Maserati GranTurismo.....

[Iwan]

...the 4200 successor finally arrived.....

http://img373.imageshack.us/img373/7053/m3ijpfk2g05ake360edfbwh4.th.jpg (http://img373.imageshack.us/my.php?image=m3ijpfk2g05ake360edfbwh4.jpg)
http://img373.imageshack.us/img373/6863/m3ijpfk2g06qpg35f3707io8.th.jpg (http://img373.imageshack.us/my.php?image=m3ijpfk2g06qpg35f3707io8.jpg)
http://img84.imageshack.us/img84/3320/m3ijpfk2g06qwr35c5bfacn0.th.jpg (http://img84.imageshack.us/my.php?image=m3ijpfk2g06qwr35c5bfacn0.jpg)


cheers iwan

[Mattk]

Looks nice, apart from the red leather interior.

[TopGearNL]

/\/\ Same I was wondering..

Anyway I quite like it..

[HeilSvenska]

Holy crap, that looks good. It looks real. It's too detailed to be a normal photoshop. And all the bits don't look like they've been harvested from another car. I think this is real. <3 Maserati. I thought the Birdcage 75th was going to be just a one-off flight of fantasy, but I guess it also had substance. Super.

[bmagni]

Is it official?? or yet another photoshop??

:arrow: http://www.motorworld.net/forum/showthread.php?t=40080

seems quite similar to pininfarina's sketch...

http://img293.imageshack.us/img293/7927/03rj5.jpg (http://imageshack.us) http://img171.imageshack.us/img171/9328/02io2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[HeilSvenska]

i think it's a PS.

the first pic (from the back) looks alright....but the 2nd one looks like a bit of a photo shop....what's with the weird curve coming up at the front?


If it is a photoshop, it's a damn good one. I can't tell if it's fake.
I doubt it's photoshop. Just a very illegal intelligence leak.

What weird curve? You mean those exaggerated humps? Adds character.



Let's see. It's based on the Quattroporte, right? The design cues are from the Birdcage, even the wheels. Very curvey. Inverse curve on top of the rear deck. Quattroporte port holes. Concave grille, also Quattroporte-like. Interior with M motif everywhere, covered with leather. Bright red, obviously an option. 4 seats. New dash seems more mainstream. Multi-color interior probably optional again. And the most interesting thing... It seems to be an automatic.

[Sir_GT]

If it's a fake, it's definitely a 3D one.

Love it... apart from the tail lights. I wish they simply did a variation of their old boomarang one.

[jorge]

looks very nice :P

[Pimp Racer]

Looks like some sorta Benz from the back and the front lights remind me of those new BMW spy shots. I like the back though.

[HeilSvenska]

Looks like some sorta Benz from the back and the front lights remind me of those new BMW spy shots. I like the back though.

Sacrilege! How dare you speak like that towards Italian cars? God's favorite vehicles! :P

[Pimp Racer]

Looks like some sorta Benz from the back and the front lights remind me of those new BMW spy shots. I like the back though.

Sacrilege! How dare you speak like that towards Italian cars? God's favorite vehicles! :P

I am sorry what I meant was the Benz and BMW look like the Maserati. Happy? :lol:

[HeilSvenska]

No! That's even worse! God frowns upon you! You make his favorite people angry! :lol:

[Pimp Racer]

No! That's even worse! God frowns upon you! You make his favorite people angry! :lol:


The interior I think everyone can agree on is badass! That looks authentic Itlian interior to me. Also is that an AUTO?

[HeilSvenska]

It appears to be so. This car's based on the Quattroporte, so it should accommodate automatic transmission as well. I say it's a good fit.

[numerouno]

It is real and in fact damn sweet!

http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/19/maserati-granturismo-coupe-pics-surface/

[tom333]

I bet it looks way better in person. I mean I have never seen a picture of a quattroporte that does it justice.

It has those 599 door airbags!

[Ghostbat]

Looks like just another coupe. I hope the design grows on me.

[Iwan]

guys, it is official, pressembargo ended at midnight.......
for sure, more pics to come.

cheers iwan

[McLaren4eVa]

I think it looks stunning! I love the rear.

[blue8]

Much, much better than the previous Maserati coupe! Very dramatic shape (but the headlights and taillights should go... they look generic)

[Iwan]

official links......


http://www.granturismoisback.com/index.html?lang=de

pressrelease....

http://www.granturismoisback.com/pdf...ase_01_deu.pdf

cheers iwan

[nejcdolinsek]

Its beautiful, but why does it have to be a whale weighing in at 1880 kg?? :( :|
http://www.carmagazine.co.uk/first_official_picture.php?sid=488&page=2

It may look great, but I'm afraid its going to get its ass handed to it by the 911 in the handling department... again.

[Fleischmann]

Gorgeous! I'd still prefer the boomerang rear lights in LED technology. Unfortunately 1900kg's is just a joke for a 2 seater coupe :( who gives a crap about a near perfect weight distrubution when it's a fatass to start with :roll:

Side shot:

http://img511.imageshack.us/img511/4323/maserib9.th.jpg (http://img511.imageshack.us/my.php?image=maserib9.jpg)


Hi-res:

http://img521.imageshack.us/img521/213/gt1ot9.th.jpg (http://img521.imageshack.us/my.php?image=gt1ot9.jpg) http://img524.imageshack.us/img524/104/gt2bh5.th.jpg (http://img524.imageshack.us/my.php?image=gt2bh5.jpg)

[ferrari550]

http://www.topgear.com/content/news/stories/1621/

[dutchmasterflex]

The headlights scream photochopped at me. I don't like it either..

