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The staff at Hotcars.com has previously described the Maserati Quattroporte as being “one of the best living and breathing combinations of luxury and power”. The team is very used to brands jumping into the electric game, and we’re happy to report that the brand we love so much here at Jim Butler Maserati of St. Louis lets their rich heritage shine proudly through in the electric Quattroporte. The Quattroporte is the first signature sedan to be refreshed and brought into the arena of electrification. In a world full of very featureless EVs, the Maserati version stands apart with a multitude of them, and that’s just for starters. It is situated in the lineup just between the GranTurismo and the Levante, which both also offer their own electric variants. Available trim levels are the GT, Modena, the Modena Q4, and the Trofeo. The upcoming Quattroporte is said to be what will exist as a “stretched out” version of the GranTurismo Folgore, with not quite as aggressive a persona and 4 doors. The GT sports three different electric motors, producing a combined 751 horsepower and 995.7 lb-ft of torque. We believe at this early stage of the game that the Maserati Quattroporte is slated to keep its eager and electric hands on the Folgore’s T-shaped 92.5 kWh battery pack, as both cars use the same chassis. This setup allows for a very low center of gravity, and longer range. The 2024 model is expected to crank out around 760 horsepower, and the interior will boast all the various features consistently ahead of the curve that we have become known for. We recognize that the Quattroporte has a lot of weight and pressure on its shoulders, as it is preparing to exist as Maserati’s lone sedan. The word Folgore means “lightning”, and we are beyond thrilled to exhibit to the car-loving world just how awesome and accommodating for the thrill-seeker that the coming of electrification will be. We have pledged to have a fully electric lineup by 2025 and to accomplish the lofty task of having all combustion engines off the table by 2030. We can firmly and confidently promise that every Maserati will still be made in Italy, continuing the tradition that has rendered us so eclectic and far beyond ordinary for decades. There is also a fierce abundance of excitement surrounding the announcements about the MC20 sports car, which is currently powered by a V6 but will most likely soon offer an electric version as well. Sedans have long been a staple of driving, and we have firmly promised many loyal customers that the excitement of driving will not fade in the least while driving the new breed of cars on the horizon. We’re also busy with the final details for the new GranTurismo, which will come next spring with both gas and electric options. We have all enjoyed the most fantastic holiday season ever, and are thrilled to show everyone just how life-changing and eager-spirited our entire new lineup will be!

The J.D. Power rating system and awards entity have not been shy to show their love for Maserati’s employment of Ferrari engines for the power supply in top performance trims, and we love  to celebrate the Italian flair each model offers. There are so many exciting things that will come in 2023, as a new SUV model, a ground tourer, and a thrilling open-top supercar are rolling festively onto the lot. Here are the lineup changes to look forward to, and a few unique traits that set each model apart! The 2023 Maserati Ghibli is not announcing any riveting differences in style and essence for 2023, but detailed updates over the past few years will provide momentum to render it supreme as always. In 2021, the Ferrari V8 engine was added under the hood, resulting in the brand-new Trofeo trim. The Ghibli’s base twin turbocharged V6 attracts heaps of positive attention with its 345 horsepower and a nearly hypersonic zero to 60 time of just 5.5 seconds. Beginning in 2021, every Ghibli now features a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment display for the tech lovers out there that desire an extra dazzling effect. The 2023 Maserati GranTurismo has undergone serious modification for its Nettuno V6 engine that sees its fire-breathing origins in the MC20 supercar. The Modena version is showing up ready for action with the 490-horsepower twin-turbo V6. The range-topping and charismatically capable Trofeo receives the 550-horsepower powertrain version. This is the model that will boast the honor of becoming Maserati’s first 100% battery electric vehicle, featuring 800 Volt technology in three electric motors with 760 horsepower. The 2023 Maserati Grecale is an entirely new model for 2023 and fits directly beneath the Levante SUV. The base level GT trim uses a spry and punchy 296-horsepower 4-cylinder engine with a mild-hybrid system. The middle Modena trim shows up with 325 horsepower, and the top Trofeo claims its consistent and prominent leadership with a 523-horsepower V6. The all-electric powertrain will be arriving next year, and the 2023 model has rocketed from 0 to 60 in just 3.8 