Italian Exotic Car of the Year 2007

The Maserati GranTurismo was presented to the world in Geneva and went on sale across the world in the autumn. A stylish, sensational car, it thrust the Trident brand into the international spotlight. With 4,179 votes it was the comfortable winner of the Italiaspeed Exotic Car of the Year 2007 award ahead of Ferrari’s latest F1-technology-for-the road machine, the 430 Scuderia (3,318), and Lamborghini’s limited edition stealth fighter inspired Reventón (1,470).

Maserati GranTurismo
The GranTurismo has become an undisputed star at motor shows across the world this year. The order books are already bulging over 2200 units. GranTurismo is the most advanced, most potent and most individual GT in its category. A long wheelbase of 2942 mm offers increased comfort and dynamics due to the optimal 49% front 51% rear weight distribution. The 4.2 V8 produces 405 bhp, offering greater power and efficiency over rivalling models. Performance is also higher, with a 285 km/h top speed and 0-100 km/h acceleration in 5.2 seconds. The GT was launched with a highly-efficient automatic transmission, capable of changes at up to 7200 rpm. No other production automatic is capable of working at higher engine speeds. Other features include the latest LED and adaptive lighting with cornering capability up to 15 degrees at speeds below 120 km/h.

Ferrari 430 Scuderia
The 430 Scuderia is a no-compromise 2-seater berlinetta, demonstrating how Ferrari’s winning Formula 1 technology can be directly applied to a road-going car. The 430 Scuderia is a machine which Ferrari bred specifically for their most sports-oriented customers. The design is based around light weight, functionality and innovative technology. Ferrari engineers, led by Michael Schumacher, removed a considerable 100kg from the already athletic F430, whereas the 4.3 V8 has been tuned to 510 bhp at 8500 rpm. The latest F1 Superfast gearbox reduces gear change times to a mere 60 ms. Acceleration 0-100 km/h in less than 3.6 seconds and a top speed of 320 km/h provide the 430 Scuderia with a faster lap time around Fiorano than the revered Enzo Ferrari.

Lamborghini Reventón
The highly exclusive Reventón is an extreme 20-example special edition, with a price tag of $1.000.000 excluding taxes. All 20 cars have been sold, with less than half consigned to orders in the USA. The sharp styling, which won L’automobile più Bella del Mondo award in the exotic category, was inspired by the US military’s F-22 Raptor fighter jet. Beneath the dramatic carbon fibre composite bodywork are the mechanicals from the LP640. The 6.5 V12 produces 640 bhp and 8000 rpm, providing 0-100 km/h acceleration in 3.4 seconds with a maximum speed in excess of 340 km/h. The Reventón is the first Lamborghini to be completely styled and developed in-house at the Style Centre in Sant’Agata Bolognese.

Ferrari FXX Evolution
The FXX, which is the most advanced GT ever created by Ferrari, has been updated with an evolution package developed as a result of Ferrari’s collaboration with its Client Test Drivers and the support of Michael Schumacher. The development has reduced the FXX’s Fiorano laptime by 2 seconds. The FXX’s 6.3 V12 now produces 860 bhp at 9500 rpm, whereas gearshifting takes just 60 ms, a reduction of 20 ms on the previous time. New aerodynamic diffuser, nolder and rear flaps have improved aerodynamic efficiency by 25%. Six events for both 2008 and 2009 are planned (two in Europe, two in USA and two in Asia). The FXX cars are backed by an official team of 15 Ferrari engineers, electronics experts and mechanics.

Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera
The Gallardo Superleggera presents an uncompromisingly high-performance sports car. Thanks to a 10 bhp power increase and a 100 kg weight reduction (70 kg in USA), the Superleggera reaches a weight/power ratio of only 2.5 kg/hp. The 5.0 V10 engine now produces 530 bhp at 8000 rpm, with acceleration from 0-100 km/h now being reached in 3.8 seconds. The Superleggera is available with an extensive range of options including a multimedia system, rear video camera, carbon accessories kit, racing harness, rear roll cage and carbon-ceramic brakes.

Maserati Quattroporte GT S
The Quattroporte Sport GT S is the ultimate expression of Maserati’s saloon sportiness. The GT S is equipped with an automatic 6-speed gearbox and a new suspension layout featuring single rate dampers and a racing setup. The stiffer suspension is 10 mm lower at the front and 25 mm lower at the rear compared to other Quattroporte versions. Other sporting hallmarks include a new braking system developed in collaboration with Brembo. The new braking system uses cast iron and aluminium ‘dual-cast’ discs, the first time such a set up has been employed on a road car for increased efficiency and stopping power. A more aggressive exterior look is complimented by the 20” seven spoke alloy wheels, whereas the sports interior combines traditional Poltrona Frau leather with Alcantara.

Italian Exotic Car of the Year 2006
2006 was undoubtedly the year of the stunning Alfa 8C Competizione, and this was reflected in the voting patterns: not only did this new sports coupé collect the title of Exotic Car of the Year, it also gathered more votes (6,362) than any of the other 90 contenders. Second place went to a sports car that raises the technological bar even further, the exciting new Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano (4,434), while third place went to the awesome Maserati MC12 Versione Corsa.