Novitec Rosso Supercharges Alfa Romeo 8C Spider to 600-horsepower

It may not be the best sports car Italy has to offer us right now, but Alfa Romeo’s 8C Spider is certainly a prime candidate for being one of the most beautiful out there. That said, even Novitec Rosso is smart enough to know that you don’t mess with a good thing with the German tuner focusing its attention on improving the Alfa’s mechanical hardware.

The highlight of Novitec Rosso’s performance package is hidden under the 8C Spider’s hood with the adoption of a modified version of the supercharger system used on the firm’s Maserati GT tune. A new water-to-air intercooler with a dedicated radiator, custom injectors, a stainless-steel high-performance exhaust system and an ECU optimization round off the changes to the 4.7-liter V8 engine.

As a result of these upgrades, the V8 gains an additional 150HP for a total output of 600HP at 7,300 rpm, while peak torque is also lifted to 588Nm (433.7 lb-ft) at 5,400 rpm. Novitec Rosso says the sprint from 0 to 100km/h (62mph) is reduced from 4.2 seconds to 3.9 seconds, while top speed increases from 290km/h to 305km/h (180mph to 190mph).

The only exterior modification concerns the availability of new alloy wheel designs measuring 21-inches up front and 22-inches on the rear, shod in Pirelli tires size 255/30 ZR 21 and 315/25 ZR 22 respectively.

Novitec also offers a height-adjustable threaded coil-over suspension and upon customer request, it can customize the Alfa 8C Spider’s interior with leather and Alcantara appointments.

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Maserati UK Introduces New Sport Pack for GranTurismo S Automatic

A new sport package has been added to the available options for buyers of Maserati's GranTurismo S Automatic in Britain.

This Sport pack is said to enhance the GranTurismo S Automatic's performance by adding the MC Auto Shift software that allows for faster gear changes and a revised exhaust system, which keeps its bypass valves fully open in Sport mode to provide what the company describes as "an even richer sound".

The package also adds a variety of styling features including include body colored side skirts and front winglets, a black grille featuring the Maserati Trident logo with red accents, black mesh side grilles, smoked out headlights, an integrated rear boot lid spoiler and oval exhaust pipes.

The coupe's sportier looks are rounded off with Grigio Mercury Neptune-design alloy wheels.

Maserati says the 4.7-litre V8 continues to develop 440HP at 7000 rpm and a peak torque of 490Nm (361.4 lb-ft) at 4750 rpm offering the automatic coupe a 0-100km/h (62mph) sprint time of 5 seconds flat and a top speed of 183 mph (295 km/h).

The package is priced at £3,840, lifting the total price of the GranTurismo S Automatic to £92,480 on the road.

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Anderson Germany Brings Maserati GranTurismo S over to the Dark Side

Tuning outfit Anderson Germany has a new proposal for current owners of the Maserati GranTurismo S. The German workshop has developed a line of performance and styling upgrades under the name Superior Black Edition.

Under the bonnet, the 4.7-liter V8 engine is boosted from 440-horses to 492HP via a software optimization program and a new custom exhaust system.

The Italian coupe rides on new 21-inch alloy wheels in a glossy black finish complemented by 265 low profile tires up front and 295 at the rear, while Anderson Germany also lowered the suspension.

The key highlight of the exterior is the silky matt black coating for the body and the glossy black trim details. The smoked out lights and a carbon fiber package that includes exterior mirror covers, a tailgate spoiler and air vent surrounds, round off the car's sinister looks.

The Maserati's cockpit receives carbon fiber trim along with a mix of black leather and alcantara upholstery contrasted by the red stitching, and a customized infotainment system.

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Maserati Launches 450HP GranCabrio Sport, New Gallery with 55 Photos

Revealed to the public at this year's Geneva Motor Show, the Maserati GranCabrio Sport is the flagship version of the Italian firm's four-seat convertible model. Following the international press drive in Trieste, Italy last week, Maserati has now announced the launch of its new soft-top sports car.

In the UK, the harder-edged GranCabrio is priced at £102,615 on the road, with the first right-hand examples to reach the market in early October.

The GranCabrio Sport combines an upgraded 4.7-litre V8 engine with a 10 horsepower increase to 450-horses with the faster MC Auto Shift 6-speed transmission for 0-100km/h (62mph) sprint time of 5.2 seconds and a 285km/h (177mph) top speed.

The changes continue with the revised Skyhook active-suspension system and a more-responsive brake package, while Maserati also took care of the car's exterior with the addition of a black grille, smoked headlamps with white sidemarks, new front corner splitters and redesigned side skirts.

Along with the introduction of the GrandCabrio Sport, Maserati also refreshed the regular GranCabrio for the 2012MY with a new chromed front grille and side vents, improved lumbar support for the front seats and the addition of optional anodized matt red brake calipers.

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