Maserati Blog
Maserati to follow Ferrari down path of hybrid sportscars?Filed under: Hybrid, Performance, Maserati, Rumormill, Luxury 
What's the world coming to when two of Italy's most storied supercar manufacturers - we're talking Ferrari and Lamborghini here, in case you couldn't tell - are planning to launch hybrid automobiles? Well, actually that'd be three of Italy's most storied automakers, now that rumors of just such a Maserati are making the rounds on the Interwebs.
We'd agree with the boys at Inside Line when they suggest that Maserati will likely borrow hybrid technology from fellow Fiat-owned Ferrari, especially since the two business units already share a number of drivetrain components. If that's the case, the three-pointed Trident brand could potentially get a version of the Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS for short) that Ferrari showed off on its 599 HY-KERS earlier this week at the Geneva Motor Show.
Word has it that Maserati is also joining Ferrari in its quest to shed a few unwanted pounds on its automobiles, which will have dual benefits for both brands - namely, improvements in both performance and fuel efficiency. Now there's a win-win scenario if we've ever heard one.
[Source: Inside Line]Maserati to follow Ferrari down path of hybrid sportscars? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Mar 2010 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsGeneva 2010: Maserati Quattroporte GT S Awards Edition takes a bowFiled under: Sedan, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Maserati, Luxury
Maserati Quattroporte GT S Awards Edition - Click above for high-res image gallery
Nobody could rationally justify that they "need" a Maserati Quattroporte, but we'd gladly take one just the same. In similar fashion, we don't "need" an excuse to photograph and report on the sumptuous Italian exotic saloon. But we'll take any we can get. This year's is called the Awards Edition.
Created to mark the innumerable honorable citations the QPorte has accrued since its launch a couple of years ago, the Awards Edition starts off with the top-of-the-line Quattroporte GT S. From there, the Trident marque has upgraded it with special "Quarzo Fuso" paint, tastefully muted brightwork, and an interior decked out in the creamiest of leathers and Alcantara. 20-inch wheels round out the package housing upgraded Brembo brakes.
New trimmings does not a new Quattroporte make, but then it doesn't require much in the way of enhancement. It'll do for an excuse, though. Check it out in the galleries below.
Photos by Noah Joseph / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.Geneva 2010: Maserati Quattroporte GT S Awards Edition takes a bow originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 04 Mar 2010 07:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsGeneva 2010: Maserati GranTurismo MC Sport sharpens the tridentFiled under: Coupe, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Maserati, Luxury
Maserati GranTurismo MC Sport - Click above for high-res image gallery
Few marques manage to tread the line between sportiness and elegance quite so exquisitely as Maserati. But some are looking for something that errs a little more towards the former, and for them the Trident marque has launched the MC Sport Line.
One step off the track and onto the road this side of a race-spec MC GT4, the MC Sport line gives Gran Turismo S buyers a catalog of optional extras, from carbon fiber bits all the way up to the exclusive limited edition model made for the Middle East. The range was initially unveiled at the local Bologna Motor Show, but this was our first chance to get next to it and bring you the results. Have a look in the galleries below.
Photos by Noah Joseph / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.Geneva 2010: Maserati GranTurismo MC Sport sharpens the trident originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Mar 2010 20:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsGeneva Preview: Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT S "Awards Edition"Filed under: Sedan, Geneva Motor Show, Maserati, UK, Luxury 
2011 Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT S "Awards Edition" - Click above for high-res image gallery
Things may be relatively quiet around Maserati headquarters these days, but that doesn't mean nothing new is on the horizon. In fact, the automaker will be debuting a special version of the fabulous Quattroporte sedan at next month's Geneva Motor Show.