seconds. The 2023 Maserati Levante rolls into 2023 unchanged for the most part, but its 2021 overhaul left it with a much more appealing exterior and more current tech features. The GT hits the scene with a 345-horsepower V6, the Modena with the 424-horsepower version, and the Trofeo with the raw power and distinctly audible exhaust of the 572-horsepower V8. This is the flavorful SUV that Edmunds.com claimed delivers “notably fierce power, and undeniably first-class handling.” The 2023 Maserati MC20 came onto the scene this year, stunning car fans worldwide with its swooping, aggressive, and distinctively Maserati DNA. Also introduced this year, there is a brand-new model within the lineup. The namesake is Italian for sky, adding instant appeal courtesy of amazing butterfly doors, a glass roof, and all the other game-changing looks this model introduced. The out-of-this-world twin turbo cranking out 621 horsepower shatters everything within nearby proximity while getting up to 60 in just 2.9 seconds, and the MC20 dangles as invitingly as New Year’s champagne with its top speed of more than 202 mph. The first racing car to sport the Trident logo was the Tipo 26, making its first appearance in 1926 at the Garga Florio. It brought home a first-place finish then, and 96 years later the Tipo Folgore will make its debut in the age of electrification with a design portraying a lightning surge of exciting and vigorous energy. The Gen 3 is on track to be the most efficient and fastest Formula E car yet, allowing for more than 40% of the energy used during a race to be derived from regenerative braking. In January of 2023, it will start a 19-race regimen. This will mark the humble beginnings of a season that promises to be awe-inspiring while striving to be efficient and meaningful at every turn.

As the wreaths are hung snugly and the skyline is illuminated brilliantly here at Jim Butler Maserati of St Louis, it’s an ideal time to reflect upon the reasons why we are so excited about present and incoming models. Looking to the future while embracing our current offerings, we came up with 5 traits that have long defined our cars and cutting-edge SUVs. The Chiming Bells Praising Twin Turbo: Many of today’s models are decidedly basic and seem to have a bit of trouble in the pickup department thanks to the presence of turbo four-cylinders. Back in 1982, the Maserati Biturbo was the first car with twin turbochargers and was available as a sedan, convertible, or coupe. This early example of just how ferocious and well-defined technology could make things is still heralded as one of the bestselling Maserati’s of all time. Twin turbochargers man the job of increasing air and fuel intake, making the ride punchier and excitingly aggressive. The Quattroporte’s Fine Framework: Many purists will claim that the sports sedan arrive later than the original Quattroporte and was derived from rival BMW. the Maserati Quattroporte was responsible for introducing the framework, and it was our first sedan with series one production taking place in 1963. It was derived from an era that chose comfort over exciting performance and was incredibly memorable and so very high above par. Residing as the fastest 4 door of its time, it was famous for changing traditional sedan values from the ground up. The Resilient and Raucous V6: The arrival of the MC20 will provide an exhilarating chance for many seasoned drivers to enjoy the chops and presence of the Nettuno V6. It boasts the characteristic additions of a pre-combustion chamber and no balance shaft and is designed for pure power and performance during a time when efficiency is hailed. The Nettuno blasts the carbon fiber masterpiece up to 60 mph in just 2.7 seconds, which is as good as many competing V8s present in the ring. A testament to everything fantastic that the future will bring in the supercar realm, it holds true to seasoned roots instead of bowing to consistent pressure. GT Marvels + Pushing Grand Touring Boundaries: The GranTurismo Folgore begins production next year and will exist as the first all-electric and breathtaking grand touring coupe. In the past, GT model cars have been extremely luxurious and have possessed legendary handling traits. Now in creation is an electric car that favors the choosier and refined driver, and is on track to boast 760 horsepower and a salacious top speed of 200 mph. Other brands are attempting to imitate this gem in the making, but most likely will not have chance at comparing. An SUV Curated for the Elemental Enthusiast: The Levante Trofeo boasts the twin-turbo V8 sourced by no less than the discerning and legendary Ferrari. It valiantly cranks out 590 horsepower and 538 lb-ft of torque, which is more than enough to surpass the usual SUV offering. It will ignite pavement up to 60 mph in just 3.8 seconds and has enough space to handle multiple Home Depot runs if needed. Ideal for the domesticated commuter who is it the place in life where they will compensate just an inch, this model will no doubt captivate many owners and continue a tradition of esteemed excellence.

