More car games bon, less wood on offer in Maserati's luxury four-door flagship
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Maserati has unveiled a new sports equipment package for the flagship variant of the Quattroporte at the Australian International Motor Show in Sydney. The Quattroporte Sport GTS MC Sportline dispenses with the woodgrain veneer trim in favour of carbonfibre intended to recall the MC-12, Maserati's contender in the FIA GT Championship.
"The Quattroporte Sport GTS has already been labeled Maserati's iron fist in a velvet glove, thanks to its svelte body wrapping around a high performance drivetrain, a racetrack bred chassis and a soundtrack from the engine that turns heads even quicker than its innate style," Glen Sealey, Maserati's General Manager was quoted as saying in a press release accompanying the debut of the new option pack.
"Carbon Fibre is used extensively in the MC-12 and its use in the Quattroporte MC Sportline transforms the ambience of the Sport GTS."
Carbonfibre trim features extensively throughout the interior when the new MC Sportline pack is specified. The compound material is liberally applied to the dash, centre consoles, doors, door sills, gear shifter, switchgear templates, instrument binnacle and gear-shift paddles. Shift paddles are double the size of the standard GTS's paddles and, finished in carbonfibre as they are, provide a different tactile sensation during use. An exclusive logo appears in the door sill plates and on the aluminium brake pedal.
With the MC Sportline pack the Quattroporte Sport GTS is propelled by the same upgraded engine and sports-oriented automatic transmission fitted to the standard GTS, delivering a top speed of 285km/h and an acceleration time of 5.1 seconds to 100km/h from a standing start. Peak power of 323kW arrives at 7000rpm at full noise, thanks to the valve in the exhaust system to reduce back pressure. Displacing 4.7 litres, the V8 also develops 490Nm of torque.
The automatic transmission, dubbed MC-Auto Shift by Maserati, can operate in four modes, Manual, Manual Sport, Auto and Auto Sport. An electronic shift indicator keeps the driver advised of optimum moments to shift up manually. Auto Sport mode incorporates a launch control facility, which will reduce the acceleration time to 5.1 seconds from 5.3. Both Auto Sport and Manual Sport 'double declutch' on downshifts.
The MC Sportline variant retains all the standard Quattroporte Sport GTS features, including: sports (track-style) suspension with single-rate dampers/stiffer springs/lowered ride height; Brembo performance brake package with six-piston calipers; revised frontal styling comprising deeper grille/revised bumper/new fog lights; revised external mirrors for improved aerodynamics; two different designs of 20-inch alloy wheels
Local delivery of the Maserati Quattroporte Sport GTS MC Sportline will commence from November, with the manufacturer's list price set at $298,800.
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Thứ Hai, 2 tháng 4, 2012
AIMS: Honda unwraps CR-Z hybrid sporty
Honda's sporty CR-Z features several notable upgrades on the Insight... including rear disc brakes and a six-speed manual
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Alongside its upcoming second gen Insight hybrid, due for release in December, Honda used the Sydney show to introduce local media and showgoers to its smart little CR-Z (pictured here with a Modulo body kit), the coupe with which it intends to prove that hybrids don't have to be dull.
Honda says the CR-Z interior and silhouette were conceived to pay homage to the CR-X, the affordable sporty from the 1980s. The front end, meanwhile, recalls the less affordable but much sportier S2000 of more recent years.
Beyond confirming the coupe's release here mid next year, Honda Australia CEO Satoshi Matsuzawa and his colleagues were coy on local pricing and exact specifications, although they are keen to stress affordability alongside its sporting credentials. PR Manager for the importer Mark Higgins subsequently informed the Carsales Network that the CR-Z remained on track for a starting price in the vicinity of $35,000 when it arrives in local showrooms around July of next year -- significantly ahead of the original date planned for the car's introduction here.
For the CR-Z's IMA hybrid package, the company has bumped up the four- cylinder i-VTEC engine's capacity from 1.3 to 1.5 litres. Married to a power-assist electric motor, it produces a total 91kW and a torque peak of 174Nm -- up from 73kW and 167Nm in the 1.3-litre Insight.
Both cars make peak torque available at remarkably low revs -- the CR-Z at just 1500 rpm, the Insight at 1000. They achieve that with a kick along from the electric motor at low and medium revs. In the case of the CR-Z, the aim was to allow the CR-Z to emulate the torque delivery pattern of turbocharged engines. Honda calibrated the exhaust to provide an appropriately sporting note.
Important to the CR-Z's selling proposition is its six-speed manual gearbox, which allows the driver to make optimum use of the powertrain's flexibility. For those who want the sports car without so much of the sports, it will also be available with CVT.
Alongside the rear disc brake upgrade from the Insight's drums (yes, you read it right -- drum brakes...) are several features announcing the CR-Z's intent. There's an extension to the Insight's dual-mode drive system (Normal, Econ) to include a Sport setting. It remaps the powertrain management system to reflect the priorities of each setting, shifting the response patterns of the throttle, steering, climate control and boost levels from the electric motor.
Like the Insight, it uses changes to the dash lighting hue to keep drivers informed of how economically -- or otherwise -- they're driving at any given moment.
The CR-Z also marks the debut of the fast-becoming-ubiquitous daytime whisker lights.
For our full coverage of the Australian International Motor Show in Sydney visit our minisite at carsales.com.au/aims
Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at carsales' mobile site...
discount new cars » Get the best price on a new Honda
Alongside its upcoming second gen Insight hybrid, due for release in December, Honda used the Sydney show to introduce local media and showgoers to its smart little CR-Z (pictured here with a Modulo body kit), the coupe with which it intends to prove that hybrids don't have to be dull.