Based on the top-of-the-line Sport GT S model, the "Awards Edition" treatment adds an extra touch of exclusivity to the Quattroporte. The exterior, painted in an all-new Quarzo Fuso color, features a burnished treatment on the exterior chrome bits, matching the stylish 20-inch Multi Trident wheels. Behind those dark rims are a revised set of Brembo brakes, showing off polished calipers that have a mirror-like finish. Inside, Alcantara is found not only on the headliner, but has been worked into the supple Poltrona Frau leather seats, and new brushed aluminum door sills and piano black satin-finish wood moldings finish off the added touches of the Awards Edition package.
Customers in the UK can order their Quattroporte Sport GT S "Awards Edition" cars starting in the second half of 2010, with pricing information being given out upon application. Click past the break to read the full details in Maserati's press release.
[Source: Maserati]Continue reading Geneva Preview: Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT S "Awards Edition" Geneva Preview: Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT S "Awards Edition" originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Feb 2010 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsOuch, that Hearse! Maserati Quattroporte works the graveyard shiftFiled under: Sedan, Wagon, Maserati, Specialty 
Some of us - okay, one of us - here at Autoblog may disagree, but there's no shortage of people who think the Maserati Quattroporte is one of the most beautiful four-door works of automotive art this side of a Toyota Prius. All the more so after having driven it in Austria. So why, then, do so many coachbuilders seem bent on ruining it?
We've seen Quattroportes covered in shattered glass, dipped in 24-karat gold, and wrapped in Burberry tartan. We've seen 'em stretched beyond recognition, tweaked into touring cars, turned into station wagons - twice, actually - even an old one transformed into a fire truck. Yes, a fire truck. And now this: A Maserati hearse.
Modified by Intercar Modena - a company that offers funerial conversions of everything from Ssanyong Rextons to BMW sidecar motorcycles - the Quattroporte hearse is, well... there's really not much to say about it other than it's a hearse. Based on a Quattroporte. And while there aren't many worse things you could do with a Maserati, there are worse ways to go.
[Source: Maserati-Alfieri.co.uk via autoblog.nl]Ouch, that Hearse! Maserati Quattroporte works the graveyard shift originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 12 Feb 2010 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsAlfa Romeo prepares special-edition MiTo for Maserati dealer networkFiled under: Performance, Europe, Maserati, Alfa Romeo, Luxury 
Alfa Romeo MiTo for Maserati - Click above for high-res image gallery
If you're dropping off a six-figure Italian exotic at the dealership for service, you expect to be loaned something special in return, right? That's why Fiat supplied Ferrari with a run of special-edition 500s for use in their European service network. (Heck, they even produced some for public consumption.) Now its classy kid sister is following suite with a special loaner car of its own.
Produced in a limited run of 100 units, these specially-prepared Alfa Romeo MiTos will be dispatched to Maserati dealers across Europe. Each is distinguished from the average MiTo by its Maserati Blu Oceano paint, special plaque on the center console and "Alfa Romeo for Maserati" sill plate. The special edition Alfa also comes equipped with top-of-the-range 170-horsepower, 1.4-liter MultiAir turbo engine, 18-inch wheels and rear spoiler, along with an interior decked out in sumptuous Pelle Frau leather and all the electronic bells and whistles on offer.
After Maserati gave Alfa the 8C Competizione, it's nice that Alfa - now under the same leadership as Maserati - can give a little something back. Details in the press release after the jump.
[Source: Maserati]Continue reading Alfa Romeo prepares special-edition MiTo for Maserati dealer network Alfa Romeo prepares special-edition MiTo for Maserati dealer network originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 Jan 2010 18:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsFiat unites Maserati, Abarth, Alfa Romeo under one CEOFiled under: Europe, Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Maserati, Alfa Romeo, Fiat  With the unification of Fiat and Chrysler, we're been expecting major changes in the corporate structure of the two automakers and their various brands. Most recently, Lancia chief executive Olivier Francois was named head of the Chrysler division, leading to reports that the two brands - similarly positioned in the sub-luxury premium segment - will be integrated into one unit. Now similar reports place the Abarth, Maserati and Alfa Romeo brands under common leadership.
