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21 Maggio 2013

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21 Maggio 2013

Fonte: No Maserati Version of 2014 Ferrari LaFerrari in the Works | Edmunds.com

No Maserati Version of 2014 Ferrari LaFerrari in the Works
Just the Facts:

Maserati boss Harald Wester denies reports that Maserati will develop its own version of the 2014 Ferrari LaFerrari.

Speaking at the recent launch of the Maserati Quattroporte V6, Wester said that stories about the project were unfounded, despite the fact that Maserati previously has produced its own derivative of Ferrari's Enzo, the MC12.

However, Wester confirmed that Maserati plans to offer limited-edition special models, although he did not reveal what or when.

LONDON — Maserati boss Harald Wester has denied reports that Maserati will develop its own version of the 2014 Ferrari LaFerrari.

Speaking at the recent launch of the Maserati Quattroporte V6, Wester said that stories about the project were unfounded, despite the fact that Maserati previously has produced its own derivative of Ferrari's Enzo, the MC12. Maserati and Ferrari are sister brands owned by the Fiat Group.

However, Wester confirmed that Maserati plans to offer limited-edition special models, although he did not reveal what or when.

The company has a well-developed capability for producing special-series models at its Modena, Italy plant, which will be manufacturing the carbon-fiber midengined 4C sports car for Alfa Romeo and has previously built the same brand's 8C Competizione coupe and convertible.

Despite the lack of sibling vehicle to the LaFerrari, Maserati still has ambitious plans to vault its annual sales from 6,300 to 50,000.

Wester said this target can be achieved with a much-expanded and renewed model range, rapidly growing sales in China and expansion in its traditional markets, such as the U.S. Maserati will debut the smaller Ghibli sedan and the Levante SUV in 2015.

Wester points to a boost in the company's order books so far this year, as evidence that its growth strategy is working.

For the new Quattroporte alone, the U.S. had ordered over 1,800 units. China logged in with over 2,850 orders, Europe with 640 and other markets bring the total to over 6,100 for the end of April. Orders for the range in total, which includes the existing Maserati GranTurismo and GranCabrio, as well as the yet-to-be-launched Ghibli sedan, top over 10,000 for the same period. The Ghibli competes with the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class and is expected to be Maserati's best-seller until the Levante arrives.

The bulk of Maserati's production will be sourced from the company's newly equipped Grugliasco factory in Turin — which formerly belonged to coachbuilder Bertone. The factory now has an annual capacity of 37,800 units under two shifts, the rest coming from the original Maserati factory in Modena and whichever plant is selected for Levante production.

Maserati is also expanding its dealer network in readiness for the expansion.

The U.S. dealer count, for example, is to rise from around 64 today to 85 by the end of 2014.

Edmunds says: A glamorous bit player in the Fiat and Chrysler brand stable, Maserati is aiming to become a significant player in the luxury market.