Alfa Romeo 8c Competizione Recalled Along with Maseratis in the US

A few dozens of extremely fortunate American owners of one of the world's hottest sports cars, the Alfa Romeo 8c Competizione, will have to return their Italian beauty for a quick fix after it was discovered that certain models were manufactured with incorrectly torqued front and rear suspension upper and lower ball joint nuts. The recall also affects MY 2008 Maserati Gran Turismo and Quattroporte which share the same platform with the Alfa.

Overall, 7,912 Maseratis and Alfa 8c Competiziones will be recalled in the States. While the Italian automaker did not reveal specific numbers, we do know for a fact that only 84 Alfas were allocated in the U.S.

Maserati said that the incorrectly torqued ball joint nuts may loosen with consequent steering wheel vibration, a growing metallic noise and progressive loss of driving precision in the transients. According to the Italian automaker, continued use of the vehicle in these conditions may lead to damage of the suspension lever, which in the long term and depending on vehicle usage, may cause the ball joint/suspension arm to break.

The firm's dealers will inspect the torque of the front/rear upper and lower ball joint nuts and, if necessary, replace the suspension arms and hub carrier. The recall is expected to begin during February 2009. Concerned U.S. owners may contact Maserati for more information at 1-201-816-2600.

Video: Maserati GranTurismo S MC Sport Line

Maserati has released new video material from the Bologna Motor Show where the Italian carmaker debuted its new MC Sport Line customization program - a series of options that enhance the sporty performance and look of the vehicles. The first model in Maserati's line-up to benefit from the MC Sport Line program is the GranTurismo S which gains a forest of carbon fiber accessories inside and out, as well as suspension modifications. Hit the jump to watch the video or click here for our previous post on the Italian sports coupe.

Maserati GranTurismo S with 'MC Sport Line' Tuning Package Debuts in Bologna

Gorgeous isn't she? And while we must admit that we're captivated by the striking brunette model, we're actually referring to the GranTurismo S accessorized with Maserati's new personalization options that made its premiere at the Bologna Motor Show in Italy. Called 'MC Sport Line', the new customization program includes both aerodynamic and mechanical solutions that have been developed using the experience acquired on the track by the Maserati's motor-racing Corse department. The "MC Sport Line" catalogue will be extended in the GranTurismo range and then cover the entire Maserati line-up during the course of 2009.

From early 2009, GranTurismo S customers will be able to enhance the sporty look of their vehicle's exterior and interior as well as to improve the coupe's driving dynamics. Aerodynamics modifications include front and rear carbon-fiber spoilers, side skirts with central panel finished in matt black and mirror housing and door handles also made from carbon fiber. The updated exterior looks are complemented by a set of glossy black 20" wheel rims.

For the interior, Maserati's customization program is all about carbon fiber. Options include carbon fiber door sill bearing the words "MC Sport Line", a pedal block and kickplate machined from a solid aluminium piece, and carbon fiber trim for the door panels, dashboard and central tunnel. The steering wheel rim is also made from carbon fiber, as are the control stalks for the electro-actuated transmission.

Under the "skin", the suspension has been lowered by 10mm and stiffened thanks to new, stiffer springs, shock absorbers and anti-roll bars while Maserati notes that the new suspension set-up is synchronized with a specific Maserati Stability Program software, allowing the driver "more freedom" to play around - if you catch our drift...

The Italian firm said that all the features listed are available either as part of the customization package, following the indications of Maserati designers; or individually, meeting the personal tastes and needs of each customer.

Elite Carbon Tunes the Maserati GranTurismo

U.S.-based Elite Carbon has released details on a new tuning package it has developed for the Maserati GranTurismo which will be available from around mid-2009. Promising to improve the vehicle's looks as well as its aerodynamics, Elite Carbon's bodykit includes a new front bumper with exposed carbon fiber lip and brake intake surrounds, a rear deck spoiler, side skirts with exposed carbon fiber lip and lower sections, and a rear diffuser.

On top of the carbon fiber bodykit, the American firm's tuning package for the Italian coupe also includes an array of other modifications such as the 21-inch alloy wheels wrapped around in sport tires, a sport exhaust system, high performance headers and cats, a carbon fiber interior package and an upgraded braking system.

2010 Maserat GranTurismo Spyder with Folding Hardtop Scooped

Don't be fooled by the heavy camouflage; underneath the plastic black wrap hides the forthcoming GranTurismo Spyder that will be given the same-style retractable metal roof as its "sister" model, the Ferrari California. As you can see in our high-res image gallery below, our spy photographers have even managed to scoop a partially undisguised test mule revealing the GranTurismo Spyder's two-piece folding hard-top.

Even though the Spyder will be based on the GranTurismo maintaining the same engine options and mechanics it will use a shortened version of the coupe's platform meaning that it will be a strict two-seater. As for the car's looks, people go weak at the knees when they see the coupe variant and we expect nothing less from the Spyder which will be designed once again from the "Grandmaster" Pininfarina.

Like its four-seater tin top sibling, the GranTurismo Spyder will be offered in two flavors: the standard version with a 4.2-liter V8 engine producing 404HP and the sportier "S" model equipped with a 4.7-liter V8 cranking out 440HP. The latter will feature suspension and brake system upgrades along with minor aesthetic modifications like different alloy wheel designs and the refined interior trim.

According to Carscoop sources, the Maserati GranTurismo Spyder will most likely break cover at the 2009 Geneva MotorShow next March with sales following shortly after.