Blog

Beauty, Power, and Sense The Levante looks right at home among Maserati's confidently masculine lineup. The nose is aggressively broadened at the sides, with stern hood grooves from the front. The narrow headlights thin into strips before making contact with the grille. With a model this awesome-looking, the broad grille and iconic trident logo feel right at home. But it's not all about looks. The gently curving roof leaves a ton of room for a generous panoramic sunroof. more Capable and Advanced The long-awaited Levante is a perfect fusion of Maserati Italian craftsmanship with the broad capabilities of a SUV. The exotic automaker confidently calls it the Maserati of SUVs, stating it will dominate against challenging terrain and weather better than the competition. It's no rugged and simple rock climber, however. A start/stop system is standard, to help improve fuel economy, and a self-locking rear differential gives it a highway performance to rival slim Maserati sedans. The Levante uses four driving modes: normal, I.C.E., sport, and off-road. Opulent Interior The crafted interior of the Levante will start with rich materials, with options fit for royalty. Premium leather and carbon fiber trim are standard, and for the most particular of drivers, there's Ermenegildo Zegna silk. A Bowers & Wilkins Surround Sound system will play music and audio with top-tier depth and detail, and the infotainment system uses an 8.4-inch touchscreen with rotary knob controls. What's more, Maserati emphasized the many choices available, so you can customize your prime SUV. Superior All-Wheel Drive The 2017 Levante is not an old-style, truck-based SUV but more of a tall wagon. In fact, it borrows its platform from Maserati's Ghibli and Quattroporte models, which means you can expect the same electronically controlled air suspension system, perfectly suited to controlling a larger model like the Levante. The system should also have the Q4 intelligent all-wheel drive system. All Levante models will use a specifically calibrated form of the automaker's eight-speed automatic transmission. A Wolf in the Night There's no other way to characterize the Levante's engine other than a stealthy and swift predator, capable and wild without being a loud hog. Yes, it's the 3.0-liter twin turbo V6, with two powertrain outputs. In the base model, it puts out an impressive 345 horsepower, and in the more advanced S trim level, it gets a frightful 424. With a curb weight of 4,650 pounds, the 0-60 speed is as little as five seconds flat, unbelievable in an SUV. Gasoline and diesel powertrains will also be available, outside the United States. More information continues to arrive as this fascinating SUV comes closer to release. The base 2017 Maserati Levante will start at $72,000, and since it's been in production for 13 years, it should be more than worth it. For more information on Maserati models, contact us by phone or online, or visit us on our show floor.   Image via Pixabay | CC 0

The Showbox Built in 1939, the Showbox is the premier music venue in the city to catch some great touring acts. The venue comfortably holds about 1,100 spectators, so there's a good chance you can find tickets for your favorite act. Musical acts vary from rock and blues to metal to hip hop. There are also two bars inside to grab a beer or cocktail before, during, or after the performance. more Cafe Racer If you're looking to get away from the huge venues and see something a little more personal, head over to the Racer Cafe. This quaint locale has live music most nights of the week, concentrating on local acoustic and folk acts. They also serve some great coffee, beer, breakfast, and sandwiches throughout the day. Inside, you'll also find the Official Bad Art Museum of Art, showcasing, well, terrible art. Electric Tea Garden The transcendence of electronic dance music, or EDM, was once thought as a passing fad. However, after over a decade of popularity, the genre seems ready to maintain its spotlight in popular music. For those that love dancing til they collapse while scoping out strobe lights and lasers, the Electric Tea Garden is your destination. Featuring many local and national DJs, this venue prides itself more on feeling like a house party and less like a rave. Even so, the visual effects and music are still the highlights. The Tractor Tavern Get out your best Western shirt for the Tractor Tavern, as it's quickly become the top spot to hear local alt-country jams. There are folding chairs throughout the venue to sit and sip a drink, or you can just meander about the venue and meet some of the local musicians and music enthusiasts. Other genres of music are also heard such as jazz and rock, depending on what day of the week you choose to go. The Triple Door Located right downtown, the Triple Door was originally a vaudeville venue, so even after its most recent renovation in 2002, it still feels like a speakeasy. Here, you can check out some of the best jazz acts that roll through town, performing everything from the standards to new experimental sounds. While you're there, you can grab a table and order from a fully stocked bar or order some great Asian fusion cuisine. There are only 50 places to sit and over 200 standing spots, so it can get a bit crowded for some of the most heralded acts. Plan accordingly. No matter what your taste in music, the vibrant Seattle scene is sure to please your ear. Make sure you visit a few of these places to hear live music, and who knows, you may just become one of the first people to catch the next big act. Image via Pixabay | CC 0

