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2017 Maserati Model Year Preview and Updates

From a storied past, to an almost-forgotten nameplate and to what it offers today – in the guise of two four door sedans, a coupe or convertible GT and its first-ever SUV – Maserati has, over the last several years, quietly exploded into the ranks of desirable brands. And with the introduction of the all-new Levante SUV (pictured above), the Italian marque once again confounds the skeptics. MASERATI LEVANTE: The Levante, Maserati's first-ever SUV, arrives in the US marketplace at exactly the right time, as interest in all-road capability has never been higher, and high-end offerings have never been more numerous. Supplying what Maserati describes as best-in-class on-road handling in 'sport' mode and leading off-road comfort, propulsion is supplied by your choice of two V6 powertrains: a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 with 345 horsepower in the Levante, and the same basic V6 with 424 horsepower in the Levante S. GHIBLI: Maserati's most accessible model, with a base price of just over $70K, is unchanged for 2017. GRAN TURISMO COUPE/CABRIOLET: Maserati's 2+2 coupe and convertible are unchanged for 2017. QUATTROPORTE: Maserati's luxury four-door receives an exterior nip here and tuck there, along with updated infotainment inside. Available in both GranLusso and GranSport, you can enjoy sport-oriented luxury or luxury-oriented sport. And unlike its siblings, which offer either V6 powertrains or V8 powertrains, the Quattroporte allows the buyer to select one from each column.

2014 Monterey Motorsports Reunion is a symphony of classic racers

With about 550 classic racecars lapping Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca over the course of the weekend, the Monterey Motorsports Reunion might be one of the largest vintage racing events in the country, maybe even the world. It was certainly one of the highlights of the lavish Monterey festivities last weekend. This year's featured marque was Maserati, which was celebrating its 100th anniversary, and plenty of trident logos could be found on track, ranging from the 250F grand prix car to some of the company's later sports cars. Of course, with 15 groups of classic racers, there was basically something for any motorsports fan. Among the highlights were the Trans-Am race that brought together rumbling hunks of American muscle to jostle for position on track. There was also a fantastic class from the '50s and '60s with Ferraris, Corvettes and even a Volvo P1800 and Toyota S800 racing together. Watching these iconic racers back on track at full pace was just a revelation to see, smell and hear. There were too many fantastic cars to list them all, but feel free to check out Autoblog's huge gallery from Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca to see if you spot your favorite racecars of yesteryear. Featured Gallery 2014 Monterey Motorsports Reunion View 40 Photos Image Credit: Copyright 2014 Drew Phillips / AOL Motorsports Maserati Racing Vehicles Classics Pebble Beach Laguna Seca

Maserati expands Quattroporte cable recall to 1,000 units

It was nearly two years ago that Maserati issued a recall for a number of Quattroporte sedans. At the time, the recall only affected 63 units in the United States. But now the Italian automaker has broadened that campaign to include nearly 1,000 examples across the country. The issue in question is related to the battery positive cable for the alternator and starter motor, the insulating cap of which may not have been installed correctly. The cable may not have been secured properly in the engine bay, too. According to the statement below from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the problem could increase the likelihood of the cable shorting out, causing the wiring harness to overheat and potentially start a fire, or the engine to stall and potentially cause the vehicle to crash. The expanded recall still only affects certain examples of the 2014 Maserati Quattroporte GTS with the V8 engine – namely those manufactured between October 1 and December 31, 2013. That now includes an estimated 984 vehicles in the United States, the owners of which can expect to hear from their local dealer to have the cable inspected and, if necessary, replaced. Related Video: RECALL Subject : Starter Motor Cable may Short to Ground Report Receipt Date: OCT 21, 2015 NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V686000 Component(s): ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Potential Number of Units Affected: 984 Manufacturer: Maserati North America, Inc. SUMMARY: Maserati North America, Inc. (Maserati) is recalling certain model year 2014 Quattroporte GTS V8 vehicles manufactured October 1, 2013, to December 31, 2013. In the affected vehicles, the battery positive cable for the alternator and starter motor may not have its insulating cap installed properly at the starter motor. Additionally, the cable may not be adequately secured in the engine bay. These factors may result in the cable shorting to ground. CONSEQUENCE: If the battery positive cable shorts to ground, the wiring harness may overheat, resulting in a fire. The car also may stall, increasing the risk of a crash. REMEDY: Maserati will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicle to verify that the starter motor cable has a properly installed protective cap and that the cable is adequately secured. If not, the starter motor cable assembly will be replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall is expected to begin November 11, 2015. Owners may contact Maserati customer service at 1-201-816-2600.