Composite Class

Understandably overlooked in some cars, a Maserati's interior fittings are worthy of note. While occupants come into contact with it visually more often than sensually, a cabin's trim sets the tone and atmosphere of a driver's personal environment. Emphasizing the tone of sumptuous luxury and exceptional quality in a Maserati, fine wood and exotic materials are crowning touches, subtle detail work that defines great design and consideration.

Redolent of the grand automobiles and fine buildings of other glorious ages, the interior of a Quattroporte may be almost entirely covered in Poltrona Frau leather and Alcantara, banishing thoughts of harsh plastic expanses common to many that claim the mantle of "luxury car", and virtually all sports sedans. Setting off these finely upholstered appointments, which can be contrasted or highlighted with leather piping and accents, is the interior trim. Wood or other materials surround the center console switch gear, help define dashboard and doors, and can optionally cover the rear tray tables, steering wheel and handbrake. Maserati occupants are surrounded by both visual and sensual pleasures.

Italian pride and artistry ensured that Maserati's human interface designers and engineers chose the most appropriate materials in which to ensconce their discerning clients. The choice is between a sportily understated titanium finish, veneers of Rosewood, Walnut Briarwood, Mahogany and Black Piano. With the introduction of the Quattroporte Sport GT, Carbon Fiber is added to the exciting possibilities.

Use of carbon fiber clearly announces the high performance and technology embodied by the Trident marque. Models which are most focused on sports car dynamism - the MC12, Quattroporte Sport GT, and GranSport - show off this modern composite, the material of choice for applications in which light weight and extremely high tensile strength are required: racing cars, aircraft, and high-speed water craft. A weave of carbon fibers fixed by heat and clear resin, creating the composite requires precision and skill, the same level of proficient technique offered by Maserati's wood veneer artisans. Where exotic woods warm and soften a car's interior, the titanium finish, and especially carbon fiber, connote and emote the speed and precision of Maserati automobiles.

The Maserati MC12's lightweight, track-honed body is formed of a composite sandwich including carbon fiber and nomex. The GranSport's carbon fiber trim is elemental to its purposeful interior, though it also comprises exterior parts including the optional rear spoiler. The Quattroporte Sport GT, reflecting both the essential understatement and excitement of the original sport sedan, enhances the driving experience with carbon fiber accents on many of the surfaces against which hands will brush: the center console housing the entertainment, information, and climate controls; the dash fascia; the interior door pulls, themselves crafted of turned aluminum. It turns out to be as much a sensual feast as a visual one.

Go and make contact with a Maserati at your authorized dealer and learn about your next automotive environment.