Behind The Logois an original series that takes an in-depth look at the design, constantevolution, and history of the world’s most distinguishable trademarks and logos. Everyonehere atJim Butler Maserati of St Louisis well-acquainted with the level of automotiveexcellence that we have achieved worldwide, and the anticipation that comes about yearlywhen our legendary models see new releases
Their feature about Maserati this past week began describing Neptune’s trident as the ultimate universal symbol of never-ending strength and supreme command over the world’s oceans. Our proud Italian heritage has been in the automotive business for over 100 years,fulfilling the labor of producing high-performance race cars and luxury vehicles that possess industry-best performance and aesthetics. The story about our logo’s origins can be traced back to our brand’s hometown of Bologna, Italy. Three tight-knit brothers began by manufacturing spark plugs in 1914, ultimately desiring to use their skills and enthusiasm for engineering and motor sports for creating revolutionary and memorable race cars.
Alfieri, Ettore, and Ernesto Maserati had created their very first full-fledged design by 1926,named the Tipo 26. Sporting a fresh mint chrome logo on its hood, it took first place honors in the annual Targa Florio race. Mario was another brother whose talents delved into a more artistic realm, and he was the designer of the emblem. He gleaned his inspiration from the late Renaissance-era Fountain of Neptune in Bologna’s Piazza Maggiore, a city landmark that symbolizes strength and the ability to withstand the elements. The trident logo has not been altered much during the 105 years of the brand’s existence, and Maserati has been able tost and out with a unique presence in a massively competitive market.
In 1933, the logo saw its first update while still holding on tightly to its original designelements.It became red and was placed inside a painted oval situated just above the Maserati name. The signature red, white, and blue colors were a symbol of appreciation for their Bologna roots and longstanding love for their origins. Wins were achieved at the Indy 500 in both 1938 and 1940, assuring that the entire automotive world knew Maserati was an extremely influential force on the track.
During 1959 the Tipo 60 was officially introduced with a new chassis playing host to an assortment of 200 steel tubes. It took first place in its debut race that year, and in 1957 the 3500 GT astonished onlookers at the famous Geneva Motor Show. Our brand was now making a return to the racetrack after ten years of intense focus on the luxury market courtesy of models such as the Ghibli, Bora, and Quattroporte. In 2004 the MC12 won numerous consecutive titles and retained solid status as a successful GT racer.
The arrival of the MC20 marks another chapter in our tale, still heavily-inspired by that hand-painted Trident logo from years ago. Brandishing the “Nettuno” engine, it goes from 0 to 60 mph in just 2.9 seconds and can reach a top speed of 200 mph. The very near future will offer fully-electric versions, and the badge on the front hood sports an oval icon with a straightforward white-and-blue scheme. The memorable trident and everything it stands for isa holiday-worthy and illustrated story: we are excited to make many more memories and tributes to those three dedicated brothers who acted willfully on their vision years ago!
Various in-depth looks at the upcoming Maserati MC20 have appeared lately over the newswires, and in just two short years this icon of many firsts will be officially unveiled. Brand-new colors, a carbon fiber monocoque, and downforce channeling are a few of these milestones. Car fans worldwide are beginning to discuss among each other the traits about the new Maserati that excite them most. Its features draw inspiration from the championship-claiming MC12 and Formula 1 design blended into a satisfyingly-aggressive and high-end yet accessible design.
This new application of the latest technology is slated to also be used to leap back into the racing game. We are excited here at Jim Butler Maserati of St Louis to be making a return to the adrenaline-laced and tight-cornered tracks. The newly more-rigid chassis boasts improved aerodynamic functions, putting the MC20 into a luxury car class that contains heaps of enthusiasm and precision on the track. 20” alloy wheels sporting a “birdcage” design are standard on the MC20, with the option to upgrade to 20” Corsa forged wheels.
GT, Sport, Corsa, and Wet are the 4 available drive modes, and the optional suspension lifter can raise the front axle by 2” when you are inclined to cruise at less than 25 mph. The power source for the MC20 is the “Nettuno” a descriptive Italian word for the planet Neptune. The “Nettuno” engine is a 3.0-Liter V6 beast that produces 621 horsepower and 538 lb-ft of torque. The engine is made up of more than 300 intricate components and comes in on the scale at just under 485 lbs.
