Help needed with snobbery

[elephant4009]

I think, no, I know I have a problem. Every time I see a new Levante, Ghibli or Quattroporte, I develop an irrational rage. These cars devalue the Brand I splutter. They are not 'Real' Maseratis. 'Real' Maseratis are not made in a Fiat factory from Chrysler bits & diesel engines. Real Maseratis are bespoke cars made in ancient factories in their hundreds, not in state of the art installations in their tens of thousands.
It gets worse. To my eternal shame, upon hearing a chap I know, declare that he had always wanted a Maserati & now he had a new Quattroporte, I retorted, 'Well, why didn't you get one then? What's with the diesel Fiat?' I just couldn't help myself.
I know that I shouldn't think like this. I know that owners of all different types of cars are welcome on these pages & I know that I must do better. But am I alone in my self imposed fugue.

 

[Rwc13]

Sadly not.................unfortunately


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[conaero]

I sort of understand your frustration but we live in a changing world.

Members have got into the brand via these new bread of Maseratis.

I don't agree with the diesel but that's just me.

So, although your frustration can be understood we can't alienate members who are very proud of their cars.

Levante, I wouldn't mind one. The SUV bought in massive revenue for Porsche and I can't fault Maserati for giving it a go.

If its any consolation, Mike turned up at Ace with a new QP with the 3.8TT Cali engine and quite frankly I was blown away and could see no evidence of cost savings or parts bin pilthering.

 

[iainw]

You are not alone. But its brave of you to say it.

 

[CatmanV2]

I think, no, I know I have a problem. Every time I see a new Levante, Ghibli or Quattroporte, I develop an irrational rage. These cars devalue the Brand I splutter.

Problem here, chap, it it's not *your* brand. It's 'theirs'

While I understand your feelings, you're not really likely to live longer like that

C

 

[davy83]

i can cope with the older more exclusive cars and the new ones too, if they never produce any more exotic cars that would be a tragedy, but if making these mass market cars keeps the company from going bust so it will live to make another classic car then its bearable. But sadly once the shareholders compare the numbers with the new models with the returns from the small numbers of hand made specials, it may be hard for them to go back to the classic cars. Look how often the Alfieri has been put off. i however have no problem with people buying levante, and Ghiblis i still like seeing these cars around, they are not that popular yet. But then my car was cheap and i bought it as a hobby not a badge, so i don't really care what the impression of it is to other people, its a hoot to drive, and as mad as a bag of frogs.

 

[MrMickS]

This isn't just reserved for cars. I first came across it at school. That feeling when an obscure band you followed had a hit and now everyone likes them. Of course they aren't real fans and you can't like the new stuff because it's too commercial.

If you think it's bad now just think how the Ghibli and Indy owners thought when the BiTurbos were launched.

I have, for my sins, a Ghibli. I have a snobbery that I must do better about too. It's to not be too harsh on the afflicted that buy Maserati diesels. If they want a German engine they should buy a German car

 

[safrane]

Is it snobbery or a genuine concern for the brand?

I recognise that Maserati needs to sell cars to survive and all hope the new range will bring in enough £££ to invest in sports cars...but

Its now 4 years with the new models and so far it's returned just new bumpers on the GT and some poorly executed trim revisions. No new sports cars and an Alfi that may never see the light of day.

 

[WLJayne]

I know how you feel in a way, the same thing happened to me and Land Rover. As soon as they no longer had a spare tyre on the back, the fire went out for me. As I joke to people, "I loved Land Rover until they stopped making them." I know that companies have to change to stay afloat, but I can't help feel like in the modern marketplace, a little too much of the soul is traded for mass market appeal. Generally I chalk this up to me being a purist curmudgeon, but at the same time even if I could walk into a dealer and walk out with a set of brand new keys tomorrow, I don't think I would. But I'm still new to the ways of the trident, so I'm not even sure about what drives all of you chaps yet, but I see some similarities to LR so maybe I can relate. All will be forgiven if the new Defender meets or exceeds my hopes - perhaps the same can be said for the Alfieri or whatever comes next?

I just feel like maybe both brands are struggling to reconcile aspects of their heritage with the demands of the majority of their new and returning customers.

 

[Rwc13]

Oh I do love these threads........

Often started by somebody that's recently bought their first Maserati and, in the first flush of infatuation, expresses undying love and devotion to the brand but, oddly, disdain for others that own a Maserati that is not their model.

But often they don't hang around too long - although there are exceptions - when either they realise the true cost of ownership of their cheap "Italian supercar", or that it was just a passing phase before moving on to "better" things.

Thankfully, true Maseratisti feel no anger or contempt for these "lost souls" preferring to treat them with sympathy and indulgence whilst they recover from their short term illnesses. For true Maseratisti, all things Maserati, historical or modern, are part of an enduring illness for which there is no known cure......




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[CatmanV2]

Thankfully, true Maseratisti feel no anger or contempt for these "lost souls" preferring to treat them with sympathy and indulgence whilst they recover from their short term illnesses. For true Maseratisti, all things Maserati, historical or modern, are part of an enduring illness for which there is no known cure......

I owe you a beer, or five, sir!

C

 

[Kiwi Graham]

You forgot to mention the GT too ;-) shares some components with all the others......your welcome.

The true Maserati's are the older cars, luckily I have a 08 QP true Italian blood all the way through ha ha.

 

[Steve GS]

Let's also add the gransport who made that engine block

 

[elephant4009]

Whatever our views on this matter, the Maserati brand is developing as it is. And whilst I may find the perfect clarity of my closed mind comforting, perhaps I should just accept the changes for what they are. Except diesels of course. (That would just be silly)

 

[bigbob]

Nothing wrong with the new cars. Sure they don't have quite the special feel that the more expensive Modena cars have but they are still different to the competition and have appeal. Whilst it may now be changing, historically you needed to offer diesel in this space and, despite the volume gains these are still rare, premium cars.

As long as it pays for some new coupes and convertibles then I am ok and that's from someone who has had three Modena cars over the last 15+ years. The heritage can take it, they just need to get a move on with the new fancy stuff and continue to incrementally develop the three Turin cars. I'm more worried about how they distinguish Maserati from Alfa Romeo as those waters are a bit muddied at the moment.

 

[P R]

First of all, I have a diesel Ghibli.

I am not offended by posts that slag them off, if so I wouldn't have hung around here for long! I came to it from a long line of Alfas, and their forum also has this "what is considered a real Alfa question", and everyones views are different. I guess every other marque has similar issues.
To have just the handmade, snarling petrol models would be ideal... but sadly the world moves on and this is no longer possible.
FCA have decided, like it or not, to expand the brand. They have capped it at 75000 sales per year world wide (rather conveniently tbh), so even the diesel models aren't going to be commonplace on our roads.

 

[conaero]

Interesting thread and well done to all for keeping is civil.

Thats what I like about this forum, the cars may change but the gentlemanly conduct does not.

 

[MrPea]

Interesting thread and well done to all for keeping is civil.

Thats what I like about this forum, the cars may change but the gentlemanly conduct does not.

What if this thread were about red trousers?

 

[Rwc13]

Nothing wrong with red trousers........just depends on when and what you wear them with. For example, Santa Claus would look very odd without them.........


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[BennyD]

There's lots wrong with red trousers, and on many levels.