[blue8]

I'm not really sure about this, but Maserati is now targeting Aston Martin, so that should explain the weight-gain. But with the Clubsport version mentioned from the Top Gear article posted above, there's still a little Ferrari in it :)

[gangajas]

It looks like a Lexus. The Coupé Grandsport is much more beautiful in my opinion

[Fleischmann]

I'm not really sure about this, but Maserati is now targeting Aston Martin, so that should explain the weight-gain. But with the Clubsport version mentioned from the Top Gear article posted above, there's still a little Ferrari in it :)

I'm not sure that making the car heavy was the plan :P The V8 Vantage which should have a similiar price tag to the Maser has more or less the same power and is 300kg lighter.

[Vansquish]

I'll reserve outright judgement until I see it in the flesh, but at first glance, there are a lot of interesting styling details on the outside. The front end works pretty well, but the car is a bit too long and dumpy. It really looks too much like a 2-door version of the Quattroporte rather than a GT in its own right. As a result, it looks too massive, and oddly-proportioned. The back end has some nice lines, but all-in-all looks a bit of an afterthought and doesn't really gel with the front all that well. I bet that if the glasshouse was chopped down by about 2-3 inches, the car would look a hell of a lot better. One of the things that tends to happen when a car is designed to be very low is that it needs to become longer to balance the shape. In this case, the car looks too upright (like a sedan).

Don't get me started on the interior. I WILL pass judgement on that. It looks boring as hell. What the heck happened to the Italian flair (like-it-or-not) of the 3200GT/4200GT/GranSport?

[silentm]

hmm this is looking rather nice, if it's a PS it's very good, though something about the headlights doesn't seem 100% right to me :?

but imo they should really get rid of that weird grille in the mouth. and the rearlights look kinda similar to that 'new' Porsche design. no?

[dutchmasterflex]

Hmm.. now that I'm starting to think it's real, I think I want one... Not like I'd take it to the track or anything, but damn this would be nice roll up in this car at the club or restaurant.

[deuces]

new grille is very birdcage-esque. i like the front and rear ends, but its definitely too long and too tall. the interior looks like a mustang gt...barely any bolstering on the seats come on!

[bmagni]

Don't get me started on the interior. I WILL pass judgement on that. It looks boring as hell. What the heck happened to the Italian flair (like-it-or-not) of the 3200GT/4200GT/GranSport?

I believe the interior is quite nice...

http://img355.imageshack.us/img355/6852/02ui7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Hmm.. now that I'm starting to think it's real, I think I want one... Not like I'd take it to the track or anything, but damn this would be nice roll up in this car at the club or restaurant.

Make up your mind !!!! :P

BTW its the real deal

[Firdosh7747]

i think it looks good: i love the grill

[pterps]

I like the looks, but I really have to see it in real to know if it's a pretty car.

[yg60m]

I love the front but the rear lights are quite uninspirated ... Anyway it's way better than the 4200 GT which was old now.

[dali]

Very interesting styling details, in flesh this might look great. Just hope it didn't get too heavy at all.
Alfa 8C would still be my choice.

[ARMAN]

holy cow this looks fantastic imho :drool: and red interior is a kickass too, finally they are changing boring previous model :)

[blue8]

PRESS RELEASE:

Maserati GranTurismo

Worldwide preview at the Geneva Motorshow.

Modena – 20th February 2007. The new Maserati GranTurismo, styled by Pininfarina, makes its worldwide debut at the Geneva Motorshow.

The Maserati GranTurismo is a muscular and sporty car, that can be enjoyed every day and a the same time is engaging for the driver. Its excellent handling and sportiveness makes it a point of reference in its category. The Maserati GranTurismo is built with particular attention to comfort, choice of materials and details and with enough room for four people, as only Maserati can do.

The new Maserati GranTurismo is a high-performance sports car, exciting to drive with a 4.2 liter V8 engine, delivering 405 HP, and a weight distribution of 49% at the front and 51% at the rear. It is fitted with an automatic gearbox and equipped with an adaptive control system which adjusts the gear-shifting mode to the driving style and the driving conditions.

Maserati's tradition of the Gran Turismo concept dates back to 1947 when the Trident Company, following its clients' demand, unveiled at the Geneva Auto Show its first Gran Turismo. It was designed by the great Pinin Farina, and based on the racing chassis of the A6. It was the first Maserati road car and was produced in 58 units. The car was acclaimed by the automotive press for its advanced technical content and for its avant-garde style solutions.

The new model name – Maserati GranTurismo – is not incidental. Once again, the partnership between Maserati and Pininfarina gives birth to a car that is able to generate emotions and sets itself apart from competitors, due to the technique with which it is built and its unique style.

The new Maserati GranTurismo represents a further step towards the completion of the Trident product range, following the worldwide launch of the Quattroporte Automatic at the 2007 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

[Z3uS]

Well, i like the design. It's different at least, but i think they sould change those rims, they look awful.

