Maserati Club of Queensland Inc: Maserati cars

With the Birdcage 75th, based on the Maserati heritage and on its most advanced mechanicals and realised in collaboration with Motorola, Pininfarina revives the storied theme of the true dream car now proposed in a synthesis of the vision of the three companies: exclusive design, sports DNA and technological innovation. Pininfarina’s prosperous collaboration with Maserati, marked by the great international success of the Quattroporte, is celebrated with this rolling hi-tech sculpture that evokes a new future context, imaginary but possible, while simultaneously paying homage to the strong and distinctive brand characteristics of the Tridente.

In celebration of Pininfarina’s 75th anniversary, Birdcage 75th returns to the storied tradition of extreme sports prototypes which highlighted the Italian renaissance of car design, born in the Fifties and prolonged in the Sixties and early Seventies. This period of optimism and boundless creativity produced some of the world’s most astounding and beautiful automobiles. Never before had our love affair with speed and beauty been so abundantly expressed. Boldly challenging our aesthetic ideals, these prototypes were exercises in creativity and passion, unconstrained by the regulations and the limitations of today’s context and considerations. They were true dream cars that evoked images and sentiments of a utopian future.

Beginning with the Maserati A6 GCS of 1954, whose clean-lined design and harmonious proportions made it one of the most memorable projects from that period, Pininfarina embarked on a prolific period of extreme sports prototypes based on the era’s state of the art racing car mechanicals. In 1965 the stunning Ferrari Dino Berlinetta Speciale made its debut, while in 1967 the Dino competizione combined voluptuous beauty with some of the world’s first studies on moveable aero devices. The following year brought about the aero study of the Alfa Romeo 33 and the sensual Ferrari P5, which demonstrated a future vision of Le Mans prototypes. 1969 bore three radically different prototypes, the Abarth 2000, the sinuous Alfa Romeo 33 Prototipo Speciale and the extreme wedge study of the 512s which stood less than 1 meter tall. Finally, in 1970 arrived what many consider the preeminent dream car of the era, the audacious Ferrari Modulo. A radical research vehicle which abandoned traditional styling and construction techniques in favor of extreme geometric simplicity. Originally shown at Geneva, Turin and the Osaka World Fair, the excited and shocked public was forced to question its very context. How and where did this vehicle come about? Where would this vehicle take us? Effectively, the Modulo represented the ultimate manifestation of the dream car spirit, for it succeeded in transporting its viewer to another time and place.

For 2005, in celebration of its 75th anniversary, Pininfarina has chosen to rekindle this creative spirit. The Birdcage 75th is a concept of a road car where everything – style, performance, use and conception of the car – is extreme so as to get the maximum impact on the collective imagination. The car is a futuristic extension of the Maserati brand, and at the same time it serves to reinforce the Tridente’s potent design heritage, and continues its grand tradition of advanced technology enveloped in sporting elegance. Integrating some Motorola technologies make the Seamless Mobility vision real, or the fluidity of the technologies as a subsequent stage of the Internet revolution.

Concept

The Birdcage 75th, in homage to the spirit of the dream car era, is based on the road racing chassis of the Maserati MC12 and seeks to capture the ultimate expression of speed, sensuality and elegance – to create a functional and dynamic automotive sculpture. The contrast struck between its organic fluidity and the severe tension of its mechanicals, creates a dynamism seldom realised.

The clear goal of breaking away from traditional styling solutions and creating a coherent and unique visual experience, led to a particularly innovative integration of the exterior and interior design and construction. Rather than pen the exterior in a traditional manner, and thereafter by consequence approach the design of the interior, the Birdcage 75th was designed as an integrated singular object.

THE DESIGN CHALLENGE

While the main goal of the Birdcage 75th was to push new stylistic boundaries and techniques, the Maserati’s over 700 horsepower V12 engine signified that the design concept had to be true to certain race car ideals. Without limiting the project’s creative potential, the design began with the study of the mechanicals themselves, and how they themselves could relate, and thus communicate with the impending exterior design to create a coherent and seamless object.

The first necessity became to envelope the mechanicals in the most efficient manner possible. As research has shown, the aerodynamic forms most effectively and frequently applied in race car design are the teardrop and the inverted wing form. With this in mind, the concept of the Birdcage 75th was born. Upon studying the mechanicals, one can see the chassis is naturally blessed by its delta shaped plan view as the small and efficient passenger cell tapers rearward to embrace the engine and drivetrain. So, the concept became clear, a teardrop central volume would encapsulate the passenger cell and the mechanicals creating an extremely streamlined and efficient frontal area. In turn, this central cell is suspended within a vast inverted wing form which maintains an exceptionally low profile to aid in the air flow above and under the vehicle.

