Latest news with #GranTurismo
Forbes
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Forbes
We've Got The Beat: Maserati GranTurismo And Its Super Sound System
Maserati GranTurismo Trofeo Maserati In the heart of the Chelsea district in New York City, the House of Sound opened in September of 2023. This showcase for audio brands in the McIntosh Group—McIntosh, Sonus faber, Pro-Ject, Rotel, and Sumiko—is a haven for audiophiles, set up for immersive introductions to some of the high-quality sound money can buy. And to match, a striking Maserati GranTurismo Trofeo finished in a vibrant yellow (called Giallo Modenese) is in the garage. During the New York Auto Show this year, Maserati showed off its premium Sonus faber sound system within the Maserati GranTurismo. Inside the Maserati are 19 carefully placed speakers, and Sonus faber Global Marketing Manager for Automotive and Marine Raffaele Frontera demonstrated the setup's chops with rich, multilayered songs like Queen's 'We Will Rock You' and Frank Sinatra's 'Fly Me to the Moon.' One floor above the Maserati display, Sonus faber offered demonstrations of its incredible Suprema system, its supersystem with pair of towers and dual-15-inch subwoofers. While the cost of the Suprema is an eye-popping $750,000, know that this is best of the best available, and all handcrafted. Inside the Maserati GranTurismo, you can choose between a standard 14-speaker setup pushing out 860 watts of power or upgrade to the 19-speaker option with 1195 crystal clear watts. Maserati GranTurismo and Sonus faber Kristin Shaw You might notice the Sonus faber brand is unique in that the second word is in all small letters, and that's deliberate. The phrase Sonus faber is Latin for 'artisan of sound' and the brand says it chooses to emphasize the sound part to keep it in sharp focus. Frontera says the fact that both Maserati and Sonus faber are Italian companies makes for a harmonious partnership. Each company's pride in its beloved home country is evident, and it makes sense for them to pair up. 'It's a very interesting and romantic story,' he says, 'We are just two hours from each other, and this kind of story in the automotive industry is not so common.' Just as an engineer considers acoustics in a concert hall, audio system engineers consider all the materials that will affect the sound quality. In a Maserati, for instance, the leather absorbs the sound, but the glass reflects. Getting it right requires a fair amount of math, physics, and acoustical engineering. Every detail is analyzed to maximize sound quality, Maserati says, down to the tiniest features. Sonus faber operates inside a very competitive world. Take a look at all of the companies that create the best sound systems around the world and you'll find Bang & Olufsen, Bowers and Wilkins, Burmester, and more. Every one of these companies reproduces sound beautifully to achieve the optimum results, so how does Sonus faber differentiate itself if all of these brands sounds amazing? Frontera says it has do to with Sonus faber's chosen path to excellence. 'We choose a natural sound,' he explains. 'Bowers and Wilkins is more precise, for example. It's a detailed sound, like a sharp knife; very precise.' That doesn't mean the sound inside a Maserati vehicle isn't crisp and precise, however. It's a matter of emotion and philosophy, and the company's artisans keep that in mind all the way through the final tuning. 'The spirit of the sound should evoke emotion without thinking too much of the technicalities," Frontera says. "Our aim is to give this this kind of emotion. This is a wonderful car for sure, and it also helps that the music sounds great." Whether you're listening to the dulcet tones of famous Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli or the heavier sounds of Nirvana or Shinedown, inside the Maserati GranTurismo it's all going to sound incredible. Maserati GranTurismo Maserati
Auto Car
16-05-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Car
Super Mario Kart is the finest racing game ever, not Gran Turismo
As computers and games consoles rapidly evolved in the 1990s from literally BASIC (as in the BBC Micro's programming language) to the ultra-cool Sony PlayStation, so developers created some amazing racing games. In 1991, Geoff Crammond's Grand Prix set new standards for an accurate Formula 1 simulator, then in 1997 Gran Turismo's staggering realism and unprecedented scale changed the genre forever. TOCA Touring Car Championship and Colin McRae Rally melded simulation with accessible dynamics and there were pure arcade classics such as Sega Rally Challenge, Daytona USA, Ridge Racer and Need for Speed. But the greatest racing game of the decade – no, actually, the greatest racing game of all time – arrived on the Super Nintendo in 1992, featuring a cartoon plumber racing karts against rivals including a gorilla, a princess and a mushroom. But underneath that cutesy cartoon froth, Super Mario Kart was a supreme racing title. Clearly, Super Mario Kart isn't realistic in the style of Gran Turismo, but its faux-3D backdrops (enabled by the Super Nintendo's parallax scrolling and Mode 7 graphics wizardry) were groundbreaking. Even the technical limitations, such as the inability of the system to render 3D elevation, meant the track design had a simple purity that fancier, more capable games have since lost. But it was in gameplay where Mario Kart excelled. The cartoon karts actually handled like karts. You had to hustle them, and unlocking true speed meant mastering the 'jump drift' technique to powerslide round corners. As a result, even Time Trial mode became a huge challenge. I maintain that my still-standing Attwood family lap record on Ghost Valley 1 is the nearest I'll ever come to Ayrton Senna's 1988 Monaco pole lap for in-the-zone driving transcendence. And the racing modes were another area where Super Mario Kart absolutely shone. For starters, the various characters had different characteristics (Bowser had a high top speed but handled badly and was slow to accelerate; Koopa Troopa would zip off the line and round corners but lagged on long straights) that created a real balance.
