Beijing resident Lily Liu has always liked driving fast, and she doesn’t mind spending to indulge that passion.
Liu, 44, bought a gray Porsche AG 911 Carrera S two years ago for 1.2 million yuan ($182,000) and is shopping for an Aston Martin, the sports car made famous by James Bond movies. The construction company president said she is “quite proud” of being the center of attention when she motors around the city.
“Fast cars have always been a man’s world,” Liu said. “Women buying such cars are just seeking an equal standing with our male counterparts.”
A third of China’s millionaires are women, and they buy a disproportionately large share of high-performance sports cars in the world’s fastest-growing major economy. Fiat SpA said the percentage of women buying its Maseratis in China is triple that of Europe, while the percentage buying its Ferraris is double the global average.
Sales of ultra-luxury vehicles in the world’s largest auto market likely increased 60 percent last year, according to consultants Bain & Co. Deliveries may increase 35 percent this year, driven by consumers wanting to prove their success or succumbing to peer pressure, said Ray Tsang, a Shanghai-based partner at Bain.
Richest Women
The number of Chinese millionaires grew 6.1 percent last year to 875,000, according to the Shanghai-based Hurun Research Institute, as the economy expanded by 9.6 percent in the third quarter.
The nation has 11 of the world’s 20 richest self-made women. Cheung Yan, founder and chairwoman of Nine Dragons Paper Holdings Ltd., is No. 1 with an estimated fortune of $5.6 billion, Hurun said.
Sarah Yao, 36, is shopping for another luxury car to add to her collection of nine, including two Maseratis and a Fiat 500. She said she once flew to Italy to learn how to drive a Maserati.
“Nowadays, women do a lot of men’s jobs,” said Yao, co- owner of the Castle Hotel in the coastal city of Qingdao. “We work very hard and need something to reward ourselves.”
Sales of ultra-luxury cars increased to more than 1,500 last year from 948 in 2009, according to Bain estimates. In the U.S., sales of cars priced above $100,000 rose by about 35 percent last year to 8,500 from 6,300 in 2009, according to IHS Automotive in Lexington, Massachusetts.
‘Empowered Women’
Mainland sales for Maserati, whose parent is based in Turin, Italy, increased 50 percent last year to 400, putting China on course to surpass Italy this year as its second-largest market, said Christian Gobber, China managing director.
Women buyers generate 30 percent of Maserati’s China sales, compared with less than 10 percent in Europe, Shanghai-based Gobber said. The GranCabrio convertible with 433 horsepower costs $406,656 and the GranTurismo S coupe $391,527, the company said.
The marque is catering to women by adding colors such as red and Bordeaux.
“This is a society that has traditionally empowered women” in business, Gobber said. “It’s easy to see women in very powerful positions and running important businesses.”
Ferrari Boost
Yao bought herself a Spyder for her 31st birthday and added a GranTurismo in 2008.
“It’s a big, big toy,” Yao said. “They are beautiful and very fast.”
Ferrari’s China sales rose almost 50 percent to about 300 last year, the company said. Women account for about 20 percent of mainland sales, more than twice the company’s global average.
The Maranello, Italy-based carmaker will increase its mainland dealerships to 15 this year from 11, focusing on cities outside Shanghai and Beijing, said Edwin Fenech, president of Ferrari’s Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa division.
The company expects a “huge increase” in sales as wealthy Chinese dispense with chauffeurs and start driving themselves, he said.
Lamborghini Triples
“China is a market where people who have money do not drive,” Fenech said. “You have to wait for the people to come from the back seats to the front seats.”
Parent company Fiat is up about 16 percent in Milan trading this year after rising 51 percent in 2010.
Sales by Volkswagen AG’s Automobili Lamborghini SpA division tripled in China last year to 247 from a year earlier, according to the company. Inquiries by women at a Hangzhou dealership increased 50 percent in 2010, and the southeast China showroom had its first female buyer, said Zhang Jie, a saleswoman.
