Strong representation of Maserati Benelux at Brussels Motor Show 2012

During the Brussels Motor Show, Maserati Benelux displays four very popular models of the leading Italian sport car manufacturer in ‘Paleis 12’ 
 

Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT S
Maserati GranTurismo MC Stradale
Maserati GranCabrio Sport
Maserati GranTurismo S Automatic

MASERATI: A WORLD WIDE SUCCESS 
Maserati comes to the Brussels Motor show 2012 just a few days after closing another very positive year. Compared to the previous year, worldwide sales were up 10% in 2011. 
Maserati Benelux performed well delivering 110 units to final customers in the past twelve months keeping sales aligned to previous years.

North America is and remains Maserati’s largest market worldwide with 2465 units delivered to final customers in the past twelve months for an increase of 21% over 2010.

The second largest market in the world for Maserati is now China which has doubled its sales volume in the last year. Following these markets are Italy, the UK, Germany, Japan, Australia, United Arab Emirates, Switzerland and Honk Kong.

90th European Motor Show Brussels
Serious prospects and invitees will have the opportunity to discuss all purchase possibilities with one the three Belgian Maserati Dealers; after being welcomed by the lovely hostesses, dressed in elegant Fendi clothes especially for this occasion.

Maserati and Fendi have established a worldwide partnership that combines both brands’ quality, craftsmanship and elegance.

In the special exhibition area for exclusive, luxury cars, Maserati Benelux showcases on the Maserati stand four models the in the Maserati range.

Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT S
The multi award-winning Quattroporte marches on as Maserati’s strong and consistent performer, both in its sales and in its on-road performance. 
The design of the Quattroporte Sport GT S has a sporty emphasis, yet does not compromise on the style and elegance that have always epitomized Maserati's flagship model.

The Quattroporte Sport GT S on show in Brussels is fitted with the most powerful engine in the Quattroporte range. Capable of 440 HP at 7,000 rpm and a maximum torque of 490 Nm at 4,750 rpm, it raises the car’s performance to unprecedented levels. These figures have been achieved not only by modifying the engine’s electronic control parameters, but also through in-depth development of the racing exhaust system, a real jewel of engineering installed on this version.
The system is controlled by air valves that open in SPORT mode to reduce back-pressure in the exhaust; this increases the maximum power available, and creates a throaty roar at low engine speeds and full symphonic sound of a genuine sports car at higher rpm.

Maserati GranTurismo MC Stradale
The Maserati GranTurismo MC Stradale is the fastest, lightest and most powerful car in the Maserati
model line-up. Inspired by the Trofeo GranTurismo MC and the race-winning GT4 motorsport programmes, the Maserati GranTurismo MC Stradale has more power, less weight, razor-sharp handling and a 301km/h top speed. Responding to Maserati customer demands for a GranTurismo capable of balancing their road-driving needs with their race-driving desires, it incorporates the handling and aerodynamic lessons from Maserati’s three current racing programs.

With 331kW (450 horsepower), it has more power (7kW, 10hp) from the 4.7-litre V8 engine than the
GranTurismo S, while its 510Nm of torque is a further 20Nm improvement. This helps to slash the 0-100km/h sprint time, which the Maserati GranTurismo MC Stradale covers in just 4.6 seconds, and stretches the top speed to 301km/h.

The GranTurismo MC Stradale reflects its more-specific focus by using three driving modes: Auto, Sport and the new Race mode. The throttle pedal is more responsive in all modes and the Race mode introduces a higher level of driving intensity to the GranTurismo range.

The Race mode, at the push of a button, maximizes its performance in all of its adjustable parameters to become the fastest way to drive the GranTurismo MC Stradale.

Maserati GranCabrio Sport
Maserati has taken the GranCabrio convertible to a new level of performance with the GranCabrio Sport. With more power, a faster gearshift and a distinctively aggressive look, the GranCabrio Sport has given Maserati a harder-edged convertible to sit alongside the GranTurismo S and the Quattroporte Sport GT S as the performance flagships of their respective ranges.

