Maserati GranTurismo, New Model Based On Quattroporte

Despite being based on the large Quattroporte, the Maserati GranTurismo is an elegant, sporty looking car, more along the lines of the GranSport. PininFarina, who was responsible for the styling, has certainly done a fine job.

The distinctive Maserati grille, with vertical bars, projects forward of the chin, and the wide air intake below, while the finely curved fenders are just right. The roof is not quite a fastback, the style reflecting the need for two people in the back and some luggage space, while the rear fenders give the car a sporty look.

A full four seater, the GranTurismo is 14 in (358 mm) longer than the GranSport, 11 in (282 mm) being in the wheelbase, which is why there is plenty of room in the back the GranSport is quite spacious as 2+2s go. In fact, this is quite a large car.

Latest Maserati V-8 egine

The GranTurismo is powered by the latest version of Maserati's V-8, which is similar to the engine used in the Ferrari F430, but in this instance it has a capacity of 4.2 liters, and is a very short-stroke, high-revving unit. It is a conventional V-8 with four valves per cylinder and variable valve timing.

Whereas the GranSport gets dry sump lubrication, the GranTurismo gets a wet sump, which reduces noise levels and power losses, but firmly put the car in the grand touring category. With an output of 405 bhp at 7,100 rpm 10 bhp more than in the GranSport and maximum torque of 334 lb ft (460 Nm) at 4,750 rpm, the engine is no slouch.

Owing to the weight of the car, it needs just over 5 seconds to reach 60 mph. One area where more progress could have been made is in weight reduction this is a heavy car at4,140 lb (1,880 kg).

ZF automatic, manual control

Also hinting at the grand touring image is the use of the ZF six-speed automatic, albeit with paddle control, and shift-up points of 7,200 rpm, higher than any competitors that use the box. There are four different operating modes: Auto Normal, Auto Sport, Low Grip/Auto Ice and Manual.

There are no surprises in the body, which is a steel monocoque, but the trunk lid is a plastic molding.

Interestingly, although the automatic transmission is mounted directly on the back of the front-mounted engine, Maserati claims a weight distribution of 49 per cent front to 51 per cent rear, which indicates that that engine is mounted well behind the front wheels.

Double wishbone suspension

As expected, the suspension is by double wishbones front and rear, forged from aluminum for light weight and strength. The suspensions are designed to counteract brake dive and squat under acceleration, and will no doubt give good handling. There is a stability control as standard, while 'sky hook' electronically controlled damping is available as an option.

Not only are the rear tires wider than the front ones, but they also have a different tread pattern designed to transmit torque. The wheels are 19 inch as standard, carrying 245/40 R19, tires at the front, and 285/40 R19 at the rear. 20-inch wheels are available as an option, while the braking system is supplied by Brembo, with the normal electronics such as ABS.

Maserati has paid a lot of attention to creature comforts, so the GranTurismo, should live up to its name, being a fine car for trans-European or trans-American travel.