Maserati’s rebirth is well underway thanks to models
such as the Ghibli and Levante. However, things kicked off much earlier as the
company introduced the GranTurismo in 2007. An instant hit, the GranTurismo
put Maserati back on the map. However, the model is well past its prime despite
a facelift in 2017. Maserati is acknowledging this as the company has confirmed
production of the GranTurismo and GranCabrio has come to an end.
To mark the occasion, Maserati created a one-off GranTurismo
Zéda. Designed to tell the story of the company’s “new era,” the car features a
unique exterior that was designed by Centro Stile Maserati. The front end is
painted in traditional Maserati Blue, but it slowly transitions into a
“metallurgic” effect and then a light satin finish. Maserati says the design
highlights the fact that the Zéda is the bridge that “connects the past, the
present and the future of the brand.”
Speaking of the future, Maserati is updating the
Modena plant to build a new “super sports model” that is a “a high-performance
car, characterized by state-of-the art technology.” The model will be launched
next year and offered with an electric powertrain.
Maserati didn’t say much about the changes to the
Modena plant, but the company confirmed it will be getting an all-new paint
shop. It promises to incorporate innovative technologies and have a low
environmental impact. Maserati also said the paint shop will have a viewing
booth that will enable customers to watch their car being painted.
While the current GranTurismo is dead, Maserati has
already confirmed plans for a next-generation model. It is slated to arrive in
2021 and be joined by a new GranCabrio in 2022. Like the rest of Maserati’s
redesigned lineup, both will be offered with an electric powertrain.
Maserati hasn’t said much about the next-generation
GranTurismo and GranCabrio, but the company has previously said they will be
offered with a Level 3 semi-autonomous driving system. The automaker has also
said the EV variants will have “ultra-fast” charging capabilities, a long range
and unique driving modes. The cars also promise to deliver “traditional
Maserati driving dynamics and performance.”
As for the outgoing car, Maserati sold more than
40,000 units over the course of its 12 year run. More specifically, the company
built 28,805 GranTurismos and 11,715 GranCabrios.
