Well it's official
- Thread starter BJL
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CatmanV2
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BJL
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https://www.theglobeandmail.com/glo...t-could-signal-greaterthings/article37039192/
If they do have something up their sleeve then now is the time to show it before the generation that knows Maserati to be something other than a Monaco taxi or school run bus has moved on.
I drove the Levante diesel today. Jesus what a dull car with very comfy seats.
If they do have something up their sleeve then now is the time to show it before the generation that knows Maserati to be something other than a Monaco taxi or school run bus has moved on.
I drove the Levante diesel today. Jesus what a dull car with very comfy seats.
iainw
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Can you add in parenthesis how many of these are basic spec ghiblis on lease at 349/month..
iainw
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Who with money would choose to buy one (new) now? They lag behind in every subtype of car.
Ferrari are making 600bhp 4 seater convertibles, Mclaren making 'GT' 3.2 0-60 supercars, Alfa building the fastest saloon cars and SUVs in the world, Audi , BMW and Mercedes pumping out mega fast highly technical AMGs for pocket change in comparison and Maserati's recent masterstrokes were the Ghibli, Levante and Changing the shape of the front bumper and info-tainment system on their 10 year old halo car.
If the GTS , Strad and Gransport weren't such awesome cars in their own right..who would stay with a brand that is a decade behind the times.
CatmanV2
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No. To stretch the metaphor further, it doesn't matter what they paid for the seat, they're still in the stadium.
HTH
C
D Walker
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Indeed they are, until the lease is finished, then they are stood waiting to get into the Merc/BMW/Audi........Alfa Stadium!!!!
I am with you, sales / volume is great but lets see something to aspire too......................................please !!!!!!
Ewan
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I think it's safe to say that most on this forum don't like the current Maserati range with its deisel emphasis. But the petrol cars are okay. The TT QP is good for 190mph, and the new petrol Levante is more than a match for many a Range Rover. And the fact that Maclarens and others are quicker than a GT-S or Strad is of no relevance to me as they don't sound as good. It's not all about BHP and tech. A 5 year old Strad still appeals to me far more than a Mac of twice the price. For me, "worse" can actually be better (well, at least more interesting). As long as Maserati can come to the party with something stylish, beautiful and beguiling, it doesn't need to be technically class leading. Oh...and an unbeatable exhaust note is useful.
safrane
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To use the stadium metaphor;
How many of those seats are corporate hospitality ones?. Look on the trader sites and half the cars are ex demo's and loan cars for sale at the main dealers.
There is little profit for Maserati doing that, but of course other manufacturers do the same but their 'sale' figures are much higher.
How many of those seats are corporate hospitality ones?. Look on the trader sites and half the cars are ex demo's and loan cars for sale at the main dealers.
There is little profit for Maserati doing that, but of course other manufacturers do the same but their 'sale' figures are much higher.
D Walker
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Well for me,
Unless someone like RG magics a good GS from somewhere, or I spot one first or a GT with stand out spec then I will hang on until spring and see what's about, if nothing then I'll jump ship, I realise I'm no serial buyer like some guys on here and I'm a fussy git......
Unless someone like RG magics a good GS from somewhere, or I spot one first or a GT with stand out spec then I will hang on until spring and see what's about, if nothing then I'll jump ship, I realise I'm no serial buyer like some guys on here and I'm a fussy git......
MrMickS
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UK Sales figures for Maserati are 1,452 to the end of Oct compared to 1,191 last year,. When I was looking at the Ghibli I was told that the target for Maserati was 1,500 cars not far short of that. I often spend time chatting with the sales team when I'm over for a service, or other bits, and the message I get from them is that Maserati are after increasing sales but want to make sure the brand stays exclusive. Whether this is the tail wagging the dog I don't know.
Maserati can't sell too many cars in the UK as they don't have the dealer network to support it. If they want to double the number of cars sold from where they are now they are going to either get the dealers to up the size of their service departments or find more dealers. My nearest dealer is 30-40 minutes away, the next is well over an hour.
I know that the majority of the forum like to talk down the current range, but they are still selling. The petrol Levante is a beast, if I was in the market for a 4x4 at the moment it would be on the list to see if I could stretch to one. Its expensive enough to remain exclusive once you start loading the features on it.
Where is the confirmation that the Alfieri will get a variant of the Alfa V6? I know its something that has been suggested but I've not seen anything confirming it anywhere. I'm not sure we want the same engine as the Alfa in a Maserati never mind how good it is.
