The Maserati GranTurismo had its original debut at the 1947 Geneva Motor Show as the company's first road car -- as opposed to race car. Styling for the car was by master auto designer Pinin Farina.
For the Maserati GranTurismo's 60th birthday, the company resurrected the model, which this time around was designed by renowned Italian firm Pininfarina. Sometimes when history repeats itself, it's not an accident.
Like its forbear, the latest Maserati GranTurismo is a race-inspired road car, with power and comfort in spades. It can ferry granmda around the city and rip up the freeway at speed with equal aplomb. One of the GranTurismo's selling points is that the back seat has enough room for two real-sized adults, even on long drives.
- 405-hp, 4.2-liter V8 engine with 4 valves per cylinder
- Top speed: 177 mph; 0-60 mph: 5.1 seconds
- 6-speed automatic or manual transmission
- 49% front/51% rear weight distribution
Maserati GranTurismo Key Features
Maserati GranTurismo Engine and Transmission
Though the Maserati GranTurismo engine displaces 4,244 cc, it weighs less 396 pounds, or about 10% of the car's total curb weight. The crankcase and cylinder heads -- which are Maserati blue -- are made of aluminum silicon alloy, while the crankshaft is forged steel.
The exhaust system is stainless steel with metallic catalyzers instead of the more common ceramic catalyzers. Maserati developed this technology on the track, which on the street results in less exhaust back pressure and compliance with anti-pollution laws. The EPA does rate its air pollution score at 6 out of 10, the same as a Honda Element, but thanks to a combined fuel economy of 15 mpg, there is a $2,100 Gas Guzzler tax.
The 6-speed transmission has four operating modes: Auto Normal, Auto Sport, Low Grip/Auto Ice, and Manual.The first setting minimizes vibrations and maximizes comfort, while the second uses the lowest gear possible to get higher engine speeds. It's recommended for roads with lots of bends. While in either Auto mode, the driver can temporarily switch to Manual for passing by flicking the shift paddles; the car will return to its previous setting when driving returns to normal.
In Manual Mode, the driver can select a gear by using either the "+-" setting with the shifter in the console or by flicking the paddles on either side of the steering wheel.
Exterior Design
The Maserati GranTurismo is subtle, but unmistakeable. The hood slopes low to the trademark oval grille and Maserati Trident. Headlights peer from the front corners, and the wheels take a wide, agressive stance.
All of this is hung on a frame made of a mix of materials for weight optimization. The structural part of the chassis is made of steel; the hood and front bumper are aluminum, and the trunk is thermoset plastic.
The suspension system has been designed with "Antisquat" and "Antidive" measures to keep the chassis from sliding around during accleration and breaking. The GranTurismo also uses Maserati's "Skyhook" system of electronically adjusted dampers for optimum ride, whether it's set to sporty or comfy. And the Maserati Stability Program goes beyond the ABS of mere mortals. When the system recognizes a side- skid, it reduces torque and activates the brakes to stabilize the car much faster than human reflexes could manage.
Interior Design
If you've been looking for a sports-luxury coupe with usable back seats, the Maserati GranTurismo is your car. The engineers in Modena went to the trouble of making enough room in the back for more than a laptop bag.
Both front seats are fully adjustable, with lumbar support for the driver, and they move forward to ease entry and exit for those adults in the back. There are even two cupholders for driver and passenger -- a rarity in a European sports car.
Front-seat passengers are fully protected by airbags all around, and there are even attachments in the rear for child seats. It does not come with a tiny vacuum for cleaning the Cheerio crumbs from the stitching in the premium leather seats.
Those leather seats come in ten shades and cover the seats, dashboard, rear shelf, steering wheel, and gear level knob. Customers can coordinate the interior however they like, and Maserati will match the color of the stitching, headliner, and carpets. The door panels and dashboard are available in hardwood like "Walnut Briarwood" or high-gloss varnish in colors like "Blu Laque" for further customization.
The GranTurismo has the Maserati Multi Media System, with CD, nav system, radio, and 30 Gb hard drive, which can be loaded with Mp3s via the USB port in the glove compartment. The standard stereo has six speakers with integrated equalizer, but a Bose Surround Sound system built for your car's acoustic specifications can be ordered.
Price and Availability
The 2008 Maserati GranTurismo starts at $114,000, but the options are almost limitless, with more than a million combinations -- and prices -- available. Just when you think you've outfitted your perfect GranTurismo, you find out there's an available set of luggage made for the trunk of your car by Salvatore Ferragamo. Might as well add that to the invoice while you're at it.- Wheelbase: 115.8 in.
- Length: 192.2 in.
- Width: 172.7 in. (with mirrors)
- Height: 53.3 in.
- Dry weight: 3,924 lbs.
- Weight distribution: 49% front/51% rear
- Fuel tank: 22.7 gallons