[FellipeM]

HI-RES pictures
http://img502.imageshack.us/img502/5517/2007maseratigranturismona9.th.jpg (http://img502.imageshack.us/my.php?image=2007maseratigranturismona9.jpg)http://img502.imageshack.us/img502/6713/2007maseratigranturismosv7.th.jpg (http://img502.imageshack.us/my.php?image=2007maseratigranturismosv7.jpg)http://img480.imageshack.us/img480/7926/2007maseratigranturismoon0.th.jpg (http://img480.imageshack.us/my.php?image=2007maseratigranturismoon0.jpg)http://img367.imageshack.us/img367/9836/2007maseratigranturismoon9.th.jpg (http://img367.imageshack.us/my.php?image=2007maseratigranturismoon9.jpg)

[HeilSvenska]

Well, i like the design. It's different at least, but i think they sould change those rims, they look awful.

I like the wheels. On this car or on the Birdcage. I'm sure other wheels will be available. ...or you can always swap the wheels once you buy the car. :P

[TopGearNL]

/\/\ Other wheels please :mrgreen:

[Fleischmann]

The rims are spot on IMO, thy look great and have influences from the logo of the brand.

[PATo355]

It looks so hot ... i love the looks of it !

[Z3uS]

Well, i like the design. It's different at least, but i think they sould change those rims, they look awful.

I like the wheels. On this car or on the Birdcage. I'm sure other wheels will be available. ...or you can always swap the wheels once you buy the car. :P
If i, at least, could afford the car, i would think about this. :P

[Iwan]

http://img167.imageshack.us/img167/3875/maseratigths7dy0.th.png (http://img167.imageshack.us/my.php?image=maseratigths7dy0.png)
http://img167.imageshack.us/img167/8173/maseratigt2lq2lf1.th.png (http://img167.imageshack.us/my.php?image=maseratigt2lq2lf1.png)
http://img167.imageshack.us/img167/2797/image1ko7sr6.th.jpg (http://img167.imageshack.us/my.php?image=image1ko7sr6.jpg)
http://img167.imageshack.us/img167/8249/maseratigt1bf5uw1.th.png (http://img167.imageshack.us/my.php?image=maseratigt1bf5uw1.png)

[Bernardo]

fucking awesome.

[Iwan]

http://img134.imageshack.us/img134/9450/bigmaseratigranturismouor5.th.jpg (http://img134.imageshack.us/my.php?image=bigmaseratigranturismouor5.jpg) http://img171.imageshack.us/img171/9258/bigmaseratigranturismouvc3.th.jpg (http://img171.imageshack.us/my.php?image=bigmaseratigranturismouvc3.jpg) http://img171.imageshack.us/img171/8262/bigmaseratigranturismoujw0.th.jpg (http://img171.imageshack.us/my.php?image=bigmaseratigranturismoujw0.jpg) http://img171.imageshack.us/img171/9234/bigmaseratigranturismoumd0.th.jpg (http://img171.imageshack.us/my.php?image=bigmaseratigranturismoumd0.jpg)

[Tool]

I'm starting to really enjoy this car... the front reminds me of something :hmm:

[Iwan]

@Tool, guess the MC12

...i don't like the Ford Mondeo taillights....

[chest3r]

I suppose those pics are from Geneva, right ?

The wheels on the blue one look small and very ugly :?

[tom333]

yeah the front of mc12, and not to mention every other maserati ever especially the original gran turismo.

less ridiculous comments, more photos please.

[FellipeM]