The floating central cell is seamlessly divided into two halves, the upper portion being transparent, and the lower portion serving as a structural aerodynamic skirt. The large transparent area of the upper surface not only grants its occupants outstanding visibility, but allows all of the Maserati mechanicals, from its pushrod suspension to the beautifully crafted carbon fibre inlet trumpets of its V12 engine to be showcased and appreciated.

Staying true to its race car roots, the exterior surfaces are kept as low and uncluttered as possible only to ebb and flow into the four independently pronounced fenders which house the massive alloy wheels. The alloy wheels, which measure an impressive 20’’ (front) and 22’’ (rear) in diameter respectively, are specifically designed to recall the Tridente’s logo, and as on the racing cars, are attached via a single centre locking wheel nut. The low undulating exterior has a natural but purposeful fluidity, appearing as if mercury was merely poured over the mechanics. The result is a powerful yet elegant form which, at a mere meter tall, gives the impression of movement even at a standstill.

Not incidentally, the resulting geometry of volumes is a futuristic extension of the great Maserati race cars of yesteryear, whose bodies stemmed from a simple extruded fuselage onto which the independent fenders were grafted.

It is therefore no coincidence the name of the prototype directly recalls the legendary Birdcage Tipo 63. Nicknamed the birdcage due to the radically triangulated tube construction of its chassis, these cars were truly unique in that the chassis and mechanicals were left in view under unusually large transparent front wind screens. The central engine initially mounted was a 4-cylinder 260 HP model later replaced by the V12 3000 developing 320 HP at 8,200 rpm, based on the 350S prototype and the 250F T2 Grand Prix. Over and above fourth place in the Le Mans 24-Hour event, the Tipo 63 also achieved excellent results in 1961 with Walt Hangsen in American races, winning at Bridgehampton, New York and the Elkhart Lake 500-mile in Wisconsin.

To further underline the Maserati heritage, great care was taken in the rich jewel-like details which contrast the elegant simplicity of its streamlined form. The nose, which like the Quattroporte’s features the traditional trapezoidal Maserati plan view, culminates in the large oval mouth flanked by low horizontal eyes. The gaping mouth adorned by a large chrome trident, feeds the central mounted radiator and brake ducts, as well as acting as a downforce creating wing surface. The lights, developed in partnership with OSRAM Opto Semiconductors, feature the world’s first homologated LED technology headlamps with OSTAR module. The light housings are milled from solid blocks of aluminum and double as cooling ducts for the heat intensive LEDs.

The rear of the vehicle is characterized by its imposingly deep diffuser, complemented by active aero panels on the upper surface, which raise and lower accordingly to produce the necessary levels of downforce for stability at any speed. When raised, the wings reveal engine bay cooling outlets, which also serve to lower air pressure underneath the wing surface, and thus aid in creating more downforce. The ultra-thin taillamps also utilize the latest LED technology, and feature hot air outlets to aid in engine compartment cooling. Finally, in Maserati tradition, the exhausts are adorned with robust oval tips finished in chrome.

The interior

The interior of the vehicle plays an important role in the visual impact and historic ties to Maserati. True to the concept of the car, the interior is an extension of the car itself, seamlessly integrated in the carbon fibre chassis.

Glancing through the canopy, one can see the large carbon fibre structure of the nose section, which tapers rearward to embrace the passenger cell. Inserted into the cell is an independent passenger sled partially upholstered with Alcantara and the suspended head up display that doubles as the IP. It is here at the center of the car that we see how the car brings together two worlds: the future oriented technology of Motorola combined with the pure and sometimes raw race DNA and heritage of Maserati.

The transparent head up display reveals the intelligent core of the car, updated with its surroundings and connected to the future. In contrast with the virtual non physical nature of the display is the triangulated structure that supports it which nostalgically recalls the interior of the Birdcage Tipo 63, essential in its approach and therefore visually connecting to the mechanicals of the car.

In this way the interior reflects the conviction that successful new technologies are the ones that seamlessly integrate without denying that which is already great today. A symbiosis symbolised in the central typical Maserati clock, physical and virtual at the same time.

As a further characteristic, the car was built entirely of sustainable materials, emphasising the use of recycled components rather than natural resources.

