Earlier this month from June7th to June 13th 2018, and under the leadership of Italian car brand Maserati and the Maserati West Europe offices, this race, the 5th Edition of the Paris-Modena “Kilometres For Charity” took place. Besides the personal challenge to participants, each kilometer covered during the race (around 100km per day) raised money for the association “Rêves” which aims to realize the dreams of ill children.
Once again Paris-Modena attracted a large number of VIP participants, including F1 former driver and actor Paul Belmondo, Italian national cycling team coach Davide Cassani, former professional cyclists such as Alessandro Ballan, Marco Velo and Paolo Fornaciari. Also attending were José Miguel Antúnez, former Spanish national basketball captain, Italian alpine skier Manuela Moelgg, the Michelin starred chef Andrea Sarri, and Matteo Panini, owner of the Panini Museum, which houses one of the world’s most important collection of historical Maserati cars.
This beautiful adventure was reserved to 35 cyclists, who travelled through France and Italy to reach Modena in five days! The start of the race was on Friday, June 8th2018 at Vienne near Lyon, France, and the route took the cyclists to Mens and the famous climb of Alpe d’Huez.
On Saturday June 9ththey continued their journey towards Galibier pass, till Modane where the city welcomed them for lunch. They eventually reached Turin for the night. On Sunday June 10th the cyclists started the stage from Grugliasco “Avvocato Giovanni Agnelli Plant” where Maserati produces the Quattroporte and Ghibli. The athletes also stopped at the Mirafiori plant where the Maserari Levante is produced. They managed to take a ride on the well-known test track.The route continued through Langhe region.
The fourth day, the participants went to Lido Di Camaiore having a lunch there at Bagno Ariston Mare before a ride to Montecatini Terme. They will pass by Lucca, Collodi and reach the thermal city in the afternoon.
The last leg of the race will lead them from Montecatini Alto through Abetone and then to Modena where the cyclists will benefit of an exclusive visit of the private Panini collection, which includes some of the most beautiful historic Maserati’s cars. The final destination will be the head office of Maserati. Pirelli provided the P Zero Velo tires for the bicycles and the new colored tires for the Maserati cars.
The Cash & Rocket Tour 2018 started earlier this month in San Francisco and Maserati is a proud official partner of this charity road trip along with other luxury brands. Five Levante SUVs in GranLusso and GranSport trims, all in red – the official colours of this unique event – were enlisted in the glamorous convoy of 40 cars. The four-day adventure unites the efforts of eighty influential women from all over the world for a single cause: raising funds and global awareness for three charitable projects in Africa.
Nieves Álvarez
“We welcome prominent figures from the worlds of fashion, cinema, music, art and business to this stunning event. Through female solidarity, our aim is to raise money for charities around the world, which will make a huge difference to the lives of many”, says Julie Brangstrup, Founder and CEO of Cash & Rocket Tour and proud mother of seven.
Nieves Álvarez
Now in its fifth edition, Cash & Rocket Tour makes its debut in the United States aiming to break the record of 1.4 million euros fund-raised in the previous event that was organised in 2015. Since the inaugural tour in 2012, Cash & Rocket raised over four million dollars with every single cent donated going directly to the chosen charities (below).
Among the celebrities who drove the five Maserati SUVs from San Francisco to Las Vegas are the Russian supermodel and Instagram sensation Lena Perminova; the Californian of Iranian origins; Stylebop.com fashion director Leila Yavari; the founder of Majorelle, creative director of Alliance Apparel and influencer from Los Angeles, Rachel Zeilic; the model, fashion designer, blogger and DJ from Spain, Gala Gonzalez; the Spanish top model and television presenter Nieves Alvarez; the American model and body activist Ashley Graham; and the American fashion model Arizona Muse.
Julie Brangstrup Watts;Ashley Graham
Cash & Rocket Tour 2018 programme
Following the ”Gold and Glamorous” cocktail party on the night before the drive at San Francisco’s famed Fairmont Hotel, the convoy of red cars hit the road heading to Monterrey. After a lunch break, the next stop was Santa Barbara, where the ladies enjoyed a yoga beach evening and a dinner party, all dressed in white.
Saturday, June 9th, all cars were on display at the iconic Malibu pier. A Press Call will followed in the afternoon at Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, and the day’s activities concluded with an Auction Gala Dinner at the Peterson Museum of Los Angeles.
