Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne has ambitious plans for the Maserati, specifically to drastically improve sales almost tenfold from last years 5,675 units sold to 50,000.

Marchionne believes this is attainable through three new Maserati models, all based on systems and components from Chrysler Group. The Italian automaker may be able to pull off the ambitious sales plan through three new vehicles. The Quattroporte will be replaced by two new sedans, one smaller and one larger than the current sedan. Maserati will also introduce an all-new SUV to its lineup for the first time.

The  vehicle will be based on the brand-new Jeep Grand Cherokee, but insiders have said it will be hard to spot the resemblance. The interior will be fitted with plush Italian leather as well as wood accents throughout the inside. Under the hood will be a Chrysler HEMI 6.4-liter V8 producing 465-hp. While Maserati already has their own 4.7L V8, the reality is that the HEMI already fits in the platform quite well and will help keep the cost of the vehicle down. The well regarded Fiat V6 diesel will also be available on the Cherokee platform. The engine choice will be a vital and strategic move for Maserati, in order to take on the Porsche Cayenne, BMW X5/X6 and Range Rover. The Maserati SUV is set to be unveiled at the upcoming Frankfurt auto show next month, and expect the production version to hit dealerships in 2013.

Technology has significantly impacted the automotive sector especially when cars are produced in the factory. Computers and robotic platforms assemble engines and build the cars without much help from workers. However Ferrari has a different take on production, with their engines being entirely hand-built.

This video shows the buildup of a 458 Italia engine starting with assembling the crankshaft and ending with the installation of the cam covers. The 11 minute video is a walkthrough of the Maranello facility, with interviews from many members of the Ferrari team. Each of the workers explain their task to produce the 4.5-liter V8. It’s nice to see something made by hand for a change.

Check out the video after the jump!

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Today, at the 2011 Management Briefing Seminars in Traverse City, Michigan, Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne hinted that he may step down from his position in the not-too-distant future. The 59-year old executive said Chrysler’s future plans will be “up to the guy after me, I think — after 2015, hopefully. Maybe a year later. Chrysler will be here after me.”

Recently, Marchionne has begun integrating the management teams of both Chrysler and Fiat, but is still leading both companies. Marchionne tried to clarify his stance on the position, ”The process has been designed and I’ve always believed that my successor needs to come from the inside… and this enlarged management team where we have 22 people of nine nationalities is designed… to be a proving ground for people to sit and manage.”

Nothing has been confirmed as to when and if he will decide to leave. ”I technically can go beyond 2015,” he said. “I wouldn’t focus on the date. I would focus on the process.”

[Source: Automotive News]

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China has become Ferrari’s second largest global market, a not-so-surprising development in light of the global economic realities. The Italian automaker enjoyed strong growth in the first half of 2011, with global sales up 12 percent to a record 3,577 units between January and June. The company also saw sales revenue climb nearly 20 percent up to $1.5 billion.

Ferrari sales have vastly improved in markets like the Chinese mainland, Taiwan and Hong Kong, totaling 378 units in the first six months, up 116 percent from the same period last year. Ferrari is excited about its success and will enter 25 auto shows in China this year, more than double from last year. China still trails the U.S, where 939 units were sold in 2010. Ferrari Chairman Luca di Montezemolo said the sales momentum would extend into the second half as the company recently began deliveries of its four-seater, four-wheel drive sports car, the Ferrari FF.

[Source: Edmunds Inside Line]

‘Today, it was announced that Mopar will be offering more than 150 accessories including key covers, graphics, body kits, bike carriers, roof racks and seat covers for the new 2012 Fiat 500. Prices will range from $21 for a locking gas cap to $1,400 for a body kit.

“The FIAT 500 is one of the most accessorized vehicles in Europe,” said Pietro Gorlier, President and CEO of Mopar, Chrysler Group LLC’s service, parts and customer-care brand. “We expect that trend to continue here in North America and will offer more than 150 accessories for those looking to personalize their ride. Our all-new FIAT 500 is the perfect canvas for customization.”

One of the most interesting accessories is the UConnect Web option which allows each passenger to separately access the Web. The in-vehicle router receives broadband Internet. Passengers can access social media, maps, e-mail, online games and more. This option starts at $399.

