tagged w/ Maserati
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As the Maserati Trofeo motor-racing series comes to Brands Hatch this weekend, we take a look at this unique concept in fly-drive motor-racing
The Maserati Trofeo single-marque race series is back, with a newer, faster car and a whole new way to go racing. When the Trofeo series launched in 2003 it became the first “fly-drive” racing experience. The idea is that non-professionals can participate in a prestigious international race series, but without the necessity of owning the car or dealing with the mechanical and logistical support. Maserati supply the car, a 450hp Trofeo GranTurismo MC, deal with the technical support, transport the car to the race tracks, supply the mechanics and ensure that all the driver has to do is turn up and race.
Back for 2010, the concept has been refined to include a more comprehensive race weekend, not just for the drivers but also for their friends, family and guests. At each round there will be the Maserati Lounge, an oasis of peace and tranquillity amongst the noise and smells of the race paddock, where drivers, friends and sponsors can soak up the experience.
The race car, a Maserati Trofeo GranTurismo MC, is based on the GranTurismo S road car, but with a few significant modifications to adapt it for track use. Power output from the 4.7-litre V8 is up to 450hp thanks to some remapping of the ECU, a racing air filter and a race exhaust — more than enough power to guarantee some close and exciting racing.
The modifications applied to the standard road car by the designers at the Maserati Design Centre include improved aerodynamics (while maintaining the classic Pininfarina styling). There has been some dramatic weight saving by stripping out the normally luxurious interior and replacing certain items with carbon-fibre versions. Reliability, synonymous with Maserati ownership, should be maintained as the car keeps the original design for the engine, gearbox and transmission.
This unique concept in motor-racing is attracting a lot of attention, and a number of gentleman racers and pop stars have taken the opportunity to get behind the wheel of this gorgeous Italian thoroughbred and experience the thrill and excitement of high-octane motor racing, but without the complications involved in running your own race team.
The Maserati Trofeo series runs alongside the World Touring Car Championships, one of the most popular race series on the international race calendar. The first two rounds were at Monza and Zolder, and now the championship moves to Brands Hatch in the UK this weekend. Next on the calendar is Brno in the Czech Republic on July 31/Aug 1, Oschersleben in Germany on September 4/5, Valencia in Spain on September 18/19, and Mugello in Italy on October 9/10.As the Maserati Trofeo motor-racing series comes to Brands Hatch this weekend, we take... more
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Hosts Max Lugavere and Jason Silva present a look at the culture and people of China in a way usually seen only by locals and the most adventurous travelers.
In part 6 of the show, we examine the expensive habits of China's new millionaires: buying Ferraris and Maseratis.Hosts Max Lugavere and Jason Silva present a look at the culture and people of China... more
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2 years ago
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On August 24, 2009, Motortrend and Automobile Magazine conducted a one-of-a-kind race up Loveland Pass, pitting four high-cost, high performance vehicles – a Mercedes Benz E550, a Maserati Quattroporte, a BMW 550i, and a Jaguar XF Premium 5L V8 – against…a 6-cynlinder Lincoln MKS. The race itself is not a straight line story, but a climb up one of the highest passes in America, with the winner determined by the treacherous, winding road with thousand-foot drop-offs and torturous hairpin turns.
Watch each burst of acceleration and wheel-clenching turn to see which vehicle emerges as challenging course’s the top performer.
See more and join the discussion about the showdown at http://www.6versus8.comOn August 24, 2009, Motortrend and Automobile Magazine conducted a one-of-a-kind race... more
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6vs8
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2 years ago
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A Colorado car dealer got a shock when a man drove in with a trade in the cash-for- clunkers program, a 1985 Maserati BiTurbo.
The car is in almost pristine condition, KUSA-TV, Denver, reported. There are only 18,480 miles on the odometer.
While the Italian sports car stands out among the battered trucks and SUVs other people have brought to Go Subaru in Golden, it qualified under the program. The owner got a $3,500 rebate on a new Subaru Impreza.
Wes Guthrie said the owner complained the Maserati would need work after being driven for 10 minutes. He had been trying to sell it for months and finding no takersA Colorado car dealer got a shock when a man drove in with a trade in the cash-for-... more
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Andrea Pininfarina, head of a world-famous Italian car design group, has been killed in a road accident.
Mr Pininfarina was riding a scooter which was hit by a car on the outskirts of Turin early on Thursday. He was 51.
He was chief executive officer of the family firm Pininfarina, which has designed sports cars for Ferrari, Maserati, Volvo and Fiat.
He was the grandson of Battista Pininfarina, who founded the firm in Turin in 1930.
Andrea's father Sergio Pininfarina, 81, is the company's honorary chairman.
The family currently controls 55% of Pininfarina's shares, but under a restructuring plan it aims to cut its stake to about 30%.
The firm recorded a net loss of 114.9m euros (£91m; $178m) last year. Andrea Pininfarina, head of a world-famous Italian car design group, has been killed... more
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With new millionaires created in China every day, the nouveau riche need to look good on the crowded roads. Enter Ferraris and Maseratis.With new millionaires created in China every day, the nouveau riche need to look good... more
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