Let's get ready to play musical chairs for a moment... This news comes with the appointment of Harald Wester as CEO of Alfa Romeo. In his new role, Wester replaces Sergio Cravero, who himself was recently promoted from the brand's communications directorate to serve as a replacement for the departing Luca de Meo who will change to a new role as head of product planning for the entire Fiat Group.
Wester, meanwhile, retains not only his roles as group chief technical officer, but also as CEO of both the Abarth and Maserati brands. As a result, we can expect to see a deeper level of collaboration between these performance-oriented brands within the expanding Fiat empire. Details in the press release after the jump.
[Source: Fiat]Continue reading Fiat unites Maserati, Abarth, Alfa Romeo under one CEO Fiat unites Maserati, Abarth, Alfa Romeo under one CEO originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 27 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsMaserati NA prices the GranTurismo Convertible at $135,800*Filed under: Car Buying, Convertible, Performance, Maserati, Luxury 
Maserati GranTurismo Convertible - Click above for high-res image gallery
The weather outside may be frightful, but fret not, because summer is coming soon...ish. And when it does, you're going to want the right set of wheels. With that in mind, the good folks over at Maserati North America have revealed the pricing for their new GranTurismo Convertible (also known as the GranCabrio overseas) so you can start saving now. And save you will if you want to get your hands on one, because it sells for a princely $135,800 (MSRP, before taxes and additional fees).
If you're wondering how much it costs to lob the roof off a GranTurismo and replace it with a triple-insulated retractable soft top, consider that the standard coupe starts at $117,500, for a difference of - carry the one, divide by the square root of pi - $18,300. When you consider, however, that the convertible comes standard with the larger 4.7-liter engine from the $121,500 GranTurismo S, the additional cost of open-air motoring comes out to a somewhat more manageable $14,300, which may or may not make it easier to justify to your spouse. Details in the press release after the jump.
[Source: Maserati]Continue reading Maserati NA prices the GranTurismo Convertible at $135,800* Maserati NA prices the GranTurismo Convertible at $135,800* originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 20 Jan 2010 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsStrange Bedfellows: Ferrari and Maserati to share stand space with Chrysler in Detroit?Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Etc., Chrysler, Maserati, Ferrari, Fiat, Lancia 
We're not likely to see a new TC by Maserati on display at Chrysler's North American International Auto Show stand, but a quick glance away from the rebadged Lancia Delta and Fiat 500 we're all waiting to eyeball will be machinery from Ferrari and Maserati. Last year, Ferrari stayed out of the Detroit Auto Show altogether, but for 2010, Chrysler, Maserati, and Ferrari are all under the Fiat, SpA corporate umbrella. Taking advantage of that, shuffling has gone on to put the group's exotic wares at the Detroit show, right between Dodge and Jeep.
Positioning such high-end rides in the show's equivalent of the Bowery might be the best (or only) way for the likes of Dodge and Jeep - which have no new product with which to draw foot traffic - to gain a "contact high" of visibility. Anyone wishing to ogle the Italian exotica (and honestly, who doesn't?) will have no choice but to navigate through the lesser corporate cousins from Chrysler on the way to and fro. Crafty, Sergio, very crafty.
[Source: The Detroit News | Image: Stan Honda/AFP/Getty]Strange Bedfellows: Ferrari and Maserati to share stand space with Chrysler in Detroit? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 02 Jan 2010 14:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsREPORT: Chrysler to bring electric Fiat 500, hatchback concept to DetroitFiled under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Convertible, Coupe, Hatchback, Chrysler, Maserati, Ferrari, Fiat, Rumormill, Electric, Lancia 
Fiat 500C - Click above for high-res image gallery
Just because Chrysler won't be holding a press conference at next month's Detroit Auto Show doesn't mean that America's third-largest automaker is coming to the party empty-handed. Far from it, in fact, assuming there's truth to the rumors that the Pentastar will be showing off both an electric version of the soon-to-be-US-bound Fiat 500 along with a Chrysler-ized version of the Lancia Delta hatchback.
