Maserati GranTurismo, In Experience Is Virtue

In the supercar market, whether focused on pure performance or great luxury, one of the main selling points is the novelty, a more modern product than that offered by the rival. For this reason, the case of the Maserati GranTurismo stands out, on sale since 2007 and which is still valid today.

The firm of the trident offers consumers a product whose characteristics are a ‘rare bird’ in these times, with a high-displacement naturally-aspirated engine and a design that is not so conditioned by the most recent safety regulations. Even with everything, anyone keeps turning when they see him on the street.

To keep the sales level afloat, Maserati recently subjected its sports car to a slight update that affected, in particular, the front, although minor changes were also made to the cabin. In addition, the basic finish is eliminated, and only the Sport and MC remain.

Timeless Italian beauty

It is difficult to assimilate that the design of the Maserati GranTurismo has been on the market for more than a decade, but it is the truth. Despite this setback, it still exudes elegance and beauty on all four sides, showing the timelessness of the great work that Pininfarina originally did.

The changes made in the last update have focused on the front. Now it includes a more sporty and angular grille, with new air inlets on the sides and a lower lip that in the case of the MC is made of carbon fiber.  Visually, the MC is distinguished by the cooling intake located on the hood.

More modern designs have been included for the alloy wheels, which also differ depending on the version chosen. Speaking of which remains the same, there is the complete rear, the three air intakes on the fin and the brand logo on the C-pillar, a detail that the entire range uses.

Cabin

If we look at the interior of the Maserati GranTurismo, we will realize almost immediately that it is not a car, much less current. From the moment of its launch, the changes received have been minimal, new materials and little else. Fortunately, an updated infotainment system has been introduced.

It is the same system that the rest of the firm’s models already assemble, in which numerous functions are grouped. It also has the latest technology in terms of connectivity, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. As a curiosity, this system says goodbye to the radio used until then, from Peugeot.

specs

Until the last update received by the GranTurismo, the range consisted of a V8 engine available in two power levels depending on the version chosen. Discarded the simplest option, under the hood we find a V8 4.7 engine that delivers 460 hp of power and a torque of 520 Nm.

In a market increasingly aware of environmentalism and turbocharging, an engine of these characteristics is something unusual. What’s more, engines like this are only left in the spans of  American muscle cars . Its production takes place in Maranello, at the Ferrari factory, creators of this machine.

Full power is delivered at 7,000 rpm, making it clear that the Maserati GranTurismo likes to roll in high ranges. For its part, the maximum torque is delivered at a more modest 4,750 revolutions per minute.

It also has the so-called MSP (Maserati Stability Program), a system in charge of instantly monitoring the situation through a series of sensors in order to release the necessary driving aids.

Compared to the previous version, the Masetati Gran Turismo has significantly improved its performance. Now it signs the  0-100 km / h in 4.8 and 4.7 seconds for the Sport and the MC, respectively. The top speeds of each are 299 and 301 km / h.

Prices

You can get a Maserati GranTurismo from 151,400 euros in Sport finish. Until recently, a basic finish was available with a price tag of slightly over 100,000 euros. The one that remains for sale is the MC finish, with a starting price of 177,800 euros. 

By applying optional equipment it is extremely easy to exceed 200,000 euros in the final price, a figure that, although the car justifies it by itself, there are much more modern and effective options on the market for a similar price. A clear example is the Mercedes-AMG GT and its GT R variant.

Maserati GranTurismo data

• 3 doors
• 4 seater
• Trunk: 260 liters
• Rear-wheel drive
• 4.7 V8 engine with 460 hp power
• Consumption and emissions: from 14.3 l / 100 km and g / km of CO2
• ZF six-speed automatic transmission
• Price: from 151 400 euros