Volkswagen, based in Wolfsburg, Germany, may start selling Bugatti sports cars on the mainland this year, said Soh Weiming, its China executive president. The preferred shares in the company, which also owns Bentley, are up about 5 percent this year in Frankfurt and have doubled in 12 months.
“We think that China is going to become the biggest luxury market in the world,” Beijing-based Soh said.
Ultra-Luxury Tariffs
Buyers of ultra-luxury cars pay more than double the U.S. sticker price because of additional duties. Those include a customs tariff of 25 percent and a tax on engine size that can reach 40 percent for a Maserati GranTurismo.
A GranTurismo coupe starts at about $332,678 in China, compared with $139,700 in the U.S., according to Fiat and the Kelley Blue Book website, respectively. A Ferrari California sports tourer costs $527,924 in China and about $200,000 in the U.S.
To develop its nascent automobile industry, China mandated in 1994 that foreign companies form joint ventures with Chinese partners for local assembly. Foreign automakers may include all the deliveries in their financial reports yet only half the profits.
Since ultra-luxury brands are typically assembled overseas and imported, automakers keep all the profits.
Trading profit at Maserati and Ferrari will reach 290 million euros ($380 million) in 2010, generating 27 percent of Fiat’s automotive earnings, Citigroup Inc.’s London-based analyst John Lawson wrote in a Jan. 3 report. That may rise to 30 percent this year, Lawson said.
“I like the feeling of driving fast,” said Liu, who is shopping for an Aston Martin. “Driving a sports car is still something people envy very much.”
Source: Bloomberg
Showing posts with label Maserati. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Maserati. Show all posts
Monday, January 24, 2011
Rich Chinese Women Open Throttle on `Man's World' With $400,000 Maseratis.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Quattroporte Sport GT S: Maserati's most powerful seden ever!
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The design of the new Quattroporte Sport GT S has a sporty emphasis, yet does not compromise on the style and elegance that have always epitomised Maserati's flagship model.
Quattroporte Sport GT S
The designers at Pininfarina have succeeded in their aim of giving the car a sportier edge whilst preserving the integrity of the original design. The new grille is the most obvious exterior change. It is now wider and has vertical slats that echo the GranTurismo, whilst its black finish maintains the original styling cues.
The deeper set grille is fitted to the front bumper, and is framed by the new fog lights and air intakes that have been enlarged to cope with the more powerful engine. The combination of the redesigned bumper and the new grille bestow the front end of the car with an immediate visual impact.
The front light cluster has also been redesigned and features a titanium finish. This underlines the more aggressive Quattroporte Sport GT S, a feeling reinforced by its xenon headlights and LED indicators.
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Turning to the bodywork, the sweeping wing mirrors are more aerodynamic. The shape of the body below the doors lends the new model a more purposeful look. In profile, you can appreciate the car’s lowered stance: 10 mm at the front and 25 mm at the rear.
These few millimetres make all the difference. The car appears poised as if on the starting blocks, ready for action with its racier set-up perfectly complementing the new 440 bhp power unit. The car exudes speed even when it is stationary.
The Quattroporte Sport GT S comes with two new types of 20" wheel rim: Multi Trident rims in light aluminium alloy as an option and seven-spoke light alloy rims that have undergone the 'Dark Chrome' treatment.
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Interior: The most sporty model in the Quattroporte range also clearly proclaims its character through the style of its interior, using specific materials.
Quattroporte Sport GT S
The seats, which are state of the art in terms of ergonomics and comfort, have a stylised M for Maserati on the backs. The central sections of the seats are upholstered in perforated Alcantara, for optimal breathability and a firm support during hard cornering; Alcantara is also used on the side panels, the front armrest, the steering-wheel and the gear lever knob.
The interior finishes on this version are a celebration of technology and workmanship. The material used is the groundbreaking TitanTex, an ultra-lightweight aluminium-coated titanium fibre fabric, made even more special by a specific processing, which gives the interior a high-tech, high-performance look, as well as a shinier, more three-dimensional overall appearance.
