 Luxury Cars: For whatever reason, it seems that the Maserati brand is not tossed around as much as the other prominent supercar makers of Italy. Being the only racing car made in Italy to have won the Indy 500 twice only highlights that it has the muscle and the mettle to compete. Anyone who has seen the new GranTourismo or a Quattroporte need not be concerned about any Maserati lacking in luxury appointments -- inside and out. The company even jointly developed the 12-valve engine with Ferrari for its MC12, a mid-engine, two-seater that goes over 200 mph with an accompanying price tag over $1 million. So, it is not a matter of qualifying or fitting in. It appears that the "other" Italian supercar maker simply prefers to let its cars -- and owners -- do the talking.
The Firm
The Fiat Group owns both Maserati and Alfa Romeo. It is the plan of the firm to further develop both brands and expand its luxury automobile line in the U.S. and internationally. Maserati began as family affair ran by a group of brothers in Bologna, Italy, in 1914. The brothers entered the business developing racecars for others before building their own. By 1937 the Maserati brothers sold the company to Adolpho Orisi. Citroen bought the company from Orisi in 1968. During the late 1990s, Ferrari owned Maserati and used it as its luxury car division. Although Maserati and Ferrari are owned by Fiat, they are once again separate and independent automakers. Although the companies work together and shared resources and technology, it only revitalizes the competitive nature that exists among dueling organizations.
Mark of the Trident
Being the owner of a Maserati does have benefit outside the cockpit of these amazing vehicles. Maserati invites owners to gather both festively and competitively in its exclusive owners-only club. The company produces a lifestyle magazine that focuses on travel, dining, wining, style, and other topics of relevance to the Maserati crowd.
There also is the Maserati Club that offers members the opportunity to participate in special events, retrieve info from Maserati's historical archive of printed materials. Members also may from special offers and take part in events of supporter clubs.
On Track
The Varano raceway in Parma, Italy, is where Maserati sponsors two driving courses for both owners and aspirant owners of its vehicles. The courses are taught by certified pros under the supervision of an F1 driver/teacher. The groups are intimate with each participant receiving plenty of personal and track time driving such beauties as a GranTurismo, a Quattroporte Sport GTS, a Maserati GranSport, or a Trofeo. There is a two-day Master GT course and a one-day Master Racing course available throughout the year.
On Display
Before deciding which one is best. It is imperative to view the GrandTourismo, the Quattroporte, and the MC12 in a showroom. A picture may be worth 1,000 words, but a personal viewing of this trilogy of superlative automotive masterpieces is likely to render prospective buyers speechless.
For LxM James Rothaar
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