Swap The Tires If you're an avid driver and car enthusiast, you probably make the swap to snow or cold-weather tires during the winter. Now's the time to make the switch back to all-weather tires. Not only will this make the car look cleaner, but you'll avoid damaging the snow tires, which are highly susceptible to damage in higher temperatures. When you take the old tires off, make sure to give them a thorough cleaning and, if possible, store them somewhere away from extreme temperatures. more Go to a Premium Car Wash Unless you're unwilling to let another human being lay hands on your Maserati, take your vehicle to a high-end car wash service. Here, you can get all the dirt, grime, and salt of your car before it does considerable damage. In addition, these car washes will often offer luxury services, such as total detailing or waxing. Sure, it may cost a few extra bucks, but your car will leave the lot in top-notch condition, with an appearance that's sure to turn heads. The Little Things Don't forget to do the little things when it comes to your Maserati. Overlooked facets of spring cleaning the car include topping off windshield wiper fluid, replacing headlight and tail light bulbs, and replacing windshield wipers. These may not seem like pressing issues, but if you find yourself in a torrential downpour, which happens frequently during the spring, you'll be glad you went the extra mile. Plus, if you don't know how to do these jobs, it's a great time to learn as they are very easy to do. Organize Hopefully, your Maserati isn't full of clutter. However, if it is, the spring is a great time to do a total reorganization. Go through all the various compartments, such as the center console and glove box, and clear out all the stuff you no longer want or need. Do the same to the trunk. You can also buy inserts or cargo nets to help keep everything organized and minimize the cleaning effort later in the year. Power Washing Although this isn't 100 percent necessary depending on the condition of the interior, you may want to consider power washing your floor mats. Even if they don't seem particularly dirty, there's dirt and grime lurking. Give them a good spray with a soapy solution to help cut down on the mess. Cleaning your Maserati this spring is a bit of a hassle, but the rewards far outweigh the inconveniences. Plus, if you have a son, daughter, niece, or nephew, now's the time that you call in that favor they owe you.   Image via Pixabay | CC 0

Seattle Mariners Baseball Nothing says spring like the beginning of the Major League Baseball season. With a bevy of newly acquired players, the Mariners also look poised to create a stir this year. Perhaps the best day of the baseball schedule is Opening Day on April 8 against division rival Oakland. There are a bunch of festivities and ceremonies, and you can usually find tickets for about $60. If you miss that game, don't fret; there are tons more opportunities to see your favorite team at Safeco Field. more Skagit Valley Tulip Festival Although it's a two-hour venture north of the city, the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival is well worth the journey. The festival runs throughout the month of April and allows visitors to see the massive and colorful display of tulips throughout the area. It's one of the best photo opportunities in the area and gazing upon this feat of nature is nothing short of spectacular. Tulip Town is the main attraction and admission is only $5. From there, you can walk around, rent a kite, or take a trolley through the farm's 10 acres for only $2 a person. Arcade Lights Tasting Festival Located on the grounds of the famed Pike Place Market, the Arcade Lights Tasting Festival brings together over 70 vendors for you to sample. This includes food artisans, wineries, and craft breweries for your sampling pleasure. This year, it takes place from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday, April 22nd. The cost for entry is $60, but includes all the food you want and five free drink tickets. The Carnival for Kids If you're looking for something to entertain the entire family, then the Carnival for Kids is your best bet. From April 1st to April 17th, head over to the Seattle Center Armory, which transforms its interior into a play place for kids. Inside, you'll find heaps of rides, face painters, balloon artists, and caricaturists. Admission is $8 for adults and children over five. For those lucky enough to have a Thursday off work, this event is free. West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day Do you love finding the perfect bargain or hidden treasure? If so, head over to the West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day on May 14. This event takes all the extra clutter from people around the neighborhood and organizes it into a single area. Remember to get there early to find the best deals money can buy. This spring is definitely one to remember, as the city breaks through the doldrums of the winter and really begins to shine. With so much to do, it's doubtful you'll ever recede into boredom.   Image via Pixabay | CC 0

