Tag: Quattroporte

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A Chinese Maserati Quattroporte Owner Destroyed His Own Car

A Chinese Maserati Quattroporte owner destroyed his own car. Sounds like the owner was a bit angry and also looking forward to share their disappointment all over the world. Literally, he achieved! Owner of this Maserati Quattroporte had a bad experience with the service. According to news on internet (China Car Times), the Maserati service installed a second hand part instead of brand new one and charged him €300 and the problem is not fixed! As a result of this, state-of-art after sales performance from Maserati, the owner became a bit mad! And decided to destroy the Maserati Quattroporte on the day of World Consumers Right Day!
Based on this personal campaign to destroy his own Maserati Quattroporte on a special day went totally well! Why? Because, destroying a Maserati with sledgehammer became viral in couple of days and he promoted his bad experience all around the world only the cost of minor scratches, which can be fixed with no problem. He did not drop a huge concrete block over the over, damages are minor! If he decided to share his experience through internet, it will take ages to spread and cost a lot. 
By destroying his own car, he increased the awareness of failure in “think globally act locally” strategy of a global brand in China. 
Easter markets are totally different than the Western, I am from Turkey and I am between the East and the West. Therefore, I can understand his frustration and find it kind of reasonable to express his feelings by this way. And also, he raised the after sales issues of Maserati in China. Many global brands try to implement their western strategies on eastern markets and the results are not that satisfying. A strategy that works well in Europe may not work well in China due to cultural differences. And understanding the differences and revising the local strategy will help a brand to grow locally!


Photo Credits
People.com.cn
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Cars

New Maserati Ghibli Photos are Here

Maserati Ghibli photos were released to internet a few hours ago. What is Maserati Ghibli? Ghibli will be the new competitor of Mercedes E-Class, BMW 5-Series, Jaguar XF, Audi A6. And Ghibli setting a new standard on the market even before revealed to public. Ghibli brings the Italian touch to this segment. It may not offer the same state-of-art technology like Germans but definitely fills the Italian feeling on the market.

Exterior design of Ghibli resembles with the Quattroporte but there is nothing wrong with that! Maserati Quattroporte is also one of the sexiest cars on the planet. Moreover, design of Ghibli represents the harmony of feminine curves with muscular look. Thus, Ghibli will have a unique identity.

Maserati Ghibli will be powered by two 3-lt petrol and a 3-lt diesel engines. Diesel may sound a contradiction for Maserati but in order to increase market share and become more competitive, diesel is a must! Engines are coupled with 8-speed automatic gearbox and Q4 four-wheel drive option will be available.

 
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Maserati
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Cars

New Photos of Maserati Quattroporte

New Maserati Quattroporte, now it is stronger to compete with the Mercedes S-Class, BMW 7-Series, Audi A8 and Jaguar XJ. However, Quattroporte is a bit niche car when you compare with these vehicles. You cannot spot a Quattroporte very often, does not offer wide range of engines and still delivers the racing heritage.

Also, people who buy Quattroporte are different than the people who buy its competitors. Quattroporte is the Italian passion on wheels and it always does look cool.

Now, there are new photos of Maserati Quattroporte!

By the way, Quattroporte is powered by a 3-lt V6 engine with 410 HP and 550 Nm of torque. The engine is coupled with 8-speed automatic gearbox. Maserati only needs 5,1 seconds for rear-wheel to reach 100 km/h and 4,9 seconds for all-wheel drive to reach 100 km/h. Top speed is not limited; rear-wheel drive can achieve 285 km/h and all-wheel drive 283 km/h

By the way, new Maserati Quattroporte is available with all-wheel drive option for better traction.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Masearati
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Cars