http://img126.imagevenue.com/loc10/th_36275_img8709nf3_123_10lo.jpg (http://img126.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=36275_img8709nf3_123_10lo.jpg)http://img166.imagevenue.com/loc126/th_36280_img8712zj6_123_126lo.jpg (http://img166.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=36280_img8712zj6_123_126lo.jpg)http://img166.imagevenue.com/loc14/th_36285_61a_123_14lo.jpg (http://img166.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=36285_61a_123_14lo.jpg)http://img46.imagevenue.com/loc95/th_36290_68a_123_95lo.jpg (http://img46.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=36290_68a_123_95lo.jpg)
http://img45.imagevenue.com/loc26/th_35882_big_maserati_granturismo_interni_01_123_2 6lo.jpg (http://img45.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=35882_big_maserati_granturismo_inter ni_01_123_26lo.jpg)http://img14.imagevenue.com/loc84/th_35887_big_maserati_granturismo_interni_02_123_8 4lo.jpg (http://img14.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=35887_big_maserati_granturismo_inter ni_02_123_84lo.jpg)http://img129.imagevenue.com/loc47/th_35893_big_maserati_granturismo_interni_03_123_4 7lo.jpg (http://img129.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=35893_big_maserati_granturismo_inter ni_03_123_47lo.jpg)http://img13.imagevenue.com/loc204/th_35898_big_maserati_granturismo_interni_04_123_2 04lo.jpg (http://img13.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=35898_big_maserati_granturismo_inter ni_04_123_204lo.jpg)
http://img131.imagevenue.com/loc4/th_35903_big_maserati_granturismo_interni_05_123_4 lo.jpg (http://img131.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=35903_big_maserati_granturismo_inter ni_05_123_4lo.jpg)http://img151.imagevenue.com/loc223/th_36291_72a_123_223lo.jpg (http://img151.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=36291_72a_123_223lo.jpg)http://img28.imagevenue.com/loc203/th_35909_big_maserati_granturismo_interni_06_123_2 03lo.jpg (http://img28.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=35909_big_maserati_granturismo_inter ni_06_123_203lo.jpg)http://img161.imagevenue.com/loc220/th_35914_big_maserati_granturismo_interni_07_123_2 20lo.jpg (http://img161.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=35914_big_maserati_granturismo_inter ni_07_123_220lo.jpg)
http://img167.imagevenue.com/loc218/th_35919_big_maserati_granturismo_interni_08_123_2 18lo.jpg (http://img167.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=35919_big_maserati_granturismo_inter ni_08_123_218lo.jpg)http://img166.imagevenue.com/loc186/th_35920_big_maserati_granturismo_interni_09_123_1 86lo.jpg (http://img166.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=35920_big_maserati_granturismo_inter ni_09_123_186lo.jpg)http://img147.imagevenue.com/loc156/th_35926_big_maserati_granturismo_interni_10_123_1 56lo.jpg (http://img147.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=35926_big_maserati_granturismo_inter ni_10_123_156lo.jpg) http://img154.imagevenue.com/loc31/th_36035_big_maserati_granturismo_interni_12_123_3 1lo.jpg (http://img154.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=36035_big_maserati_granturismo_inter ni_12_123_31lo.jpg)
http://img14.imagevenue.com/loc206/th_28237_1_122_206lo.jpg (http://img14.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=28237_1_122_206lo.jpg)http://img174.imagevenue.com/loc108/th_28242_2_122_108lo.jpg (http://img174.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=28242_2_122_108lo.jpg)http://img129.imagevenue.com/loc39/th_28243_3_122_39lo.jpg (http://img129.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=28243_3_122_39lo.jpg)http://img128.imagevenue.com/loc133/th_28248_4_122_133lo.jpg (http://img128.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=28248_4_122_133lo.jpg)
http://img168.imagevenue.com/loc205/th_28254_5_122_205lo.jpg (http://img168.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=28254_5_122_205lo.jpg)http://img164.imagevenue.com/loc233/th_28255_6_122_233lo.jpg (http://img164.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=28255_6_122_233lo.jpg)http://img149.imagevenue.com/loc32/th_28260_7_122_32lo.jpg (http://img149.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=28260_7_122_32lo.jpg)http://img41.imagevenue.com/loc259/th_28264_8_122_259lo.jpg (http://img41.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=28264_8_122_259lo.jpg)

[ae86_16v]

It definitely looks exotic. I like it, it doesn't have the classic good looks, but nevertheless it does look good :) .

Can't wait to see one in the metal!

[Bernardo]

i dont know...those tail light look...really bad =/

but exept for that it looks awesome!

[TopGearNL]

Thats such a sexy car!

Looks great in both silver and blue! :shock: :D

[Everlasting]

:drool:

[blue8]

:shock: Unfortunately, it's not in high-res. Looks best in profile!
http://www.motorauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/Maserati/GranTurismo/Off1/maserati_granturismo_new01.jpg
http://www.motorauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/Maserati/GranTurismo/Off1/maserati_granturismo_new03.jpg
http://www.motorauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/Maserati/GranTurismo/Off1/maserati_granturismo_new04.jpg
http://www.motorauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/Maserati/GranTurismo/Off1/maserati_granturismo_new05.jpg
http://www.motorauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/Maserati/GranTurismo/Off1/maserati_granturismo_new06.jpg
http://www.motorauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/Maserati/GranTurismo/Off1/maserati_granturismo_new07.jpg
http://www.motorauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/Maserati/GranTurismo/Off1/maserati_granturismo_new08.jpg
http://www.motorauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/Maserati/GranTurismo/Off1/maserati_granturismo_new09.jpg
http://www.motorauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/Maserati/GranTurismo/Off1/maserati_granturismo_new10.jpg
http://www.motorauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/Maserati/GranTurismo/Off1/maserati_granturismo_new11.jpg

[DeMoN]

looks like a snake's head nice!

[yg60m]

Really beautiful !! I can't wait to see one in flesh !

[nthfinity]

looks like a Mazda. i don't like it.

I wouldn't give it that much credit.

Every angle on this car is wrong.... my eyes are drawn towared styling elements that don't exist... the curves are too far forward, and too far in the rear... the rear window curve leaves me wondering why the rear window is actually a coupe slope instead of a cut off.... its too long, its too big.... just not right for what it is.... but.... it could lead to an interesting Biturbo-esque 4 door version..... nahhhhhh :P

this car will look better in Spyder form.... but still won't be a beauty IMHO.

Really beautiful !! I can't wait to see one in flesh !

I was invited to see it earlier this week... and will see it again next sunday... don't worry Yann, your not missing much ;)

[martin100]

If the back was looking as good as the front than this car would be one of my favourites in terms of looks! Still a very nice looking car especially the front and side look fabulous!

[Vansquish]

The car's quite attractive from some angles, I like the front end, I like the front 3/4 view, the interior is beautiful, if a bit bland, and even the rear end is OK (only OK though, the 3200GT still takes the cake for modern Maserati rear ends)...but...and this is a serious "but"...in profile it looks about a 12-16 inches too long. The doors are absolutely massive and the space between the front and rear wheels makes it quite obvious that this is a coupe on a sedan platform. It's a bit ungainly...sort of like that Gallardo that was modified for Shaq...

[bmagni]

looks like a Mazda. i don't like it.

I wouldn't give it that much credit.