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The steering paddles, integral with the steering column, have a decorative chromed finish that gives their edges definition: they are also longer in shape, to ensure a good grip even when the steering wheel is on a tight lock. The interior finishes are completed by the exclusive addition of the name of the model in relief on the dashboard.
Aluminium pedals are available as an optional: specially designed for racing-style driving, they provide outstanding grip when the brake and accelerator are depressed and released in quick succession.
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Gearbox: The new Quattroporte Sport GT S is equipped with the MC-Auto Shift software package for racing-style control of gear changes.
In "MANUAL MODE" the driver controls gear shifts directly, and changes are permitted up to the redline on the rpm counter. For the most enjoyable, highest-performance driving experience, an electronic gear shift indicator in the middle of the dashboard tells the driver when it is the ideal timing of the gear change; this system, which enhances the pleasure and satisfaction of the driving experience when truly putting the car through its paces, is complemented by “Trofeo” style extra-long paddles behind the steering-wheel, ergonomically shaped for easier gear changes on the most demanding roads.
In AUTO SPORT mode, the gear shift control software activates the MC Start Strategy function. This function allows controlled starts enabling the car to accelerate from 0 to 100 Km/h in just 5.1 seconds, instead of 5.3 seconds.
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MANUAL SPORT and AUTO SPORT modes both also provide electronic heel and toeing during down-shifts; this, combined with the Quattroporte Sport GT S’s other characteristics, make this saloon car capable of unprecedented sporty performance.
Suspension: The Quattroporte Sport GT S is fitted with the single-setting racing-style suspension system: developed to further enhance the car's handling, it makes its steering extremely sensitive and responsive.
The additional stiffening of the suspension by 30% at the front and 10% at the rear, together with a reduction in ground clearance of 10 mm on the front and 25 mm on the rear axle respectively, provides a substantial reduction in load transfers and more effective traction control during direction changes.
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Steering: The electronic power steering is direct and precise at speed so the driver knows what the car is doing. At the same time, it is light and easy to use at lower speeds and when manoeuvring.
Weight distribution: The Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT S’s weight distribution is unique in its category with a slight bias towards the rear end (49% front and 51% rear). This split transforms the luxury saloon into a car where performance is favoured and that rewards the driver with its superb handling. This set up was achieved by shifting the engine behind the front axle to maximise traction and acceleration while also making the car stable and perfectly balanced.
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Brakes: The new Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT S comes with a high performance braking system developed by Brembo. The 360 mm brake discs benefit from dual-cast technology: cast iron for the braking surface and an aluminium hub. This set up takes advantage of the consistent performance of cast iron at high temperatures and from the lightweight aluminium.
The six-piston callipers, of different diameters, are in a single aluminium block. These keep their shape better than two piece calliper sets and offer unbeatable stopping power.
The system is completed by the ABS, that stops the wheels locking under braking, and EBD, that distributes the braking force between the front and the rear axles; both systems are integrated into the Maserati Stability Programme (MSP). This solution offers excellent performance both in terms of stopping distance and resistance to brake fade, even under intense use. The Quattroporte Sport GT S’s brakes are always prompt in responding and live up to the standards you would expect from a Maserati saloon.
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Lights: The new Quattroporte Sport GT S uses front and rear lights that have been developed to offer only the best in each individual function. The use of LEDs makes a big impact on the car and is one of the elements that link this model to the Maserati GranTurismo.
The most important lighting functions have been improved. The front xenon cluster now boasts the Adaptive Light Control system. This produces a brighter and clearer beam compared to conventional bulbs. The lights also automatically track the movements of the steering wheel so that the beam points to the inside of a curve (up to a maximum of 15º). For safety reasons, when the car is travelling above 120 km/h, the system returns to a traditional fixed position.
The Daytime Running Light function is a useful addition and is made up of ten LEDs set along the bottom edge of the headlight. The indicators catch the eye and the front headlights are memorable for their side-marks that merge flawlessly with the outside edge of the car, with the wiper forming part of the cluster. The fog lights employ an altogether different set up and are located in the bumper to ensure a wider beam.