Honda says the CR-Z interior and silhouette were conceived to pay homage to the CR-X, the affordable sporty from the 1980s. The front end, meanwhile, recalls the less affordable but much sportier S2000 of more recent years.
Beyond confirming the coupe's release here mid next year, Honda Australia CEO Satoshi Matsuzawa and his colleagues were coy on local pricing and exact specifications, although they are keen to stress affordability alongside its sporting credentials. PR Manager for the importer Mark Higgins subsequently informed the Carsales Network that the CR-Z remained on track for a starting price in the vicinity of $35,000 when it arrives in local showrooms around July of next year -- significantly ahead of the original date planned for the car's introduction here.
For the CR-Z's IMA hybrid package, the company has bumped up the four- cylinder i-VTEC engine's capacity from 1.3 to 1.5 litres. Married to a power-assist electric motor, it produces a total 91kW and a torque peak of 174Nm -- up from 73kW and 167Nm in the 1.3-litre Insight.
Both cars make peak torque available at remarkably low revs -- the CR-Z at just 1500 rpm, the Insight at 1000. They achieve that with a kick along from the electric motor at low and medium revs. In the case of the CR-Z, the aim was to allow the CR-Z to emulate the torque delivery pattern of turbocharged engines. Honda calibrated the exhaust to provide an appropriately sporting note.
Important to the CR-Z's selling proposition is its six-speed manual gearbox, which allows the driver to make optimum use of the powertrain's flexibility. For those who want the sports car without so much of the sports, it will also be available with CVT.
Alongside the rear disc brake upgrade from the Insight's drums (yes, you read it right -- drum brakes...) are several features announcing the CR-Z's intent. There's an extension to the Insight's dual-mode drive system (Normal, Econ) to include a Sport setting. It remaps the powertrain management system to reflect the priorities of each setting, shifting the response patterns of the throttle, steering, climate control and boost levels from the electric motor.
Like the Insight, it uses changes to the dash lighting hue to keep drivers informed of how economically -- or otherwise -- they're driving at any given moment.
The CR-Z also marks the debut of the fast-becoming-ubiquitous daytime whisker lights.
For our full coverage of the Australian International Motor Show in Sydney visit our minisite at carsales.com.au/aims
Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at carsales' mobile site...
Ruf unveils modern-day version of 1967 Porsche 911 Targa
German customising house draws inspiration from the past for its latest open-topped creation
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Porsche recently unveiled its take on the retro-inspired roadster theme -- namely the Speedster revealed at the recent Paris motor show, but of course, there will always be the aftermarket mobs who think they can do it better.
Witness the simply titled Ruf Roadster, conceived by the German tuning house to rekindle memories of the classic 1967 Porsche 911 Targa, which was equipped with an integrated roll-bar to provide the safety of a coupe with the alfresco qualities of a convertible.
Adhering to this basic formula, the Ruf Roadster features a special roof -- comprising two removable carbonfibre pieces -- and a folding rear window. The flexible rear window is made from a three-layer polyglass for lightness.
Ruf says the Roadster’s real USP is that it can be configured in a variety of ways, depending on how much exposure to the elements you want. You can cruise with the car completely enclosed, completely open, with a closed roof and open rear window, or open roof and closed rear window.
We have to admit the brushed alloy finish on the roll bar and the overall profile of the Roadster does draw parallels with the 1967 Targa, but it's still no thing of beauty. We'd rather just have a Carrera GTS cabrio, but there will doubtless be those who are won over by the Ruf Roadster's uniqueness and flexibility.
Ruf offers the car with a choice of atmo or turbo power. When equipped with the 294kW naturally aspirated engine and PDK gearbox it knocks off the 0-100km/h dash in 4.6sec and can reach a v-max of 295km/h. But if this seems a bit weedy, you can opt for the 412kW Turbo version.
Pricing (ex-Germany) starts at 195,000 euros ($275,000 in our money) for the entry-level naturally aspirated model, and Ruf plans to start sales from 2011 onwards.
Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at carsales' mobile site...
discount new cars » Get the best price on a new Porsche
Porsche recently unveiled its take on the retro-inspired roadster theme -- namely the Speedster revealed at the recent Paris motor show, but of course, there will always be the aftermarket mobs who think they can do it better.
Witness the simply titled Ruf Roadster, conceived by the German tuning house to rekindle memories of the classic 1967 Porsche 911 Targa, which was equipped with an integrated roll-bar to provide the safety of a coupe with the alfresco qualities of a convertible.
Adhering to this basic formula, the Ruf Roadster features a special roof -- comprising two removable carbonfibre pieces -- and a folding rear window. The flexible rear window is made from a three-layer polyglass for lightness.
Ruf says the Roadster’s real USP is that it can be configured in a variety of ways, depending on how much exposure to the elements you want. You can cruise with the car completely enclosed, completely open, with a closed roof and open rear window, or open roof and closed rear window.
We have to admit the brushed alloy finish on the roll bar and the overall profile of the Roadster does draw parallels with the 1967 Targa, but it's still no thing of beauty. We'd rather just have a Carrera GTS cabrio, but there will doubtless be those who are won over by the Ruf Roadster's uniqueness and flexibility.
Ruf offers the car with a choice of atmo or turbo power. When equipped with the 294kW naturally aspirated engine and PDK gearbox it knocks off the 0-100km/h dash in 4.6sec and can reach a v-max of 295km/h. But if this seems a bit weedy, you can opt for the 412kW Turbo version.
Pricing (ex-Germany) starts at 195,000 euros ($275,000 in our money) for the entry-level naturally aspirated model, and Ruf plans to start sales from 2011 onwards.
Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at carsales' mobile site...
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