The Fiat 500 is offered in three models including the Pop ($15,500), Sport ($17,500) and Lounge ($19,500). The Fiat 500 is powered by a 1.4-liter inline four cylinder engine featuring MultiAir technology. The engine is rated at 30 mpg city and 38 mpg highway for a 33 mpg combined number.

Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne has ambitious plans for the Maserati, specifically to drastically improve sales almost tenfold from last years 5,675 units sold to 50,000. Marchionne believes this is attainable through three new Maserati models, all based on systems and components from Chrysler Group.

Maserati will introduce two sedans and an SUV with technology from the American automaker. The Quattroporte flagship model will be replaced by two sedans using technology from the Chrysler 300 and the Dodge Avenger(!). The Maserati SUV will be built alongisde the Jeep Grand Cherokee in the Jefferson North plant in Detroit. Maserati has stated that the new models will not be rebadged Chryslers. The Maseratis will have different bodies and interiors, however shared parts will be in very discreet areas, similar to the Bentley Continental, and its Volkswagen Phaeton stablemate.

Maserati hopes to solve the Quattroporte’s size problem. The car is too large to be a driver’s car. This issue will be solved by offering both a “baby” Quattroporte and a larger Quattroporte. Maserati hopes to combat the Audi A6, BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class with the “baby” model. The smaller Maserati sedan,will have a traditional layout, complete with a front longitudinal engine and rear-wheel drive. The engine will be a reworked, high performance version of the Chrysler V6 Pentastar, likely a 3.0-liter motor with Fiat’s fuel saving MultiAir air management system, twin turbochargers and direct injection. The car will crank out 400-hp and deliver good fuel economy. The price will range between $78,000 to $99,000.

The larger Quattroporte will be considerably larger than the current model, rivalling the Audi A8, BMW 7 Series and Mercedes-Benz S-Class. The larger Maserati will have an overall length of 5170mm, 70mm longer than the current model and 220 longer than the “baby” vehicle. The larger Maserati will feature a revised version of the Ferrari-built 4.7-liter 475-hp V8, mated to the ZF Group’s eight-speed automatic transmission.

[Source: Automotive News]

Ferrari announced today that the first six months of 2011 have been the best in the company’s history. The Italian automaker posted a record revenue of $1.1 billion for the first six months of this year and delivered a record 3,577 units or 11.8 percent more than the first half of 2010. Sales also increased in the U.S by 23.9 percent to 939. Chinese sales have increased 116 percent to 378 vehicles.

“These results come thanks to the success of the two 12-cylinder limited editions – the 599 GTO and the SA Aperta – and the strong performance of the 8-cylinder models with the California the standard-bearer in the GT sector and the 458 Italia the benchmark in the sports car area,” Ferrari said in a statement.

With the launch of the all-new Ferrari FF underway, the vehicle will most likely contribute to even better sales results in the next few months.

Fiat is the latest automaker to launch a new Apple application, and the Italian automaker has based the app on the 2012 500. The free app offers an in-depth look at the 500 including a historical design timeline of the iconic Fiat 500.

App users can view galleries of four emerging artists, including a graffiti artist, a 17-year old professional photographer, a painter/ sculptor, and an illustrator. The app also includes a Fiat 500 vehicle catalog, with detailed 360-degree images, videos and product information as well as wallpaper and sketch downloads.

[Source: Car Tech Blog]

Fiat has returned to the U.S after a nearly three-decade absence, and the Italian automaker is eager to make a positive impression on the American consumer. So far, dealers are happy with the initial sales of the 500 but see the need for more ad support to sustain long-term growth of the brand.

As part of the campaign, Fiat is offering a $199 a month lease and cut-rate financing on the Fiat 500 coupe. The lease term is 39 months with $1,999 due at signing. Customers interested in buying the coupe can choose three different financing packages including 1.9 percent financing for 36 months. The $199 lease is being offered on the entry-level Pop model which comes with a five-speed manual transmission, which starts at $15,995, including shipping. Fiat has planned to open 130 dealerships by the end of 2011 and so far has 93 up and running.

[Source: Automotive News]

The Lamborghini Estoque seems to be well on its way to production, and should arrive sometime in 2014. According to a leaked document, the Italian automaker will also be offering a drop top version of the four-door, which will be unveiled one year after the sedan’s debut. The Estoque convertible will likely arrive first in concept form in 2015, and then go into production form for 2016.