Many consumers “in the know” choose to try to be rational when they make their decisions with a sensible influence dictating the outcome of any large purchase.  If you are in the market for a brand-new car, there are issues such as usability, space and comfort, and reliability that all have their own deciding factors in what you may take home with you off a car lot. Much like a Christmas tree itself, there are numerous different varieties and options to mull over! Along with sugar plums and holiday wish lists, there may be a fast large sedan dancing in your head as a perfect shaken snowglobe of a New Year’s dream come true. If that just happens to be the case, all of us here at Jim Butler Maserati of Saint Louis know the perfect item for you to unwrap that just might not quite fit under the tree. The Maserati Quattroporte in its top-shelf trim is the pavement trouncing and luxurious Trofeo, waiting to find its way into your holiday to-do-list as appealing as gingerbread and that ski trip to Aspen you have been putting off since the pandemic! In a world where more sedans are becoming what gear patrol referred to as “optimized bars of soap”, the Quattroporte is guaranteed to evoke a sense of nostalgia that is always memorable and deserted Highway focused. It may not be as sappy as Chevy Chase watching old movies in the Attic during the famed “Christmas Vacation” film, but the sultry Italian looks that slightly resemble its relative in the form of the Ghibli have the undeniable power to win many over immediately. After firing it up, one will notice that the steering is very light, and there is a type of delicacy that is possessed by the car’s rivals off the line. The brake pedal has a sponginess to it that is a bit strange at first, but once you locate just where the recalibration has led to pedal bite, there’s a noticeable and airy reassurance much like landing gear in a plane. The exciting act of pitching the Quattroporte aggressively in a corner doesn’t result in “flat” handling, compared by the test driver of the hour to an expertly engineered sled that can rip through turns ruthlessly and quietly. Unlike many other sedans of the time, the Trofeo sends all its power to the rear wheels, resulting in what many driving connoisseurs enjoy as “consistently wicked fun”. Once you find a long enough road, the Quattroporte Trofeo tops out at 203 miles an hour, ravishingly bringing to life everything pure and good left in the driving world today. We know that as your loved ones and friends are preparing to spend the greatest time of year with you, there will always be a positive use for acceleration that qualifies as not only icebreaking, but mistletoe and gift-wrapped Earthshaking!

As the senses are awakened and the calendars are filled to the brim with social events during one of the busiest seasons of the year, fall has been a season of celebration and anticipation for us here at Jim Butler Maserati of Saint Louis. As the staff of Autoweek claimed on their blog this month, our Maserati MC20 Cielo is excitingly a member of an exclusive and thrilling group of “last hurrah” cars. Even though the future of electrification is promising, some of the offerings before its official roll-out are going to be meant to savor with a true petrol-lover’s skill! The MC20 is on track to receive its full-electric version shortly down the line, with the Folgore slated to use an elaborate triple-motor system and penning an action story ripe with performance that will earn a place in automotive folklore immediately. The Cielo is equipped with a glass hardtop that can be folded away in just 12 seconds, adding a mere 143 pounds to the carbon-fiber-rich finished product. Here the review staff claims that they are so happy that the rugged touring spirit still lives on here, and not just a futuristic show and tell “because Maserati can”. Reprogramming the UI to allow for this simple roof operation took quite a bit of time and meticulous effort, but in this review, we are shown that for better and more opportunistic times after such global turmoil, “every little bit of this car is pure excellence.” The existence of the Nettuno V6 happens to be the starring feature that makes everything glossy while still raucous, eagerly achieving a 621-horsepower output. The pre-ignition system is heavily inspired by all the greatness the motorsports genre has provided drivers over the years, and both turbos on board deliver peaks of up to 43.5 psi. This is an engine that unapologetically heaps on unique layers of character, with a noise that is thick with induction and a unique hiss every time you ease up on the gas. The MC20 Coupe is already a very raw and grunty persona, but the Cielo just adds to the excellence factor with the ability to lower the roof on a whim. The Bridgestone S007 tires feel relentlessly on point and grounded and using the three included dynamic modes change specs drastically to properly adapt to the terrain. The GT Mode softens the adaptive dampers and puts the torque converter on swing shift to assist with transmission shifting ratios. Sport Mode firms things up in the Chassis neighborhood, and allows for gears to shift a necessary instant quicker. The most aggressive Corsa Mode has the well-dialed in chops to toggle the dampers to a softer setting, and torque bumps for each precision-timed shift up. Happy to be hurtling at speeds everyday drives don’t demand, the MC20 Cielo is going to drive desire, on-pavement antics, and upper-end quality quite obviously at a pace and fervor that the public is starved for.

