[JackHuang]

I just sold my 996 C4 and got a new 2004 argento luna/blue cambiocorsa coupe from Ferrari of Quebec. What's everyone's thought about driving the car for all 4 seasons (i.e. in light snow)?

Am I crazy to even think about it? My 996 C4 was a blast to drive in the winter, especially go skiing at Mont Tremblant.

 

[Dolle Dolf]

The Swiss contingent seem to drive their masers through any kind of winter weather. They seem to rack up the miles too, no 'winter beater', 'kiddie hauler' or 'commuter car' for them.

For those unfamiliar with Switzerland: it consists just about entirely of mountains, which are about four times as high as the Rockies, and are entirely snow covered, except for a few weeks in the summer, but only on the lower bits. And Lionel and Bimbo drive right through it.

Chime in chaps :lol:

 

[MVP]

It has snow/ice mode for a reason

 

[kbrookings]

The Swiss contingent seem to drive their masers through any kind of winter weather. They seem to rack up the miles too, no 'winter beater', 'kiddie hauler' or 'commuter car' for them.

For those unfamiliar with Switzerland: it consists just about entirely of mountains, which are about four times as high as the Rockies, and are entirely snow covered, except for a few weeks in the summer, but only on the lower bits. And Lionel and Bimbo drive right through it.

Chime in chaps :lol:

Wow! 55,000 foot mountains. I've gotta go see those someday!

 

[Swiss-Maserati]

Just be sure to use snow tyres (Michelin Pilot Alpin are the best), when the temp is lower than 5°C. When there is some snow on the road, I deselect ASR / MSP at low speed to be sure to control myself the car.

 

[JackHuang]

17 inch wheels

Does Maserati make 17 inch wheeels for the coupe? Or can 17 wheels fit on the coupe?

From my past experience with te 911 C4, 17 inch winter tires have more traction than 18 inch.

 

[Swiss-Maserati]

No. The brake disks are too big.

 

[thebimbo]

Actually, Very very interesting.

 

[Luna gta]

When there is some snow on the road,....

I just wonder how do you treat your Maser when roads are covered with fine sand/salt mixture due to melt snow and ice. We have similar winter road condtions here and I decided not to drive maser in winter. These fine sand could be bad news to some mechanical parts (exhaust, Catalys. etc) and I have been told it actually appears almost everywhere...??

Have a nice day

J. Lunar

 

[Swiss-Maserati]

Just clean it each week. After 125'000 km and 3 winters, never had any problem...

thebimbo you really are a chicken, the Maserati is very fun in the snow :wink:

 

[maserati of minneapolis]

Autoweek had an article about Maserati in the snow:

http://autoweek.com/article.cms?articleId=101851

(I think this is in Switzerland too......)

- Mark

 

[JackHuang]

Thanks for the article. I can't wait to try my car in the snow!!

 

[dave_fonz_164]

Congrats on the car.

Ive seen it already at Ferrari Quebec even with the sign SOLD, how do u like it compared to the C4?

 

[JackHuang]

Thanks Dave!!

The Maserati is a blast to drive. Comparing to my 996 C4, the car feels a lot heavier. The ride is also softer and more comfortable. Becuase I only put 400km since I picked up the car on Friday, I have not rev the RPM over 4000. But the car already has plenty of torque at 2000 to 3000 rpm.

The sound of the car when I turn on the ignition is just amazing!! The F1 paddle shift is like playing the arcade racing game but I guess this is the real thing.

 

[maserati of minneapolis]

Just wait till that motor is broken in. 4000rpm is nothing compared to 7000+

Congrats!

- Mark

 

[Wäschpi]

Driving Maser in winter

Well, I intend to drive my GS through the Swiss winter.
I basically intend to buy snow tires which fit (do not feel like driving around with smaller ugly ones). I wonder if there are any available, though, with this dimension...

Wäschpi

 

[Swiss-Maserati]

The best fit would be to buy 18" wheels with the new Michelin Pilot Alpin PA2 (http://www.michelinman.com/catalog/tires/MichelinPilotAlpinPA2.html). 19" winter tyres are not available for the Maserati dimensions (265/30 & 235/35).

It seems the PA2 is a new improvement of the Pilot Alpin with an Extra Load version (XL / RF)... I will purchase these tyres for my new car.

 

[thebimbo]

New York is great for shopping!

 

[Swiss-Maserati]

No, a Coupé GT 2003, Grigio Alfieri / Cuoio, 19'000km, carbon bonnet, 19" wheels (trofeo design dark grey), lowered, tubi... not a GranSport, less expensive but more sporty than a standard Coupé...

 

[Wäschpi]

Winter tires for the GS wheels are so far not available in 19 inch format (i.e. on original wheels). I have done some follow-up on this, and there is some hope:

The Dunlop M3 winter tire is available in the right format for the rear axle (265 30 R 19).
And Dunlop has announced a Dunlop M3 version with the right format for the front axle (235 35R19).

Only problem: in July, they listed it as "in preparation", and my tire dealer seems unable to find out when this format will actually be on the market.

Anybody with more information?

Wäschpi