While the Chrysler-branded concept is said to be nothing more than a standard-fare Delta emblazoned with Chrysler's trademark chrome fascia, the electric Fiat 500 is a bit more interesting. We've heard that the automaker's erstwhile ENVI group was disbanded and assimilated into the rest of the company's product development workforce, so we're curious to see the integration of a battery-powered drivetrain into the little urban runabout. Will it be a fully-functional vehicle or just a mock-up of what could potentially be possible?
Not surprisingly, we'll also be treated to the rest of the Fiat 500 lineup, including the 500C Cabriolet (no word on bikini-clad models) and the sporty 500 Abarth. Finally, tucked into a corner of the Chrysler booth in Detroit will also reportedly be such premium Italian machinery as the Ferrari 458 Italia and the Maserati GranCabrio. Hey... if you've got it, why not flaunt it, right?
[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req'd]REPORT: Chrysler to bring electric Fiat 500, hatchback concept to Detroit originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Dec 2009 16:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsMaserati rolls out limited edition GranTurismo for Middle EastFiled under: Coupe, Performance, Maserati, Middle East
Maserati GranTurismo S MC Sport Line limited edition - Click above for high-res image gallery
If you thought Rolls-Royce had cornered the market on special editions for the Middle East, Maserati would like you to think again. But only if you've got a big wad of cash and actually, you know... live in the Middle East.
The Italian automaker just took the wraps off a limited edition of its GranTurismo S, specially outfitted with items from the company's MC Sport Line. The car, decked out in a matte white "ice" paint scheme, was unveiled at the Yas Marina Circuit that just recently played host to the inaugural Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Not much in the way of details were given, but only 12 examples will be produced: one for each of the twelve Maserati dealerships in the region, also honoring the twelve trophies (including constructors', drivers' and teams' titles) that the GranTurismo's big brother, the MC12, has racked up in the FIA GT Championship since 2005. The Trident marque has also announced a second run of 11 examples decked out in matte white pearl for its domestic Italian market.
[Source: Maserati]Continue reading Maserati rolls out limited edition GranTurismo for Middle East Maserati rolls out limited edition GranTurismo for Middle East originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Dec 2009 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsREPORT: Bentley, Ferrari, Lamborghini not attending LA Auto ShowFiled under: LA Auto Show, Performance, Aston Martin, Audi, Bentley, BMW, Lamborghini, Maserati, Mercedes-Benz, Rolls-Royce, Ferrari, Spyker, Fisker, Luxury 
The closest we'll get to the Ferrari 458 - Click above for high-res image gallery
Here's an unsurprising stat for you: 60 percent of all vehicles sold in the U.S. that cost over $100,000 find homes in New York, Florida and California. The majority of which are parked in garages in Manhattan, Miami and Los Angeles, respectively. So the revelation that Bentley, Ferrari and Lamborghini won't be attending next month's LA Auto Show is -- at the very least -- surprising.
According to a spokesperson speaking with The Detroit Bureau, Bentley has decided to skip the So. Cal. show, adding that the automaker is looking for "a better use of our resources." Ferrari and its sister marque Maserati are out as well, with an unnamed source telling the industry pub, "It's just the economy. We're cutting back on a lot of things."
Given the global economic climate and its affect on high-end automotive sales, the choice to scale back isn't such a shock, but for automakers that rely on the Southern California market, it's a disturbing sign of the times. As for the rest of the LA exhibitors, the luxury market's Big Three (Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz) will be in attendance, although it looks like the lower hall will only house Aston Martin, Spyker, Fisker and -- we'd assume -- Rolls-Royce.