Powering both the sedan and convertible is believed to be a new supercharged V10 engine that will first arrive in the Cabrera (the Gallardo’s replacement), which is due out in 2013.

The Estoque would compete with the Porsche Panamera Convertible, which is rumored for 2012.

In addition, Lamborghini is reportedly planning a convertible version of its ultra limited edition Sesto Elemento.

GALLERY: Lamborghini Estoque

[Source: Top Speed]

Italian automaker Fiat purchased the U.S government’s remaining holdings in Chrysler today. Fiat paid $560 million to the Treasury Department for the government’s 98,000 shares.

Fiat has run Chrysler since the American automaker emerged from bankruptcy protection in June 2009. The U.S government provided a total of $12.5 billion to Chrysler with the funds coming from the government’s $700 billion bank bailout fund. $11.2 billion has been repaid to the Treasury and Chrysler repaid $5.1 billion in loans from the government in May. The Treasury has stated that it likely won’t recover the remaining $1.3 billion. With Fiat’s payment to the government, the Italian automaker now has 52 percent ownership of Chrysler. Fiat will likely own 57 percent of Chrysler before the end of 2011 when Chrysler begins producing a 40 mpg small car in the U.S.

U.S. Assistant Secretary for Financial Stability Tim Massad released this statement: “With today’s closing, the US government has exited its investment in Chrysler at least six years earlier than expected. This is a major accomplishment and further evidence of the success of the Administration’s actions to assist the US auto industry, which helped save a million jobs during the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression.”

[Source: Washington Post]

With Ferrari 458 Italia production in full swing, questions have been raised as to when the convertible top will be available and what it will look like.

In this new rendering of the convertible,the 458 takes on a look similar to the 360 Modena Spider, one of Ferrari’s most elegant designs. As for the convertibles official unveiling, it will likely take place at the 2011 Frankfurt auto show, meaning the drop top Spider will be available by next summer. But you better have your pennies saved, because the current coupe has a base price of $225,000 and the Spider will certainly be more expensive.

The recently released Aston Martin V12 Zagato which was recently spied testing on the Nürburgring, has now been priced.

According to AutoWeek, Aston Martin will only build 150 examples of the V12 Zagato and the car will be priced at £330,000, or nearly $500,000 USD, twice the price of the high-performance DBS. It is also two and a half times the price of a V12 Vantage which the Zagato is based on. Some will think that is too much to pay but Aston will sell every last one of them.

Gallery: Aston Martin V12 Zagato

[Source: AutoBlog]

Fiat North America is ready to launch its first national ad campaign. The new campaign will kick off with a special event on July 4, the 54th anniversary of the original Fiat 500, said Laura Soave, head of Fiat North America.

“We’re confident we can do a national launch and have the network in place to support the traffic,” said Soave, speaking at a media event.

“Just as the Fiat brand’s products have been adapted to meet market needs while keeping their Italian style and functionality, our websites will also offer a tailored yet consistent experience for consumers ,” explained Laura Soave, Head of Fiat Brand North America. “For a global brand like Fait, it’s in our nature to explore new ways of doing business. It’s also essential that the marketing and advertising campaigns reflect the same individual sense of expression that the Fiat 500 will deliver to consumers.”

Fiat North America appointed 72andSunny as their head digital agency of record. The two companies will work to develop a comprehensive digital marketing stratgey that will increase awareness of the brand in the US.

GALLERY: Fiat 500

[Source: egm CarTech]

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Sales for the Fiat 500 are picking up after a slow start in the US market. The Mexican built US version was off to a slow start after only selling 3,141 units through the end of May, but the cute Italian car is gaining momentum. Chrysler has just 70 Fiat dealerships nationwide however there are plans to open another 60 by the end of the year, which should help move more units.

The original Fiat 500 was introduced in July 1957 and was then called the ”cinquecento”. Now in North America, Fiat is planning on launching a national marketing campaign for the new model on the Fourth of July, which will hopefully improve the the cars sales figures even more.

