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Maserati Fuoriserie customization program arrives in the U.S.

Furioserie means "custom-built" in Italian, and luxury automaker Maserati introduces the word to U.S. and Canada with its Fuoriserie customization program. Now, this isn't custom custom, the way one would order a one-of-one Ferrari. It's more like Maserati's version of BMW Individual or Mercedes-Benz designo, opening access to new styles and colors, but doing so with the starting point of three themed collections. We're not given too many details about how details distinguish the themes, but the Corse collection focuses on the brand's racing heritage, using "innovative pigments" to re-create historically accurate colors, and including "original components" (what other kind are there for an OEM?). Unica, which means "unique," serves fans of contemporary fashion, art and culture with color and materials palettes that look forward to next year's trends. Futura goes on ahead of the others, highlighting "an appreciation for technology and new materials" that balance performance with sustainability from the worlds of product design, interior decor and sportswear. As examples of what can be done, Maserati created three Fuoriserie vehicles. The Corse-dressed Ghibli Trofeo adopts a livery recalling the Maserati Birdcage in Trofeo Blu, with 21-inch dark Orione ("orion") wheels red brake calipers outside, black and grey sport seats with the brand's Zegna Pelletessuta leather coverings and gloss carbon macro twill trim inside. We're not sure which collection the Orange Zest Metallic Levante Trofeo with its 22-inch Orione wheels pulls from, but it's got a full grain black leather interior with contrast stitching in a "living coral" hue. The Quattroporte Trofeo gets Verde Royale Metallic exterior paint, a set of 21-inch Orione wheels with black brake calipers, and the same Zegna-dressed sport seats and gloss carbon macro twill trim. There's a survey Fuoriserie shoppers can take to find out which collection matches their personality. And that's only a starting point, Maserati saying that salespeople will work with the customer "to determine [the customer's core values" and so create an appropriately representative car.  Related video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings.

Marchionne wants Maserati to be FCA's new Ferrari

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles is gearing up to spin Ferrari, its most profitable brand, off into another company, and float its stock on the open market. That means it's going to need another profit-driver to generate income for the rest of the group. And according to its chief executive Sergio Marchionne, that mantle will soon be picked up by Maserati. FCA is betting big on Maserati, which has long stood as a niche marque with a limited array of models and low sales numbers. In addition to the recently introduced Ghibli and Quattroporte sedans – now crucially offered with diesels and all-wheel drive – Maserati is preparing to roll out the Levante crossover that promises to do for the Modenese marque what the Cayenne did for Porsche. Due in part to the success of its first crossover, Porsche turned itself from a niche sports car manufacturer into an immensely profitable automaker that was (nearly) capable of buying out the entire Volkswagen Group. Maserati's resurgence is part of a two-pronged assault FCA is plotting against its German rivals. Maserati will be charged with taking on the higher end of the Mercedes, BMW, and Audi ranges (from the E-Class, 5 Series and A6 upwards). Meanwhile, Alfa Romeo will go after the lower end of the luxury spectrum with the new Giulia (aimed at the C-Class, 3 Series and A4) and other models to follow. FCA aims to turn Maserati and Alfa Romeo (along with Jeep) into global brands, broadening the narrow geographical appeal they have held until now. In order to generate enough profit to support the rest of the group as Ferrari has, Maserati will need to find a way to increase its profit margins. Bloomberg reports that Ferraris command a 13-percent profit margin, and while the ten percent that Maseratis list for is still triple that of the FCA average, slow sales are forcing some dealers to offer deep incentives that cut significantly into that margin. Related Video:

Maserati hand-painted tricolor stripe shows Italian pride — for a price

Italy has gone through a rough time with the coronavirus, but now the country is emerging from the worst of it and is experiencing a renewed sense of national pride. Rome's famous Colosseum is illuminated in the green, white and red of the Italian flag, and Maserati is getting into the spirit as well. The company is offering a narrow tri-color stripe in the same green-white-red on the hood and roof of new Maseratis. Waving the proverbial Italian flag with your Maserati doesn't come cheap, however. The option is $5,000, although we should point out that it is hand-painted. The stripe is available on a small number of 2020 model year Levantes and Ghiblis exclusively in conjunction with the Nero Ribelle (metallic black) body color. We're told the special stripe will be offered more widely as a special-order option for 2021, where it can also be paired with other body colors. Pricing for the 2021 model year has not been released. Related video: