Maserati Gran Turismo Granturismo Convertible S 4. on 2040-cars

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Learn why this man has four different Maserati 3500GT classics

When you're born, it's impossible to know what sort of cars you'll be into as an adult. Your dad might be into old Mopars while your mom prefers a Ford Mustang. You, on the other hand, might end up being a fan of English cars (that was the case with your author, at least). Regardless of which vehicle type, era or marque you prefer, though, it's usually possible to trace back to the exact moment you fell in love with them.
For Frank Mandarano, his love of all things Maserati started at its birthplace in Italy, before spawning into a passion that saw him found a club and take possession of four 3500s over the years. One car in Mandrano's one-make collection stands out, though - a rare 3500GT that was imported into Mexico in 1960. It is a sweet sounding and gorgeous coupe to behold, making it the perfect subject for the crew at Petrolicious. Scroll down and have a look.

All future Maseratis will borrow styling cues from the MC20

Maserati's recently-unveiled MC20 coupe points to the direction stylists will take the rest of the company's range in during the 2020s. Its proportions will remain unique – the company isn't about to make the family-friendly Levante mid-engined – but its front end and its pure, simplified approach to design will permeate other models. "The face of the MC20, with the low-mounted grille and the headlights positioned much higher on the fascia, is our new design language," affirmed Klaus Busse, the head of the company's design department. He added it's a look that draws inspiration from past models, including the limited-edition MC12 built between 2004 and 2005. Lighting technology has evolved considerably since the middle of the 2000s, so designers and engineers are now able to use LEDs to give Maserati's future models a more distinctive-looking face, especially at night. Autoblog understands the second-generation GranTurismo scheduled to make its debut in 2021 will be the first MC20-inspired model. Its styling cues will also influenced the Grecale, a smaller SUV positioned below the Levante and possibly related to the Alfa Romeo Stelvio. Maserati's aim isn't to end up with a range of nesting doll-like models that all look the same, so expect to see variations of the MC20 theme as the line-up develops. Busse also shared insight about how his team shaped the MC20 (pictured). Early on, he insisted the car shouldn't receive oversized air inlets or a park bench-sized wing on the back. His team consequently integrated all of the components that create downforce below the axle line, which runs through the middle of the wheels. It's a pure, simple approach to design that will characterize future models, meaning they'll be sporty in a subtle, elegant way. Related Video:    

2019 Maserati Levante Trofeo Drivers' Notes Review | A mixed bag

The first thing you need to know about the 2019 Maserati Levante Trofeo is that it's the most powerful vehicle Maserati currently makes, outgunning models like the GranTurismo and Quattroporte GTS by a good margin. In fact, the only production Maserati more powerful than the Levante Trofeo was the V12-powered MC12 Versione Corse. The Trofeo's 3.8-liter twin-turbo V8 is built by Ferrari and shares more than a little with that company's current crop of V8 engines. The biggest difference is that this engine uses a cross-plane crankshaft in place of Ferrari's flat-plane crank as well as a wet sump oiling system. The Trofeo hits 60 mph in just 3.7 seconds on its way to a top speed of 187 mph. The styling is more aggressive than the already bold Levante GTS thanks to 22-inch wheels, carbon fiber trim and a new hood with vents to help cool the engine. Inside the cabin, nearly every surface is covered with leather and carbon fiber. Now, all this comes at a cost. The Levante Trofeo starts at $169,980, $39,000 more than a Levante GTS and more than twice as much as a base model. You're mostly paying for performance and styling since most of the features on our tester like the upgraded leather upholstery and four-zone climate control can be found on lesser Levantes. Editor-in-Chief Greg Migliore: Ferrari is ending its deal to supply engines to Maserati. That's a shame — for Maserati. The 3.8-liter twin-turbo V8 in the Levante Trofeo is a riot, and it gives this golden-retriever-hauling crossover the feel of a true Italian sports car. You might know this engine from the Ferrari Portofino. It's lightly modified and built on the same line in Maranello, Italy. Mash the gas and this thing emits a growl that grows more guttural as the revs build. It sounds pretty good at 3,000 to 4,000 rpm, which is about all you can sensibly summon in the suburbs. I've driven the twin-turbo V6, which is also solid and also supplied by Ferrari, but trust me, you want the V8. The rest of the Levante is attractive, though it's not the most practical thing around. I was able to get a rear-facing car seat in the back, and my toddler certainly enjoyed his first ride in a Maserati. Other thoughts: I like the elevated ride height, toothy grille and curvy fenders. The Levante is a compelling option in this expensive segment designed for Rich Uncle Pennybags. If that's you, don't scrimp with six cylinders. Go with the V8.