Tag: 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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Cars

£148 Million Lottery Winner from UK Bought A Ford Kuga!

Which car would you buy if you win £148 million ($238 million, €185 million) from lottery? Many of you will start the list with Bugatti, Bentley, or more down-to-earth with Maserati or Mercedes AMG or Audi. For many people winning lottery is the short-cut to buy a super luxury car, without thinking the consequence of ownership of a super luxury car.
During August, a family in UK won £148 million from lottery and I was expecting them to buy a Range Rover or BMW 7-Series or something similar to these. Because, they have lots of money to buy any car on the planet and most probably the interest income will be enough to cover the maintenance and other costs.
What did British lottery winner buy? They bought something very very down-to-earth, Ford Kuga! Ford Kuga only cost to them around £25,000. I don’t convert to other currencies, because it is nothing when you compare with £148 million!
On the other hand, Ford Kuga is not a bad despite the fact that it is end of its product lifecycle. And unfortunately Kuga does not offer any downsized engines, the engine range is 2-lt diesel with 140 PS or 163 PS and 2.5-lt 200 PS petrol engine. You may have double clutch automatic gearbox, and I highly recommend it. Despite limited engine range, Kuga is not that bad at all, you still have lots of electronic gadgets and safety systems. And it looks really good! If it was branded as Range Rover, many people would definitely buy it!
I hope lottery winner family with their Ford Kuga and it seems like they bought the full spec, Titanium X model. Honestly, they should have waited for the new model :(

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Ford
Categories
Cars

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

Categories
Lifestyle

Maserati Passion iPhone, iPad Application

Maserati finally released an iPhone and iPad application (Maserati Passion). People who follow my blog know that Maserati is my favourite brand. So, I immediately installed the iPhone and iPad Maserati applications. And hopefully they don’t consume too much memory space, that’s a big plus! 
My first impressions are, the Maserati application is really nicely designed, easy to use and gives you what you need! However, there are some minor issues. And this is normal for the first version. iPad edition is not optimised for Retina Display and the images look a bit blur, and when you touch the Maserati Store button, it directs to Maserati Store website. Unfortunately, that website is not optimised for mobile devices and quite hard to use it with touch screen.
But these problems can be resolved very easily. If you are planning to configure your favourite Maserati, this application is the best! My advise, you should install it as soon as possible :)


http://itunes.apple.com/it/app/maserati-passion/id518273198?mt=8

http://itunes.apple.com/hk/app/maserati-passion-+/id532551344?mt=8

Pictures’ Copyrights
Maserati


Categories
Cars

Maserati GranTurismo: Mailbox, Birmingham, UK

Maserati GranTurismo is one of the very few cars I really wish to see in close. Unfortunately, I did not have opportunity to spot a GranTurismo until recently. Graypaul BirminghamMaserati dealer placed a Maserti GranTurismo Sport. GranTurismo was introduced in 2007 and you can say it is a bit old. Nearly five years had passed but there is no sign of the age when you look at a Maserati GranTurismo.
GranTurismo still looks exquisite, simple and elegant. And powered by a V8 (405 PS of power and 460 Nm of torque, 5,2 sec to 100 kph, 285 kph top speed). Engine figures are not as impressive as it looks but GranTurismo only weight 1,8-tonne and this makes lighter than many other big coupes!

My personal opinion, GranTurismo offer a superb exterior and perfect interior with excellent finishes in details, and V8 creates a great symphony. Therefore, GranTurismo is really a unique and executive! Definitely worth a look.

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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

Categories
Cars

Aston Martin DBS vs. Aston Martin V12 Vantage

Aston Martin DBS and V12 Vantage are the products of the most iconic British brands in the world. When you visit London, you would be probably end up in Aston Martin dealer. Aston Martin has a different type of attraction, which does not exist in most of the other car brands. Many people love Aston Martin, they have an emotional bond with the brand. However, everything is not emotions!

Aston Martin DBS and Aston Martin V12 Vantage have some interesting points. Firstly, Aston Martin DBS is the third top model just below the über expensive Aston Martin One-77 and Aston Martin V12 Zagato. Also, Aston Martin DBS was the James Bond’s car in last Bond Movie. So, it is one of the coolest cars!

On the other hand, Aston Martin V12 Vantage is based on the entry model Vantage (I ignore the Cynget, because that’s a fashion accessory.) with V12 engine under the bonnet! This makes the Aston Martin V12 Vantage very fast. Actually, V12 Vantage is so fast and destroy the rules of marketing.

For example, in Porsche; any of Cayman or Boxster never accelerate faster than a Porsche 911. This is against rules of the marketing. A cheaper product cannot be better than a more expensive one.

Unfortunately, this basic rule is a bit misinterpreted by Aston Martin. The Aston Martin V12 Vantage turns out to accelerate faster than Aston Martin DBS. Aston Martin V12 Vantage accelerates from zero to 100 kph (62 mph) in 4.2 seconds and Aston Martin DBS accelerates from zero to 100 kph (62 mph) in 4.3 seconds. I know this is only 0.1-second gap but still faster.

Moreover, the engine in Aston Martin V12 Vantage is the same one with the Aston Martin DBS. And Aston Martin DBS and V12 Vantage share the design concept, from a distance they both look the same. I know Aston Martin will reject this, but you have to get close to understand the difference between these cars. For many people, they look very similar or the same. Everyone is not like car bloggers or journalists.

And the worst part is the price tag. Aston Martin V12 Vantage costs around £135,000 ($213,000) and Aston Martin DBS costs around £185,000 ($192,000). So you do the decision!

For me, I would definitely go for a Masearti GranTurismo :) But in terms of Aston Martin, go for the V12 Vantage. I am sure, you will have more fun with this car than the big DBS!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Aston Martin
Categories
Fashion

Maserati Travel Kit Capsule by Fendi

I was expecting for this news from Maserati! They finally have a travel kit from a luxury brand. I know it is not shocking news but Maserati is one of the closest brand that can engage with fashion easily. Unlike other brands, Maserati design consist of notions that are related with the fashion. Especially the GranTurismo and GranCabrio models are designed based on the curves of female and male bodies. And this design concept leads Maserati to be differentiate from the competitors, also creates a link with fashion. Unlike other brands, Maserati is not only promoting power and technology, they also promote their timeless design. Moreover, the colour scheme, interior production and the leather quality always give that feelings.
Now, Maserati started to offer a travel kit designed by fashion brand Fendi. Fendi offers hats, sunglasses, valets, small bags, big bags, key rings, scarf and luggage. Don’t ask for the price, I have no idea and I don’t think they will be cheap!

More photos: Cars & Life Facebook Page

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Maserati