The Drive
15-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Drive
Gran Turismo 7's New Update Is Pure Comedy
The latest car news, reviews, and features. For all of Gran Turismo's claims of realism over the years, it's always been a little bit silly. From GT2's 'Kids' Prize' for repeatedly failing license tests to GT5's use of ragtime classic 'The Entertainer' in GT Auto, the series has maintained a sense of humor about itself, provided you know where to look. That theme continues today with Gran Turismo 7 , right up until this week with the addition of the 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid and 2012 Suzuki Carry kei truck to the title's roster of cars. On the surface, there's nothing overtly funny about these two inclusions. I mean, yes—one is a kei truck, which is an inherently delightful type of vehicle; while the other is one of the world's most ubiquitous crossovers, remarkable for its mundanity compared to the rest of the GT7 stable. It's only once you take both vehicles into the customization shop that their presence can be truly understood. The Suzuki Carry can take on many forms in GT7 . There are the standard exterior mods, like sleeker bumpers and a roof cowl. But the game also offers options for a box bed and, get this, a ramen stall. I have to be honest, I'm not exactly sure how these work—it looks too small for a server to stand inside—but it's cool nonetheless. I expect to see these roaming the Tokyo Expressway tracks in regular traffic multiplayer lobbies in no time. The many looks of the Suzuki Carry in Gran Turismo 7 . Sony Interactive Entertainment If that wasn't silly enough, you can of course, wide-body mod most cars in GT7 , and this Suzuki is no different. When you do, the game presents you with different exterior parts than you'd normally get. Rather than cargo and food-truck attachments, there are two flatbed options, and one of them adds a half-cage. That option even comes with a rather aggressive rear diffuser. Couple it with a sporty side skirt (and side-exit exhaust, if you equip the semi-racing muffler), and you've got one seriously mean-looking little race truck. You can even give it an angry face. That's the Suzuki Carry. As for the Honda CR-V, you can bolt on what is effectively a hill-climb bodykit and gigantic front and rear wings, reminiscent of the extreme aero mods that HRC gave a newer-gen CR-V back in 2023. That one-off basically incorporated an IndyCar powertrain, with Honda's 2.2-liter twin-turbo V6 mounted behind the driver and passenger, on the other side of a firewall. Sony Interactive Entertainment Unfortunately, as aggressive as you can make your CR-V look in GT7 , you can't give it much more than the 181 horsepower it already has. For whatever reason, Polyphony Digital doesn't tend to let players make significant powertrain changes to cars that come with CVTs stock. I don't get it either, but it basically leaves this CR-V looking all show and no go. The Carry starts with a paltry 47 hp from its meager 600cc three-cylinder, but at least you're free to take that up to over 150 hp, with all possible performance mods installed. That's plenty in a rear-wheel-drive vehicle that weighs about 1,400 pounds, but still, some kind of engine swap would be welcome. The 211-hp motorcycle engine in the Honda Project 2&4 would be a fine place to start. Sony Interactive Entertainment Today's GT7 Update 1.59 also includes the C5 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 and Ferrari 812 Superfast. I'm not big on Ferraris from the prior decade, though I am on board with the Z06. Before I give either a go, though, I've gotta see what my Escudo Pikes Peak-red time-attack kei truck can do at Tsukuba. Got a tip? Drop us a line at tips@ Adam Ismail is the News Editor at The Drive, coordinating the site's slate of daily stories as well as reporting his own and contributing the occasional car or racing game review. He lives in the suburbs outside Philly, where there's ample road for his hot hatch to stretch its legs, and ample space in his condo for his dusty retro game consoles.