2013 New Generation Maserati Quattroporte

New 2013 new generation Maserati Quattroporte is finally revealed. My most favourite car has a new face now, actually I started to miss the existing Quattroporte. I don’t know why but it does look still fresh and new. I don’t see any point to replace the existing Quattroporte. But this is an emotional approach and does not work with the business.
The new Maserati Quattroporte does not look that different at all. Like new Bentley Continental GT,  new Audi A3, new Ford Mondeo or new RangeRover. The new car does look exactly the same as the old one. This is the new trend in automotive industry thanks to global crisis. If a car like Maserati Quattroporte achieves respectful sales figures, the company does not wish to change the design radically. The reason is, no one wants to lose their customers if their car has a strong demand.
Anyway, let’s go back to new Maserati Quattroporte! Now Quattroporte offers more legroom at rear thanks to new monocoque chassis. And new chassis with more aluminium make the Quattroporte 50kg lighter. 
For the first time, Quattroporte will be offered with rear-wheel and all-wheel drive options. This is a very cleaver decision to increase the market share of Quattroporte in cold countries where the road are covered with snow most of the time. But I won’t go for an all-wheel drive Maserati. The engine is made in Maranello, Ferrari made V8 and turbo charged V6 models. These engines will be coupled with an automatic gearbox.
The interior of the new Quattroporte is extremely improved, more than the exterior. Now the Quattroporte offers same level of luxury like the German cars and thanks to Italian design, it is more elegant. Especially, the wood in the central console creates a perfect atmosphere  And the buttons are replaced with the touch screen, however this movement concerns me a bit. Because, when the button are replaced with touch screen, the ergonomic usually vanishes and it makes it harder to use the control while driving.
Basically, new Maserati Quattroporte looks more similar to GranTurismo and still share the DNA of the present Quattroporte. Despite, the minor changes in exterior, the improved interior improved its charm. 
I couldn’t fall in love with the exterior design of the new Quattroporte but the rest of the improvements are worth a respect.


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Maserati

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Cars

Maserati Quattroporte at 7 AM. Photos from Instagram

Maserati Quattroportre, I never get bored of writing about this car. And I don’t like to repeat the same topics in my blog but I cannot stop writing about Quattroporte.

This morning we all woke up with fire alarm in my apartment, and everyone evacuated the building. This is not something really interesting or unusual but at 7 AM, and I saw a parked Maserati Quattroporte in front of the apartment. This is not something very interesting to blog about either, this Quattroporte is on production since 2004.

However, it still does look magnificent. I really don’t know how the Quattroporte still looks new and charming. I think I need to ask this question to Frank Stephenson, who designed the Quattroporte. Why I am saying charming, on 7 AM with partially sleepy like many of the people who are coming up from the apartment, I looked at the Quattroporte again. I know this car for eight years and there is nothing different, it is the same car.

But the details of the design makes us to look again and again, I think Maserati Quattroporte ignites our basic instincts. And we look again and again to Quattroporte every time we see one.

Maserati Quattroporte (Normal / S / Sport GT S) engine options are 4.2-lt V8 400 PS, 4.7-lt V8 430 PS, 4.7-lt V8 440 PS. The acceleration times (0-100 kph) are 5.6 seconds, 5.4 seconds, 5.1 seconds. With the top speed of 270 KPH, 285 KPH, 287 KPH.

And here some photos of Maserati Quattroporte from Instagram.

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BMW 7-Series Facelifted with More Information