June 10th, the Cash & Rocket Tour 2018 arrived in its final destination, Las Vegas. The five Maserati Levante SUVs and all the other wrapped in red cars were on display at the Encore Beach Club in the afternoon. The culminating event was the closing party of Cash & Rocket Tour 2018 in the Encore Wynn Hotel, which featured famous DJ Kygo, with all ladies in red outfits.
The Art of Elysium is using art as a catalyst for social change. Emerging artists in the fields of fine arts, fashion design, music, theatre and more, are engaged in its programs and share their creativity with distressed people, in special needs education centres, homeless shelters, elder care homes and hospice care facilities.
Shine on Sierra Leone currently supports nearly 500 students in Sierra Leone through programmes that integrate sustainable healthcare, education, microfinance and development to ultimately create the future of an inner-dependent country.
Sumbandila is currently focused on Limpopo, the poorest province in South Africa, aiming to transform the lives of exceptional children from backgrounds of extreme poverty and help them become leaders who will one day make significant contributions to their own communities and to Africa in general.
Naza Italia, the official importer and distributor for Maserati in Malaysia, has announced the arrival of the Maserati GranTurismo. The iconic grand tourer, which was first launched in 2007, has received a substantial refresh for 2018, with highlights including enhancements of the classic Pininfarina design, more aerodynamic exterior styling and an intuitive new driver interface and infotainment system.
Datuk Wira Hj SM Faisal Tan Sri SM Nasimuddin, Naza World Group Executive Chairman, said, “The lightly face-lifted 2018 GranTurismo MC exudes modern sophistication and stays true to the car’s most quintessential traits and timeless elegance. As one of the last naturally-aspirated V8 engines in the segment today, the GranTurismo is a celebration of Maserati’s heritage and red-blooded racing pedigree.”
The Pininfarina-designed GranTurismo is a historically significant, brand-defining model for Maserati. The luxurious four-seater sports coupe was conceived as an ultra-modern interpretation of the very first grand tourer, the elegant Maserati A6 1500 of 1947. And over the years, the GranTurismo has evolved into one of the most iconic Maserati cars ever built, thanks to its uncompromised GT character.
This character is perfectly expressed by a uniquely compelling combination – bold yet elegant design; the exhilarating, inspirational performance of a naturally aspirated, Maranello built V8 engine; hand-crafted comfort offered by four individual, Poltrona Frau seats.
In essence, the GranTurismo is the ultimate expression of what grand touring means to Maserati. The GranTurismo is assembled at the historic Maserati plant in Modena. The GranTurismo MC enters the Malaysian market at the starting price of RM 717,800.00 (without local taxes and duties) and comes with 5 years Standard Warranty coverage with no mileage restriction plus a free maintenance program of 5 years/ 100,000 km whichever comes first (Inclusive of Maserati Premium Service Plus of 3 Years /60,000KM).
The public is invited to visit Naza Italia’s showroom in Petaling Jaya to view the GranTurismo, speak with the dedicated sales team in greater detail and test drive Maserati’s newest offering.
More details on the new Maserati GranTurismo can be found after the gallery. Follow @maserati.malaysia (Instagram) and www.facebook/maserati.malaysia for the brand’s latest updates in Malaysia.
Maserati GranTurismo Photo Gallery…
MY18 range, restyling and driver interface
Of the streamlined 2018 range, the Malaysian market will be seeing the GranTurismo MC (Maserati Corse). The MC takes on an important ambassadorial role for the entire Maserati range, representing the company’s long and illustrious racing heritage. Replacing the previous MC Stradale, it offers a wide array of features already proven in other Maserati models. They include the five selectable operating modes.
The naturally aspirated V8 unit is hand-assembled by Ferrari in Maranello and guarantees the highest standards of reliability and durability. The 4.7 litre engine produces 460hp at 7,000rpm and 520Nm of peak torque at 4,750rpm. A lightweight at just 175kg, the power unit features a wet sump and exclusive to Maserati – a cross-plane crankshaft. This provides unrivalled throttle response, free-revving characteristics and a thrilling Maserati signature sound.
When it came to the MY18 restyle, the timeless Pininfarina design was treated with the utmost respect by the Maserati Design Centre. The results, among others, are even better aerodynamic efficiency and compliance with the latest pedestrian safety regulations.
The new front and rear bumpers of the MY18 GranTurismo elegantly refine the visual impact of the striking original styling. The headlights have been slightly restyled, while at the rear, a new parking camera has been integrated. The front bumper features a larger, hexagonal grille with a ‘shark nose’ profile and a chrome insert all around. The new nose is inspired by the sensational Alfieri Concept car and adds a three-dimensional effect to the front view. The design also helps optimize airflow distribution and reduce aerodynamic drag.
