Maserati is a proud European nameplate that has long been associated with some of the most beautiful sports cars,
race cars and sedans to have come out of Italy. After falling on hard times, the company was bought and sold several times between the late 60s and early 90s, never managing to achieve the same glory it had known during independent ownership. Finally, in 1993 Fiat purchased the
Maserati assets and was able to invigorate the company, partnering them with
Ferrari in terms of engine and chassis development. The relationship proved fruitful, and
Maserati eventually fell under complete control of
Ferrari, who employed them to help sell a line of luxury cars.
The 2008
Maserati GranTurismo is one of the fruits of this effort. As the name suggests, it is a large, grand touring coupe aimed squarely at the
BMW 6-Series and the
Jaguar XKR. Designed as a luxury car with the soul of a
Ferrari, the GranTurismo is powered by a 405 horsepower V8 that also makes 339 lb-feet of torque. The engine is borrowed from the
Maserati Quattroporte, as is the chassis, (in shortened form) and the majority of mechanical components. The GranTurismo boasts a more responsive throttle than its 4-door sibling, and its 6-speed automatic transmission has been reprogrammed to offer faster gear changes. The coupe weights 4100 lbs, yet is quite composed and collected through the corners thanks to an agile suspension and well tuned chassis. A flat torque curve helps propel the 2008
Maserati GranTurismo to 60 miles per hour in 5.1 seconds, and the top speed of the coupe is a frightening 177 miles per hour.
The GranTurismo is priced at $114 000, significantly more than several of its competitors. Not only that, but there are less expensive sports coupes on the market with more impressive power and performance numbers. When confronted with these claims,
Maserati points out that people do not purchase one of their cars in order to have the most power under the hood, but rather because owning a such a beautiful piece of machinery is a special experience. For the most part,
Maserati is right. The form of the car is exquisitely detailed, with a wide oblong grille flanked by menacing looking headlights that mold themselves to the muscular curves of the front fenders. A long hood leads the eye up to a rapidly sloping windshield, and the rear overhang is almost non-existent.
Inside the car, there can be found one other difference between the GranTurismo and its competition: a functional rear seat that is perfectly large enough for adult passengers. The interior is also conspicuously devoid of traction control buttons, computer screens or indeed any of the bells and whistles frequently found in vehicles in this price range.
Maserati is hoping that the simplicity of their comfortable leather seats and finely crafted interior paneling will appeal to motorists who prefer purity over complication. The lack of these systems also translates into a more focused driving experience when behind the wheel, as there are no electronic supervisors looking over the drivers shoulder, waiting to reel them back in should things get a little too out of hand. Potential buyers can customize their particular GranTurismo with 19 colors of exterior paint, to be matched by 10 shades of interior leather.
The
Maserati is certainly a stunning car, and the ownership experience provided by parent company
Ferrari is second to none. The 2 door coupe is certainly an aesthetic improvement over the somewhat gawky Quattroporte, and many buyers feel as though
Maserati is really selling them a more luxurious
Ferrari without the long waiting list. This is the kind of image that has the potential to sell many, many cars.
Engine
Displacement 8 Cylinders in a 90 V - 4.2 liter - normally aspirated
Max power output: 405 hp (298 kW) @ 7,100 rpm
Peak torque: 339 lb.ft (460 Nm) 4,750 rpm
Performance
Top speed: 177 mph
Acceleration: 060 mph (0-100 kmh) 5.1 s (5.2 s)
Transmission
6 speed automatic with paddle shifters mounted on the steering column with auto auaptive software to reflect different driving style and driving conditions
Suspension
Independent front and rear suspension with double wishbone geometsy and antidive and antiquate features
Skyhook system with aluminum gas shock absorbers and continuously variable damping setting
Standard Features
Airbags: 2 smart front bags, 2 front side bags. 2 window bags
Bi-Xenori headlights with washing system
Adaptive headlights
14-way electric front seats. 3 memories for driver seat
Maserati Multi Media System with 7 screen, trip computer radio, CD player,
GPS navigation system, 30GB hard drive
Bose Audio System with Bose Surround Sound
Dual zone automatic climate control
MSP Maserati Stability Program
TPMS tire pressure monitoring system
Rear parking sensors
Dimensions and Weight
Length: 192.2 in (4881 mm)
Width 72.7 in (1847 mm)
Height 53.3 in (1353 mm)
Wheelbase: 115.83 in (2942 mm)
Curb weight 4.147 lb (1880 kg).
Weight distribution. 49% front - 51% rear
Warranty and Service
First service at 12.500 miles or after two years of the vehicle's life and subsequently every 12,500 miles Transferable four year / 50,000 mile new car limited warranty with 24/7 Roadside Assistant
Base price starts around $110,000
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May 18, 2008, 6:14 am
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