So many cars of both the past and present have achieved legendary status the minute that they caught the public’s eye, the 2023 Maserati GranTurismo was the hot topic getting ready to do so on the Man of Many blog this past week. A concept that was years in the making and one that will surely see many drivers abandoning a “dreadfully ordinary” sedan for a wildly enriched and adventuresome drive, this long-awaited car is slated to debut with three epic and very potent engine configurations. Two of these will consist of the hot-blooded V6 Nettuno, with the third sporting a massively powerful all-electric battery-based powertrain that sends an astonishing 760 horsepower to the wheels. The Folgore is going to make history as the first all-electric vehicle we will offer here at Jim Butler Maserati of St Louis, an integral and groundbreaking step along the way for our plan to be fully electric in 8 years. A phenomenal testament to what can be accomplished when some of the best minds in engineering and development join forces, this ferocious coupe reintroduces the longer bonnet and four-fender design that have long been characteristic of Maserati staples. The 3.0-liter V6 Nettuno Twin Turbo engine found in the Modena boasts 490 HP and the Trofeo version sees the upgrade up to a maximum power of 550 hp. This rich combo provides brand-new and loyal patrons of Maserati alike the opportunity to experience the classic feel that only an internal combustion engine can offer as you nudge it into gear. The Folgore model is neck and neck with the power offerings of the Porsche Taycan Turbo S, strutting loftily with its segment-leading 760 horsepower and tri motor 300-kW permanent magnet motor arrangement. The Folgore’s battery capacity is around 92.5 kWh, tightly situated underneath the vehicle and rightfully avoiding the age-old dilemma of placing the battery modules directly under the seat. Much like the eclectically individual and characteristic Mini Cooper SE, this makes the task of replacing the driveshaft and exhaust with EV batteries and motors easier. This vehicle has undergone a “multi-material” approach that created the need for an entirely new manufacturing process to be implemented, with all three of these models being produced at the Mirafiori manufacturing hub in Turin, Italy. Some of our colleagues who have seen the GranTurismo up close and in person say it is quite a bit larger than they expected, which will provide a very commanding on-pavement presence. Built to provide the ultimate balance between functionality and beauty, the GranTurismo is the ultimate bearer of great tidings holding true to Italian luxury performance standards. What is a perfectly-timed and extensive return to lightweight materials such as aluminum and magnesium is going to exist as a thorough ode to not just the touring mantra, but the thrill of a stress-relieving time on the pavement to clear your head. Make sure that you ask us during your test drive about what we consider the “all-around sound experience”: larger than life due to the signature note of the engine, it is rounded out with the Sonus faber 3D sound that must be experienced to be fully appreciated!

2022 has certainly been a year of change and new beginnings for us here at Jim Butler Maserati of St. Louis, with the blossoming popularity of electrification and new design. The 1,200-horsepower all-electric GranTurismo Folgore was the topic on tap for the writers on staff at the Jalopnik.com blog this week, with the arrival of a brand-new coupe and many reasons to celebrate the incoming era of definitive changes in the auto industry. The model that is named after the Italian word for “lightning” most certainly performs as such, as the breathtaking sprint up to 60 MPH takes just 2.6 seconds. The Folgore will deftly surpass the 300-mph mark as well, which is greater than Maserati’s estimation of a 180-mph top speed earlier on in the development process. In this video, Head of Design Klaus Busse and Chief Communications Officer Maria Conti get in for an exhilarating ride with comedian Sebastian Maniscalo, depicting for audiences worldwide just how amazingly fast you can “careen even minus the gasoline”! During the video, the camera is pointed back toward those in the cabin, and the dashboard is still blurred out to avoid leaking all the finer details. The missing buttons make for a very clean and simplistic appearance, as the last GranTurismo was one of the last cars to use an old-school monochrome-green LCD screen when it took a temporary leave of absence 3 years ago. There are a couple of other valuable tidbits learned from the short film, such as the ability courtesy of DC fast charging to provide 100 miles of range in just 10 minutes. There will also be Folgore versions coming soon of the upcoming Grecale SUV and MC20 supercar arriving over the next year, along with a convertible GranCabrio version of the GranTurismo. The outlined plan thus far is to see all models be electric by 2030, with the GranTurismo being one of the few to still offer a gas version. One of the recent forums on the Road and Track website went into detail regarding how this incoming model was a triumph for not appearing as “pathetically nerdy” as some of the other options out there were plagued by boxy and lifeless design.The launch is currently on track for the end of 2023, which was previously confirmed by Stellantis at the official presentation on February 23. At that time, they said the GranTurismo and GranCabrio Evs would launch within 22 months. This concept is a bit like the Alfieri 2+2 concept shown 8 years ago at the Geneva Motor Show, featuring a long bonnet, dartingly short overhangs, and a slightly longer wheelbase. An Automotive News Europe report dated February 17, 2022, claimed that this model would be situated on a completely re-engineered Giorgio platform. On April 10, 2022, Maserati shared pictures of our esteemed CEO Carlos Tavares experiencing a “charging ride” in a prototype to social media followers on Twitter, and this raucously rapid 0-60 time is just one indicator of how pure and potent of a drive time you’ll enjoy with the Folgore in the future.

