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Bologna Motor Show 2008
Maserati at the Bologna Motor Show
Maserati Gran Turismo S 'MC Sport Line'
Maserati has developed a special series of new options named “MC Sport Line”, which make their worldwide debut at the Bologna Motor Show, with new content that adds to Maserati’s already extensive range of personalisation options. The “MC Sport Line” is designed to enhance the sporty DNA of Maseratis for those customers who like to express their passion for racing through dynamic styling and a choice of technical solutions that increase driving fun without compromise.
The name “MC Sport Line” sums up the on-track experience gained by the Maserati Corse department, whose contribution to the design of the functional components has been invaluable. The world of motor racing also inspired Maserati’s designers when it came to styling, hence the extensive use of carbon fibre, exceptionally popular among racing enthusiasts thanks to its direct links to racing.
The GranTurismo S, the ultimate expression of Maserati’s performance, was the model chosen to first present the “MC Sport Line” catalogue to the public, which will be extended to the GranTurismo range and then will ultimately encompass the entire Maserati line-up during the course of 2009.
From early 2009, GranTurismo S customers will not only be able to enhance the sporty look of their vehicle’s exterior and interior — but different technical solutions will also be available.
Aerodynamics can be modified thanks to the addition of front and rear carbon-fibre spoilers, which benefit from track tests conducted on the GranTurismo MC Concept; the new aerodynamics not only optimise the vertical load but give the car a very distinctive appearance, as do the side skirts with the central panel finished in matt black, adding a dynamic edge to the side view.
The sporty look of the exterior can be completed with carbon fibre mirror housings and door handles. The same dark shade is reflected in the glossy black 20” wheel rims that perfectly match the dark line of the exterior.
The carbon fibre door sill bearing the words “MC Sport Line”, tells you that you are entering a different environment, in which carbon fibre characterises the door panels, dashboard and central tunnel.
The steering wheel rim is also made from carbon fibre, as are the paddle shifts for the electro-actuated transmission and the body of the instrument panel, dashboard and door panels, featuring carbon moulding. Looking at the central tunnel, carbon fibre dominates the entire section, acting as a backdrop to enhance the brilliance of the chrome.
The “MC” pedal block complete with kickplate to the left is machined from solid aluminium.
Under the “skin”, the suspension has been stiffened thanks to new, stiffer springs, shock absorbers and anti-roll bars; the new suspension set-up is synchronised with a specific Maserati Stability Programme software, allowing the driver more freedom. The car is now 10 mm lower than the GranTurismo S, resulting in on-road performance that is absolutely uncompromising in terms of handling and driving enjoyment.
All the features listed are available either as part of the customisation package, following the indications of Maserati designers; or individually, to cater for the personal tastes of each customer.
Bologna Motor Show 2008
Volkswagen at the Bologna Motorshow 2008
Volkswagen is presenting a range of new models at the Bologna Motor Show including the world premieres of the second-generation Golf Plus, the race derived Scirocco Studie R concept and the LPG-powered Golf BiFuel.
Golf Plus
The second-generation Golf Plus makes its world debut in Bologna, with styling revisions forging a link to the design of the new, sixth generation Golf hatchback. Equipped with a range of highly-efficient petrol and common rail diesel engines with improved levels of fuel economy and reduced emissions, the new Golf Plus reaches new levels of quality and refinement while continuing to be one of the most practical and versatile vehicles in its class.
VW Scirocco Studie R
Scirocco Studie R
Volkswagen’s latest design study, the Scirocco Studie R, premieres at Bologna and is inspired by the Scirocco GT24 which raced to success in its class at the Nürburgring 24-hour endurance race earlier this year. Finished in white, the Studie R has contrasting high-gloss black detailing and styling accents in red and green to the wing mirrors and on the ‘Bologna ‘08’ badging, paying homage to the Show’s host nation.
Three large air intakes at the front aid cooling to the uprated 2.0-litre 270 PS engine, while a front splitter is designed to minimise lift. The rear is dominated by a large rear wing and a distinctive revised rear bumper which incorporates a diffuser and twin oval exhausts. The Studie R is fitted with racing-derived sports suspension and four-piston brake callipers sit behind specially developed bespoke polished five arm, triple spoke 19-inch alloy wheels.
Inside the cabin, the Scirocco Studie R is upholstered with black and white nappa leather and complemented with low- and high-gloss carbonfibre trim. The Italian-inspired red and green design accents continue on the seams of the Recaro seats, steering wheel, armrest, gearknob and floor mats.
Golf BiFuel
The third Volkswagen making its debut in Bologna is the Golf BiFuel which has been specifically developed to run on both LPG and conventional petrol. The factory-built hatchback is fitted with a 1.6-litre four-cylinder 98 PS engine which, in conventional petrol mode, returns 39.8 mpg and emits 149 g/km of carbon dioxide. When run on LPG, the Golf BiFuel has a theoretical range of more than 260 miles, and this emissions figure is reduced by ten per cent.
The engine fitted to the Golf BiFuel has been specifically configured and tested for LPG operation making it more durable than modified petrol engines. The vehicle, with both petrol and LPG fuel tanks, has also undergone extensive crash-testing making it safer than aftermarket alternatives.
Passat CC Individual
Volkswagen is also showcasing the Passat CC Individual which features a number of bespoke styling upgrades. The four-door coupé is presented in pearl effect ‘Moonlight Blue’, with newly designed 18-inch ‘Chicago Black’ alloy wheels and ‘Individual’ badging.
The interior of the Passat CC Individual is fitted with six-way power comfort seats upholstered with two-tone soft and nappa leather, complemented by piano black trim and an extended chrome package which includes chrome bezels on the door handles and switches for the electric windows and mirrors. Subtle ‘Individual’ badging continues with illuminated tread plates in the front and rear doors.
The Passat CC is the fourth ‘Individual’ model shown by Volkswagen, following the Eos, Passat and Touareg.
Passat TSI EcoFuel – Italian premiere
Making its Italian debut, the Passat TSI Ecofuel is fitted with the world’s first turbo direct-injection engine developed and configured to operate with natural gas. These developments enable the Passat TSI EcoFuel to run efficiently on both natural gas and petrol and to offer economy and low emissions with no detrimental effect on performance.
Accelerating from a standstill to 62 mph in 9.7 seconds and with a maximum speed of 130 mph the 1.4-litre 150 PS engine, coupled with either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed DSG gearbox, emits just 119 g/km of CO2 while developing 220 Nm of torque at 1,500 rpm. A theoretical range of more than 300 miles using only natural gas is supplemented by a 31-litre reserve tank for conventional petrol which offers an additional 260 miles.