Maserati can't sell too many cars in the UK as they don't have the dealer network to support it. If they want to double the number of cars sold from where they are now they are going to either get the dealers to up the size of their service departments or find more dealers. My nearest dealer is 30-40 minutes away, the next is well over an hour.
I know that the majority of the forum like to talk down the current range, but they are still selling. The petrol Levante is a beast, if I was in the market for a 4x4 at the moment it would be on the list to see if I could stretch to one. Its expensive enough to remain exclusive once you start loading the features on it.
Where is the confirmation that the Alfieri will get a variant of the Alfa V6? I know its something that has been suggested but I've not seen anything confirming it anywhere. I'm not sure we want the same engine as the Alfa in a Maserati never mind how good it is.
BJL
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When I was younger, long time ago I know, the mention of Maserati evoked thoughts of beautiful cars with outrageous power bought by people who could have had anything but chose Maserati. Even when the less than charming biturbo was launched it still had outrageous power for the time and type of car plus handling that needed skill to master. Even the Citroen Maserati was exotic looking and went like nothing else of that type.
In other words Maserati have always trod their own path good or bad and we're admired and even loved them for it.
At the factory and showroom in Modena the word 'passion' is writ large and when I collected my QP from them as a car it was very much a proper Maserati (thanks to Ferrari) excelling in great handling, power to spare and a noise to die for and to boot the recipient of 17 design and car of the year awards achieved by blending executive travel with bonkers performance with supercar association.
The GT followed much of that path and continued the heritage of design and performance. Ok they were struggling to make a sizeable profit but they were the trophy model of Fiat, the one that all others under that umbrella could associate with.
Shame the GT had a fat ar5e displaying upside down Mondeo lights and the wheels didn't fill the arches and the 4.2 linked to the slush box didn't set too many trousers on fire but it still looked gorgeous like only a Maserati should. Thankfully the 4.7 lump sorted the performance issue and the Strad put the cherry on top but then the music stopped.
I went to the launch of the new QP V1 at the Hurlingham Club and out rolled a beige Luxo barge which was so generic it took my breath away in the wrong way, I thought what the f... is that
The bean counters have taken over and we loyal followers all tried to kid ourselves that it will be ok because if they can make a profit from the QP V1, the Ghibli diesel and the Levante we will eventually get what we want but in truth Fiat Chrysler have just used the name to push generic tat and in doing so have sullied the only brand I hankered after more than half my life.
Rant over.
In other words Maserati have always trod their own path good or bad and we're admired and even loved them for it.
At the factory and showroom in Modena the word 'passion' is writ large and when I collected my QP from them as a car it was very much a proper Maserati (thanks to Ferrari) excelling in great handling, power to spare and a noise to die for and to boot the recipient of 17 design and car of the year awards achieved by blending executive travel with bonkers performance with supercar association.
The GT followed much of that path and continued the heritage of design and performance. Ok they were struggling to make a sizeable profit but they were the trophy model of Fiat, the one that all others under that umbrella could associate with.
Shame the GT had a fat ar5e displaying upside down Mondeo lights and the wheels didn't fill the arches and the 4.2 linked to the slush box didn't set too many trousers on fire but it still looked gorgeous like only a Maserati should. Thankfully the 4.7 lump sorted the performance issue and the Strad put the cherry on top but then the music stopped.
I went to the launch of the new QP V1 at the Hurlingham Club and out rolled a beige Luxo barge which was so generic it took my breath away in the wrong way, I thought what the f... is that
The bean counters have taken over and we loyal followers all tried to kid ourselves that it will be ok because if they can make a profit from the QP V1, the Ghibli diesel and the Levante we will eventually get what we want but in truth Fiat Chrysler have just used the name to push generic tat and in doing so have sullied the only brand I hankered after more than half my life.
Rant over.
safrane
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It is regrettable that I am perceived at talking down the current range...I dont dislike them; they sound good (even if some of it is computer generated) and drive fine. But sadly they don't make me pause, take in their design and stye for a moment like the brand used to do.
I guess mass market appeal equates to less individualised styling.
The comments on sales only reflects my observations that most of the brands cars for sale are the current range a discount prices at main dealers. Just a few years ago there were aprox 120 masers on autotrader, now aprox 450, the vast majority those above. Is that healthy?...I don't know. But if the range now is just 4 door family cars then sadly there is nothing for me to aspire to....so...lets hope the sun rises on a expanded range that delivers all our dreams.