Every angle on this car is wrong.... my eyes are drawn towared styling elements that don't exist... the curves are too far forward, and too far in the rear... the rear window curve leaves me wondering why the rear window is actually a coupe slope instead of a cut off.... its too long, its too big.... just not right for what it is.... but.... it could lead to an interesting Biturbo-esque 4 door version..... nahhhhhh :P

this car will look better in Spyder form.... but still won't be a beauty IMHO.

Really beautiful !! I can't wait to see one in flesh !

I was invited to see it earlier this week... and will see it again next sunday... don't worry Yann, your not missing much ;)


totally wrong, this car is great looking. elements that dont exist? curves? WTF? its just a great design, period.
Its like saying the 8CC's styling is copied from the Vette.

[nthfinity]

looks like a Mazda. i don't like it.

I wouldn't give it that much credit.

Every angle on this car is wrong.... my eyes are drawn towared styling elements that don't exist... the curves are too far forward, and too far in the rear... the rear window curve leaves me wondering why the rear window is actually a coupe slope instead of a cut off.... its too long, its too big.... just not right for what it is.... but.... it could lead to an interesting Biturbo-esque 4 door version..... nahhhhhh :P

this car will look better in Spyder form.... but still won't be a beauty IMHO.

Really beautiful !! I can't wait to see one in flesh !

I was invited to see it earlier this week... and will see it again next sunday... don't worry Yann, your not missing much ;)


totally wrong, this car is great looking. elements that dont exist? curves? WTF? its just a great design, period.
Its like saying the 8CC's styling is copied from the Vette.
the style of the car draws my eyes to elements of style that aren't where my eyes are drawn to...

The curves are in the wrong location, its not a good looking car. period.

It's like saying the car looks bad, which it does. Vansquish is right... and I said it myself too... the car is more prepared to be a 4 door rather than a coupe.

[MASERATIBI]

Szerda este, a Millenáris Parkban mutatta be a Warm Up Kft. - a Ferrari és Maserati hivatalos márkakereskedõje - az új GranTurismot. Az est háziasszonya, Görög Zita elõször a Warm Up Kft. vezetõjét, Alessandro Lippit konferálta fel, akinek köszöntõje után látványos showmûsort láthattak az egybegyûltek. A nagyszámú érdeklõdõ izgatottan várta a fehér lepel felemelkedését, hogy közelebbrõl is megismerhessék a szigonyos márka új modelljét.

A GranTurismo elõdjéhez képest teljesen megújult. A 4881 mm hosszú modellnek Pininfarina rajzolt lendületes vonalvezetésû karosszériát. A új Maserati motorterében a jól ismert V8-as motor dolgozik. A 4244 cm3-es, 90 fokos hengerszögû erõforrás 405 lóerõ teljesít és természetesen a hátsó kerekeket hajtja. A sportos vezetési élményrõl az adaptív automataváltó és a Skyhook felfüggesztés, a biztonságról menetstabilizáló rendszer, hat légzsák és Brembo fékek gondoskodnak.

[MASERATIBI]

People go weak at the knees when they see the Maserati GranTurismo. If there are reservations about its looks, they're to do with its sheer size. It's 4.881 metres long, which is a lot for a coupe with a relatively compact interior. But combining four seats with a classical GT shape inevitably results in a hefty car: look at the Ferrari 612 Scaglietti or the Maserati's closest conceptual rival, the Mercedes-Benz CL.

For those are the buyers the GranTurismo is chasing: people (mainly Americans) who want a large, luxurious, racy-looking GT. The GranTurismo is not a direct replacement for the existing Coupe, although that car ends production soon. The future Maserati range will instead have coupes above and below the outgoing Coupe, and the GranTurismo is the first sign of these new ranges.

Under its shapely skin, the GranTurismo is effectively a Quattroporte Automatic with 123mm taken out of the wheelbase. That means a Ferrari-built V8 engine mounted behind the front axle line and driving through a six-speed ZF automatic gearbox. There might be a harder-edged, sportier GranTurismo in the future.

The new car gets the most muscular incarnation yet of Maserati's 4,244cc, four-cam, V8 engine family. Power is now 405bhp (up from the 400 of other Maseratis), torque is now 353lb-ft compared with 340lb-ft for the QPA. That peak torque figure doesn't arrive until a high 4,750rpm, but this is a very revvy engine (peak power comes at 7,100rpm) so it's all part of the character. Inside, there are lashings of leather, and you can add various wood trims or choose from several painted finishes in place of the wood. The emphasis is on luxury and cruising ability, although there is a Sport mode to sharpen the sinews.

[MASERATIBI]

:arrow: Maserati GranTurismo
Test date 13 July 2007 Price when new £78,500


Looks combine elegance and drama very effectively indeed
What is it?
The clue's in the name. The GranTurismo is an all new two-door, four seat coupe, constructed on a shorted version of Maserati’s Quattroporte platform, with the emphasis very much on the traditional grand touring role; meaning space and comfort get top line billing alongside the more expected Maserati qualities of performance and dynamism.

What this car isn’t is a direct replacement for the long-lived, and soon to be retired 4200 Coupe/GranSport; at almost 4.9m in length the GT is a much bigger car and aimed at a different type of customer. Maserati is primarily hoping to steal sales from the likes of the Jaguar XKR, Mercedes CL500 and BMW 650, but we wouldn’t be surprised if the GranTurismo tempted the odd Aston DB9 or Bentley Continental owner, and that despite the GT costing some £30-40k less.