It is not just the fierce sense of rivalry that inspires the 2023 Maserati Grecale’s legendary design elements and performance: Grecale is the Italian word for “Greek Wind”, celebrating the tranquil and inspiring breezes derived from some of the world’s most beautiful and tranquil islands. The new Grecale is both smaller and less costly than the very first SUV we released in the form of the Levante, which officially launched in 2016. The Grecale is composed of three different trim levels, beginning with the fuel-efficient 4-cylinder GT and ending with the “all-stops pulled out” appeal of the Trofeo, sporting a 523-horsepower V6 engine. Later in 2023, there are now official plans to release an all-electric variant by the name of the Folgore. Translated into the ferocious and lethally powerful meaning of “lightning”, the Grecale remains a stunning and influential choice no matter which variety you select. For years Maserati has amazed the most proficient of car enthusiasts by delivering fully on the promise of providing startling stats and design, and the 2023 Grecale blasts off fantastically to 60 mph in just 3.6 seconds. You’ll be screeching past onlookers and any other less than ordinary facet of daily life you’re eager to leave behind with a top speed of 177 mph, and as you careen by everyone will take notice of the characteristically low grille stamped with the familiar Maserati Trident front and center. From the side view, the Grecale’s trademark boomerang rear taillights and carbon-fiber rear diffuser round off the look perfectly, easily avoiding the pitfall of being mistaken for a mainstream offering with rather plastic and run-of-the-mill features. It's exciting to witness the amazing prowess and flair that is so evident after decades of hard work and a wide array of precisely tuned parts as soon as you push the start/stop button, situated directly on the steering wheel, and inspired by supercar great Ferrari. This new Grecale model sees the introduction of Maserati’s very first digital clock, which also has a chronometer, G-force meter, compass, and a very cool variety of different watch faces that you can select for display. You can also conveniently now use voice commands to adjust interior elements such as climate control, and destination input. On top of the 12.3-inch instrument cluster, you’ll also be selecting from two touch screens in the center stack: one is where you find all the pertinent navigation, tunes, and vehicle settings, while the other is a smaller 8.8-inch model where you access climate control. Some aficionados had once claimed that Maserati was a bit lacking in the infotainment department, but these quickly responding screens and well-organized layout provide the perfect contrast on either side of the shift buttons situated between the two. With characteristics such as “leather that looks sourced from a gorgeous Italian handbag” and well-defined bundle of reasonably attainable high hopes, the Grecale is poised to be the mid-sized SUV of the discerning driver with a love for every single thrilling curve in the road!

