After Ferrari declared its India plans, the Fiat Group's Maserati has announced that India would be its next target. The Shreyans Group that recently bagged Ferrari's Indian operations will run dedicated Maserati dealerships.
Back under Fiat's ownership from Ferrari since 2005, Maserati is getting its entire Pininfarina-designed stable. It includes the Quattroporte four-door sports saloon, the GranTurismo coupé and the GranCabrio convertible.
Maserati will offer two engines — a 4.2-litre 400bhp naturally aspirated V8 and an ‘S' version which has a 4.7-litre V8 developing 430bhp, both based on Ferrari units. The 4.7-litre engine is essentially the same 4.2 block with an increased bore and stroke. These engines take birth in Ferrari's Maranello headquarters, where they are hand-assembled and then sent to Maserati's Modena factory to be mounted into their cars.
The Quattroporte, one of the finest handling four-door sports saloons has flowing lines and a recent facelift give the Quattroporte an elegant look. The 5052mm-long car looks beautiful from almost every angle and demonstrates Italian design flair to its fullest.
The 4.2-litre engine can propel the Quattroporte to a company claimed top speed of 270kph and the 4.7 Quattroporte S can hit a max speed of 280kph. 100kph from standstill in 5.4 seconds makes it a blisteringly quick saloon. Prices should start at Rs. 1.1 crore for the 4.2-litre V8.
Then there are the GranTurismo coupé and the GranCabrio, the convertible version of the coupé, both four-seaters. The coupé, which is 100kg lighter than the saloon, has a top whack of 295kph and is quicker to the 100kph mark by 0.5sec. The GranCabrio is heavier due to the extra-stiffened chassis to compromise the absence of a roof. It gets a canvas roof for the occasional rainy day. In India, it is highly unlikely to find many takers due to our hot climate and dusty roads though.
Prices for the coupé should range between Rs. 1.3 crore and Rs. 1.5 crore. The GranCabrio, which is only available with the 4.7-litre engine, will cost more.
Maserati is also developing a new SUV based on the Jeep Grand Cherokee platform that's due next year, so it could make its way to India too to rival the Porsche Cayenne.
Ever increasing super luxury car sales in India have made it difficult for even niche brands to ignore it. However small it may be for these big-sticker brands, they all want to be present here when the market booms. With stunning looks, heritage and performance, Maserati has a good shot at our market.