Power comes from the same 4.2-litre V8 used in Maserati’s other models, but with output nudged upwards slightly to 405bhp. For the time being, the only transmission option is the 6-speed torque converter automatic, recently fitted to the Quattroporte, but given the GT’s touring aspirations this is no bad thing.

What’s it like?
You can judge for yourself, but for our money it looks absolutely stunning. It has shades of traditional Maserati without looking contrived, a happy balance between assertiveness and elegance, plus for fans of the 3200, marks a return to LED rear lights.

On this first inspection, construction seems to have taken a step forward too, with consistent shut lines and doors that close with a solid thud.

The interior is also significantly better than recent Maseratis, not that there was ever any shortage of leather and wood, but for the GT the supporting cast of plastics are more consistently high quality and the design less cluttered. There’s even a decent sat-nav system, with a logical menu structure, fast processor and clear graphics; just don’t mention that it’s a system shared with Peugeot.

The GranTurismo’s driver's seat makes a splendid place to relax on a long cross Europe jaunt. It offers decent adjustment, as does the near vertical wheel which can be drawn close to your chest for that touring car driver feel. But it’s the view ahead which best reminds that this isn’t just any ordinary car; with a high set dash, long bonnet and high arching front wings, the romanticism of the GT is difficult to escape.

The best news is that you can share the experience with three of your mates/family, for the rear seat accommodation is surprisingly generous, enough that you can fit four average adults without too many compromises. In this respect, the GranTurismo embarrasses almost all of its competitors, barring perhaps Mercedes' CL.

Just as long as you remember the GT’s touring remit, the driving experience will be entirely satisfactory. The ride is comfortable even on the standard 19” rims, there’s the option of adjustable Skyhook suspension if you want to soften things further, but we found the sport setting, equivalent to the standard car, to be sufficiently pliable.

The automatic gearbox is equally fitting to the GT’s mantle, so much less intrusive than the firm’s Cambiocorsa automated manual. True, it robs a little engine response and we’d prefer it to hold ratios in it’s manual mode, but this seems a fair trade given the GTs role.

For a touring car, and one as large as this, the performance and handling are decent enough; sufficient power to cruise effortlessly and overtake with confidence, and with an even weight distribution, the GT changes direction keenly.

Push harder however, beyond say seven tenths, and the GranTurismo starts to struggle slightly, the engine fighting the car’s 1880kg, especially against an incline. Although Maserati claims equal performance figures, the GT has less torque than its rivals and in real world driving feels slower.

Its natural tendency is to understeer, although if the corner is long enough and your commitment firm enough, this can be neutralised, but power oversteer is not a dish this car serves readily. In reality though this matters little, for what the GT does well is cruise, and cruise with authority and serenity, in a similar, if not quite as an accomplished, fashion as Jaguar’s XKR.

Should I buy one?
If you are attracted by the looks, and who could blame you, then why not. The GranTurismo may be lacking a little flexible muscle, and in truth doesn’t quite have the sense of engineering thorughness of its German counterparts, but in most respects is a well rounded machine.

It’s also easily twice as desirable, right now, as anything else on the market, even cars costing quite a fair bit more cash. Which, if we can say this of car costing nearly eighty grand, makes it a bit of bargain.

Jamie Corstorphine
First drive data
How much?
Price when new £78,500
Price as tested £78,500
How fast?
0-62 mph 5.2 sec
Max speed 177 mph
How big?
Weight 1880 kg
How thirsty?
Combined 19.7 mpg
CO2 emissions 330 g/km
Engine
Layout V8 , 4244 cc
Max power 399 bhp at 7100 rpm
Max torque 339 lb ft at 4750 rpm

[MASERATIBI]

The Maserati GranTurismo is grand tourer produced by Italian automaker Maserati. It was officially presented at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2007. The GranTurismo is a two-door 2+2 coupé. Many design elements come from the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano, which is also a grand tourer.

The engine is the same Ferrari-sourced 4.2-litre (4244 cc) unit which is currently used in the Coupe, Spyder, GranSport and Quattroporte, although uprated to a maximum output of 405 hp. The GranTurismo uses a dry sump and the transmission is located in the front of the vehicle, as opposed to a wet sump and a rear-mounted transmission used on Duo Select models of the Coupé and Quattroporte. The dry sump method is also featured on the hugely successful Maserati Quattroporte Automatica.[1] Given the location of the transmission, the Automatica still boasts a 49/51 front/rear weight distribution — extraordinary for a front-engined car. There is speculation that a GranSport model will carry a 470 bhp 4.7-litre V8 from Alfa Romeo's 8C Competitizione.