As the changing of seasons is coming close once again and we take the time to look back at Maserati's illustrious history here at Jim Butler Maserati of St. Louis, it was more than 100 years ago when two brothers set out to lay the groundwork for such a high-performing and memorable line of cars. Even if the hard-working duo could envision the company still thriving in 2022, they could never imagine the caliber and intricate candor of vehicles now being built. The Forbes automotive experts recently took the Maserati Levante Trofeo for a lengthy test drive, and picked the very scenic northern Michigan for the location. The 197.6-inch-long Levante takes up residence in a category that has become more populated over the past two decades, with brands jumping in on the action that no one would have previously thought would be there. Even Ferrari will still soon add to the roster of high-end brands that have jumped on the crossover SUV bandwagon, and so many experts and diehard enthusiasts are wondering what sets the Levante apart from the competition. The overall design style has been breathed into the Levante well, with the addition of a bolder-shaped grille and rear glass with a characteristic forward slope. Every trim level now also features the presence of twin-turbocharged engines sourced from the supercar genius-level known as Ferrari, with the GT and Modena getting V6s with 345 of 424 horsepower. The Modena S brandishes 550-horsepower from a 3.8-liter V8, while the high-presiding and sensationally performing Trofeo doles out 580 horsepower and 538 lb-ft of torque. This engine also asserts its all-around superiority with a pair of twin-scroll turbos and a separate intercooler that provides a higher threshold of peak power and overall responsiveness. Each of these models offers All-wheel-drive as standard, and is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. The driving modes on the Trofeo are normal, I.C.E., off-road, and Corsa. The off-road mode kicks in and lifts the body up a couple of inches, and the Trofeo variant also comes with 380-mm diameter cross-drilled rotors and six-piston calipers on the front. We must give the Forbes crew massive props for recognizing that taking advantage of those who have long been established in northern Italy’s region’s skills at craftsmanship is one of the most rewarding opportunities in the modern auto world: grave attention to detail and longstanding quality is evident at each mile marker. Paint selections are applied entirely by hand in three different coats, then the final layer is a red-tinted form of glossy clear coat. We’d have to fully recommend the Corsa drive mode to savor the characteristic crackle and throaty growl these engines have always been known for.

With so many promising releases coming soon and efficiency as well as performance high on consumers’ current wish lists, all of us at Jim Butler Maserati of St Louis have been working hard to keep YOU as our top priority. Any Maserati owner has already decided that they only want to settle for the finer things in life, and we believe that this should apply to every facet of your new vehicle. As the need for reliability mounts in the current automotive market, we have wanted to find different ways to assure that your ownership experience is phenomenal! Maserati’s Extra10 Warranty Program will soon be offered worldwide, providing world-class and longstanding coverage for the health of the engine and transmission. This stellar coverage will not only be available for North and South American buyers but as current owners also whose Maserati is no more than 9.5 years old will be eligible, without any restrictive limits on mileage regarding the warranty. This benefit will be offered as an official add-on to the existing extended warranty offerings, which will currently act to cover a powertrain from up to seven years and unlimited mileage if you meet the condition of purchasing within the stated mileage and warranty periods. Currently, you can receive benefits such as roadside assistance and help with the next leg of travel, and the extra 10 form of warranty coverage adds other convenient perks such as pick up and return service, as well as a courtesy car. We have also made the decision to make this Extra10 form of coverage transferable, which will provide a heightened peace of mind and enhance the everyday driving pleasure characteristic of every Trident car. There will also be the option of purchasing extended powertrain coverage in annual increments, alleviating the demand for lump-sum transactions. Once October arrives, interested owners can visit us here at Jim Butler to find out if your vehicle is eligible, and begin to enjoy the benefits of coverage! Brand-new models such as the 2023 Maserati Grecale are nailing down rave reviews from the experts on staff at Car and Driver, who immediately were impressed with its “high-end cabin prowess, powerful V6, and well-balanced handling”. This feature-rich and lavish model will be situated directly beneath the larger mid-size Levante, with a distinctive grille and the rest of its body bearing likeness to the Alfa Romeo Stelvio, The BMW X3, and Porsche Macan, all other very sought-after members of the high-end and eclectic club. The 2023 Grecale comes standard with all-wheel drive and a 296-horsepower turbo 4, with a 523-horsepower twin-turbo V6 as the upper end and exhilarating engine option. We have long known that our vehicles stand the test of time and provide the utmost in satisfaction, but the fall of 2022 will provide a fitting opportunity to forego even the smallest hassle during ownership, and iron the kinks out on a deserted two-lane road while enjoying the fruits of full-blown Maserati culture!