I guess mass market appeal equates to less individualised styling.
The comments on sales only reflects my observations that most of the brands cars for sale are the current range a discount prices at main dealers. Just a few years ago there were aprox 120 masers on autotrader, now aprox 450, the vast majority those above. Is that healthy?...I don't know. But if the range now is just 4 door family cars then sadly there is nothing for me to aspire to....so...lets hope the sun rises on a expanded range that delivers all our dreams.
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Ok, a lot of ranting and finger pointing to Modena.
I think we all know that Maserati could not survive on the course they were on during the 90's and 00's, so something had to change.
They looked at Porsche and with volume clearly being the chosen path have embarked on the current course.
I agree, the current offering are not bad cars, quite the opposite, I rather like them.....but I don't lust after them, which what Barry said, is the lure for most on here.
To be that oddball person who does not follow the crowd and choose style over function.
So Maserati have gone about their 'Porsche' plan and have come in for rather a lot of stick for it.
I feel if they had done things different, the collective on here would have not been on their backs and they would be happy to see Maserati to chase volume...to survive.
The banana skin I feel was the Alfieri.
If they had put it into production, it would have sold like hot cakes, but they didn't.....they showed it to us, then buried it.
I can only deduct that this was due to one of two things....or a little of both:
1. No money
2. No production capability
Clearly at the time, FGA decided to plow the money into Alfa and the results at first looked promising but again, as with Maserati, they moved in the direction that their dedicated following would not like. OK, you have to accept the capabilities of the QV, its a Wonderfull Halo car and shows what the Italians can do when they put there mind to it but the same cannot be said for the for the rest of the range where they would then make their money. They clearly are not selling, you never see one on the road and I mean down here on the South Coast, never which must be killing Alfa especially with all the debt they must have loaded on them.
I had the misfortune to instantly dislike the Guilia, mainly the front end. It screamed "Thats not an Alfa". Over time my harsh opinion dulled so needing a new lease car I went and had a look and a go in a new Speciale. Sitting in it just left me numb. Zero Alfa feel and terrible build quality. In Alfas of old you could forgive the build quality and you did not think with your head, you went with your heart and this is clearly missing in the Alfa and our beloved marque.
The Stelvio will sell, I feel thats a given and maybe Alfa's only saving grace but I see dark times ahead for both brands as clearly, FGA cannot continue to throw money at 2 struggling marques.
I think we all know that Maserati could not survive on the course they were on during the 90's and 00's, so something had to change.
They looked at Porsche and with volume clearly being the chosen path have embarked on the current course.
I agree, the current offering are not bad cars, quite the opposite, I rather like them.....but I don't lust after them, which what Barry said, is the lure for most on here.
To be that oddball person who does not follow the crowd and choose style over function.
So Maserati have gone about their 'Porsche' plan and have come in for rather a lot of stick for it.
I feel if they had done things different, the collective on here would have not been on their backs and they would be happy to see Maserati to chase volume...to survive.
The banana skin I feel was the Alfieri.
If they had put it into production, it would have sold like hot cakes, but they didn't.....they showed it to us, then buried it.
I can only deduct that this was due to one of two things....or a little of both:
1. No money
2. No production capability
Clearly at the time, FGA decided to plow the money into Alfa and the results at first looked promising but again, as with Maserati, they moved in the direction that their dedicated following would not like. OK, you have to accept the capabilities of the QV, its a Wonderfull Halo car and shows what the Italians can do when they put there mind to it but the same cannot be said for the for the rest of the range where they would then make their money. They clearly are not selling, you never see one on the road and I mean down here on the South Coast, never which must be killing Alfa especially with all the debt they must have loaded on them.
I had the misfortune to instantly dislike the Guilia, mainly the front end. It screamed "Thats not an Alfa". Over time my harsh opinion dulled so needing a new lease car I went and had a look and a go in a new Speciale. Sitting in it just left me numb. Zero Alfa feel and terrible build quality. In Alfas of old you could forgive the build quality and you did not think with your head, you went with your heart and this is clearly missing in the Alfa and our beloved marque.
The Stelvio will sell, I feel thats a given and maybe Alfa's only saving grace but I see dark times ahead for both brands as clearly, FGA cannot continue to throw money at 2 struggling marques.