BMW 7-Series face lifted is recently revealed! Now more information is available! Even though the BMW 7-Series is revealed four years ago, existing design is not outdated or needs a facelift. However in automotive industry, facelift is a part of the job!
Face lifted BMW 7-Series may not look totally different but the main revision lays under the bonnet! New engines, standard 8-speed automatic transmission, new safety systems and better iDrive. Like many other brand, BMW 7-Series is now available full LED headlight, which gives a contemporary look especially at night. Interior of the 7-Series now offers better seating comfort, 1200-watt Bang Olufsen high end sound system (I found it too much for a car) with illuminated centre speaker. That’s important bit, illuminated sound system is the new trend creates a great interior ambience at night. Go for the sound system just for illumination :)
BMW 7-Series offers 10.25-inch screen for iDrive. This screen size is larger than a netbook’s screen, basically it is huge and optional. This huge screen is completed with 3D graphics like you find on your iPad. I assume there will be more animation with the new iDrive.
With engine technology, Auto Start Stop function, Brake Energy Regeneration and second generation Driving Experience Control switch with ECO PRO mode and coasting function for better consumption is not available. All these systems are for better fuel economy in BMW 7-Series. Engines starts from 730i and ends up with 760i.
BMW 730i; 3-lt six-cylinder petrol engine with 258 PS and 310 Nm of torque, 8.6 lt/km (32.9 mpg)
BMW 740i; 3-lt six-cylinder TwinPower Turbo petrol engine with 320 PS and 450 Nm of torque, 7.9 lt/km (35.8 mpg). Better fuel economy than 730i!
BMW 750i; 4.4-lt V8 petrol engine with 450 PS and 650 Nm of torque, 8.6 lt/km (32.9 mpg). Same consumption with 730i.
BMW 760i; 6-lt V12 TwinPower Turbo petrol engine with 544 PS and 750 Nm of torque, 12.8 lt/km (22.1 mph)
BMW 730d; 3-lt turbo diesel engine with 258 PS and 560 Nm of torque, 5.6 lt/km (50.4 mpg)
BMW 740d; 3-lt TwinPower turbo diesel engine with 313 PS and 630 Nm of torque, 5.7 lt/km (49.6 mpg)
BMW 750d xDrive; Trio turbo diesel engine with 381 PS and 740 Nm of torque, 6.4 lt/km (44.1 mpg)
BMW 750d model is only offered with xDrive all-wheel drive option! Also, xDrive system can be ordered with 730d, 740d and 750i models.
If you are not satisfied with these engines, there is a hybrid model. BMW ActiveHybrid 7. 3-lt petrol engine with 354 PS and 500 Nm of torque with 210 Nm electric motor, 6.8 lt/km (41.5 mpg).
Unfortunately, BMW 7-Series now offers the electric steering wheel like others. So, this may vanish some of the driving pleasure. Still 7-Series does not offer all air suspension like Mercedes S-Class and only air suspension is available at the rear. This definitely reduces the ride quality; 7-Series offers a special hydraulic suspension in the front but it is not air suspension.
Face lifted 7-Series now available with Driving Assistant Plus system that can stop the car if an accident unavoidable, Attentiveness assistant can detect are you sleeping or not. Active Protection can fasten seat belts, close windows and sunroof; if there is a potential crash! Like 3-Series, you can open the boot of 7-Series by moving your foot under the boot.
Overall, BMW 7-Series with the face lift became more charming and more competitive with the new technologies. It does worth a test drive! And buy one, if you can afford one :)
Fore more photos: Cars & Life Facebook Page