Specifications
Engine 4244 cc 90° V8
Power 405 PS (399 hp/298 kW) at 7100 rpm
Torque 460 N·m (339 ft·lbf) at 4750 rpm
Top speed 285 km/h (177 mph)[2]
Acceleration 0-62 mph 5.2 seconds
Acceleration 0-400 m 13.4 seconds
Acceleration 0-1000 m 23.9 seconds

[MASERATIBI]

:!: Manufacturer Maserati
Parent company Fiat Group
Production 2007-present
Predecessor Maserati Coupe
Class Grand tourer
Body style(s) 2+2 coupé
Layout FR layout
Engine(s) 4.2 L (4244 cc) 90° V8
Transmission(s) ZF 6-speed automatic
Wheelbase 2942 mm (115.9 in.)
Length 4881 mm (192.3 in.)
Width 1847 mm (72.7 in.)
Height 1353 mm (53.5 in.)
Curb weight 1880 kg (4144 lb) (European market version)
Related Maserati Quattroporte
Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano
Designer Jason Castriota under Pininfarina
:!:

[MASERATIBI]

Maserati Looks Back but Moves Forward
Now that’s Italian. Maserati has unveiled its new GranTurismo, a larger, more classically styled replacement for the Coupe model that marked the brand’s return to the U.S. in 2002. The new four-seater draws on the company's rich design heritage and will undercut its closest competitor, the $170,000 Bentley Continental GT, by about $40,000 with an estimated price of around $130,000.

There are currently no plans for a convertible version, though Jeffrey Ehoodin, Maserati’s U.S. spokesman, acknowledged that a two-seat, convertible Spyder would make sense to round out the lineup.


The GranTurismo will be shown in public at the Geneva International Motor Show in March and will make its U.S. debut at April’s New York International Auto Show.
Designed by Italian firm Pininfarina, the 2008 GranTurismo is currently slated to arrive in September, with about 300 to 400 cars slated for U.S. dealers in the initial model year.


Company officials said the new model draws design inspiration from the Maserati A6 GCS of 1953-55, a race car whose wins included the famed Mille Miglia in Italy.
Ehoodin acknowledged that the previous Coupe performed well but didn’t reflect the styling heritage of Maserati. “We went back to the classic proportions,” Ehoodin said. “The new car is beautiful and very modern, not retro at all, but you can clearly see the lineage, and that’s not something the previous Coupe had.”

The GranTurismo will share its basic platform with the Maserati Quattroporte sedan and also its stirring 4.2-liter, 405-hp V8 engine, manufactured at Ferrari’s engine plant in Maranello, Italy. Eventually, the GranTurismo will likely add the new 4.7-liter Maserati V8 that will first be seen in the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione, of which 99 will be sold to U.S. owners beginning this fall.


The GranTurismo is designed as a direct shot at the Bentley Continental GT, a worldwide hit with critics and buyers. Maserati executives said that the GranTurismo will easily out-handle the heavier Bentley, while delivering a much more accommodating backseat.


Acceleration and other performance figures were not announced, though the GranTurismo should logically be a touch quicker than the slightly larger, heavier Quattroporte. That sedan runs from 0 to 60 mph in about 5.3 seconds and reaches a 170-mph top speed.

Just as importantly, the car will get the Quattroporte’s new-for-2007, six-speed automatic transmission by manufacturer ZF — a potentially huge improvement over the clunky, automated manual featured in the now-defunct Coupe and Spyder models. That same transmission delivers seamless shifts in models like Jaguar’s XK and XKR. Steering-wheel paddle shifters will be an option, as in the Quattroporte.
Company officials hope the new model will continue to advance Maserati’s momentum in the U.S. In the past few years, sales have doubled, from about 1,100 sales in 2004 to 2,300 in 2006. The company, which came under Ferrari’s corporate wing in 1997, was returned to Fiat’s corporate control in 2005; Fiat also owns the Italian brands Ferrari, Alfa Romeo and Lancia.


Maserati has 47 dealers in the U.S., 36 of them operating in tandem with Ferrari dealerships, and is looking to add more; Alfa Romeo is expected to add a third Italian brand at many of those dealerships when it stages its own U.S. comeback around 2009.


“The GranTurismo is the first clean-sheet product of Maserati on its own,” Ehoodin said. “We’re a mature brand now, and the old barriers to Maserati sales are coming down.”

[MASERATIBI]

La volontà di Maserati e l'esperienza di Pininfarina si sono unite per scrivere un nuovo capitolo nella storia delle GranTurismo del Tridente. "La chance di creare una nuova Maserati è meravigliosa e rara" dichiara Andrea Pininfarina, Presidente e Amministratore Delegato di Pininfarina S.p.A. "Non si tratta solo di fare un'auto nuova. E' l'occasione per realizzare qualcosa di inedito, l'opportunità di trasformare un sogno in realtà".

Di primo acchito quello che colpisce guardando la GranTurismo è la sua dimensione. Lunga come la Quattroporte ma con 2 sole porte, è una vera e propria 2+2, non una vettura con 2 sedili anteriori e 2 sedili posteriori minimalisti. è così notevole che, mettendosi di fronte al suo imponente muso, non se ne vedono i fianchi, il tetto o il posteriore. E bilancia abilmente una scultura morbida e fluida con dettagli angolari e taglienti creando la più estrema e lussuosa GranTurismo tridimensionale.

"Il progetto è partito dalla volontà di Maserati di creare una vettura di grande carattere ed impatto. La ricerca iniziale ha considerato 3 direzioni: l'evoluzione della Quattroporte, il coupé imponente e la supersportiva di classe. Scelta quest'ultima strada, si è elaborato il progetto tenendo presente vari fattori: la size impression, la sportività, l'eleganza, il carattere, la coerenza di gamma e l'assonanza con il prototipo Birdcage 75th" spiega Guglielmo Cartia, Chief Designer Pininfarina, responsabile di questo progetto.