The Birdcage 75th also extends the concept of car/user interface, as our needs are forever shifting towards a car/mobility interface. The car becomes a central element in our daily communication activities. Through a central mounted navigation device you can navigate through a personalized array of functions and menus. But not only that, the numerous cameras positioned on the car allow you to share your driving experience with others, while projecting the images of the infrared cameras on the transparent head up display allow you to enhance your own driving experience at night.

SEAMLESS MOBILITY BY MOTOROLA

The Birdcage 75th is an application of Motorola’s vision of seamless mobility. The technologies integrated in the concept car fulfil this vision of seamless mobility and use payment systems, an iPen and a mobile router, putting projection screens into service for man-machine communication.

The idea of building a concept car with Motorola arose when the company in the Pininfarina group dedicated to industrial design, Pininfarina Extra, already a Motorola partner in the design of its last line of cell phones with iDEN technology, began to plan the new line of terminals. This challenge was taken up and carried forward by Pininfarina Extra through its cooperation in the design of the cabin and the accessories of the concept car.

The design philosophy of Motorola’s iDEN cell phones is based on the study of bionics: the relationship between design and nature. The design of the concept is inspired by the shark which moves through the water guided by a sensor. In the same way, the car perceives the environment in which it moves.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Chassis: load-bearing frame in carbon fibre and Nomex honeycomb with front and rear structure in aluminium. Bodywork in carbon fibre.
Front and Rear Suspensions: articulated quadrilateral with push-rod layout; single-calibrated shock absorbers and co-axial coil springs.
Brakes: Brembo system with four self-ventilated and drilled discs. Front 380 mm x 34 mm, Rear 335 mm x 32 mm; callipers in light alloy with six front and four rear pistons.
Drivetrain: Longitudinal rear-mounted gearbox with rigid connection to the engine.
Mechanical drivetrain with 6 sequential gears. Engine: 12 x 65° V-cylinders, displacement 5998 cm(3). Power output: more than 700HP.

	MASERATI CLUB OF QUEENSLAND INC
Back to Maserati cars
	Concept cars


	Here you will find a selection of unique concept cars developed by Maserati, in ascending order of production. Simply choose a model from the menu at left.

Boomerang
Coupe '124'
Simun
Chubasco
Buran by Giugiaro
Kubang
320S
MC12
Birdcage

	Giorgetto Giugiaro stunned the world with his Boomerang concept, of which a non-functional model was shown first at the 1971 Turin Motorshow. The fully functional Boomerang was launched at the 1972 Geneva Motorshow. The wedge shaped car is powered by a Bora derived V8 engine. Only one car was ever produced. Some of Ital Design's most famous designs use the wedge shape found on the Boomerang, most notably the Lotus Esprit which is still in production almost three decades after Giugiaro penned its design. Giugiaro hand-signed the rear of the car at the 1990 Bagatalle Concours d'Elegance, the first appearance of the car after a thorough restoration. At the 2002 Retromobile show in Paris, it was the star of the Christie's auction. In the thirty years since its conception, it covered just 100 miles. It is, however, legalised for road use by the very strict German TUV.


	Designed as a replacement for the Indy by Giorgetto Giugiaro (then at Ital Design) the car was first shown at the Turin Motor Show in November 1973. Sharing the characteristic independent rear suspension of the Bora/Merak (also designed by Giugiaro), the car would have become the first front-engined production car with this feature. The car never went into production and the Khamsin became the first Maserati front-engined production car with an independent rear end. Built around Indy mechanicals and chassis, the car differed to the Indy in its track and wheelbase. The car shared similar design aspects to the Bertone Khamsin.

	Seen as a potential replacement for the Indy, this V8 Maserati was based on the Indy 4.2 litre specification. Designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro whilst at Ghia, this one-off vehicle never went into production. It now forms part of the Panini Collection.

	Revealed (a non-functioning model) in early 1991, the Chubasco was a plan by de Tomaso to create a new Maserati GT supercar. Designed by no less than Gandini, it featured a mid-mounted 3.2 litre V8 (derived from the Shamal unit) and just two seats. Despite a planned production run of 450 units, nothing came of the project.


	The first four-wheel drive ever to be built by Maserati, the Buran is a concept car by Giugiaro, showing their vision of a possible future two-volume GT car. A large (4.94m long, 1.63m high and 1.95m wide) four-door body (with sliding rear doors) is fittingly equipped with leather, chrome etc and includes a completely flat floor and moveable centre 'tunnel'. A Maserati 3200 GT 370bhp twin-turbo 3.2 litre V8 is coupled to a permanent four wheel drive system via a 5-speed sequential automatic gearbox.