This system is also used in the rear with 34 LEDs making up each light. This technology was employed because LEDs illuminate more quickly and produce a more intense beam than normal bulbs. They last longer, consume less energy and their performance does not dip over time.
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The Quattroporte Sport GT S 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.
Source: Maserati
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
2009 Maserati Gran Turismo S Automatic
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Modena, March 3rd, 2009 - True to Maserati's commitment to introduce a new model at each international car show, the GranTurismo S Automatic premières at the Geneva Auto Show. The new Maserati GranTurismo S Automatic features a 4.7 V8 engine which develops 440 HP (323kW) at 7000 rpm. The maximum torque is 490Nm at 4.750 rpm.
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The principal content is the combination of the automatic transmission with the most powerful wet sump Maserati V8 on the GranTurismo - until now offered as 4.2 l with automatic transmission and 4.7 l with an electro-actuated gearbox. Thanks to the combination of the 440 HP (323kW) produced by the powerful 4.7 l V8 engine and the smoothness of the ZF 6-speed automatic gearbox, the Maserati GranTurismo S Automatic stresses the original granturismo concept while at the same time offering peak performance.
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The Skyhook suspension system featuring continuously adjustable dampers provides great driving comfort. Passive safety is further enhanced thanks to the introduction on the GranTurismo range of a new generation of passenger air-bag with Low Risk Deployment functionality.
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Consistently with the unmistakable design of all Maseratis, the Maserati GranTurismo S Automatic features some discreet yet marked stylistic changes which make it immediately recognizable: the new under-door mini-skirts featuring a prominent shape, which enhances the dynamism of its profile and the new 20" wheel rims (standard) with the brand new "Trident" design featuring spokes that distinctly reflect the Trident shape to create a mix of strength and elegance.
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A further enriched equipment increases the on board pleasure for the driver and the passengers, thanks to the Bluetooth® Technology, offered as standard, and the Ipod® interface, available upon request, which complete the Maserati Multi Media System.
The new Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT S making its European première at the Geneva Auto Show sets yet another milestone in terms of sportiness in the high performance luxury sport sedan segment. Conceived and developed as a real driving machine in the guise of a luxury sedan, the Quattroporte Sport GT S is the ultimate expression of Maserati's sportiness in the Quattroporte range.
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- the mapping of the V8 4.7 l engine, with power increased to 440 HP (323kW);
- the gearshift management software, with new features designed to increase driving enjoyment;
- the front and rear suspension system featuring single-rate dampers, stiffer springs and lower ride height;
- the sport exhaust controlled by pneumatic valves for a deep, throaty and captivating sound.
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- the new black grille with concave vertical fins featuring the Trident logo with red accents, typical of the sportier versions of Maserati models;
- the new headlights, in metallic titanium finish;
- the new sporty M-design seats with Alcantara® and leather upholstery;
- the standard trim in Titantex, a "titanium colored" composite material.
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The racetrack is where the name Maserati first became enduring and where we today continue to draw our philosophy: a well balanced car capable of great feedback to the driver.
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Seventy years ago, with the 8-cylinder car known as the "Boyle Special", Maserati clinched the first of its two triumphs in the Indianapolis 500, the famous race notoriously lacking in satisfaction for the European Constructors. With the two consecutive successes of 1939 and 1940, Maserati was the first car manufacturer to win twice in a row at Indianapolis, one of the very few European manufacturers to succeed (twice!) in the effort and the only Italian brand ever to have triumphed on the Indiana oval track.
The racetrack also continues to be the stage where Maserati collects international trophies - with both Drivers and Teams FIA GT titles clinched in 2008 by Maserati's MC12 to make 10 the total of FIA international titles the Maserati V12 GT car has collected over the last four racing seasons.
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In the course of the 2008 racing season Maserati clinched the third win in four years at the legendary 24-Hours of Spa race, placing three MC12s in the first four positions of the final standing. The triumph in Belgium is the ultimate evidence of Maserati's reliability that originates on the racetrack but translates into the quality and consistency of Maserati's entire product range.