Publically unveiled at last year’s Geneva Motor Show, the GranCabrio Sport combines an upgraded 4.7-litre V8 engine with a 10 horsepower increase to 450 hp and improved fuel economy with the faster MC Auto Shift transmission.

With a 285km-h top speed and a 0-100km/h sprint of just 5.2 seconds, the GranCabrio Sport is brimming with performance and luxury refinements both inside the cabin and underneath its award-winning body panels. Its six-speed transmission includes a super-fast MC Auto Shift mode and has been developed for the GranCabrio Sport directly from the transmission in the Quattroporte Sport GT S.
The handling has been enhanced for greater speed, too, with an upgrade and revision of the Skyhook active-suspension system and the adoption of a more-responsive brake package.

Visually, the GranCabrio Sport is characterized by a more-pronounced dynamic look. This look begins with the GranCabrio’s distinctive nose and continues with a host of small, perfectly integrated changes throughout the body and the interior.

Maserati GranTurismo S Automatic
The Maserati Granturismo S Automatic is driven by an eight cylinder, 4691 cc V90° engine that develops 440 bhp at 7000 rpm and produces a maximum torque of 490 Nm at 4750 rpm. The timing is actioned by two overhead camshafts per bank and four valves per cylinder controlled by hydraulic tappets. The overhead camshafts on the aspirated side are controlled by a low pressure, continual phase variator with actuation times of less than 0.15 seconds.

The increased power and torque is due to the higher capacity and the exhaust valves controlled by the driver. When on the move and at over 3000 rpm, pressing the ‘Sport’ button opens the valves to allow the exhaust gases to escape more quickly; the lower back-pressure means the engine reaches a peak power output of 440 bhp.

‘Het Salon’ Gala-evening
Brussels Motor Show officially started with the traditional, exclusive Gala-evening for which some 15.000 VIP’s, artists, customers, business relations and government representatives, with partner, were invited. Entrance to the Maserati-stand was only permitted for special VIP-guests of Maserati

Benelux who took a look at the latest models & versions of Maserati and enjoyed the luxurious experience of the Maserati ambiance. Yves Mattagne was responsible for the catering & drinks during this event, that focused on an automotive lifestyle experience.

Yves Mattagne
In ‘Paleis 12’ the famous Belgian cook is treating the guests of the premium Brands, and thus the guests of Maserati Benelux, in his Salon Lounge. In 1971 Mattagne discovered the catering business in hotel-pension "Les Pinquins" at the Belgian coast. After serving in the army Mattagne started his career in the Brussels Hilton-hotel, where he became chief of the gastronomic restaurant of the hotel in Gatwick. After that he worked in the L'orangerie of Michel Beyls in Belgium. After that he worked for eight month’s in the restaurant of Jacques Le Divellec in Paris.
After his French period het started as chief in Sea Grill that was opened in January 1990. In 1991 he obtained his first Michelinstar, in 1997 his second. In July 2010 Mattagne took over the restaurant of the SAS-hotel. The restaurant has been famous for the fish and shellfish. Very well appreciated is the course Homard à la presse.

After having admired the beautiful landscape of Brabant-Walloon during several years, l'Atelier Yves Mattagne decided to widen its horizon and to seduce a new public in our Belgian capital.
In the heart of Brussels, the historic site of Tour and Taxis, he established the Atelier Yves Mattagne. A magnificent space of 400 m ², fitted out in a flexible and multifunctional ... way, was reserved for us in the Royal Warehouse and has a capacity of 250 persons. L'Atelier Yves Mattagne suggests cook classes for amateurs and professionals, the personalized organization of incentives and a top of the range caterer to enjoy on the spot or at home! Yves Mattagne put all his passion in the diverse facets of the universe of the contemporary cooking and wishes to make discover to all that cooking is dreaming…

For any further information:

Laurent De Backer Piet de Jong
Marketing & PR Manager Benelux Maserati Regional PR Support Benelux
Tel.: +32 (0)2 389 45 92 Tel: +31 (0) 78 655 0210
Fax. +32 (0)2 389 45 91 Mob: +31 (0) 622743600
E-mail Laurent.debacker@maserati.com E-mail: pietdejong@pressrelease.eu