This twin-turbo DOHC engine draws inspiration from the revolutionary technology of Formula 1, shining a bright light on Maserati’s desired return to racing. This engine features a twin injection system along with a lateral spark plug design, incorporating a passive pre-chamber. When the engine is not actively utilizing this chamber, the lateral spark plug puts out sufficient combustion. This system also maximizes efficient fuel consumption and aids in lowering emissions. Every single one of these engines undergoes very thorough spot-checking by precise analytical tools, and several of the very latest technologies such as computational fluid dynamics optimize the air vents for maximum flow.
Be sure to check out the Exterior Carbon Fiber package after the MC20’s debut: it adds the balanced and aggressive visual touch of a front splitter and rear diffuser. The interior package option provides paddle shifters, door sills, and a carbon-fiber built cluster cap. While enjoying the excitement and connection to the pavement, sounds during the journey will now be delivered by an all-new 12-speaker Sonus Faber system. Some of the available dazzling color choices are Bianco Audace, Nero Enigma, Rosso Vincente, and Grigio Mistero. We are expecting an entirely awestruck response and appreciation for the MC20 when it arrives: the very near future is offering up irresistible slices of excellence in the automobile world!
Revving up for the Electric Revolution: Zero Emission Gran Turismo EV on the Way Next Year
Just a few years ago, the passionate fans of sports sedans and track-ready powerhouses that offer up command performance were understandably reluctant to embrace the inevitable future of electrification. There have been many steps taken in the environmentally-friendly electric-powered direction on our behalf, but next year there is a giant leap taking place with the second-generation GranTurismo. This will be a groundbreaking first for the brand we love so much to represent here every day at Jim Butler Maserati of St Louis, as it will be our first completely battery-powered vehicle.
Last week there was quite a stir as the unveiling of our new MC20 sports car took place, and well-hidden among the excitement at hand was a lone image of the GranTurismo EV. It was already known that the zero-emission coupe was on its way, but official confirmation has now taken place regarding its 2021 arrival. Last fall many were inquisitive when there was a temporary goodbye of sorts said to the GranTurismo, and it was then revealed that the car would have a fully electric drivetrain when it returned.
There may also be an internal combustion engine available as an option for the purists out there, as we do understand that in high-grade automotive terms, “It’s always quite hard to fully let go!” The sporty and future-embracing MC20 was on track to be Maserati’s first zero-emission vehicle, and will still eventually see availability boasting a hybrid powertrain. This along with the new GranTurismo will be a pair of the 13 electrified vehicles that the automaker plans to release during the next four years.
The Grecale SUV was another one of these vehicles that were shown small bits of during the MC20 unveiling, expected to see its position just under the Levante. Efforts have long been underway to modernize the production line at the Modena plant, paving the necessary way to accommodate new electric models along with a modern new paint shop. Here is also where the “Innovation Lab” is housed, which is the heart of our brand’s development.
As electric cars are now poised to become the standard, digital processes that support the product’s development use virtual simulation with a Static Simulator, a Dynamic Simulator, and the User eXperience development labs. Changes to the future lineup are going to result in an entirely different breed and sense of automobile, and the city of Modena will remain the prime location of the line’s creation as it has for 80 years. What used to be a far off notion in the distance is now being perfected and primed for aggressive pavement sessions, and we are excited to offer plug-in options with form, function, and fantastic appeal!
One of the elements that really stood out in Maserati’s top models over the past few years are the Ferrari-built V8 engines, solidifying our position as a track-ready and top-of-the-line quality producer. The staff on duty at the Carbuzz blog took a look at a feature at what they thought we as a company would now focus on for engine options and reported that it appears as if the in-house Nettuno V6 is going to fulfill the duty. It is set to produce up to 620 horsepower and will debut in the new Maserati MC20 sportscar but, until then, the Ferrari will most likely see one final hurrah.
There have been tweets over the past few weeks from Maserati highlighting a new threesome of Trofeo line models that are set to premiere August 10th. That includes the Ghibli Trofeo, Quattroporte Trofeo, and Levante Trofeo. A limited-edition Levante Trofeo has already been released, powered by the 3.8-liter twin-turbo Ferrari-built V8 that cranked out 590 hp and 538 lb-ft of torque. Some recent spy shots have already portrayed the secret testing of a Levante Trofeo that has been rumored to have a larger 4.0-liter V8 producing even more power.