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- 2 Manufacturers Cup (in 2005 and 2007);
- 3 Drivers titles (Bertolini-Bartels in 2006, Thomas Biagi in 2007, Bertolini-Bartels in 2008);
- 4 Teams titles (since 2005 with no interruption, always with the Vitaphone Racing Team);
- 1 Citation Cup in 2007 with the gentleman driver Ben Aucott.
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Focusing on its racing vocation and fresh from its latest international triumph in the FIA GT championship, Maserati has developed a special series of new customization options named "MC Sport Line", which made its worldwide debut at the Bologna Motor Show in Italy in early December.
The new contents of the MC Sport Line add to Maserati's already extensive range of personalized features on offer. The MC Sport Line is designed to enhance the sporty DNA of Maserati vehicles for those customers who like to display their passion for racing through a dynamic look and a choice of technical solutions that increase the driving fun without compromises.
The name "MC Sport Line" sums up the experience acquired on the track by the Maserati Corse department, whose contribution to the design of the functional components has been invaluable. The world of motor racing also inspired Maserati's designers when it came to styling, hence the extensive use of carbon fiber, very popular among racing enthusiasts thanks to its direct connection with racing competitions.
Maserati and the Environment
Maserati has implemented a development plan for the next 5 years designed to reduce consumption and CO2 emissions, and to protect the environment.
The designs of recent models have already led to considerable fuel savings. From 2005 onwards, consumption for the Quattroporte has been reduced by more than 20% overall (NEDC combined cycle). The CO2 reduction, compared to the previous Gran Sport model, is 10% for the GranTurismo (NEDC extra-urban cycle).
On the new Quattroporte S with its 4.7 engine, exhaust/evap emissions and fuel consumption have been aligned with future Euro 5 regulations for Europe and LEV2 standards for the USA , partly thanks to the adoption of an innovative metallic matrix catalyzer with perforated sheets (Turbulent PE Catalyst), which is both permeable and reliable but does not affect performance. The use of this solution has evened out the distribution of pollutant particles, reduced pressure, improved resistance to high temperatures and the transfer of gases.
Maserati also uses environmentally-friendly, easily recyclable materials made from natural substances, especially for the parts of the interior, which are most in contact with the driver and passengers (natural textile fibers, wood and leather).
Maserati cars are mindful of the "design for recycling" concept, which is centered around making cars easy to dismantle at the end of their lives, so that materials can be identified and separated for re-use.
By all degrees, Maserati's 2008 was the most successful year to date. Despite the poor general economic situation and deep crisis that has struck the automotive industry since the beginning of the year (-25% in the Quattroporte reference segment and -20% in the Granturismo), 2008 was for Maserati the second consecutive record year. Deliveries to the final customers have totaled almost 8,586 units, which is the all-time best result, with an increase of almost 17% over 2007. What is more, Maserati's sales were up in all markets across the world - including the United States of America .
Despite the troubled times experienced by the US economy, North America (US and Canada ) remains Maserati's largest market worldwide. The order in which the other markets follow is both familiar and consolidated, as to state that Maserati's presence in these markets is an established one: Italy is in second place, the United Kingdom in third, Germany in fourth, Japan in fifth. Five markets, three continents for a truly global Maserati presence. In sixth place there is France , followed by Switzerland , China , Australia , UAE, Hong Kong .
In 2008, Maserati's revenues totaled 825 million, up 18.9% compared to 2007.
The result of ordinary activities for 2008 was 72 million (8.7% of revenues), with a sharp improvement (+ ¿48 million) compared to the previous year's result of 24 million (3.5% of revenues), thanks to the increase in volumes and cost efficiencies achieved.
In the fourth quarter of 2008, Maserati's revenues amounted to 229 million, up 9.6% compared to the same period of the previous year. The result from ordinary activities was 41 million, an increase compared to the ¿18 million in the same period of 2007, thanks to a mix of favorable sales and strong cost containment measures.
Source:Maserati Press Release
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