Maserati Adds New "Overseas" Region to Global Business Structure - of which, Malaysia should be part of

This is just a small bit of information that affects Malaysia in terms of the management of Maserati here. Maserati has announced the creation of the new "Overseas" Region, which is expected to give the Italian luxury manufacturer’s markets a new business configuration with Mr. Hamdy Elshantoury appointed as the new head of the region, starting from 1st January.

Stellantis aims to set up a regional manufacturing hub for BEVs in the ASEAN region and push their “Built in ASEAN for ASEAN” roadmap

This could be a very good sign in terms of foreign direct investments into Malaysia and the South East Asian (ASEAN) region. On the 6th of November, Stellantis,,the automotive group that owns, notably Peugeot, Citroën, Ram, Maserati, Alfa Romeo and Jeep® has announced its plans for new mobility solutions for the ASEAN region which include their aim to move forward with going fully electric (or any form of clean energy) in the future. They are aiming to bring its STLA Medium platform to the ASEAN region which was unveiled globally in June 2023. STLA Medium is a global BEV-by-design vehicle platform with state-of-the-art features including best-in-class range of 700 kilometers, energy efficiency, embedded power and charging power.

Naza Italia Presents the 2023 Maserati Levante GT Hybrid

Naza Italia has introduced the 2023 Levante GT Hybrid for the Malaysian market today. The Italian luxury SUV is Maserati's most urban, minimal and contemporary styled SUVwith variant specific trimming.  The GT hybrid trims have been developed not only to meet all customers’ requirements and expectations, but also to epitomise the various over-arching themes of the Maserati range which must highlight innovation, performance and design. This is the result of the synergy between the Centro Stile Maserati and the Product Development Team, focusing on research into materials, design cues and dedicated features. All of this comes at a price of RM738,000.00 including local duties and taxes, but before customization options, and insurance.

Maserati Development Prototype Hits The Streets of Modena - Expect an All-New, Most Likely, Mid-Engined Maserati by May 2020

Maserati has previewed photos of the first “mule” for the development of the new Maserati engine. The prototype mule was driven out of Maserati's Viale Ciro Menotti gates, in Modena on the 20th of November 2019. The test cars, or mules of an all new Maserati have special livery that echoes the 'Save the Date' teaser sent out ahead of the event scheduled for May 2020, which could be the first unveiling of what could be a new chapter in Maserati's saga - a return to mid-engine performance coupes by the luxury brand or the replacement of the outgoing Gran Turismo.

The Limited Edition Maserati Levante Vulcano is Launched - 10 Units for the Malaysian Market [with VIDEO Feat. the Maserati MC12]

Naza Italia and Maserati have been in a working partnership for 10 years! The Malaysian distributor of Maserati recently celebrated this milestone by launching the Maserati Levante Vulcano, a limited run Levante SUV here. The Levante Vulcano is limited to 150 units globally and in conjunction with the 10 year anniversary of the Naza Italia - Maserati partnership, Maserati have kindly alloted 10 units of this unique SUV for the Malaysian market.

Offers & Promotions at the Naza Gaya Raya Autofair 2018 - On Till 30th June 2018 with Activities Happening this Mother's Day Weekend (12 & 13th May 2018)

From now until 30 th June, the Naza Gaya Raya Autofair 2018 will be happening. The autofair is organised in conjunction with the upcoming Hari Raya festivities. The Autofair will be offering a line-up of both cars and motorcycles with pretty good deals such as cash rebates, fast-loan approval, high trade-in value, free road tax and insurance, free maintenance service, vouchers, free gifts and free monthly installments for the vehicles based and subject to each individual brands. 

2018 Maserati Ghibli Now On Sale In Malaysia With Prices Starting From RM618,000

The 2018 Maserati Ghibli is now being offered in Malaysia and it is on display (and available for test drives) at Naza Italia's Showroom in Petaling Jaya. Naza Italia are the official distributors of Maserati here in Malaysia. This latest edition sports some restyling and a thorough upgrade of its equipment. It brings a welcome and timely update to what has been Maserati's best selling model globally as this revision includes upgrades that allow it to compete on equal footing with the rest of the premium luxury class.

Maserati Malaysia Launches The Levante S in GranLusso and GranSport Variants - Prices Start at RM788,800++

The Maserati Levante S is officially in Malaysia. This is the 'Maserati of SUVs' according to Maserati. But of course, no one does a Maserati like Maserati and no one would do a SUV like Italians do. So the Levante is pretty unique. Now whilst the Levante has already made it to our shores in diesel form, this marks Maserati's first petrol powered SUV to reach our shores.

2017 Maserati Ghibli and Ghibli S Now on Sale in Malaysia

The 2017 Ghibli

The 2017 Maserati Ghibli and Ghibli S is now available in Malaysia, two short months after their official debut at the 2016 Paris Motor Show. The 2017 Ghibli and Ghibli S are available starting from RM 618,800.00 and RM 708,800.00 respectively, including a 3 years/60,000km service package. The price includes local duties and taxes.

