HomeMediaMaserati launches Classiche authenticity program

Maserati launches Classiche authenticity program

Our roundup of new automaker news and notes includes new EVs from Toyota and Lexus, Roush-rodded Bronco

-

Italian automaker Maserati has launched its own vintage vehicle authenticity program, with the new Maserati Classiche doing its first certification — a Mistral 3700.

“Maserati Classiche is the department that protects and promotes the preservation and originality of the company’s automotive heritage,” the news release reports. “An exclusive assistance service – dedicated to the brand’s customers and collectors – now also includes a process to certify authenticity.”

The first car to be certified is a Mistal 3700 built in March 1969 in silver Auteuil livery, Maserati Classiche said after making more than 300 validation checks to match the vehicle against the documents in the company’s historical archive.

“The Certification process is guaranteed by a committee of experts and is offered for Maserati cars that were built more than 20 years ago plus the special series, including those from the recent past such as the MC12 and the Quattroporte limited editions,” the news release pointed out. 

“Also included in the program is a maintenance service for in-house minor repairs and routine maintenance, as well as an on-demand Car Detailing service.”

The Classiche program also has dedicated service plans for owners of vintage, youngtimer and “speciali” cars for maintenance and restoration, and will manufacture spare parts no longer available on the market.

Also to be offered is a new Capsule Clothing Collection for fans of the brand’s heritage. 

Toyota unveils 16 new electric vehicles

Lexus electric sports car
The new Lexus electric sports car (above) and one for Toyota (below left) and the new Cruiser (below right)

Toyota has unveiled 16 Toyota and Lexus electric vehicles it says it is preparing for the global automotive market, and company president Akio Toyoda added that another 14 vehicles are in the pipeline for launch by 2030.

The first of the BEVs (battery-electric vehicles) is the toyota bZ4X due to go into production in 2022.

Among the vehicles revealed are an electrified sport model for Lexus and a Sports EV for Toyota. There also is a Compact Cruiser EV that appears to resurrect the FJ Cruiser as an electric vehicle.

“Each electric vehicle should be unique and special, not only those on dedicated platforms, but also those related to existing models,” noted Simon Humphries, senior general manager of Toyota design. “Whether that means building on Toyota’s off-road heritage to create new exciting recreational experiences, or finding new ways to combine versatility with dynamic driving.

“The EV era is an opportunity, and a chance for more variety and more fun!”

As part of its presentation, Toyota said it expects its Lexus brand to be 100 percent BEVs by 2035.

2022 Miata goes mainly manual

Mazda North America Operations has announced that the 2022 MX-5 Miata will be an even more pure driver’s car with a 6-speed manual as its primary transmission. Only the Grand Touring version will be offered with an automatic, which will not be available in the Sport and Club models. However, the Club version will be available with Brembo brakes, BBS wheels and Recaro seats.

The cars also get Mazda’s new Kinematic Posture Control to improve “high-g cornering precision and confidence” and without adding even “a single gram of weight.”

Prices will range from $27,300 (basic Sport) to $38,200 (Club with Brembo/BBS/Recaro package).

Hyundai launches N Performance Academy

Hyundai staged its first N Performance Academy this past weekend at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta, where driving enthusiasts exercised the Veloster N under the guidance of Bryan Herta Autosport. 

Hyundai N vehicles take their initial from being pushed to the limit at the Nurburgring in Germany and at the Hyundai R&D track at Namyang in South Korea.

“N’s mission is to push the limits of performance to help drivers discover how fun driving can be,” Hyundai said.

Bugatti offers ‘sur mesure’ customization

Bugatti sur mesure is the name of the automaker’s new customization and personalization program, which has completed its first customer project, a Chiron Pur Sport inspired by the racing heroics of driver Louis Chiron, who with Achille Varzi drove a Bugatti Type 51 to victory in the 1931 French Grand Prix.

That car’s number, 32, is emblazoned — painted by hand — on the new car, which also features two new exterior colors created to match the Bugatti Grand Prix cars of the 1920s and ‘30s. The number also is featured in the car’s interior.

“For many years, we have worked with our clients to create their own personal vision of the ultimate hyper sports car,” said . Hendrik Malinowski, Bugatti’s head of sales and marketing. “It has always been a highly tailored process, but as an ever-increasing number of our clients request detailed and intricate customization, the launch of Bugatti Sur Mesure will ensure we can cater to their desires with the perfect level of detail required from a Bugatti.

“Our clients are often deeply intrigued by Bugatti’s motorsport lineage, and it’s fitting that the first Sur Mesure commission should pay homage to one of our great racing icons.”

Roush reveals Bronco R Series kit

Roush Performance has announced the Roush Bronco R Series Kit for the 2021 Ford Bronco, along with Air Induction and Axle-Back Exhaust systems.

“A first for Roush, this new kit-in-a-box product ships directly to dealers or consumers in a serialized, limited-edition crate and includes everything from engine performance components to wheels and aesthetic upgrades.”

Roush added that the $6,750 kit includes the induction and exhaust systems, as well as 17-inch off-road wheels, a floor protection kit for the Bronco’s interior, an off-road recovery kit, and a console vault safe and vehicle graphics. 

The induction modifications “delivers a 30 percent improvement in airflow versus the factory system,” Roush said in its news release. The exhaust features a 3-inch T304 stainless-steel setup that Roush says provides better ground clearance and sound quality.

Available separately, the induction system is $480 and the exhaust is $1,050 from Roush Performance.

Genesis shows new G90

Genesis, the luxury division of Hyundai, has unveiled its new G90 flagship sedan, which it says features multi-chamber air suspension and rear-wheel steering as well as technologies including remote smart parking assist and EasyClose doors that close themselves at the push of a button.

BMW Motorrad releases 2022 gear

The motorcycle division of BMW has released its 2022 ride equipment lineup which features the Barcelona GTX suit (right), which the company says is “the perfect suit for daily commuting.” 

“The Barcelona GTX suit is a lightweight motorbike suit that can be put on quickly and simply over any type of everyday clothing and provides reliable protection against all weather conditions,” BMW Motorrad notes, adding that the suit has “abrasion-resistant material and removable NP Flex protectors on shoulders, elbows and knees.”

Larry Edsall
Larry Edsall
A former daily newspaper sports editor, Larry Edsall spent a dozen years as an editor at AutoWeek magazine before making the transition to writing for the web and becoming the author of more than 15 automotive books. In addition to being founding editor at ClassicCars.com, Larry has written for The New York Times and The Detroit News and was an adjunct honors professor at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Arizona State University.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Recent Posts

spot_img