	Designed by the legendary Italian stylist Giorgetto Giugiaro, the GT Wagon concept involved developing a high performance car with torque control on all its four driving wheels, optimal weight distribution (48/52% front and rear respectively) and a centre of gravity 100 mm lower than in the average SUV. It also had to be able to meet the demands of all kinds of sports and leisure-oriented activities. Named after a Javan wind, as is traditional for Maseratis, the Maserati Kubang concept car is the result of the combination of a 390bhp Maserati eight-cylinder 'V' engine and a versatile bodyshell that promises the same standard of safety and efficiency as a thoroughbred sportscar. Even the lower, sporty driving position stands out in the SUV category as it offers the driver a truly exceptional view of the road ahead. The roomy interior architecture of the Kubang is revolutionary, with plenty of passenger and driver space and maximum modularity - all wrapped up in a sporty-looking dynamic package, that befits the Maserati marque. The interior can seat five (two in front and three in back) or four in the Executive option (two front seats and two back). Two further seats can also be fitted at the rear to add a third row. Maserati’s trademark exclusivity and sophistication shines out of all the Kubang’s other features too. No idea has been left unturned when it comes to onboard comfort and electronics and yet the customer still has enormous freedom to personalise. The Kubang drives home once again the fact that Maserati builds cars to be yours and no one else’s, courtesy of the 'Officine Alfieri Maserati' personalisation programme. The Kubang principle of combining fun behind the wheel, performance and maximum versatility even extend to the load area. The rear tailgate hinges high up on the roof to make loading and unloading comfortable - even for the tallest users. But that’s not all, the tailgate’s bottom section also flips up separately to make loading from a lower position equally easy. The total trunk capacity is 1,500 litres. Maserati wanted the Kubang to be a versatile all-rounder. It had to have four-wheel drive, but Maserati stopped short of making it a full-specification off-roader, as the technical requirements to achieve that would have gone completely against the whole GT philosophy. The six-speed transmission comes with a mechanical electro-hydraulic control, developed especially with fully automatic use in mind.


	Maserati attended the 2001 Geneva Motor Show showing a concept based on the 3200 GT, called 320S. The car is in many aspects based on the rich racing history of the brand. It has the same 3.2 litre biturbo V8 as the 3200 GT, but thanks to a weight reduction to 1300kg, modified suspension, a 22cm shorter wheelbase, better brakes and many other details, it will easily outperform the 3200 GT.