Pure Power Like the Quattroporte and the Ghibli, the Alfieri uses a 3.0 liter, turbocharged V-6 engine, which provides more than enough power. However, the best part is that the Alfieri gets a bit more punch thanks to its lower body weight. The base engine provides up to 410 horsepower, while upgrades push it up to 450 horsepower. A larger engine is also available, which provides over 500 horsepower. Some driving purists might feel slighted by no manual transmission options, but the eight-speed ZF automatic transmission makes it fun to drive regardless. more Affordable Pricing One look at the Alfieri, and you'll think that it almost certainly has to cost about a quarter-million dollars. However, Maserati decided to find a price right between Alfa Romeo and Ferrari. Although the price hasn't been revealed, it's estimated it will start around $100,000. Although it's a high price for the average car buyer, Maserati enthusiasts will find the price more than acceptable for a car with its performance and appearance. Rumored Hybrid Details haven't yet emerged for many of the other vehicles in the Maserati lineup, but CEO Harald Wester has announced that each model will have an available plug-in hybrid option by the year 2020. Spearheading this movement is the Alfieri, which looks to start the trend in 2017. Using a 48-volt motor, the Alfieri will give eco-friendly drivers a hybrid option but without sacrificing performance. Maserati plans to unveil more information about the fuel economy of the hybrid in the coming months, but it should rival other luxury hybrids. Seating Options Unlike many of its competitors, the Alfieri boasts a 2+2 layout. This means that two adults can comfortably sit in the front seats with two more in the back. Given the sports car's layout, these seats may seem crammed, but from looks at the Detroit Auto Show, they'll provide just enough space for your passengers to sit in comfort while you burn up the road. Available Cabrio It's not enough to just have a performance-driven hardtop sports car. That's why Maserati hinted at a Cabrio convertible version available just a few months after the release of the base Alfieri model. It gives consumers an optional top-down version that's perfect for a drive on the beach or where weather is more hospitable. The Alfieri, named after Maserati's founder, is sure to please even the most hardcore fans of the brand and the sports car genre. With this car, Maserati explores territory it hasn't ventured into in decades. The best part is that you get to become one of the beneficiaries.   Image via Pixabay | CC 0

The Financing Even if you've got the money or the income to afford a car worth upwards of $100,000, it may be harder than you'd expect to arrange for things like a car loan and decent auto insurance. The dealership is also going to want to see a significant deposit so that they know you're serious — after all, practically every new supercar purchase is a completely custom job, so if you back down at the 11th hour they'll be stuck with an extremely expensive and extremely unsellable vehicle. more The Design Design philosophies can vary significantly between different car companies and even between different models. For some vehicles luxury and comfort are the words that stand head and shoulders above the rest, but other cars value the kind of performance that would let you keep up with the pack if you somehow found yourself in the middle of the Indy 500. As such, you need to know exactly what you want your supercar to do for you on any given day you drive it. Do you like to go on long cruises in the countryside? Are you looking for an exciting way to commute to work each day? Will your supercar only come out for special occasions? These are the things you need to answer before you pick your model. The Maintenance With a budget car you can get away with budget parts, budget gas, and budget fluids, but a supercar demands and deserves nothing less than the best. Even if you pay for your supercar in cash on the spot, maintaining a $100,000+ vehicle will remain a significant expense for as long as you own it. Replacement parts that aren't standardized are rare and expensive, and not every car shop is cut out to handle such a vehicle (even if the mechanics swear they're up to it). This also means you'll want to be the safest driver the world has ever seen while you're in your supercar. The Attention You may be surprised to realize that owning a supercar is something of a conversation starter. After all, you are driving around in someone else's dream, not just your own, and for some folks that's enough of a reason to walk up to the person coming out of the driver's seat and start asking questions. Buying a dream car is a big milestone in anyone's life, and while it's okay to revel in the excitement you shouldn't let yourself get carried away. You may feel great in the morning when you wake up and remember that you now own a supercar, but you'll still have to go to work afterwards. Image via Pixabay | CC 0