It is not yet known if the 4.0-liter engine is derived from the old 3.8-liter courtesy of Ferrari, or if it is an entirely new design. All of us standing by to give you premium sales and service assistance here at Jim Butler Maserati of St Louis are on the lookout for these new models that will enjoy a performance level just as high as the BMW M3 and M5. Named after a gentle wind that blows across the Mediterranean, the fierce new Levante Trofeo SUV will exert the same power, capable of the quick change from a calm breeze to a raging typhoon. Even with an earthshaking acceleration factor, no Maserati road car would trade their luxurious elements in turn for performance.
Beyond the engine, it could be expected that the Ghibli and Quattroporte models will receive more aggressive changes to the styling both inside and out, with carbon fiber as the primary material choice. The chassis is also expected to be thoroughly reworked, seeing the addition of the “Corsa” mode as a choice on the drive mode selector. This new mode offers up a more responsive throttle, faster gear shifts, a louder exhaust note, lower ride height, and a greater amount of stiffness of the suspension damping. We also enjoyed this clip found on Youtube that really hones in and gives the viewer a good idea of what to expect from one of these three exciting models arriving soon.
The scorching yet seductive Maserati Ghibli has been around for seven years now, and the fact that not a whole lot has differed over its existence is now getting ready to change. As covered in Carbuzz.com this past week, the new Ghibli’s debut is slated to be in just five days. This extra-exclusive reveal will also include the first-ever Ghibli Hybrid and or PHEV, part of a lineup of new models touting electrification as part of our in-depth reinvention plan. The electric Maserati MC20 will also play a key role in this proposed and very exciting plan.
Here we are shown spy photographs that just snapped some fresh photos of the Ghibli with a facelift running some final test laps that reveal more details than many out there on the web looking for clues have seen to date. These two prototypes are sporting less camouflage around the bumpers, and it can be clearly made out that there have been some significant styling changes to the front and rear. The Ghibli was surely already a great-looking performance sedan and everyone here at Jim Butler Maserati of St Louis knew that a design that works so well shouldn’t be tweaked too intensely.
Our sources do claim that the interior will see heavy updates, and sure enough, both interiors are heavily cloaked as seen in this shoot. It should be expected to see a larger infotainment screen and an instrument cluster that is now fully digital. The car’s software as a whole is also most likely due to a thorough update. It has also been recently learned that the updated Ghibli will offer the 2.0-liter engine that cranks out around 330 horsepower, and it is still to be finalized whether it will be the new base engine replacing the current 3.0-liter V6 and if it will be only offered with the plug-in hybrid or hybrid variants.
Don’t forget to ask us about the available Zegna package that offers unique interior trim flourishes and color options and spend an ample amount of time picking which style and trim of the arrival is best for you. One of the questions asked frequently of us is why we think the Ghibli is so much better than the BMW 6 series the Audi A7, and Mercedes-Benz CLS Class models. The staff on duty at Releasedatenewcars.com claimed that the potent engine, distinctive styling, excellent ride and handling balance, many safety features, and immaculately crafted interior are elements that make the Ghibli stand out in pure and prominent fashion.
Some of the standard features available on the base model include an 8-way power- adjustable steering wheel, an 8.4” touchscreen display, automatic wipers and headlights, 19- inch alloy wheels, an 8-speaker audio system, automatic dual-zone climate control, auto- dimming mirrors, keyless entry and ignition, a USB port, SD card reader, LED running lights,
automatic xenon headlights, an auxiliary audio jack, and complete navigation system.
Some of the standard features available on the base model include an 8-way power-adjustable steering wheel, an 8.4” touchscreen display, automatic wipers and headlights, 19-inch alloy wheels, an 8-speaker audio system, automatic dual-zone climate control, auto-dimming mirrors, keyless entry and ignition, a USB port, SD card reader, LED running lights, automatic xenon headlights, an auxiliary audio jack, and complete navigation system.
Chris Bruce and the talented staff of Motor1.com have always excelled at giving our sales and service staff here at Jim Butler Maserati of St Louis as well as our customers the current scoop of exactly what’s happening in the auto world. After a huge dose of uncertainty during the beginning of this year globally, we are finally getting to the point where future dates are a bit more solid, new model info is flowing out there, and specs are being released. Bruce made the announcement on his blog that this past week Maserati has released a brief teaser video for the electrified Maserati Ghibli.