Three different trim levels are available including the Pop, Sport and Lounge models. The Pop base model retails for $15,500 which comes with power windows/ locks, power heated mirrors, air conditioning, remote keyless entry, cruise control and 7 airbags. The Sport model retails for $17,500 and comes with stiffer springs and shocks, 16-inch aluminium wheels, a more performance oriented exhaust, a Bose sounds system, leather wrapped steering wheel and hands free voice controls. The Lounge model retails for $19,500 and features a 6-speed automatic transmission and higher grade interior trim.

The 1.4-liter 4-cylinder engine produces 100-hp and 98 lb-ft of torque. The 500 is rated at 30-mpg in the city and 38-mpg on the highway for a 33-mpg combined number.

[Source: USA Today]

The young and wealthy of New York gathered in the Park Avenue Ferrari showroom in Manhattan on Tuesday to ogle a new coffee-table book that traces the history and heritage of the automaker in words and exclusive photos. Marco Mattiacci, the president of Ferrari North America, was also there to greet the chic crowd, most of them current or prospective Ferrari owners.

The Official Ferrari Opus is not just any coffee-table book, especially the volume made with its red-leather cover featuring the brand’s prancing horse encrusted with diamonds. This edition retails for $250,000 while the cheaper model was priced at a more “reasonable” $3,200.

Mr. Mattiacci later explained, that the rapid growth of the Ferrari brand in China “We were selling 300 cars a year when I left,” he said. “It is now the second-largest market for Ferrari, and the average age of customers there is 32. In the U.S., it’s 47.” He also said that most sales in America were to repeat customers. “My job is to gain more opportunity in the U.S. for Ferrari,” The United States accounts for more than a quarter of Ferrari’s annual sales. Mattiacci said he has worked hard to attract growth among younger buyers, as he recently assembled a show-and-tell session in California to attract the sultans of Silicon Valley.

[Source: Wheels]

Ferrari is holding a world design contest to develop the Ferrari of the future. Ferrari, in collaboration with with Autodesk, the technical partner and supporter of the project, is challenging students to develop the Ferrari hypercar of the future with the latest generation technologies and materials, while preserving the iconic performance and elegance associated with the legendary Italian automaker.

Students must focus on lowering fuel consumption,alternative powertrains, and hybrid technology while also emphasizing driving pleasure and weight reduction through their models.

Fifty presigious international design schools began the competition, and now there are seven finalist schools, from all over the world. The finalists include: IED and IAAD from Turin (Italy), the London Royal College of Arts (UK), the European Design Institute Barcelona (Spain), Seoul’s Hong-ik College (Korea), the DSK Supinfocom (India) and the College For Creative Studies in Detroit (USA).

The winner of the design contest will be announced on July 19, including a grand prize of an internship at Ferrari in Maranello, Italy as well as cash prizes. Autodesk will also award the student team that best used Autodesk Alias software to communicate their design and demonstrate their process of design.

[Source: Ferrari]

Fiat is hoping to build a strong U.S-market demand for the 500 by expanding its line-up with a successor to the Bravo compact hatchback.

Concerns have be raised about relaunching Fiat in the United States, however early sales figures of the 500 have exceeded expectations. A cabriolet version of the hatchback is now appearing in showrooms, with the Abarth and EV versions to follow soon after.

Fiat does not want to interfere with Chrysler’s traditional markets in the U.S, so Fiat won’t sell any vehicle larger than a Focus.

US brand boss, Laura Soaves said “Fiat will be the small car brand,”. “It will never have anything larger than a C [segment].”

Alfa Romeo’s planned ‘halo car’ will offer a modest amount of vehicles when first released. However Alfa Romeo hopes to sell 150 8C cars before the 4C is deemed effective for launch in North America.

[Source: AutoCar]

Discuss this story at Fiat500Owners.com

Greek/Italian businessman Nicola Bulgari owns a lot of companies. He has hotel chains and perfumes, but most notably he is known for his watches.

With his vast wealth, he can afford to buy any kind of car he wishes to have. So some might be surprised to learn that he is an avid American car fan. To be more precise, he prefers Cadillacs.

Bulgari owns quite a few Cadillacs, and most of them are classic models from the 1930′s to the 1970′s. He also owns some of their newer models like the CTS wagon and the CTS-V sedan. He also owns an XLR-V with a custom Bulgari speedometer designed by the same people who does his watches.