Fortunately, that just means Seattle's developed a vibrant nightlife to compensate. Here are five activities that get better once the sun's gone down: The Tractor Tavern If you're looking for bands that are a little less mainstream and a little more country, a little more rockabilly, or a little more indie, then the Tractor Tavern has the sound you've been looking for. The dress is come-as-you-are, the drinks are in plastic cups no matter what you order, and most nights there's live music courtesy of underground bands and local acts. more Foundation Nightclub If your tastes tend more towards dancing and DJs, then you'll find Foundation a good fit. Like the Tractor Tavern, Foundation has live music more nights than not, with a rotating cast of resident DJs and more than a few guest musicians stopping by regularly. And if you think you might have trouble getting in through the door, you can sign up on Foundation's guest list so that you're sure to get in — although the guest list doesn't allow you to skip the line. Comet Tavern If long waits to get in and frenetic dancing aren't your speed, then you should try Comet Tavern instead. Seattle has a downright crazy number of dive bars and sleepy holes-in-the-wall where you can drink yourself under a pool table in a relatively subdued atmosphere. In this case, though, between the live music and karaoke you shouldn't expect your stay to be particularly quiet. Century Ballroom If you prefer your dancing to have a little more style and flair, Century Ballroom features nightly dances in styles that range from waltz and tango to salsa and swing. Can't dance? There's no need to worry — not when Century provides regular lessons in every style. The Century Ballroom also features a store where you can buy music and a restaurant, The Tin Table, which has a particular preference for local growers and meals made from scratch. Mecca Cafe Mecca Cafe combines the seediness of a dive bar with the greasiness of a small-scale local eatery. Mecca features diner classics like all-day breakfast and a wide selection of burgers and fried appetizers, but at the same time it's got a fully functioning bar that operates right up until closing time at 2 am. On top of that, while most bar/restaurants tend to shut down the restaurant part before midnight, Mecca does the opposite and keeps the midnight oil burning all the way to 4 a.m. on weekend nights. A lot of people say that the world becomes a much more interesting place once the sun goes down, and that's certainly true about Seattle. Whether you're interested in dancing, drinking, karaoke, or just a little comfort food, Seattle has more than enough venues to keep you entertained night after night. Image via Pixabay | CC 0

Depreciation While depreciation is the bane of the new car buyer, for those on the lookout for a classic look and a relatively nice price tag, depreciation is the best way to climb into an Italian supercar without having to break the bank. Maserati has, unfortunately, a relatively high depreciation rate, mostly thanks to its low name recognition in the United States, but at the same time that does mean that you can find some incredible deals on a Maserati lot. more Craftsmanship Regardless of the model or the trim level, there's no need to ask whether they're using only the finest leather and cloth materials. You can safely take for granted the idea that if it wasn't the best of the best, you wouldn't see it in a Maserati. The only real questions you need to ask are "Which premium sound system will work best for me?" and "Do I want the modern carbon fiber finish or the classic Burr Walnut?" The Sound The sound of a Maserati engine growling with unspent power is hard to beat, and many supercar connoisseurs have noted just how excellent the sound coming off a Maserati is, and all without needing to pipe in any extra noise to juice the volume or the roar artificially. The Dark Horse While most Americans have heard of the Italian superstars, Ferrari and Lamborghini, relatively few know about Maserati. However, you can use that sort of ignorance to your advantage both by purchasing a Maserati at a low price and by taking your practically unknown but high-class vehicle to work, to your home, or out to a social event. Wherever you go, your car will get more second glances than even a Ferrari. The SUV Few high-end luxury car makers have dared to set foot within the strange and mysterious territory that is the SUV, but Maserati has done just that thanks to the new Levante. The Levante has all the attention to detail and luxury appointments you'd expect from any Italian car maker, but it comes in a heavy, powerful frame suited to more rugged terrain than an ordinary sports coupe or sedan. Maserati may not have the name recognition of its Italian brothers, but if you know how you can turn that to your advantage. From purchasing an affordable sports car to getting the curious reactions that start a thousand conversations, the Maserati advantage gives you all the attention you're looking for and enough power and comfort to let you know that you made the right choice. Image via Pixabay | CC 0