	Maserati designed a new road-going Grand Tourer known as the MC12 from which a GT racing version was also developed. The result was that 37 long years after its last victory in an international championship (1967, Cooper Maserati F1, South African Grand Prix), the Trident returned to the track. The Ferrari Maserati Group’s wealth of knowledge and technological excellence were poured into the design of the new car. In addition to this, its styling was developed in the wind tunnel from a Giugiaro idea by the Maserati technicians with the fundamental contribution of Frank Stephenson, the Ferrari Maserati Group’s own Director of Concept Design and Development. The European type-approved version of the car went on sale in the summer of 2004. Designed for high level road use, it can exceed 330 km/h at full throttle, sprinting from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.8 seconds. Although easy and pleasant to drive on the road, the MC12 is also a brilliantly dynamic car. It handles very sweetly and fluidly, yet the driver can still feel all the power of a genuinely sporty thoroughbred under the surface. The MC12 adds the definitive flourish to Maserati’s return to the racing circuits after the highly successful debut in the Daytona 24 Hour Race, of the Trofeo Light, inspired by the equally impressive single-series protagonist. Under the guidance of engineer Giorgio Ascanelli, Maserati’s Racing Division attempted to develop the new car to meet the rules of the major international championships. The car conformed to the standards of Europe's FIA GT, but not to those of the ALMS. The client version for road use is available exclusively in a white and blue livery, harking back to an old Trident tradition. In fact, blue and white are the colours of the America Camoradi (Casner Motor Racing Division) Scuderia which raced the famous Maserati Tipo 60-61 Birdcages in the very early 1960s with Stirling Moss as their lead driver. Overall, 50 road cars were built, 25 in 2004 and 25 in 2005. The Maserati MC12 is a two-seater long-tail coupe-spider with a long wheel base (2800 mm). It has a typical racing/sporty set-up with a removable hard top. It is also powered by an impressive 630 hp six-litre mid-rear V12 engine and boasts 41%-front and 59%-rear weight distribution. Highly advanced composites and alloys have enhanced its structural rigidity and kept its overall weight down. The MC12’s bodywork is entirely carbon fibre, while its stress-bearing chassis is made from a carbon fibre and Nomex honeycomb sandwich. Two aluminium sub-chassis’s support the ancillaries, help absorb bumps, and guarantee an excellent standard of safety. As a result of its imposing dimensions (5143 mm long, 2100 mm wide and 1205 mm high), the MC12’s styling is very much functionally-inspired. Intensive wind tunnel testing and advanced mathematical computations, combined with work on the track and road, resulted in an extraordinarily efficient form that absolutely exudes power and personality. The air intakes, vents and other aerodynamic components have been designed to optimise the car’s internal fluid dynamics and air flows to ensure optimal downforce (vertical load) and aerodynamic efficiency values. The bonnet is characterised by the sinuous lines formed by two large tapering apertures, culminating in the classic Maserati grille opening with a Trident at its centre. The bonnet and wheelarches, into which the Bi-Xenon headlamp units are set, are a one-piece moulding which is also removable. A channel along the side of the car stretches from the front wheel vent to an inlet just in front of the rear wheel. This solution contributes to aerodynamic downforce whilst also improving aerodynamic efficiency. Above the hard top, there is a snorkel for the engine compartment. The rear section is dominated by the engine and the slender (30 mm) yet imposing two-metre carbon wing with two fins and, at its base, a small spoiler in which the third stop light has been inserted. The inverted half moon design of the exhausts is the most striking part of the tail section. The whole underside of the car has been faired in and sealed and there are two generous diffusers also which deliver maximum “ground effect.” The MC12 benefits from all of the Ferrari Maserati Group’s most advanced technologies and competition experience. It boasts a powerful naturally aspirated 12-cylinder 65° V engine that displaces 5998 cc and punches out 465 kW at 7500 rpm. Designed to meet the specific needs and characteristics of a road-going Maserati, it also offers absolutely excellent drivability. The MC12 delivers a maximum torque of 652 Nm at 5500 rpm and remains exceptionally nimble and fluid, even at low engine speeds. It has an aluminium crankcase, titanium con rods, and extremely aerodynamically efficient four-valve cylinder heads to boot. Distribution is by way of four overhead camshafts per cylinder which are gear-driven, a solution that offers perfect timing control. The dry sump lubrication also boasts a highly efficient scavenger pump. In line with the MC12’s performance-oriented design, it is supplied exclusively with the six-speed Maserati Cambiocorsa transmission offering computerised gear selection. The driver doesn’t need to touch the clutch with this electro-hydraulic gearbox and instead selects the gears using the paddles mounted behind the steering wheel. The transmission’s two modes are selected at the touch of a button. The Sport mode will be the driver’s most frequent choice and includes a good dose of traction control, while the Race setting enhances the kind of sporty behaviour typically seen on the track. In Race mode, in fact, the system delivers much nippier gear changing and activates the ASR also. The MC12 has independent wishbone suspension front and rear with anti-dive and anti-squat geometries and push-rod suspension. This set-up offers very progressive suspension response for exceptional handling precision under all conditions. The front of the car can be raised for parking ramps and the 19” wheels are attached via a single centre locking wheel nut. It also boasts Pirelli tyres: 245/35 (front) and 345/35 (rear). The MC12’s brakes were developed by Brembo. They deliver maximum braking efficiency and fade resistance, thanks to large ventilated cross-drilled discs (front diameter 380 mm and rear 335). Six and four-piston alloy callipers (front/rear). The MC12 also boasts ABS. The cabin boasts an easily removable top, which instantly converts the MC12 from a coupe to a spider. The cabin itself is the epitome of elegance and sportiness. It is simple and understated, typical of an extreme car yet also displaying the meticulous care and finish that have become a classic Trident signature. There is exceptional harmony between the high tech-effect carbon features, the perforated leather trim and the stunning yet high-grip tough technical fabric too. The upper part of the leather and carbon-trimmed steering wheel is slightly flattened. The dashboard, with its clean tailored lines, is characteristically Maserati. The instruments are organised around a central and prominent speedometer, placed directly in front of the driver. The center console includes the controls for the climate control system, and two of its four vents. Set at the intersection of the console and the central tunnel is the characteristic oval clock, and the blue engine Start button. Other controls are laid out on the titanium-coloured stylised central tunnel which also includes a storage compartment and a 12 volt outlet. The seats have a carbon fibre structure with high lateral containment: the seats themselves are upholstered in fabric with the shoulder rests in perforated leather. The doors have carbon fibre panels and pockets complete with the electric window buttons. The pedals are aluminium and the mats rubber.