Maserati Introduces New Options Program at Geneva 2000

The Maserati 3200 GT has proved a considerable sales success thanks to its combination of high performance and comfortable long-distance cruising abilities, even when traveling with four passengers.

This versatility has prompted Maserati to develop a special range of customized options to be known as the Officine Alfieri Maserati program.

This new initiative is named after the Società Anonima Officine Alfieri Maserati, the company's first corporate trading name when it was founded in Bologna in 1914. The program's aim is to give clients' cars the kind of personal touch of custom-built cars from the golden age of motoring.

The Officine Alfieri Maserati program allows our customers to build their car to their specification, choosing from a selection of colors, internal trim details and equipment options and thus tailoring the finish to suit their own requirements and taste.

This is just one of a number of new initiatives Maserati has taken to provide clients with a range of unique and advantageous services. Along with its personalized program, Maserati now offers owners new financing, insurance and technical assistance arrangements, Master GT Maserati driving courses and special events.

Let's go back and look at the customization possibilities in more detail. First and foremost, clients can choose from an almost infinite number of different body colors, a unique feature in the automotive industry.

In addition, cars can be painted according to color samples provided by the client. Maserati's technicians analyze the paint sample to find the formula that reproduces the original most faithfully, and then make it to order.

Painted brake calipers are also available in a choice of either red or silver gray to make them stand out behind the wheels. There are also optional dished 25-spoke alloy wheels.

Not only can clients select the color of the leather for their cars, but they can also choose matching colors for various parts of the cockpit trim. Apart from the color of the seats, the following items can be customized on request -- the top of the dashboard, the A-post and C-post pillar trim panels and roof-lining, the side panels, the piping running through the interior and the steering wheel.

In this way the number of color combinations the client can make are almost limitless.

And even more freedom of choice is ensured by giving the client the possibility to personalize even the color of the upholstery stitches. Still on the theme of interiors, the Officine Alfieri Maserati program includes a number of different materials for the cockpit fittings.

These include either briarwood veneer or carbon-fibre in place of the standard black leather center console and gear knob.

Similarly, the standard Alcantara-trimmed roof-lining can be finished in leather to match the interior with a padded finish that mirrors the seat pattern.

Even the dash-mounted analogue clock comes in a range of finishes: apart from the standard silver, it is also available in semi-matte black chrome or with a gloss gold chrome finish with gold hands.

The customization concept is carried on throughout the car, right up to the very personal touch of autographing it. Under the Officine Alfieri Maserati program, customers can, in fact, supply a copy of their signature, initials or a logo or similar to be printed on the sill kick panels.

That way, as soon as the door is opened, the panels are instantly visible.

The 3200 GT was designed for daily use, to cover large distances and rack up medium-to-high mileage, and a user profile reveals its ability in this respect.

To further cater for those clients who use their cars on a regular basis, the 3200 GT can now be equipped with a stereo and GPS navigation system. Fitted in place of the standard radio-cassette, the navigation system incorporates a radio and single CD-player.

Another option is the radio/CD player which features a (Traffic Message Channel) function giving traffic information on the area being crossed.

Alternatively, the high-output Hi-Fi system can be specified. This features a four-channel amplifier with a nominal output of 200 W, and a peak output of 400 W.

The system includes a remote CD changer located in the boot, while a CD storage rack can be fitted inside the front armrest.

The internal anti-dazzle rearview mirror can be swapped for a photosensitive electrochromic mirror which progressively dims as the strength of the light reflected in it increases. This dimming feature is automatically deactivated when reverse is selected.

Underlining the car's practicality, supplementary cubby holes have been incorporated underneath the rear seats. An optional fire extinguisher can be fitted in the front.

The client can also intervene on the car's chassis dynamics with the optional Sport suspension setting for the electronic dampers and ASR.

By pressing the Sport button on the console the driver can select a more rigid, sporting setup. The ASR traction control, which quells wheel spin by activating the ABS to brake individual wheels or by cutting engine power, can be switched off to give the driver complete control over the car's dynamics. On the automatic version, the Sport setting also raises the rev limit at which the gearbox changes up.

Lastly, there's a luggage set available in a matching color to the interior leather, and a 14-club golf bag which weighs just 3.4 kg.

This gives you a brief description of what you can expect to see on the cars displayed on our stand at the Geneva Show.

With the Officine Alfieri Maserati program, the company has achieved Luca di Montezemolo's, President of Maserati, goal of providing discerning clients with the maximum choice possible, and the President will be on the stand at 13.30 on Tuesday to introduce you to the program We trust you will drop by on Tuesday or on Wednesday to take a closer look at what Maserati can offer.

Maserati at Geneva Motor Show 2000

During the 70th International Car Show in Geneva, Maserati will introduce as a world premi�re the customization program "Officine Alfieri Maserati". The 3200 GT embodies all MaseratiÕs traditional values and has proved a popular choice among customers seeking a combination of high performance, driving pleasure and long distance touring ability. The 3200 GT's versatility inspired a team of specialists at Maserati to develop a wide range of customizing possibilities for the "Officine Alfieri Maserati" program. MaseratiÕs customization program springs from a rare union of advanced technical specifications and high performance with luxurious and refined interiors and from a genuine passion for cars to be tailor-made upon request, with meticulous attention to detail. This program was developed to allow clients to choose from a range of colors, finish and equipment levels to suit their requirements, taste and type of use.

A positive sales trend

In total the number of cars delivered to customers from Maserati during 1999 was 1,537 representing 100% increase over 1998. The forecast for the year 2000 is to increase the sales volume, thanks also to the customization program "Officine Alfieri Maserati." We are at the end of February and we can already expect a 15 to 20% sales growth over 1999. On the 23rd February 2000, Maserati has delivered its n. 2,000 coupé 3200 GT, destination: Australian market.

Maserati Models

3200 GT / GTA -- A refined, extremely individual design, sophisticated upholstery, plenty of room for 4 adults, superb comfort and exciting performance, put this car in a leading position among luxury sports cars. The engine that equips the 3200 GT is the powerful turbocharged 90¡ V8 capable of 370 bhp, with throttle operation controlled by a drive by wire system. The gearbox is a six manual unit, the automatic is equipped with a BTR four speed transmission with selectable hydraulic torque converter and electronic gear-change management. Quattroporte Evoluzione -- The heart of a racing car, the comfort of a saloon and the strong styling of a unique car. There is a choice of two engines: a 2.8 liter V6 and a 3.2 V8. Both engines are combined with a six speed manual transmission. The automatic version is equipped with a BTR four speed electronically managed gearbox.