The bumper’s lateral air ducts, introduced in the MC Stradale and adopted across the GranTurismo range in 2012, are redesigned for the 2018. By visually pushing the car’s weight towards the front wheels, they convey a heightened sense of dynamic stability, while also contributing to improved aerodynamic efficiency.
The track-focused GranTurismo MC is equipped with a carbon-fibre bonnet in the body colour as standard. The bonnet also features downforce-optimizing air-vents. Additionally, there are iconic vertical air vents in the front wings, deep functional side skirts, titanium brake calipers and 20” MC Design – Grafite Opaco forged wheels. A pronounced rear lip spoiler is another dynamic highlight.
The headlights for the 2018 maintain the same profile and LED/Bi-Xenon functionality, but feature discreet, internal restyling. This includes reshaped LED Daytime Running Lights, grooved housing in the Xenon lamp areas and the Maserati inscription in low relief.
While the sleek body of the GranTurismo remains untouched, the rear bumper has been redesigned with the sole aim of emphasizing the natural elegance of this iconic GT. With its neater, more cohesive design, the new bumper further accentuates the impression of stability, while adding graceful finishing touch to the car’s unmistakable silhouette. The central diffuser emphasis is on elegance, with the oval exhaust outlets appearing at the bumper’s edges.
The central diffuser for the GranTurismo MC is decisively sportier, with round outlets coming through the central, transparent diffuser. The exhaust system of the MC version is lighter and has a totally different shape and function. When is Sport mode, a valve channels exhaust gases so they completely bypass the silencer. This reduces back pressure and creates a breathtakingly sporty sound.
The exterior of the MY18 GranTurismo is available in 16 colours. A brand new three-layer colour is introduced (Blu Assoluto), while four more three-layer colours are available on the entire range. There is a range of 14 light alloy wheels in six designs, one of which is in forged aluminium, and an exterior carbon package is offered.
The MY18 GranTurismo is fitted with new, lightweight, fourth-generation Pirelli P Zero tyres. These contribute to a reduction in unsprung weight plus better suspension performance and tyre grip. The new P Zero is designed to improve braking distances in dry and wet conditions, respectively by 4% and 5%, while improving mileages by at least 30%.
The elegant interior of the GranTurismo offers unparalleled comfort thanks to its four individual Poltrona Frau leather seats with integrated headrests. For 2018, the dashboard features a more sculptured design in the passenger area, complemented in high-fashion style by stitched leather finishes.
The centrepiece of the dashboard is now a high-resolution, 8.4” capacitive touchscreen from the state-of-the-art infotainment system. The GranTurismo system is in line with those featured in the other Maserati models and is compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring functions. New interior refinements in the GranTurismo include the high-end Harman Kardon Premium Sound system and a new Maserati clock with double dial in a slightly more prominent position at the centre of the dashboard.
The climate and seat heating control are not integrated into the touchscreen function, although the central console area is still significantly neater, with fewer buttons than before. The lower console is redesigned to accommodate a user-friendly, double rotary dial – a standard feature on all Maserati models. Positioned next to the gear lever, it is a high-end component in forged aluminium. The driving modes button cluster is now in front of the gear lever.
For 2018, there are eight interior colours and five interior trim options – from Carbon Fibre to Black Piano and Walnut Briarwood.
Maserati introduces its 2018 range with three significantly restyled models at the Auto China 2018 Show in Beijing and proudly showcases its GranLusso and GranSport trim strategy. The two distinctive trims represent the proposition of every Maserati which resonates with the philosophy of GranTurismo, the ultimate combination of sportiness and luxury.
A celebration of GranLusso and GranSport
Maserati has always pursued luxury and sportiness to the fullest and continues to put the customer at the centre accommodating individual needs with exclusive models, designed to meet each one’s unique personality and taste.
Maserati has unveiled a brand-new Personalization Area at Auto China 2018 to showcase its rich array of configurations for exterior and interior design. This area also displays a fleet of MY18 Maserati models in the highly customized GranLusso and GranSport trims.
The Levante GranSport (below) showcased at the lounge fully embodies the racing heritage of every Maserati. It is immediately recognizable for its front grille, skid plates and roof rails in Piano Black, for the red brake callipers and the 20” Nereo wheels. 12-way power sport leather seats, power-adjustable Sport steering wheel, elongated gearshift paddles, carbon trims and Soft Close Doors are blended to create an exciting, sport-oriented interior.
