Heidi Klum teams with Maserati for SI swimsuit issue

MASERATI has joined in the fun of the Sports Illustrated 50th anniversary swimsuit issue to feature a special edition of its own -- the Quattoporte Ermenegildo Zegna Limited Edition concept.

The fashion-inspired Zegna concept, along with the Ghibli, GranTurismo, Quattroporte and MC Stradale Trofeo race car are all featured with supermodel Heidi Klum in an eight-page spread titled 'Beyond the Swimsuit'.

And while there may be no bikinis, there are plenty of angles of the sleek cars and the willowy Klum in a variety of settings that purport to show the average day of the average 'Maserati woman'.

The Quattoporte Ermenegildo Zegna Limited Edition concept is said to echo the famed men's fashion brand, and features a special paint containing super-fine aluminium and an interior dressed with Itaian style and quality.

The Ghibli sedan -- which we've already test driven -- is getting its second big promotional outing this year, following on from an epic ad that was screened during the Super Bowl earlier in February.

Italian photographer Francesco Carrozzini was behind the lens for the spread, which follows Klum from the racetrack to the red carpet in her 'average day', which Maserati says celebrates all impressive women.

"When a supermodel makes it into these pages, it is her introduction to the world," the spread says. "The truly impressive thing is what these women have done since their debuts. They have gone on to become successful businesswomen, entrepreneurs, actors, athletes and activists. The next few pages feature Heidi Klum in a salute to all the women who have achieved incredible things, beyond the swimsuit."

This reporter is on Twitter: @KarlaPincott