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BMW

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Cars

Facelift BMW 7-Series vs. Mercedes S-Class and Audi A8

BMW 7-Series is received facelift. For quite long time, everyone was expecting to see the facelift BMW 7-Series. It was spotted in Nürburgring many times under heavy camouflage and finally we have the official image of face lifted BMW 7-Series!
When you first look at the BMW 7-Series with facelift, you won’t notice a major difference from the previous one. But the difference lays in details. BMW 7-Series with facelift offers more competitive features! Full LED headlights, this means you never need to replace your headlights because LED never breaks down. Okay, it breaks down but quite rarely! Hopefully, 3D navigation is available with  BMW 7-Series with facelift. Now, you will have a great view on your navigation screen. 
There are new engines as well, and 8-speed automatic gearbox standard with %25 better fuel economy. Honestly, do BMW 760i owners really care about the fuel efficiency? If you are not into V12 petrol engine, a second generation BMW 7-Series ActiveHybrid 7 is also available. 
The chassis is revised as well and rear air suspension became standard. However, you cannot have air suspension in front wheels! I really don’t why BMW keeps ignoring this. Audi A8 and Mercedes S-Class offer air suspension in the front and in the end but, BMW tries to keep it in the rear. And BMW Night Vision + Dynamic Light Spot, anti-dazzle LED High-Beam Assistant, BMW Parking Assistant, Driver Assistant Plus, Active Protection are available.
Active Protection is similar to Mercedes Pre-Safe technology. Active Technology has to two functions. First, it scans the driver’s driving behaviour, engine parameters, steering wheel angle and if BMW 7-Series detects fatigue in your driving behaviour, 7-Series will warns you. The second function is the detecting any possible crash. If BMW 7-Series identifies a possible accident, seat belts will be tightened, windows and sunroof will be closed. Thus, injury from a possible crash will be minimized. This system is available in Mercedes under the name of Pre-Safe. BMW 7-Series will also apply brake, if a crash is unavoidable and driver does not pay attention. All these data transferred from various sensors, front camera or radar.
You can also open the boot of BMW 7-Series with facelift by moving your foot under the boot. This system sounds really practical! Additionally all these systems, you will have ABS, DSC, DTC (Dynamic Traction Control), CBC (Corner Brake Control), DBC (Dynamic Brake Control), Dry Braking, Fading Compensation (Increases brake pressure, if brakes are too hot), Start-off Assistant, Dynamic Damping Control, Dynamic Drive Anti-Roll Stability is optional and buy it. It does worth the money. This system improves the driving pleasure.
And last news is the shocking one! BMW 7-Series with facelift features a high resolution screen instead of analog instrument panel. It is similar to Jaguar XJ’s instrument panel but with a way much better resolution.
In my opinion, BMW 7-Series looks really beautiful, compared to Mercedes S-Class and Audi A8. It offers state-of-art technology. And focused on more sportive character than Mercedes S-Class. If I take out Jaguar XJ and Maserati Quattroporte, I would definitely buy a BMW 7-Series.
Technical Details: (x Drive represents all-wheel-drive technology)
BMW 740i: 6-cylinder, TwinPower Turbo petrol, 320 PS of power, 450 nm of torque, 184 CO2
BMW 750i and 750i xDrive: V8, TwinPower Turbo petrol, 450 PS of power, 650 nm of torque, 199 CO2
BMW 760i: V12, TwinPower Turbo petrol, 544 PS of power, 750 nm of torque, 299 CO2
BMW 730d / 730d xDrive: 6-cylinder, 258 PS of power, 560 nm of torque, 158 CO2
BMW 740d / 740d xDrive: 6-cylinder, 313 PS of power, 630 nm of torque, 159 CO2
BMW 750d / 750d xDrive: 6-cylinder, 381 PS of power, 740 nm of torque, 169 CO2

For more photos: Cars & Life Facebook Page (All press photos are available)

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BMW

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Cars

Interview with Frank Stephenson

My trip to McLaren Technology HQ and interview Frank Stephenson (Design Director of McLaren).

Firstly I would like to start with Frank. He is the design director of McLaren and worked in Ford, BMW, Mini, Ferrari, Maserati, Fiat, Lancia, Alfa Romeo and McLaren. You can find more information on interview. I had a great time with Frank in McLaren; he toured me around the building and showed every single place. The McLaren is really huge and I cannot define how it looks wonderful! After today, I can clearly say, Frank is a great designer and also a very nice person; and passionate with this work. When you listen to him, you understand the meaning of being a designer. And explain the designing a car with very simple words. I cannot ignore his passion to motorcycle. Honestly, after I had chat with him my perception towards motorcycle are changed. I never approach to them from the perspective Frank described me. You can find more about him in interview where you can find below.

Let’s go back to McLaren headquarters in Woking, UK. Woking is a very nice, small city, silent, relaxing and lots of green. Inside the green, there is the McLaren HQ. The structure of the building totally part of the nature, there is an artificial lake, precisely placed tree. While I was there, the view from the window was like a canvas. The building and nature so well integrated with each other and you would never think that McLaren is producing cars here, but they do.

I want to talk about the building a little bit more. It is a total perfection, everything is perfectly designed, measurement are precise. The air is in same temperature in each room, there is no thermal shock here. You don’t feel the cold weather from outside. And they achieved to isolate the smell in the food court from the rest of the building. By maintaining different air pressures.

