MASERATI IN THE NEWS

The following article appeared in the Melbourne Herald:

The Maserati Assetto Corso

"The elegant Maserati 3200 GT is about to turn feral. It's already one of the world's most glamorous exotics, with a $188,500 price tag ($US98,775) but now the Italian head turner is turning seriously speedy.

As if its 271 Kw, twin turbo V8 was not enough, Maserati's engineers have developed a racetrack package to put even more urgency into the equation.

The engine stays the same and so does the leather wrapped luxury inside but the suspension and brake package is about to be upgraded. The aim is to roll out a rival to Porsche's popular race ready GT2, a wicked 911 that's built to satisfy a weekend need for speed in well- heeled drivers.

The Maserati makeover isn't cheap, adding $15,000 to the price ($US7860), but it is expected to be a world wide sellout when the 150 cars are built in the middle of the year.

The new car is called the Assetto Corsa - meaning track handling, in Italian - and it will be a star at next week's Melbourne International Motor Show.

Australia has been allocated 10 of the cars. The Australian Maserati sales chief says they are aimed at people who want more performance out of their GT but it is not stripped out like the Porsche. The only change inside is perforated leather on the seats.

Electronic adaptive suspension will give owners the chance to adjust their cars in up to 14 ways.

It has compulsory lower and stiffer springs, bigger anti-roll bars, racing brake pads and an upgraded servo, as well as a sharper steering rack and carbon fibre air ducts for the brakes. The most obvious change - and the car's signature - is the massive grey 18 inch BBS rims tucked inside soft-mix Pirelli P-Zero Corsa tyres that promise racetrack grip with street legal tread.

There is no body kit but it still looks pretty fat when its lowered, with the big wheels and bright red brake calipers.

While the Assetto Corso is on the way there has been a delay in the 3200 GT convertible, which had been expected in Melbourne during Grand Prix week. It has been held up by demand for the regular coupe, which is selling faster than expected after a series of quality improvements and minor changes to satisfy customer requests.

Maserati is also finalizing development of an all-new, four door luxury sedan that will take over from the outdated Quattroporte. Its is said to be most outstanding, stunning four door car ever made but will not come until the end of 2002. It's been styled by Pininfarina. It's a very regal looking car with high door sills and a sleek roof line. It will be slightly larger than an S-class and a 7-series, but it will still be performance oriented."