The clip shows lightning striking the company logo at the Maserati headquarters and then it continuing to glow afterward, then sending a large shock throughout the entire building. There’s not much of a look offered at the electrically assisted sedan, but that is the case with many teasers as we are well familiar. The original plan was to debut the Ghibli Hybrid in April at the 2020 Beijing Motor Show, and the only detail regarding technology given at the time was that there would definitely be the presence of a plug-in hybrid system.
Spy shots suggest that the PHEV engine could very well be paired with a styling refresh for the Ghibli, including major changes to the hood and cabin layout. Inside there could be a larger infotainment screen and digital instrument cluster, both representative of exactly what customers are saying nationwide are the improvements they are looking forward to most. A specific date for the reveal is not included in the teaser, but since April was the previous plan, we would expect it to occur pretty soon. Development is reportedly 100% complete, and the world just needs its first peek at the hybrid model.
Looking back at the production plan from two years ago, the Ghibli Hybrid is just the beginning of Maserati’s detailed push for electrification. The Levante and Quattroporte will have similar powertrains coming their way, and the upcoming MC20 would see a PHEV version sometime down the road after its initial launch. There has also recently been the exciting announcement of a crossover to slot below the Levante, and even with a production delay due to the global pandemic, there are so very many exciting things on the horizon for the brand we love to provide and service every day!
We will keep you posted right here on the blog about any developments and let us reassure you if you feel a bit weak in the knees at the loss of raw engine power during times shifting towards electric power, these new cars are going to have the same punch and aggressive stance that you’d expect from our proud Italian namesake.
We will keep you posted right here on the blog about any developments and let us reassure you if you feel a bit weak in the knees at the loss of raw engine power during times shifting towards electric power, these new cars are going to have the same punch and aggressive stance that you’d expect from our proud Italian namesake.
To say this has been a year where the unforeseeable becomes reality, and uncertainty governed many different markets would be an understatement. Here at Jim Butler Maserati of St Louis, we are coming in strong in every way for the summer months, and offering our top-level customer service for every inquiry and insight you may have for us. We know that over the last few years there has been quite a bit of smoke and mirrors regarding the Alfieri namesake, but it as the staff on duty at Car and Driver reported last week the touring coupe coming soon will again be named GranTurismo.
An official Maserati spokesperson did confirm to the Car and Driver staff that the GranCabrio name will also now be revived for the new GranTurismo’s convertible version, with a hardtop coupe model beginning production as soon as 2022, and the soft top following in its footsteps a year later. This GranTurismo will slot into the new Maserati lineup alongside the mid-engined MC20, a highly-anticipated roadster that is likely to turn heads as drastically as anything we have ever offered in our illustrious and consistently track-ready history.
The GranTurismo and GranCabrio are two models that will likely put Maserati on the map in terms of what will happen out there during the new and exciting wave of electrification. It was also disclosed to Car and Driver that the brand-new car will be the first Maserati to possess the electric powertrain and that is will definitely be manufactured in Turin, Italy. It’s not completely clear at this point whether this pair will be offered exclusively as EVs or if a lingering gasoline-only model would still be on the table. This article claims that the writers on duty hope with all their hearts that the Alfieri concept will still provide a bit of key design inspiration, which we understand as so much work and raw automotive passion was injected into it.
The Alfieri concept was confirmed for production in 2016 at a FIAT Chrysler Automobiles event on May 6, 2014. As needs and market issues shift, having our eyes on the electrification milestone that we will reach are an exciting and pinnacle time in our brand’s history. It is no secret that the United States market is where Maserati has tended to flourish, and any track or touring enthusiast understands full well that when any number from the Ghibli to the mid-engined Bora drove by, they evoked a sense of amazement as well as deep appreciation. As we wait for what’s coming on the horizon, we also took a memorable look back at the 3500 GT this past week: this was such a gorgeous and characteristic model that was our very first ground-up grand tourer design!
The Alfieri concept was confirmed for production in 2016 at a FIAT Chrysler Automobiles event on May 6, 2014. As needs and market issues shift, having our eyes on the electrification milestone that we will reach are an exciting and pinnacle time in our brand’s history. It is no secret that the United States market is where Maserati has tended to flourish, and any track or touring enthusiast understands full well that when any number from the Ghibli to the mid-engined Bora drove by, they evoked a sense of amazement as well as deep appreciation. As we wait for what’s coming on the horizon, we also took a memorable look back at the 3500 GT this past week: this was such a gorgeous and characteristic model that was our very first ground-up grand tourer design!
