources also forecast that the base version of the next-gen QP will also go slightly down-market, but that the space between the two sedans in the stable will remain sufficiently delineated.

Superior performance through NOVITEC TRIDENTE Compressor Technology: With a rated power output of 590 hp / 434 kW and a peak torque of 572 Nm NOVITEC TRIDENTE establishes the two Maserati models Quattroporte S and Sport GT S among the most powerful luxury sedans in the world. Additionally the tuner enhances the car's appearance and driving dynamics with three-piece 21-inch wheels, a height-adjustable coil-over suspension and a carbon-fiber rear spoiler. Exclusive interior upgrades are yet another NOVITEC TRIDENTE specialty.

Superlative driving thanks to superior engine power combined with exceptional engine smoothness: That is the philosophy behind the new NOVITEC TRIDENTE SPORT compressor engine for the Maserati luxury sedans Quattroporte S and Quattroporte Sport GT S.

The specialists of the German company adapted a cogged-belt-driven mechanical charger to the 4.7-liter eight-cylinder four-valve engine. Maximum boost pressure is limited to 0.35 bar. A water-to-air intercooler with dedicated water circulation ensures healthy operating temperatures for the engine. The NOVITEC TRIDENTE SPORT compressor conversion is rounded out by a custom intake manifold and larger injectors. Newly calibrated engine electronics ensure optimal power yield, longevity and compliance with strict Euro IV emission limits.

After the engine conversion, which starts at 19,900 Euros, the Italian luxury sedan

delivers high-end performance figures: Rated power output of the Quattroporte S jumps from standard 430 hp / 318 kW to 590 hp / 434 kW at 7,300 rpm. Simultaneously peak torque grows from 490 Nm to 572 Nm.

In combination with the six-speed automatic transmission the NOVITEC TRIDENTE luxury sedan delivers excellent driving performance as well: A sprint time of just 4.6 seconds from rest to 100 km/h and 14.9 seconds to 200 km/h are truly exceptional in this class. Just as impressive is the car�s new top speed of 295 km/h.

To transfer this tremendous performance potential to the road as safely as possible NOVITEC TRIDENTE have developed a custom-tailored tire/wheel combination for the Quattroporte. The three-piece alloy wheels with five double spokes perfectly fill out the available space in the wheel wells. The size 9Jx21 wheels on the front axle are mounted with Pirelli P Zero high-performance tires in size 255/30 ZR 21. In the rear size 295/30 ZR 21 tires on size 11Jx21 wheels provide optimal traction.

The new wheels play a large part in the sporty yet elegant appearance of the upgraded luxury sedan. For added sporty emphasis NOVITEC TRIDENTE offers an understated rear spoiler made from clear-coated carbon fiber.

The NOVITEC TRIDENTE sport suspension

is specifically calibrated to the 21-inch high-performance tires. It allows owners of the Quattroporte to dial-in a setup that suits their individual preferences. The suspension is continuously height-adjustable and features multiple settings for compression and rebound.

NOVITEC TRIDENTE also offers numerous options for a stylish customization of the interior of the luxury sedan. The options range from a custom-tailored interior crafted from the finest leather or Alcantara to a state-of-the-art multimedia equipment package with TV, Blu-Ray player and high-speed internet connection on wheels.

The Maserati GranCabrio will make its debut on September 15 at the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show. The Maserati GranCabrio is a four-seat convertible that promises to offer enough space for all its occupants, completes Maserati’s product line-up that now consists of three different families of models: Quattroporte, GranTurismo, GranCabrio.

The open-top Maserati 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 Maserati GranCabrio is a special car intended for true connoisseurs.

The Maserati 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 Maserati 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.

The Maserati Tramontane Concept is a luxury electric supercar with a futuristic design characterized by flowing elements that form different layers and interconnect the exterior and the interior. The author is Czech design student Ondrej Jirec.

The Maserati Tramontane is a lightweight electric luxury supercar with an original design focused on the reduction of the total number of body parts and the simplification of the production process by combining exterior and interior elements.

Aside from the slippery, aerodynamic overall shape, the most eye-catching aspect of the concept's design is the number of components and body panels which flow from the interior to the exterior. These body parts have different functions, color, material and characteristics which are designed to add different dimensions and effect the overall feel of the vehicle.

It was created by Czech student Ondrej Jirec for his Alias class at the Art Center College of Design. Among the distinctive features of the Maserati Tramontane's design are the components and body panels which flow from the interior to the exterior. These parts have different function, color, material and characteristics and create layers that add different "dimensions" and define an original design language.

The first layer is the main glass exterior surface that essentially envelops the entire car. It is supported by a black frame which attaches to the chassis.

The second layer is composed of the headlamps and the dashboard. This single piece carries the LED headlights and flows smoothly back into the interior where it protects the speakers and interior air vents.

The third layer of the Tramontane creates the lower sections of the seats and, as it reaches the exterior, also carries the taillights. This particular part possesses very high resistance to impact. In case of side impact the seat and chassis work together to protect the occupants. But in the event of a rear collision, this part contains a crumple zone that will collapse, so the seats remain protected.

The fourth layer, placed in the front, serves as a housing for the electric motor and also as a dashboard. This element is attached to the chassis and hides the motor, frame, and all the electronics.

Having its length at 4,250mm, Tramontane is just 50mm shorter in length to Lamborghini Gallardo. Its height is 1,170mm which is almost the same as that of Gallardo’s. Its front wheels are driven by an electric motor, whereas the rear ones have an electric motor for each.

The most striking facet of its design is the number of components and body panels that smoothly move from interior to the exterior. Its parts have different functions, color, material and characteristics that aid more to the overall feel of the vehicle.

The proposed drivetrain for the concept is an all-electric setup. The front wheels are driven by one electric motor, while the rear wheels each get their own motor.

2011 Maserati Gran Cabrio Car Picture

2011 Maserati Gran Cabrio Car Wallpaper

2011 Maserati Gran Cabrio Rear View