[Source: The Detroit Bureau]REPORT: Bentley, Ferrari, Lamborghini not attending LA Auto Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsVIDEO: Bacardi, Maserati, and Michael Schumacher get shaken, not stirredFiled under: Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Maserati, Humor
After seven Formula One World Championships and more records than your local second-hand vinyl shop, Michael Schumacher has proven incredibly adept at driving a point home. Now that he's semi-retired, well...he's still making more money than most of the active drivers in F1 (or any other form of motorsports for that matter), thanks in part to an endorsement deal with Barcardi, the Bermuda-based rum distillery with whom Schumi drives home another kind of point entirely.
To prove the point that drinking and driving don't mix, Schumacher takes once again to the wheel of a Maserati GranTurismo. Only this time he's brought along one Salvatore Calabrese to ride shotgun. Sounds straightforward enough, but the world-renowned bartender known as "The Maestro" isn't coming along just for the ride: while Schumi does what Schumi does best, Calabrese tries to do the same, to highly amusing and illustrative effect. Follow the jump to watch the video.
[Source: Bacardi via YouTube]Continue reading VIDEO: Bacardi, Maserati, and Michael Schumacher get shaken, not stirred VIDEO: Bacardi, Maserati, and Michael Schumacher get shaken, not stirred originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Nov 2009 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsREPORT: Nissan GT-R, Maserati MC12 heading to Le MansFiled under: Motorsports, Maserati, Nissan 
Nissan GT-R and Maserati MC12 at 2009 FIA GT test session - Click either image for high-res gallery
If you think you've seen schisms in motorsports by following the on-again, off-again rifts in F1, Indy racing and rallying, those are nothing compared to the fisticuffs endured in sportscar racing over the past few decades. In addition to the Rolex Daytona series and the IMSA, to name just two, the FIA and ACO have been running separate series with separate rules for years. But as the former realigns its sportscar series and the latter further branches out from the Le Mans venue itself to series around the world, the two France-based governing bodies have been getting their ducks in a row. And new coordination between the organizations could lead to some cars which had been relegated to one over the other to bridge the gap and compete for top honors in both.
 Among those potential series crossovers are the racing-spec Nissan GT-R and the Maserati MC12, both of which comply with the new FIA GT regulations which ACO is now ready to adopt. Based on the Japanese Super GT-spec GT-R racer and with input from Nismo, British racing team Gigawave Motorsports fielded a GT-R in four races of the 2009 FIA GT Championship in preparation for a full-scale assault on the reformed GT1 World Championship next year.
Meanwhile, the Maserati MC12 has been dominating the GT1 category in the FIA GT Championship for the past five years running, winning back-to-back titles, but had remained outside the Le Mans rules as the ACO refused to homologate the Enzo-based racer. With the door to Le Mans now opened - and the corresponding series in Europe, America and Asia potentially along with it - the teams fielding both cars are reportedly enthusiastic to meet the ACO's requirements with backing from their respective factories.
[Source: Autosport]REPORT: Nissan GT-R, Maserati MC12 heading to Le Mans originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 17:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsMany Happy Returns? Russian designer pens Maserati Kuba conceptFiled under: Concept Cars, SUV, Crossover, Maserati, Russia, Design/Style 
Maserati Kuba design study - Click above for high-res image gallery
It was only a few years ago, but how quickly we forget. Maserati actually toyed with the idea of building a crossover back in 2003, even going so far as to unveil a concept for the project called the Kubang GT Wagon at the Detroit Auto Show. The shape was penned by Giugiaro's ItalDesign, but project was scrapped, preserving the Trident marque's chastity in the eyes of many a purist. Now, an ambitious designer out of Russia has revived the idea with a concept he calls the Kuba. Sound familiar?
The brainchild of Andrey Trofimchuk Simeonych, the Maserati Kuba design study is, well...an intriguing take on what a Maserati crossover could look like. Only it doesn't share any design themes with any Masers we can think of. Nor does it have any theoretical specifications attached, though surely a platform and powertrain could be found from the growing Fiat/Chrysler automotive empire.