Now Mr. Bulgari will be adding another new Cadillac to his stable, the very last DTS to roll off the production line. Commenting on his latest purchase, Bulgari said; “It’s the quality. I like the DTS because it’s a great sedan. It’s the last of an era. I thought it would be wonderful to own the last Northstar in a DTS. It’s one of the best engines ever designed, reliable and a performer.”

This is not the first time he bought a last off the line product from General Motors, he also owns the last Buick Riviera coupe ever made.

An Italian bus driver has been fired from his job for being too popular. In the video you can see that he is using two cell phones while steering with his elbows. Talk about being a serious multitasker.

While battling the traffic in downtown Rome, the driver attempts to set up his email on a smartphone while speaking to customer service on his second phone. Not only that, but he was driving a busload of passengers.

The company that owns the bus service has suspended the driver pending a full investigation. You’d think all people would know by now that you are being taped wherever you are.

Check out the video after the jump!

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De Tomaso is back! But not with the Pantera, arguably the company’s most legendary model. No, the troubled Italian company, constantly flirting with bankruptcy and liquidation and angry customers, has introduced for Geneva the SLC, a Pininfarina-designed crossover in the mold of the BMW 5-Series GT.

Unfortunately, the overall effort is underwhelming; the oddly-proportioned car has a gaping mouth, de rigueur of so many modern cars, the rear end of a Dodge Avenger, and the side profile cachet of your neighbor’s Lexus IS. It’s certainly not compelling enough to make us excited for the revival of a company that gave us the Mangusta, the box-flared Longchamp, and Elvis’s bullet-ridden Pantera.

The “Sports Luxury Car,” as it’s imaginatively called for now, will sport three engines: a V6 diesel, a 300-horsepower V6, and a high performance V8 with 500+ horsepower. At that rate, it should be able to outrun its own looks.

Ultimately, the company wants to find 3000 buyers per year for the SLC, at $135,000 to $175,000 when it goes on sale at the end of this year. We wish them well, because sales of the SLC will fund the development of a more traditional sedan and a coupe–which will then bring back the De Tomaso we remember so fondly.

[Source: Car Advice]

If you’ve never heard of Zagato’s Perana Z-One (what a mouthful), it’s OK, we understand. The original intention of Zagato for the Perana Z-One was for it to be strictly sold in Europe and the United Arab Emirates. Based on a Chevrolet Corvette chassis, the Perana Z-One has garnered enough attention that Zagato has decided to import it to America.

Two successful showings by Zagato at the Geneva Auto Show and Concorso d’Eleganza at Villa d’Este in Italy was all the automaker needed to push forward on producing the car. But now a partnership has been struck with Superformance out of California to import the vehicle to the U.S.

Those interested in purchasing the Perana Z-One will have several options similar to what they could choose from a Corvette. Powerplants include the 6.2L V8 LS3 (436-hp), or the Z06′s popular 7.0L LS7 V8 (505-hp). Both of these options are mated to a six-speed ZF limited-slip differential equipped transmission.

Inside the car, the fortunate driver will be greeted with Recaro sport seats reupholstered in leather and Alcantara. Basic technology is standard with built-in navigation and power accessories.

The outside clearly has plenty of influences from American classics such as a Shelby Cobra and Daytona Coupe with a bit of Italian spices mixed in. Zagato says a limited production of 999 units will be made with a small number making it to America. So for those looking for something truly unique, get ready to shell out under $100,000 for it. Just how under, we’re not sure. But here’s to hoping it’s not $99,999.

AutoGuide will be sure to check one out in person at next month’s Concorso Italiano!

GALLERY: Zagato Perana Z-One

[Source: Motor Trend]

10,000 cars is a minuscule number for most car makers. It’s thought that most major car makers (think The Big 3 or Toyota) can pump out close to that many in a day. For a specialist supercar maker, 10,000 cars is a massive amount. If any supercar was going to do it, it would be the Lamborghini Gallardo.

The Gallardo has been a smashing success for Lamborghini, spawning countless special editions since its 2003 inception, and helping Lamborghini expand to 45 countries across the world. The 10,00th Gallardo, painted Midas Yellow, will be destined for China, where “Lamborghini Day” will be celebrated on June 25th, featuring a multi-car exhibit including the 10,000th Gallardo.

Hit the jump for the full press release

[Source: Lamborghini]