Here at Jim Butler Maserati of St Louis, we have always been engaged in and mesmerized by any form of racing: from Grand Touring to the excitement of the annual Indy 500, it's always a thrill to see perfectly tuned cars facing off against each other on the blazing hot concrete. With the MC12, we had very memorable races in the FIA GT2 championship during a modern form of glory days between 2004 and 2010. This week the Motor1.com blog officially announced our esteemed brand’s return to very thrilling closed-wheel competitions with the brand-new MC20 GT2. Hailed as the MC 12 successor on road and track, the official debut is during the Fanatec GT2 European Series championship in 2023. The GT2 car meets FIA regulations as a single-seater non-road legal race car, and under the hood is the powerful presence of the 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6. The official power output is yet to be announced, but manufacturer spokespeople have claimed a base version with 630 horsepower is already in the meticulous process of development. This amazing “Nettuno” is the dreamy and precision-engineered stuff that modern folklore is absolutely made of and is paired with a 6-speed sequential transmission with paddle shifters. A limited-slip differential and racing clutch helps the car with crucial elements of success in the traction department, while a GT2-homologated racing body kit ensures maximum aerodynamic downforce. After meeting the very thorough requirements for a motorsport’s governing body, the MC20 GT2 comes equipped with a carbon fiber steering wheel, in-car camera, air conditioning, adjustable racing ABS, and tire pressure monitor. This coming weekend as viewers enjoy the 2022 24 Hours of Spa, Maserati will present an official experience that is dedicated to the glorious milestones in its sporting history, appropriately joining the past successes of the MC12 with the future victories of the MC20. The MC12 still takes ultimate pride in the claim of winning the races in Belgium in 2005, 2006, and 2008, a living and breathing example of the passion we instill in every model that arrives here for the ultimate test drives and excitement. The MC20 will undoubtedly continue a tradition of longstanding excellence and prowess through the straightaways and tight corners, combining aesthetic elements of the future with valiant and speed-hungry themes of the past. Deemed appropriately as “everything a Maserati supercar should be” by the Car and Driver crew, there is much to admire about the carbon-fiber structure, amazingly powerful V6, and exotic appearance. Don’t forget to check out the exclusive Acquamarina paint color for the convertible Cielo Spyder model, as well as the additive of the optional front suspension lift mechanism, that helps this characteristically lower nose with clearance and optimal cruising on the open road!

The luxury SUV segment has lately been quite populated, as we couldn’t help but notice this summer here at Jim Butler Maserati of Saint Louis as we check out just what we’re up against on our daily docket! There's a choice of 21 very capable models on the market right now considered higher end, but it was no surprise that the 2022 Maserati Levante GT Hybrid had won over the hard-working and knowledgeable staff at CarExpert after a thorough test drive. They also recognized that anyone used to the highly renowned sounds of the Maserati V8 or twin-turbo V6 at full noise will be pleasantly surprised at the 4-cylinder version’s tone while roaring and running fully upright. It may not quite have the boisterous boom of its larger displacement relatives but is a fitting and perfectly rounded-out sound that announces when the floating Trident badge is showing up behind you on the road. This review team was also very impressed with the side air intakes that were designed in cobalt blue, which was a visual hint-dropping to the hybrid powertrain. This future-embracing and hybrid theme also is continued on the brake calipers, as on the base Levante they sport a nice Gloss Blue color and are available as an optional extra. It can clearly be seen that the fat piping under the rear diffuser is not used along with any amplifiers for the great-sounding exhaust note, as the dynamics of this piping and the use of resonators make the best of this smaller-but mighty engine’s sound. We have long known which rivals are the key competition up against the Levante GT Hybrid: Just a few are the Porsche Cayenne Coupe, the Range Rover Velar, The Mercedes GLE450, the BMW X5, and the Audi Q7 55 TFSI S Line quattro. Frequently billed as “one of the most comfortable cabins you’ll ever experience”, the inside of the Levante has a driving position that is a bit reminiscent of the raucous rival in the form of the Porsche Macan. It leaves you deep inside the vehicle, but with a dominating and controlled view of the road ahead and with ergonomics that would make a dedicated and 12-hour shift working desk jockey comfortably thrilled! There is also the telltale and very distinguished Maserati trident in the center of the soft leather steering wheel, along with the classy clock on the dash much like what you see in our salacious sedan that is the Ghibli Modena. The weight of the steering and the precise handling accuracy go together with the first-rate tuning job on the suspension, and it provides the perfect opportunity for the driver to just keep pushing the limits higher and higher during the perfect weekend moments when you get to drive it through the ideal twisting and open road. There are also six different ride heights to choose from, and you get the “perfectionist’s enjoyment” of feeling the car lower the second you engage the sport and suspension button. With a ride that is stiffer than one would suspect of an SUV and world-class track-inspired chops at every turn, we you pay us a mid-summer’s visit to see just how amazing and lavish “this one of the 21’s” road time treats you!