The All New Alfa Romeo Giulia...and the falling Ringgit

Alfa Romeo has just launched the Giulia. It looks like a cross between something German and a  Lexus RC-F matched to a wonderful looking slant eyed front end. The German I am mentioning is the BMW 3 Series as if you took a look at the C pillar/rear doors, that BMW-ish Hoffmeister kink is there. I think it does look all angry and all. Like how an Alfa should be. But I think it could look a little more adventurous than what it is today.

Naza italia opens its newly revamped showroom for Ferrari and Maserati

Naza Italia opened its refurbished Ferrari and Maserati showroom in Petaling Jaya earlier today. The new centre boasts a spacious, well-appointed and equipped showroom with dedicated sales areas, a comfortable and luxurious lounge area, a merchandise area, a configuration area and delivery bays. This would be more than sufficient in providing the best luxurious experience for both luxury Marques. 

Want to buy a full sized luxury car? Here are some pointers......

A Jaguar XJ - like no other car....

If you had money here in Malaysia what would you go out and buy? These days I actually believe in owning luxury personally. I do get to drive nice and fancy cars some times but owning one has always been a dream. So how do you actually choose a premium car of your dreams? 

For me it is simple. Heritage, refinement and then ask yourself what Jeremy Clarkson would say about a purchase. And speaking about Jeremy Clarkson, I am sad to hear that the chap got booted out of TopGear all because of a 'fracas' with a producer. I also hear he is taking his co-hosts James May and Richard Hammond with him and they may soon have their own show without any association with BBC and of course TopGear. Well, good for them. The BBC is in some ways like our RTM. More liberal but still a little fuddy duddy as it does belong to the government of England.

This....is actually...

...this underneath it all

Maserati Granturismo Sport Launched in Malaysia

Very recently Naza Italia, official distributors for Maserati in Malaysia launched the Maserati GranTurismo Sport. This grand tourer is a fabulous looking, and sounding car. It comes with a 4.7liter V8 which makes 460hp and 520Nm torque running the rear wheels via a 6 speed automatic transmission. This is actually a great car for one to head down south to Singapore or up north to Krabi for those inter-peninsula jaunts that genuine petrolheads should occasionally do.

Anyway, what we found out from the launch are:

• The 2013 Maserati Granturismo Sport will be priced from RM1,118,000.00. Affordable from the likes of last year's sales figures for Malaysia (see below).

• Malaysia is the third largest market for Asia Pacific. Quite surprising as Asia Pacific includes Singapore, Hong Kong, Japan and China. These countries are full of billionaires and Italian car collectors.

• Maserati sold over 3,500 cars worldwide last year (2012) and aim to sell 50,000 cars by 2016. This will be achieved when Maserati launches their SUV, a smaller 4 door saloon and a smaller entry level coupe.

• Last year Maserati sold 27 cars in Malaysia. This year Naza Italia is aiming for 40 with the launch of the Granturismo Sport. There are 27 people who basically bought something other than a Porsche, Ferrari, Aston Martin, Bentley and Rolls Royce. This also means that supercars are still affordable in Malaysia. Ridiculous tax and duty aside. It also tells you that instead of whining and complaining, we should all work harder and try buy our supercars in such a competitive climate.

• The Maserati Granturismo Sport will be the entry level Maserati for Malaysia. It seems Naza Italia has decided that Malaysian Maserati customers will not go for the 'basic' Granturismo. The basic Granturismo has a smaller 4.2liter, 405hp car. I suppose since you're going to spend a million Ringgit you should have at least 460hp. And what's an extra 400cc of road tax while you're at it.

• Maserati will not be competiting in any motorsport events in Malaysia for the time being. This I should know as I personally asked Mr Gaetano Marino, Regional Director Maserati Asia Pacific about it. Maserati Trofeo is a nice one make series that is pretty interesting for those that are interested. I also wish a customer would participate in one of Sepang's endurance races with one (like one or two Aston Martin customers who have done so).

(Seated, left to right - The very dapper Encik Wan Ahmad GM Naza Italia, Mr Gaetano Marino Regional Director Maserati Asia Pacific, Datuk Wira SM Faisal Tan Sri Nasimuddin Joint Group Executive Chairman / CEO Naza Group of Companies and Datuk Maruan Mohd Said Senior VP 4 Wheels Naza Motor Group)

Anyway, the Maserati Granturismo Sport is a fabulous car. It has that beautiful Ferrari designed V8 engine that barks out a heavenly sound. It is nothing like the V8 in a Ferrari as it does without the flat plane crank that Ferrari uses in its cars. It rumbles. It does not shriek. More like an Aston Martin V8 or a Mercedes-AMG V8. Not as bassy as the AMG, but velvety. You got to experience it for yourself. AND I have to mention that the flappy pedals behind that fancy steering wheel must be one of the nicest and most tactile pedal shifters I have felt in a while. 

The event was just a launch and preview of the Granturismo Sport. Now hopefully Maserati would let me drive one so that I can get to write to you guys about it.  

Oh, there was a very tall lady wearing a sash - Miss Universe Malaysia 2013 who is Maserati Malaysia's spokesperson.