It is a sin...

Is the baby Aston and Maser competing directly with an M6?.........not likely, you cant only look at performance figures, then most high end cars would be useless.

 

So what? In terms of HP/dollar, there are cars that are better than that. I don't think someone who is interested in the new Maserati would consider an M6. An M6 is nowhere near as elegant, comfortable, sexy, or polished. The M6 is priced where it should be, as is the Maserati. All this BS about horsepower in luxury coupes is getting a little silly, seriously. I don't find myself wanting to own an M6 or Maserati to street race against some dude in a Corvette.

 

FYI

There is approximately a $10,000 difference in MSRP between the M6 and Maser GT. When I quoted $160K, that is for a loaded car in Canada, all taxes included.

So, realistically, the cars are very closely matched in price.

 

I disagree...I think the M6, GP, Aston, Jag, all attract the same demographic ... ie, people who are willing to spend $100k+ for a performance/luxury 2+2 ... even the SL is likely considered by the same potential buyer if an occasional back seat use is not needed. I know when I was looking for a 5 passenger performance sedan I looked at the M6, QP, AMG, S6 and even the Caddy until I decided on the M5 ... most buyers in the high line market look at how the car itself meets their needs rather than the country where it is made...in fact I have known people with cars that they didn't even know what country they came from...and, while the GP may be more elegant and sexy than the M6, it is certainly not more polished ... no one produces a more polished car than BMW IMHO ...

 

In terms of polish, I guess it depends on how you define the word. I find BMW's to be very well built, well engineered, very functional, but very sterile. To me, there is nothing sexy about a BMW (excluding the Z8), they are more cars of function than design. I agree that Aston & Jag attract the same demographic as Maserati, but the BMW is just not as elegant, sophisticated, or sexy. And in that market segment, sexy sells. The Maserati is a unique car for a buyer that doesn't want to see 30+ cars of the same brand in one day (like BMW or MB). I think Maserati has found an interesting market segment that really isn't provided by any other vehicle currently.

 

I would think people looking at this are looking at Jags,AMG CLS's,S63's,E63's, M6's maybe some audis as well. The benzes and Bmw's are common but the AMG's and M's still carry a bit of exclusivity. The service issue and available dealerships hurt this car big time. Also, the power is a big deal to a lot of people when they compare to the other cars in the segment. What is the Maser depreciation looking like these days?

 

All this talk of exclusivity, status, etc. IMNSHO also misses the point. Do people really walk around saying "my oh my that M5 is a beautiful car". I bought a Q4 because it's a resolved, elegant and singular design. There are many people who while serious about driving care about aesthetics and don't dream of widemouth bass Audi's, MB's clueless design studio or Chris Bangle's sad legacy. BTW, I've sat in the rear seats of a GranTurismo after adjusting the driver seat to fit and I have to say it's a lot better than a DB9 and of course the Vantage has only two seats. Goes a little way towards explaining the weight issue. On the other hand I agree lightness should be a priority and the Italians lag way behind Jaguar and Audi. I guess it's cheaper to add HP than retool an entire production line. Anyone who wants their current Maser to go faster should talk to Phil at Eurotek. Finally since i'm blathering I'll mention that I talked to someone who saw a CC GranTurismo prototype at the factory. Whether it will be productionized or if so offered in the US is anyones guess. Sorry for the rant. Duetto

 

I agree about Chris Bangle's contribution to BMW. Bangle was quite possibly the worst thing that has ever happened to BMW.

 

That is still not that clear.
Under Bangle (hate him or not) BMW achieved highest sales/profits in history,so obviously it was not such a disaster from marketing point of view.

 

I live in the state of Victoria which is the most draconian of all the states. The other states are not quite as bad; but it really is all about revenue.
We used to have no speed limits in areas of the Northen Territory which is sparsely populated and largely a desert area. Even those roads now have speed limits and you can drive for hours on end without seeing another car or person. Just the way it is these days.

 

Bangle designed BMWs are the best since the 2002 IMHO ... and since a lot of other marques have copied his flame surfacing, a lot of other designers must agree.

 

Let's compare some designs:

AM V8
AM DB9
Maserati GT
Maserati QP
BMW 5 Series
BMW 6 Series
MB CLS Class
MB S Class

I think if you asked 10 people (consumers in that market segment) which is the worst designed of the bunch, I would wager that the vast majority of people would point to the BMW's.

Bangle's biggest success was becoming well-known through controversy.

 

You don't hear this point of view that often. At least he has some supporters, I suppose.

 

No one here is questioning the fact that Bangle designed BMWs are not the most attractive cars out there.
What is unquestionable though,is the fact that under Bangle BMW achieved the biggest commercial succes so far.
Just the facts.......

 

I have to agree and also point out that McDonalds is probably the most popular restaurant in the world.

Bob S.

 

That is just another fact of life.....

 

can you point out some other automotive designs incorporating 'flame surfacing' ?

 

The Acura TL for one is the most common model that you see on the roads a lot that looks very similar to the 5 series from the side...the Audi S5 also has a flame surface look to it...the new EVO X has a similar side few as well ... in fact, almost all the new Japanese and European sedans have copied Bangles flame surface design cues along with the prominent rear end look...

 

And, I saw a TV ad last night for the new Honda Accord coupe and it too had the Bangle-like flame surface styling

 

I just test drove the GT after dropping off my 575. The car is nice but way down on power. For that kind of car/money I want the ability to be launched back in my seat.

My 04 4200CC was more powerful. Anemic is the only word that comes to mind. The car will appeal much more to the MB and BMW buyers but they priced themselves out of that market. Its a shame, if Fiat kept Maser under Ferrari and the development continued on the 4200 was given to Maser instead of the new Ferrari (420/Dino?), Maser would have been a real sports marque again. Now they are a sedan company.

-dsd

 

Well it has nothing to do with being under Ferrari but everything to do with Ferrari. Why make a competitor to Ferrari? End of story.
Your 575 is "supposed" to be more powerful or you might not buy Ferrari.
But I share your lament ...

Bob S.

 

After driving your 575, the GT should feel anemic. When I drive my 430 after driving my Ford GT, the 430 feels anemic. It's all a matter of reference, and doesn't diminish my love for the 430 at all.

 

More "power" would be nice BUT it is an incredible drive. I just came back from a demo drive and loved it! Well balanced. I never drove a GranTurismo before.

 

The Granturismo has a chassis that is crying out for more power. Did you know that when Italian magazine "Auto" tested it on their reference track, it went much faster than the M5 and M6 on the best lap time, despite being 100HP down and 100Kg up on the German bruisers? It hurts to think what a superb car a 500HP Granturismo would be. But then, it would mean bye bye Scaglietti... Ferrari wouldn't allow it.

 

The "Ferrari won't allow it line" is getting real old, but when I read somebody recently specced a 2008 612 at $321,000 I can see Ferrari's concern, but they have to loosen that leash a little bit.