Still, you have to be careful with how you go about it. Use the wrong brush and you'll wind up scratching the paint, and waxing a car requires a particular technique. Use the Right Brush Whether your side panels are made of steel, aluminum, or carbon fiber, what your car needs are soft brushes and sponges that can dig into every corner and crevice without leaving any marks or wearing away at the paint or the layer of car wax which is hopefully still in full force. A sea sponge is great for this kind of job, as are microfiber washcloths. You may also want to use a soft towel to dry your vehicle off. more Use the Right Washing Fluid Not just any cleaning liquid will do. It has to be both gentle and full of suds in order to work all the dirt and grime away without removing any of the car wax. Rinse, Wash, Rinse You basically have to wash your car the same way you wash your skin. The first rinse is to clear off all the obvious bits of gunk and dirt that tend to accumulate whether you notice them or not. If they come off right away, then there's no need to worry about getting your sponges dirty scraping them off. Separate Your Dirt Levels This means two things: first, you should use two buckets when you're washing your car. The first is for clean, soapy water, and the second you'll use to rinse out your sponge once it gets full of dirt and grime. If you don't remember to keep these two buckets separate, you'll wind up with thin film of grime all over your car by the time you're done. Second, you need two sponges or washcloths. One is for the body of the car, including all the windows and panels, but the other you'll use to give the wheels and the wheel wells a thorough scrubbing. your wheels are, after all, the point where your vehicle meets the road, and so they and their surroundings tend to get much dirtier than all the rest. Polish and Wax Once Per Season The polish lets your paint shine, and the wax protects it from anything that might stain or corrode your car. Two layers of wax will make sure your vehicle is safe, but don't forget to buff it with a clean cloth to remove the excess wax. Cleaning your own car can take a few hours of your weekend every month (or more, depending on where you drive), but it's entirely worth the effort. Even the pros will tell you there's no car wash like a hand car wash. Image via Pixabay | CC 0

Art of the Table Perhaps the best part about Art of the Table is that its menu changes daily to incorporate the freshest ingredients the Pacific Northwest has to offer. Because of this, there is no set menu, so every time you visit, it is a totally different experience. For each course, head chef and owner Dustin Ronspies brings out the dish, explains it, and answers any questions you have about it. It is that added intimacy that gives this restaurant its own identity. If you don't want to invest the beaucoup bucks needed to try each course, then you can choose from the a la carte option that Art of the Table offers on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays. Before you get a reservation or enter the restaurant, make sure you read the restaurant's philosophy/rules to ensure that you'll have the best possible time without ridicule from the owner. more Daniel's Broiler Don't let the lack of a fancy name scare you. This place is legit. Much like many other five-star restaurants, its menu changes regularly. For example, this month has only five dinner entrees, which is a blessing, as you won't have to pore over 100 menu items to make a selection. Some of the featured dinners of Daniel's Broiler include fresh scallops, salmon, sea bass, ribeye, and even its world-famous bone-in filet mignon, which will only set you back about $120. There are four locations throughout the Seattle area, so it's easy to find one closest to you. Restaurant Marron When you walk into Restaurant Marron, the decor speaks of a restaurant that is middle of the road, casual American dining. Once you see the menu, that opinion changes immediately. Serving up some of the best New American food infused with traditional French cooking, Restaurant Marron excels in delighting your taste buds, while also having enough creativity to keep the most uppity foodie satisfied. Choose a three-course meal or the carte blanche experience to sample an appetizer, cheese or dessert, and an entree. Pair it with one of the restaurant's wines from all over the world for the truly French experience. Depending on your tastes and budget, Seattle is the perfect food town, especially if you love fresh, local ingredients and seafood that's straight out of the Pacific Ocean. The best part about these restaurants is that they not only have amazing food, but they also bring out an atmosphere that makes the dining experience truly unique. So forks and wine glasses up, it's time to indulge.   Image via Pixabay | CC 0