The Quattroporte GranLusso redefines the concept of luxury. The elegantly restyled exterior has adopted a more imposing, Alfieri-shaped front grille, 20” Mercurio rims and black-painted brake callipers. Exclusive Ermenegildo Zegna Silk interiors with open-pore Radica wood trim and wood-finished leather steering wheel are combined with additional comfort equipment such as power foot pedals, power rear and rear side sunblinds, four-zone automatic climate control and heated rear passenger seats.
The Ghibli (above) is another Maserati highlight in Beijing. The premium sports sedan that perfectly combines class topping performance and elegance. On show there is a 350hpGhibliGranLusso and a 430hpGhibli S Q4 GranSport, both equipped with the mighty 3.0 litre Twin Turbo V6 petrol engine.
“Luxury brands have always been pioneers in automobile personalization and Maserati continues to focus on personalization for enhancing our customer experience”, said Alberto Cavaggioni, Managing Director of Maserati China.
“China has a growing number of ‘connoisseurs’ seeking to express their personalities and tastes through exclusive cars. Faced with increasing demands for more personalized options, Maserati stands out for its unique luxury and sports heritage, thanks to which it is capable to offer premium and exclusive options that genuinely satisfy the most discerning customers.”
The 2018 Maserati Ghibli, the marque’s best-selling vehicle in its history is now available to the Malaysian market at Naza Italia, the official importer and distributor for Maserati. The 2018 Maserati Ghibli comes with subtle restyling and a rich array of hi-tech features. Two distinctive trims are included in the new model range, each using their own exclusive voice to bring out the luxurious elegance and race-bred performance unique to Maserati.
Datuk Wira Hj SM Faisal Tan Sri SM Nasimuddin, Naza World Group Executive Chairman, said, “After four years of remarkable success in the international and local markets, the Ghibli’s exterior has been respectfully restyled to emphasize both its elegance and its sportiness – the pillars of Maserati signature personality. Faithful to its DNA, the new Ghibli range offers unmistakable class, top-quality performance and a stylish yet comfortable driving experience. Malaysian Maserati aficionados are bound to be excited with this latest Maserati offering.”
The new Ghibli which made its debut in the 2017 Frankfurt Motorshow shares its core architecture – chassis, suspension layout, V6 engines and eight-speed ZF automatic transmission with the flagship Maserati Quattroporte but is 293 mm shorter and 50 kg lighter.
The car’s perfect weight distribution, front double-wishbone/rear multi-link suspension and standard Limited-Slip Differential (LSD), guarantee the razor-sharp road handling for which Maserati models are famed. The five-star Euro NCAP safety rating and integrated Advanced Driving Assistance Systems ensure total peace of mind for both driver and passengers.
The new trim strategy enriches the experience with two distinctive trims – GranLusso and GranSport. Both are available as an upgrade of the all-powerful versions – Ghibli 350 Hp and Ghibli S 430Hp.
Ghibli GranLusso and GranSport are both immediately recognisable thanks to their unique exterior features and exclusive interiors. The exterior design stands out for its coupe-like attitude as well as for several unique features: the distinctive C-pillar bearing the iconic Saetta logo, the frameless doors, the pronounced grille that resembles iconic Maserati cars of the ‘50s, and the range-standard quadruple chromium-plated exhaust pipes.
The addition of the Ghibli GranLusso and GranSport to the range drove the Design Centre in Turin to give each trim a clear identity, primarily by restyling the front and rear bumpers. While visually discreet, this aerodynamically optimised changes accentuate the original’s sporty yet luxurious style.
The aerodynamic efficiency of the restyled Ghibli has improved by 7%, reducing the drag coefficient to 0.29 from 0.31 in 2017.
All petrol versions of the Ghibli were manufactured by Ferrari in Maranello and feature the acclaimed Euro 6 homologated Twin Turbo 3.0-litre V6 engine, in conjunction with a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission.
The top-range Ghibli S version now delivers 430 hp and 580 Nm peak torque, 20 Hp and 30 Nm more than the 2017 car. The increased power output gives the Maserati sports sedan a top speed of 286 km/h and better acceleration. The new Ghibli S accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 4.9 seconds.