The front part of the building is covered with glass and there are some curves. When it was first made, the wind was vibrating the glass. And McLaren F1 engineers designed a metal structure to eliminate this vibration through F1 technology.

And the corridors, when you first get inside you have the feeling that, I am in a James bond movie. Everywhere is perfect white, no dust or dirt at all. You go from tunnels, take lift with circular glass doors. There is nothing can annoy you with the building. Don’t think that, it is just limited with the management part.

I visited the manufacturing site of MP4-12C, where they produce the car. Manufacturing plant is usually involves with dirt, oil, bad odour. However, it looks cleaner than hospitals. I am extremely serious! The manufacturing site is so clean, and you started to question your personal cleanliness.

The paint shop? It is supposed to be dirty but it is cleaner than my five start hotels! Each car is painted by hand with people who are expert on their job. Perfection does not finish here, McLaren does not paint the parts of the cars separately. In order to sustain the same level of paint, all parts are painted together.

Later on, the rain test. I was expecting to see some water but no! They test each car with rain test and no single drop at all. And last, the high speed test inside a glass room. It is also supposed to smell exhaust gas but again there is no smell at all.

I saw manufacturing plants but I have never seen something like this on earth. And possibly cannot see in future as well. Even the manufacturing team wear Hugo Boss dresses from head to toe! They don’t have that ugly dresses like in other companies.

The MP4-12C, I witness to each stage of this car manufacturing. From naked chassis to ready for delivery. The manufacturing is so perfect, there is nothing wrong with the car. It is built like a luxury sedan. Parts are matching with no gap, the door is opened by sliding your fingers. The rear air brake works with hydraulic and acts as a proper air brake like in an airplane. One other example, navigation screen placed vertical to keep the car narrow!

The best part is the front head lights, at night you see the McLaren’s logo illuminated with LEDs and fins of sharks below it.

Lastly, McLaren is going to reveal more models! I don’t want to give more details. But I assure that, Veyron will not be alone anymore.

From what I see today, if you are planning to buy an exclusive sports cars. There is only one choice, McLaren MP4-12C. From design studio to customer delivery preparation, everything is perfect!

Is that all from McLaren, of course not ;) I want to keep some secret…

For more photo: Facebook Gallery

And here is my interview with Frank Stephenson

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Cars

Frank Stephenson

A few hours ago, I found some interviews with Frank Stephenson on YouTube. If you don’t know Frank, I am sure you know his designs; BMW X5, Mini, Maserati MC12, Maserati Quattroporte, Ferrari F430, Ferrari 612, Fiat 500, McLaren MP4-12C and many other cars. In my opinions, he will be remembered as one of the most influential car designer in his era. Especially his interpretation of the new Mini and new Fiat 500 are the most remarkable cars of this century, and never getting old Quattroporte! 
We will find more about him on these interviews. And additional information to his Wikipedia page, he stayed in Istanbul, Turkey for six years!

Part 1

Part 2

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Mini, Fiat, McLaren

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Cars

Lancia in Venice Film Festival

Venice Film Festival started last week. If you expecting to read any commentary on the films, you are in wrong place. I am going to comment about the car, which took place during the red carpet. I cannot remember on which channel I watched the red carpet event, but the cars caught my attention!
As the event is taken place in Italy, I was expecting an Italian car brand for the stars’ logistical support. And I was right, Lancia is the sponsor! Venice Film Festival is sponsored by a stylish Italian car brand, nothing sounds wrong with this!
However, there is something going wrong during the event. The cars, which are transporting star to red carpet do not seem to be Lancia; from the back end they are resemblance to Maserati Quattroporte, but from the front they are exactly the same as a Chrysler. So, I did some Google research and I found out that, it is the new Lancia Thema.
New Thema is a combination of Fiat and Chrysler; looking American from the front and Italian from the rear. In other words, it is like a Pizza Hut in Italy! American company makes pizza in Italy :)
By the way, if you don’t from the front end Thema looks quite nice!

Pictures’ Copyrights
Lancia

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