FORT LAUDERDALE, FL (November 3, 2009) – The highly anticipated Maserati GranTurismo convertible was unveiled November 3, 2009 at Ferrari-Maserati of Ft. Lauderdale.  The showcase, named “The Experience” was open to the dealership’s valued clientele and VIP’s in the area.  “The Experience” premiered the one-of-a-kind supercar and spokesmen of Maserati anticipate its availability March 2010.  The viewing party was an ultra-exclusive one-day event and showcased the luxury performance vehicle that boasts a 4.7 liter 433 horsepower engine, top speeds up to 176 mph and an impressive acceleration to 60mph in 5.3 seconds.

According to dealership owner Garrett Hayim, “Maserati is known for exquisite Italian luxury vehicles” and attendees of the viewing concurred.  In regards to supercars such as the products of Maserati, there are many components which which must instrumentally align in perfect order to successfully create such a performance vehicle.  The presence of speed, versatility, luxury, power, physical attractiveness and exclusivity create the perfect equation for the quintessential vehicle like the new GranTurismo convertible.

With inquiries inundating Maserati dealers worldwide months before its projected date of availability, the 2010 MAserati GT convertible is sure to be a great success.

While the American economy may be in a state of peril, it certainly didn’t stop Ferrari of Ft. Lauderdale from delaying the Grand Opening of their posh Ft. Lauderdale location.  Sister store to owner, Garrett Hiyam’s Long Island showroom, the event brought out South Florida’s elite, attendees including athletes from the Miami Dolphins, and Miami heat as they mingled among other fellow billion and millionaires.

The stunning showroom, visioned by famed interior designer Steven G, was designed to bring out the beauty of each of the luxury vehicles.  With only 4,000 Ferrari’s produced annually and only 33 U.S. dealerships offering the performance cars, it is imperitive each showroom is made to be special and unique.  The sheer exclusivity of the Ferrari brand makes selling the vehicles an easy task, as the small production of them always keeps them in high demand among car collectors, enthusiasts and millionaires. 

The invitation-only event treated their 600 guests to an experience with a pinache as classy as the brand itself. 

“High performance, luxury Italian automobiles are literal works of mechanical art.”- Garrett Hiyam, owner

Is there any other way to kick off a Labor Day weekend than a high-end barbecue? We don’t think so.

Braman Porsche and Audi stores cooked up some great culinary delights on the char-broiler on Labor Day Saturday in appreciation of existing customers and to welcome new ones as well.

Photo Braman

2009 marked the 50th anniversary of Porsche’s MINI brand, and Braman MINI ensured the MINI’s birthday bash was everything but!  It was “Start Your Engines!” at Braman MINI’s 50th Anniversary Birthday Bash to benefit The Lord’s Place this past Sunday at the Palm Beach International Raceway.MINI automobiles converged from as far as Jacksonville, Florida to attend – many in convoys. The largest MINI convoy of over 60 MINI’s left from Braman MINI in West Palm Beach to get to the track.

“Imagine a row of over 60 MINI’s travelling on Flagler, PGA Blvd. and the Beeline Highway – you should have seen the onlookers waving in excitement!” stated Kim Duprille, one Braman MINI owner who was part of the convoy.  On arrival to the motoring event, they and hundreds of others were treated to an open track day to put their cars through the paces on PBIR’s pro drag strip and slalom course. All day go-kart racing and watching performance and professional race cars make laps around the 2-mile PBIR Road Course were enjoyed by all.  Over 100 door prizes included T-Shirts, car washes and copies of the ‘Italian Job’ blockbuster featuring the MINI Cooper.

Blogs from Facebook to Twitter and all in between were alive with buzz about the event and bloggers on MINI Club sites such as Sunshine MINI’s shared drag strip times and chat pronouncing “Great Event”, “Great Turnout”, “Beat your time by a hair”, and even “Just got home and I’m wiped” were evident late through Sunday evening.

Car show competitions and entertainment by the hit band Ever So Klever kept the crowd lively and a Kid’s village kept the young ones interested and engaged.

“We had a blast” stated Neil Archer, President of the popular Wheels Across the Pond Club who was seen on many Slalom runs.

“Awesome” pronounced Jacksonville Area MINI’s (JAM) Club President Debbie Jeffrey. “I drove 298 miles for this and wow!” she concluded. Jeffrey’s JAM Club scooped up several prizes, including the MINI Club with the Mostest $500 prize for most contestants participating (handicap modified).Vlad Kleynburg also propelled JAM top gram the “Most Competitive Club” trophy by picking up the most wins club member wins with his ‘best drag’ and ‘best in show’ wins.  Jose Nasciomento grabbed first place trophy on the Slalom course in his MINI and kids medal winners included Nedrick McKoy, Natalie & Christian Orth, Luke Rinehart and Noah McCoy in Kid competitions.

“Helping The Lord’s Place is a great activity for our staff and management to be involved with” stated Vince Cerone, Braman Motorcars General Manager and COO. “The funds raised at this event represent not only our contribution, but that of every Braman customer. There is a percentage of every car purchased that goes to a good cause to help others and we could not do so without a healthy business and loyal customer base” Cerone continued.

Funds raised from the event will help supply hot meals to homeless men, women, and children while they connect with community resources at our Engagement Center.  Job Training and Placement program participants will not have to walk in the heat of summer to find work but will be able to receive a bus pass from Cafe Joshua. Individuals and families at our residential campuses will receive the personalized support services they need to be able to stabilize their lives and work toward their goals of exiting homelessness.  The Lord’s Place is dedicated to breaking the cycle of homelessness by providing innovative, compassionate, and effective services to men, women, and children in our community.

Jan Phillips, director of administration, human resources, and volunteers stated that “all of the clients who volunteered for the event had such a great time and now want to know when they can do it again!”

“Kudos to the Braman family for a fun-filled day. You guys worked very hard to put on a great event. We are pleased to have Braman Motorcars as one of our community partners. Together as a community we can end homelessness one person, one life at a time. ” Phillips concluded.