To our eye, it would look more suitable as a vision for what a future aircraft-engined Veritas sport-ute could look like, or maybe even a weird Citroën concept of some sort (is there any other kind?). Then again, maybe not. It's a love-it-or-hate-it affair, so have a look for yourself in the high-res image gallery below and share your impressions in our comments section. Just don't shoot the messenger.
[Source: CarDesign.ru]Many Happy Returns? Russian designer pens Maserati Kuba concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 Oct 2009 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsREPORT: Fiat may use next Chrysler 300 platform for Lancia, MaseratiFiled under: Sedan, Plants/Manufacturing, Chrysler, Maserati, Lancia 
The last time Chrysler and Maserati got together, America was blessed with what appeared to the entire world to be little more than a gussied-up two-seat Chrysler LeBaron convertible with a removable hardtop and opera-style windows. Apparently, since that last marriage between Detroit and Modena proved so, ahem, successful, reports indicate that the two companies may once again join forces now that Fiat controls proceedings at both the Trident and the Pentastar.
According to Automotive News, Fiat has plans to build 50,000 vehicles per year at the former Carrozzeria Bertone near Turin that it procured a few months back. That output will be made up of two sedans - one carrying a Maserati badge and one sold as a Lancia - that will be based on the rear-wheel drive underpinnings of the next Chrysler 300.
Both vehicles will reportedly use versions of the upcoming new V6 engine from Chrysler, the first application of which will be in the 2011 Grand Cherokee. The Lancia could be a replacement for the current Thesis sedan while the Maserati would theoretically slot below current Quattroporte.
[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req'd]REPORT: Fiat may use next Chrysler 300 platform for Lancia, Maserati originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 07:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsPSA: Maserati relabels GranCabrio as GranTurismo Convertible for North American marketFiled under: Convertible, Maserati 
Maserati GranTurismo Convertible (nee GranCabrio) - Click above for high-res image gallery
What's in a name, you ask? A lot, especially when you're trying to increase market share against such storied brands as Aston Martin, Jaguar and Mercedes-Benz, to name just a few.
Maserati took the wraps off its first proper four-seat convertible at last month's Frankfurt Motor Show. But while the open-air version of the GranTurismo coupe will be sold as the GranCabrio in overseas markets, the Italian automaker has seen fit to give the vehicle a more straightforward name in North America.
When the GranCabrio goes on sale in the United States, Canada and Mexico - as well as Australia and New Zealand - it will be sold as the GranTurismo Convertible. Pricing has yet to be officially announced, but dealers are already taking orders for the new cabrio in advance of its arrival in time for next summer. Details in the press release after the jump.
[Source: Maserati]Continue reading PSA: Maserati relabels GranCabrio as GranTurismo Convertible for North American market PSA: Maserati relabels GranCabrio as GranTurismo Convertible for North American market originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Oct 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsRum Runner: Schumacher bides his time driving for Bacardi while plotting return to F1Filed under: Motorsports, Marketing/Advertising, Maserati, Celebrities 
So what is Michael Schumacher up to these days? Well, having retired as one of the highest-paid sports figures of all time, pretty much anything he wants. But even in retirement, Schumi makes more than most F1 drivers. Part of his ongoing sponsorship portfolio includes acting as a spokesman for Bacardi, which recently ran a contest to award a driving experience with the seven-time world champion at the Ascari track in Spain.
A lucky blogger out of Hong Kong won and posted about the experience, including video with telematics, from the cockpit of a Maserati GranTurismo - which probably has more to do with another ongoing deal with sister-company Ferrari than anything else. After all, the last time we saw Schumacher drive anything other than a Fiat group product or a motorbike was before he left Benetton.
Meanwhile, reports persist that Schumacher is still plotting a return to the F1 cockpit. After Felipe Massa was injured in Hungary this past summer, Schumi was slated to take his place, but was sidelined with a lingering neck injury of his own. Ferrari continues to lobby for a third-car option to place Michael back on the track alongside Alonso and Massa, but F1 chief Bernie Ecclestone says it ain't happening. For his part, Schumacher isn't ruling out the possibility. Follow the link to F1 Wolf to watch the video.
