Press Release

Bologna Motor Show, December 5, 2000
Maserati models on display at Bologna Motorshow 2000

3200 GT
Maserati's stand at the Bologna Motor Show includes three 3200 GTs, two manual, one automatic. Their colours are Blu Nettuno, Quarzo Dolomite and a new colour, Rosso Mondiale, the same colour worn by the 250F with which Juan Manuel Fangio won the Formula 1 World Championship in 1957.

The 3200 GTs are equipped with a turbo-charged 90° V8 engine producing 370 bhp (271 kW) and 491 Nm of torque at 4500 rpm, a sophisticated drive-by-wire system operating the throttle valve and over-seeing the ASR traction control. Customers are offered a choice of two transmissions: either a manual 6-speed gearbox, or a BTR automatic transmission.

Designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro, the 3200 GT offers comfort and luxury surroundings besides its prodgious performance, thanks to its high-quality trim and the unusual degree of spaciousness afforded by its full four-seater interior. The 3200 GT also scores highly for its interior ergonomics.

The Silver 3200 GT which took part in the Canada 10,000, USA 20,000 and France 25.000 expeditions is also on display. The trip eventually took the Silver 3200 GT to Monterey, California, where Maserati was celebrated as Marque of the Year. Many Maserati collectors, with their wonderfully restored cars, met at the Laguna Seca race track and at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance.

The "Silver" and "Blue" Maserati, as they have been named during the Canada 10000 expedition, are the protagonists of this raid which continues through Europe after so many kilometres in Canada (2000 of which were on gravel roads, incidentally) and California.

Two of the coupès on display have been fitted with options from the Officine Alfieri Maserati personalisation programme. This programme was specifically set up to enable customers to personalise their car, enambling them to choose from a selection of colour and trim combinations to best suit their individual tastes and needs.

Customers can opt for non-standard bodywork colours and can even order special paints by supplying a sample of the colour of their choice. The Maserati stand, in fact, includes a 3200GT that has been finished in Rosso Mondiale and features Maserati's racing set-up, which includes carbon fibre highlights, new 15 spoke alloy wheel rims and electronically adjustable suspensions.

Among the interior trim options are a choice of stitching for the leather trim and the finish of the piping, as well as personalised aluminium sill kick plates.

Back in the U.S.A.

This year the Maserati North America company was registered.

The team working on the return to the U.S. market will finish its organisation by the end of 2001, by which time new Maseratis will return to American roads.

During a media meeting held in Monterey, Stuart Robinson, President of Maserati North America, announced the objective to sell more than 40% of Maserati's production in the USA, which is expected to reach 9,000 cars annually over the next five years, compared to today's output of 2000 units.

Development of Sales and Revenue since 1996:

At the end of October 2000 the total delivery to final clients have been 1.800 cars against 1250 realised on the same period 1999, with a growth of 40%.

Development of Commercial Network:

By the end of 2001, It is to be expected to be back on the North American Markets with the main purpose of turn it in the first market of Maserati with more than 30% of output sold.

The most important markets:

It follows Japan (129) and France (106). The Countries with the most important increases are: Australia, Middle East and Scandinavia.

The Maserati 3200 GT represents 87% of sales (at the end of October 1.569 coupé); the Quattroporte takes the 13% with 222 vehicles sold in the same period.

The Maserati 3200 GT Automatic represents today the 48.5% of production, the 51.5% it is represented by manual.

The most successful colours are: silver Grey Touring, Blue Maserati and Grey Alfieri (Anthracite).

The Personalisation Programme of Officine Alfieri Maserati is selected by more than 80% of clients, a car personally created in Maserati is really appreciated by the clients who seek in a car the best interpretation.

Antonio Ferreira de Almeida -- Maserati S.p.A. -- Press and Communication