How Much Do You Want to Spend? Regardless of which Maserati you choose, the price is definitely at a premium. Depending on the trim level you choose, the Ghibli provides endless amounts of luxury starting at just over $70,000. The Quattroporte, with more impressive performance and features, has a starting price tag just below $100,000. So, depending on what you're willing to spend, you'll find that even a lower starting price still has many of the amenities that make Maserati famous. more How Much Do You Value Top-Notch Performance? Performance is a definite consideration when it comes to luxury vehicles, but just how much do you need for your ideal driving experience? At the base level, both the Ghibli and Quattroporte come with the same 3.0 liter V-6 engine, capable of delivering a zero to 60 time of just 5.6 seconds with a top speed of 163 miles per hour. If you find that's just not enough oomph, then you can upgrade to the S edition, which packs a little more punch with a 3.0 liter, turbocharged V-6 that provides a five-second zero to 60, and a top speed of 170. Where the two differ greatly is the Quattroporte's GTS model, which uses a 3.8 liter V-8 engine to churn out insane speeds of up to 190 miles per hour and sub-five zero to 60 time. How Much Room Do You Need? If you like to have extra space for friends, family, and cargo, then you'll want a sedan to accommodate your needs. With that in mind, the Quattroporte has a much longer body, about 11 inches, which enables it to comfortably fit four adults. Although this is also possible in the Ghibli, the quarters are much closer. Overall, the Quattroporte delivers almost 19 cubic feet of cargo space compared to the Ghibli's 17.5 cubic feet. What Kind of Options Do You Want? The main decision you'll have to make is whether you want the more youthful and sporty Ghibli or the large and luxurious Quattroporte. Remember that if you put all the added options the Ghibli has available and compare it to the base model Quattroporte, you essentially are spending almost the same amount. With that being said, many Maserati enthusiasts claim that the Quattroporte is more of a namesake, and thus garners a higher price. No matter which Maserati you choose to buy, you will never be disappointed. With such great options, outstanding performance, and fantastic Italian engineering, you're destined to become the envy of everyone you know.   Image via PIxabay | CC 0

Exceptional Speed and Performance As soon as you get behind the wheel of a Maserati and fire up the engine, you'll feel the power coursing through your veins. Although the entry-level models of the Ghibli and Quattroporte contain only a 3-liter, V-6 engine, this engineering marvel still propels you to speeds of up to 160 miles per hour while accelerating from zero to 60 in only 5.6 seconds. The sportier Gran Turismo provides even more power when upgraded to the Centennial Edition. Boasting a huge 4.7 liter, V-8 turbocharged engine, the Gran Turismo goes 188 miles per hour, and you'll truly feel the true grit of this sporty beast as it accelerates from zero to 60 in a mere 4.5 seconds behind 454 horsepower. Furthermore, all engine designs were made with the help of Ferrari. more Joining an Exclusive Club Like joining a country club or a secret society, buying a Maserati enters you into a club that only a few in the world belong to. Once you've gained access inside, you get to show off your vehicle to other people and engage in conversations with other Maserati enthusiasts. Furthermore, you'll have exclusive company with other Maserati owners such as Gwen Stefani, Bradley Cooper, and even 50 Cent. It's not every day that you share the same membership to the club as many celebrities. Quality Craftsmanship and Appearance Another reason why Maserati is the greatest luxury vehicle is its interior features that make it stand out from the pack. On most versions of the vehicle, premium Italian leather covers not only the seats, but the dashboard as well, providing a unique, luxurious look and ultimate comfort. It also provides an attractive instrument cluster layout along with a touchscreen infotainment system for hands-free, zero-distraction driving. Personalization Unlike other luxury car manufacturers, Maserati has a personalization program to make the vehicle up to your exact tastes and specifications. This includes tailor-made interiors with up to 10 colors of leather, 14 different colors of stitching, and nine different carpet colors. In addition, all moldings and the dashboard are fully customizable to create the perfect color scheme to suit your specific tastes. You also have the choice of two premium sound systems: the Harman Kardon Premium Sound System and the Bowers & Wilkins Premium Sound System. Both systems are some of the best ever offered by a car company, and the sound is nothing short of spectacular. There's no denying that Maserati is one of the best luxury car makers in the world. So, the next time you're considering buying a new luxury car, think Maserati, and you'll have the best.   Image via Pixabay | CC 0