It has been 7 years since Maserati decided to partner with Italian fashion house Emenegildo Zegna, beginning with Maserati’s centennary celebrations in 2014. Revealed at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2013, the Quattroporte Ermenegildo Zegna Limited Edition Concept touted a beautifully deep bronze paint job and an interior with very fine wool textile and soft leather upholstery. All of us here at Jim Butler Maserati of St Louis had a lot of love for it at the time, and it was a valuable collaboration between two companies linked by exclusive style and tradition.
Being masters at working with hide, the pair debuted the results of another collaboration, the brand-new Pelletessuta Woven leather interior. Very thin strips of lightweight Napa fabric for 100 special edition vehicles were created and previewed during Monterrey Car Week in August. These 100 limited edition models have finally reached dealerships in the U.S., and until they sell out, the two models will remain as a full expression of rich-blooded Italian form and prowess. Meanwhile, back home in Italy, Maserati paid homage to its compatriots and beloved country in crisis by lighting the towers at the Modena headquarters with the three colors of Il Tricolore, the Italian flag.
There are 50 models of the 2020 Quattroporte S Q4 GranLusso, which already comes equipped with a Luxury Zegna Package interior, unlike the entry-level Quattroporte. Each of these very special models wears a custom Blu Sofisticato metallic paint with blue brake calipers. On the inside, dark brown Pelletessuta interior includes sport seats for the front passengers, and a Zegna badge ties up the work. The other 50 models up for grabs are the 2020 Levante S GranSport finished in Bronzo Tri-Coat and 21-inch polished Helios rims, and these interiors are properly doled up with black Pelletessuta fabric and accented with custom Radica wood trim.
As the experts at Car and Driver themselves said, the Levante is “The one SUV in its class that offers a leather-and-silk interior and its Ferrari-derived powertrains can induce automotive nirvana, especially with the throttle open wide”. The Quattroporte is known for having amazing and engaging handling for a larger sedan, and a perfectly firm ride with 20 and 21-inch wheels. With engines coming from sister company Ferrari, we have always guaranteed that these are cars that will be instantly special, and always holding on to high appeal with its Italian roots. The GTS models come with a powerful twin-turbo V8, and GranLusso and GranSport trims also can be upgraded to the V8-powered GTS spec.
Scores of loyal customers right here at Jim Butler Maserati of St Louis have had an exciting year with plenty of future refreshes and releases to keep their eyes on and inquire about! We all were pretty sure that an updated Maserati Ghibli was arriving sometime during 2020, but we finally received a bit of solid proof in the form of spy shots from the folks at the Motor1.com blog. These pictures show a Ghibli test vehicle with just a little camouflage wrap on the hood, and not much more.
The standard Maserati badge situated on the C-pillar is covered by black tape, but the trident in the grille is on full display. After a close look, it does appear that Maserati has something in the works for the hood, or it may have to do with the potentially changed-up engine underneath. The spy photographer that was “working this case” did get an up-close picture of a parked prototype with a tag on the windshield leading us to believe there was the existence of a 2.0-liter engine. The tag also said “330hp”, which interests us because the current Ghibli’s base engine is a V6 that cranks out 345 hp. A new entry-level model could very well be in the making.
This could also be a plug-in hybrid model, which would explain the black tape on the C-pillar, maybe with the duty of covering up a potential charging port. It could be true that the “330 hp” in question was referring to only the gasoline engine, and that there could be an electric powertrain on the way as well. The Motor1.com troupe definitely did take notice of what appears to be an updated interior, while heavy covers were hiding the dash and center console. They could make out new lines on the dash’s center, which were connected to what appeared to be a larger infotainment screen.
The plug-in hybrid was expected to debut at the 2020 Beijing Motor Show, which was sadly postponed due to serious global events. Even if Maserati decides to hold a standalone event, there shouldn’t be too much longer of a wait before we will all get to see details of these new changes. The Ghibli is the ultimate in upper-end luxury for anyone’s sedan taste, and the car that Edmunds.com claimed has “Sound from the tailpipe that is a symphony unto itself”. The GranSport and GranLusso trims now come standard with a driver assistance package that includes features such as adaptive cruise control and forward-collision warning, two more features that will put you at ease on the road in what we feel is a world-class and vivacious vehicle choice for the coming of spring!
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