On the occasion of the release of the new Maserati MC20. Roadness looks back at the history of this tumultuous but immensely rich Italian brand. It’s Italy in all its splendor.
The story of Maserari is worthy of the most beautiful Italian stories. Founded by Four Brothers in 1914 in Bologna, the company then knew five different owners according to the crises that rocked its existence. Fortunately, the storm ends with Passer and the Italian brand arouses unamenous admiration. Here is the model that marks each decade and draws the incredible story of Maserati.
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1926, MASERATI TYPO26
The beginnings: Alfieri Maserati designed a sports car for the Turinese manufacturer Diatto, but the latter went bankrupt and Alfieri made the car himself in 1926. The 8-cylinder 1.5 l. with compressor developed 115 horses. About twenty copies were sold to rich customers. It was the first car to bear the name of Maserati.
1938, MASERATI 8CTF
The good reputation of Bologna racing cars is spreading around the world, which is why the best riders use them in the most prestigious races. The 8CTF “Boyle Special” is particularly noteworthy. With two wins and two third places at the Indianapolis 500s between 1939 and 1953, this is one of the most successful cars in the famous American race.
1947, MASERARI A6
As the war had suspended all sports competition, the Maserati brothers had to assemble road cars. the fruit of this diversification was presented at the Geneva Salon in 1947 in an elegant Pininfarina body. Transmission and engine 6 cylinders of 1.5 liter designed in internet for an optimal stability.
1957, 3500 GT
To finance its increasingly expensive activities in competition, Maserati has to sell more road cars. The 3500 GT will be a great success, with over one thousand copies produced. Today, to buy a rare version of the Spider made by coachbuilder Vignale, you have to fill a check with seven zeros.
1967, GHILBI
“And the wind cries …!” could have sung Jimi Hendrix in 1966. With this model, Maserati began to give his cars the names of winds from the Mediterranean and North Africa. In retrospect, one of the most beautiful GT jamis designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro
1973, KHAMSIN
Even after the acquisition of a majority share of Maserati by Citroen, the Italian brand has continued to produce spectacular cars. Designed by Marcello Gandini, the father of the Countach, the Khamsin competed with Ferrari and Lamborghini. This wedge-style car was powered by a 4.9L V8. which allowed him to drive more than 270 km / h.
1981, MASERATI BITURBO
After Alejandro de Tomaso took over the control of the manufacturer, Maserati has revisited its range with vehicles intended for a wider audience. Despite quality problems, the Biturbo was the first Maserati sold more than 10,000 copies, saving the mark of a certain death.
1998, 3200 GT
New departure: When the Maserati 3200 GT appeared in 1998, it was a huge success thanks to its design by Giorgetto Giugiaro. This compact GT shot played balancing between retro and modern design with its famous boomerang rear lights
2003, QUATTROPORTE V
For the fifth generation of the Quattroporte, the studio Pininfarina has merged elements reminiscent of the most beautiful sports sedans. The flanks evoke the Iso Fidia and the grille the first Quattroporte of 1963. Under the hood, the 400 horses of the Ferrari V8 blend perfectly into their environment.
2016, MASERATI LEVANTE / 2018, TROFEO
It was at the Geneva Motor Show that Maserati created a surprise with the Levante, its first four-wheel drive vehicle. Close to the Kubang concept car, this mid-size SUV is a response to the powerful German competitors. Then in 2018 the brand offers a new Trofeo version of 590 hp with a Ferrari heart that makes it one of the best performing SUVs on the market. These models are probably the most important by the brand in the years to come.
2020, Maserati MC20
This new supercar with rear mid-engine was introduced last week. The basic ingredients to make it a formidable modern racing car are there: its carbon fiber monocoque structure weighs only 100 kg, with a sleek two-seater cabin and a pair of screens that allow you to navigate a whole new infotainment system. MIA (for Maserati Intelligent Assistant) has been designed on an Android base and will be compatible with the Alexa voice assistant. It will also dialogue with a new telematics application for smart phones.
The MC20 will first be introduced to the market with a brand new engine developed entirely by Maserati. It’s a relatively compact 3.0-litre V6 with a dry sump, air-fed by two turbochargers and bolted to a twin-clutch (eight-speed) transmission.
Power output is 621 hp and 538 lb-ft of torque, which is particularly impressive for the displacement. Together with a weight of less than 1,500 kg, this boiling powerplant delivers 0-100 km/h in under 2.9 seconds. That said, the most impressive part is yet to come. Maserati is working on an all-electric version of the MC20. The official information communicated is almost nonexistent. That said, the MC20’s chief engineer, Luigi Sciarretta, has told some media that the brand is aiming for an electric range of about 380 km. An all-wheel drive system will allow even greater acceleration than the petrol version.