Geeky Gadgets
15-05-2025
- Automotive
- Geeky Gadgets
The Audi e-tron GT quattro is Here
The Audi e-tron GT quattro is a remarkable addition to Audi's Gran Turismo lineup, seamlessly combining performance, luxury, and sustainability in a single, captivating package. This innovative electric vehicle (EV) is designed to make a bold statement in the premium segment, turning heads with its sleek, aerodynamic design while showcasing the latest in automotive technology. With an impressive system output of 370 kW (430 kW with Launch Control) and a range of up to 622 kilometers (386.5 miles), the e-tron GT quattro is a versatile choice for both daily city commutes and extended road trips, offering drivers the best of both worlds without compromising on style or performance. Exceptional Charging and Battery Performance One of the most impressive aspects of the Audi e-tron GT quattro is its unparalleled charging capability. This innovative EV supports charging speeds of up to an astonishing 320 kW, allowing drivers to recharge approximately 285 kilometers (177 miles) in a mere ten minutes. This lightning-fast charging speed is a catalyst for those who value efficiency and convenience, making long-distance travel more accessible and enjoyable than ever before. The vehicle's high-voltage battery features a gross capacity of 105 kWh (net 97 kWh) and is carefully optimized for performance in a wide range of conditions. The e-tron route planner plays a crucial role in this optimization, intelligently preconditioning the battery to ensure maximum charging efficiency at all times. Design and Comfort: A Gran Turismo Philosophy The Audi e-tron GT quattro is a true embodiment of the Gran Turismo philosophy, effortlessly blending striking design elements with a luxurious, comfortable interior. The vehicle's coupé-like silhouette is both elegant and sporty, featuring large wheels and a remarkably low drag coefficient of just 0.24, which contributes to its impressive efficiency and overall performance. Inside, the e-tron GT quattro offers eight-way adjustable sport seats with integrated headrests, ensuring maximum comfort for both driver and passengers on even the longest journeys. The strategic placement of battery recesses provides ample legroom for all occupants, while the spacious 405-liter trunk and additional 77-liter front luggage compartment make the e-tron GT quattro as practical as it is stylish. Pricing and Availability The Audi e-tron GT quattro is now available for order, with prices starting at a competitive €108,900. As with all models in the GT family, this exceptional vehicle is manufactured at the esteemed Audi Sport GmbH Böllinger Höfe plant in Neckarsulm, Germany, ensuring the highest standards of quality and craftsmanship. The e-tron GT quattro serves as an accessible entry point into Audi's premium electric lineup, making it an attractive option for discerning drivers looking to embrace sustainable luxury without sacrificing performance or style. Explore More from Audi For those eager to explore additional options, Audi's Gran Turismo family also includes the S e-tron GT, RS e-tron GT, and RS e-tron GT performance models, each offering unique features and enhanced performance to cater to specific driver preferences. Beyond the GT range, Audi's comprehensive lineup of electric vehicles, such as the Q4 e-tron and Q8 e-tron, provides a diverse array of choices for drivers seeking sustainable mobility solutions across various vehicle segments. Whether one's heart is set on a sporty coupé or a versatile SUV, Audi's electric range has something to suit every lifestyle and driving requirement, cementing the brand's position as a leader in the rapidly evolving world of premium electric vehicles. Source Audi Filed Under: Auto News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Stellantis to return Maserati production to its Modena hometown
MILANO (Reuters) - Automaker Stellantis said on Thursday that the production of Maserati sports cars will be moved from Turin's Mirafiori plant to Modena by the end of the year. Modena is the hometown of Maserati, a historic Italian brand that has been struggling and whose business plan, including new model launches, is under review after being put on hold last year. Mirafiori is gearing up for the launch later this year of the new hybrid version of Fiat 500 city car, one of the key models for Stellantis' future, expected to revive the factory after several stoppages due to low demand for the fully electric version of the 500. The decision to move the production of the GranTurismo coupe convertible GranCabrio Maserati models will have a positive impact on Modena's production, the Fim, Uilm, Fismic, Uglm, Aqcfr unions said. However, they urged Stellantis to further increase Mirafiori's production with other mass market models. Maserati's Modena home is just kilometres away from Ferrari and Lamborghini's headquarters, an area known as Italy's Motor Valley. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