[Sources: F1Wolf.com and F1-technical.net | Image: Mark Renders/Getty]Rum Runner: Schumacher bides his time driving for Bacardi while plotting return to F1 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Oct 2009 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments200 mph supercars featured at the 2nd Annual Caruso ConcoursFiled under: Performance, Audi, Bugatti, Dodge, Ford, Jaguar, Lamborghini, Maserati, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Misc. Auto Shows, Ferrari 
2nd Annual Caruso Concours - Click above for our high-res image gallery courtesy Greg Grudt
The 2nd Annual Caruso Concours was held this past weekend at The Americana at Brand shopping center in Glendale, California. Put off a bit by threatening skies, we didn't make it out there ourselves, but luckily, Autoblog friend and shutterbug Greg Grudt was there to capture all of the excitement for us. This sophomore outing was once again put on by The Petersen Automotive Museum, and as was the case last year, a brace of incredible vehicles showed up to this fitting but unorthodox locale. Showgoers could peruse the cars for a bit and then pick up a Tiffany necklace on their way out.
This year's gathering focused on supercars - in particular, supercars capable of 200 mph. Not meant to be an exhaustive showing of double-century barrier breakers, it nonetheless attracted an impressive array of cars capable of close to, if not over, the magic mark. The fun part was just seeing them all together in one place. Judging by Grudt's images, it looks like the Americana also happens to be hosting a few of those Toyota solar sunflowers, which made for an interesting juxtaposition.
Supercars right off the showroom floor mingled with old-timers from as far back as the Eighties. For instance, the display included not just the Bugatti Veyron, but also its forebearer, the EB110. The list of cars in attendance read like a roster of World's Fastest Cars contenders. Ferrari was represented by an Enzo, F50, F40, 288GTO, 16M, and a SuperAmerica. The Lamborghini cluster was comprised of an LP670-SV, LP640-4, LP560-4 and even a Countach. There was also a Mercedes-McLaren SLR, CLK DTM, Ford GT, Dodge Viper, Cizeta V16t, Maserati MC12, Nissan GT-R, Audi R8, and even a Jaguar XJ220, which complemented the long flowing bodywork of the adjacent Maser quite nicely. They even dragged out the AREX Concept which was supposed to be good for 214 mph.
All-in, it appears to have been a great way to bring exotics to the people. Be sure to check out Greg's pics in the gallery, and check out a larger gallery by clicking here.
Photos copyright (C)2009 Greg Grudt/Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: socalspeedzone.com]200 mph supercars featured at the 2nd Annual Caruso Concours originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Oct 2009 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsOfficial Cash for Clunkers trade-in list reveals oddities too strange to believeFiled under: Performance, Government/Legal, Aston Martin, Bentley, BMW, Maserati, Rolls-Royce, Specialty, Luxury
Cash for Clunkers claimed some really interesting vehicles - Was a Buick GNX among them?
Mixed reaction has surrounded the government's Cash for Clunkers program, but after spending around $2.8 billion, some 700,000 new vehicles have found homes. But what got traded in? We've heard some horror stories, but now that the full list of executed vehicles has been released on the Cars.gov website and we've listed some of the oddities we found while snooping around. Many are down right hard to believe, suggesting either errors in the submission process, typos in the list or even some fudging by dealers who clunked a few vehicles that weren't eligible. After the jump is a list of "Clunkers" that stood out. We can't guarantee these all really went to the crusher, but they do appear on the list.
Follow the jump for a recap of the program's eligibility requirements for trade-in vehicles and our full list. And we'd suggest having a box of tissues nearby.
[Source: Cars.gov]Continue reading Official Cash for Clunkers trade-in list reveals oddities too strange to believe Official Cash for Clunkers trade-in list reveals oddities too strange to believe originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 Sep 2009 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments |
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