Ghibli and Quattroporte are the first Maserati models to adopt the Integrated Vehicle Control (IVC) system by Bosch, which helps to prevent (rather than simply correct) vehicle instability, providing enhanced active safety, improved driving dynamics and an even more thrilling performance. A new ADAS package is optionally available in the restyled Ghibli. In addition to the existing features, it includes functions like Highway Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist and Traffic Sign Recognition.
Electric Power Steering (EPS) is another first for Maserati. This improves the car’s handling and comfort, better supports the driving modes and enables the newly-introduced active functions of the Advanced Driving Assistance Systems (ADAS), while retaining the classically Maserati razor-sharp steering feel.
GranLusso & GranSport: two distinct souls of Ghibli
The baseline Ghibli and the new Ghibli GranLusso share the same design features while the Ghibli GranSport boasts a subtly different exterior that underlines its sportier character.
The front bumper incorporates a larger grille with a ‘sharknose’ profile and integrated chrome bars. This concave grille is inspired by the Alfieri Concept and adds a three-dimensional effect to the car’s frontal aspect.
The air duct has also been restyled for 2018 Ghibli. Wide open and more linear on the Ghibli and Ghibli GranLusso, it features a sportier layout on the Ghibli GranSport with two wings virtually supporting the grille, separating the central splitter from the side air ducts. This design visually accentuates the width of the car, conveying an extra sense of stability from the front.
The headlights have maintained the same contour. The full Ghibli model range is equipped with the all new, Adaptive full LED headlights developed in collaboration with Magneti Marelli Automotive Lighting, while the baseline model uses Bi-Xenon technology.
The new Ghibli GranLusso reinterprets the concept of luxury in a sports sedan by enhancing the exterior finish and improving on-board comfort for both driver and passengers. This most elegant expression of the Ghibli uses exclusive materials and special features in the finest tradition of Italian craftsmanship. Externally, it is distinguished by its Adaptive full LED headlights, chrome inserts on the front bumper, GranLusso badge at the base of the front wing, body-colour side skirts, silver brake calipers and 20” Urano Diamond alloy wheels.
The Ermenegildo Zegna Silk interior features patented mulberry silk inserts on the seats, doors panels, roof lining and ceiling light fixture. The tailored seat details and the label on the sun visors, complemented by a Ebano wood trim and Ebony wood-finished leather steering wheel, make this trim unique and exclusive, beautifully epitomising the GranLusso soul.
This uniquely luxurious trim includes Comfort seats with extensive 12-way power adjustment as standard, as well as power-adjustable steering wheel and foot pedals, parking sensors and new Soft Close Doors.
The Ghibli GranSport takes its inspiration from the legendary racing heritage of Maserati. This specific trim was conceived to meet the needs of customers seeking a sportier expression of a high-end sedan in the segment.
Externally, the GranSport features Adaptive full LED headlights and is also recognisable for the Black Piano inserts on the front bumper, the GranSport badge on the front wing, body-colour side skirts, blue inserts on all Trident and Saetta logos, red brake calipers and, last but not least, the 21” Titano Anthracite alloy wheels.
The Sport 12-way power full leather seats and Sport steering wheel create an inspiring mix for the driving aficionado. The interior of the Ghibli GranSport also features standard gearshift paddles and Inox sport foot pedals. The Ghibli and Ghibli GranSport can be further customised with an Exterior Carbon Package for an even more emphatic message
about Ghibli’s racing heritage. It covers the external door mirrors, B- and C-pillar covers and door handles on the base trim, as well as the front splitter and rear spoiler on the GranSport.
The Ghibli enters the Malaysian market at the starting price of RM 618,800.00 (inclusive of local taxes and duties) for the standard model while the GranLusso and the GranSport are priced at RM 668,800.00. All three models include 5 years Standard Warranty coverage with no mileage restriction plus a Free maintenance program of 5 years/ 100,000 km whichever comes first (Inclusive of *Maserati Premium Service Plus of 3 Years /60,000KM).
The Ghibli S enters the Malaysian market at the starting price of RM 718,800.00 (inclusive of local taxes and duties) for the standard model while the GranLusso is priced at RM 768,800.00 and the GranSport at RM 768,800.00. All three models include 5 years Standard Warranty coverage with no mileage restriction plus a Free maintenance program of 5 years/ 100,000 km whichever comes first (Inclusive of *Maserati Premium Service Plus of 3 Years /60,000KM).
The public is invited to head over to Naza Italia’s showroom in Petaling Jaya to view and test drive the Ghibli range and speak with Naza Italia’s sales team in greater detail about Maserati’s newest offering.
