Dress it up any way you darn well want. Call it whatever you want. This misbegotten relic from the '80's was still the very low point for Maserati.......the Chrysler TC by Maserati. Could it be a warmed over Le Baron convertible? Or how about this ______(insert your own comment) Bi Turbo........
Nothing special here, when Maserati introduced their Bi Turbo line of coupes, sedans and this strange little cabriolet. How could this company have fallen so far in a relatively short period of time. Mention Maserati a few years earlier and one thought of a Ferrari competitor. Maybe not quite as tough, but always over the top sensual designs, that still cause one's heart to beat a little faster. My all time fav is this Ghibli.........
From any angle, whether it is a convertible or a coupe, this is a great car. Now think ahead a few short years to the dogs' breakfasts shown at the beginning of this blog that were to come and would define the Maserati name for several years. What is my point? Well sometimes, it does take me a while to get around to it.
Saw an article the other day that Maserati wants to sell 50k cars by 2015. Not a bad goal, but in 2012 they only sold 6200 total. Unrealistic target? Based on the stuff from the '80's, of course it is, but, and this is a big BUT, you have to remember that Maserati was rescued by Fiat/Ferrari and since then their cars have once again been designs that have been engineered to impress.
A big mountain to climb? Sure is, but here is their newest ammunition, just now arriving in showrooms......
From the top, the mid sized Ghibli (that great name once again), then the Levante suv (look at Porsche's Cayenne sales) and the big kahuna, the Quattroporte. Ferrari engineered and beautifully designed to achieve that 50k sales per year goal.And they are reasonably priced (relax, Civic, you have nothing to worry about).
So now that target doesn't sound like so much pie in the sky does it?
Let's finish off today's lesson with another piece of eye candy from the glory days, the Khamsin.......
Until next time.........
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