"L'evoluzione dello stile è stata rapida grazie al carattere del disegno originale ed al coraggio di mantenerne lo spirito fino alla fine. L'entusiasmo delle persone coinvolte nel progetto ha garantito la qualità del design in tutti i 'passaggi' dello sviluppo" conclude Guglielmo Cartia.

La Maserati GranTurismo è destinata ad occupare un ruolo di primo piano nella storia dell'automobile.

Sono tanti gli elementi che già sin d'ora stanno proponendo la GranTurismo come uno degli "oggetti" più desiderati di questo 2007. Una personalità fortissima, caratterizzata dalla calandra che reinterpreta magistralmente in chiave moderna, uno dei tratti somatici delle celeberrime GT modenesi degli anni '50. Linee armoniose, sinuose ed eleganti che lasciano senza respiro, disegnate da Pininfarina. Innovazione tecnologica e performance entusiasmanti.

La GranTurismo è un'auto con una cura accurata del comfort, dei materiali, dei dettagli, con una spaziosità interna e un'abitabilità per quattro persone, in grado di rivaleggiare con una berlina.

Presentata in occasione dello scorso Salone di Ginevra, la Maserati GranTurismo ha ottenuto unanimi consensi da parte della stampa mondiale e da parte di appassionati e potenziali clienti. Questo trend positivo è confermato dal numero di ordini già raccolti dalla rete commerciale in tutto il mondo.

Le prime vetture, destinate alle attività promozionali di lancio prodotto, sono già state realizzate, mentre la produzione di serie incomincerà il prossimo mese di luglio, in modo da poter completare la distribuzione in tutto in mondo nell'ultimo quadrimestre dell'anno.

Il prezzo al pubblico, chiavi in mano e Iva inclusa, della Maserati GranTurismo è di 114.340 Euro.

La Maserati GranTurismo fonde in modo singolare l'eredità del Tridente e la grande tradizione stilistica di Pininfarina con un'estetica moderna. "Vengono evocati i moderni temi esplorati nel concept Birdcage 75th, che era un'estensione futuristica del marchio Maserati, e si continua la grande tradizione di tecnologia avanzata avvolta in eleganza sportiva", sottolinea Lowie Vermeersch, Chief Designer Pininfarina.

Il concetto di "sportività elegante" rappresenta il tema di base del disegno, la tonalità con cui si esprime. Si è preferito evitare un approccio troppo aggressivo, poiché l'eleganza non è mai aggressiva, ma piuttosto legata ad un'idea di "energia" interna naturale e mai forzata.

I suoi volumi sono una moderna visione delle grandi vetture da corsa Maserati del passato, la cui carrozzeria discendeva da una semplice carlinga estrusa tirata verso il posteriore da una grande bocca ovale. L'esterno muscoloso ha una naturale ma decisa morbidezza, declinando e fluendo fino a creare una tensione dinamica che dà un aspetto solido ma sportivo. Il risultato è una forma - potente ed elegante - tirata aderentemente sulla meccanica, il cui disegno senza tempo ricorda lo spirito delle mitiche vetture sportive del Tridente e, contemporaneamente, un futuro senza confini anticipato da Birdcage 75th.

Muovendosi attorno alla vettura, la luce corre lungo le curve e le linee rette creando da ogni angolazione un potente senso di movimento.

Grande attenzione è stata posta ai dettagli che contrastano la semplicità raffinata della sua forma muscolare. Il muso imponente e dinamico caratterizza la tradizionale vista in pianta del trapezoidale Maserati che culmina nella grande bocca ovale affiancata da occhi orizzontali e bassi.

La griglia concava, che evoca la Maserati A6 GCS degli anni '50, si incastra nell'imponente paraurti anteriore creando una bocca gigante. La calandra è adornata da un grande Tridente cromato che sembra emergere davanti alle barre verticali e concave. I cerchi delle ruote, infusi da quelli della Birdcage 75th, sono stati intenzionalmente disegnati per richiamare il Tridente, sottolineando la potenza della meccanica Maserati. Il posteriore della vettura rimarca ulteriormente l'intento sportivo e la tecnologia della GranTurismo, caratterizzato dalla fanaleria posteriore a LED dalla forma triangolare e da un imponente diffusore messo a punto nella Galleria del Vento Pininfarina per ottenere prestazioni ottimali. Infine, come nella Quattroporte, i codini di scarico sono rifiniti con robusti bordi cromati.

Il particolare trattamento dell'esterno si ritrova anche nelle superfici fluide e dinamiche degli interni, determinando un linguaggio armonico per tutto il progetto.

Il design degli interni ha avuto tra gli input di briefing alcuni concetti chiave che ne hanno influenzato profondamente l'evoluzione: rispetto della tradizione Maserati, quindi riconoscibilità e chiara appartenenza al marchio; leggerezza e compattezza in termini volumetrici reali e percepiti; sportività elegante, ovvero assenza di soluzioni estetiche eccessive e ridondanti; enfasi sullo stile naturalmente integrato con il layout tecnico

Gli elementi estetico/funzionali che richiamano il brand Maserati sono alla radice del disegno e si sviluppano dalla plancia verso il resto dell'abitacolo, attraverso modanature fluenti e dinamiche, trattate con finiture superficiali personalizzabili, dal tradizionale legno fino a texture più tecnologiche e contemporanee.

La leggerezza e la conseguente sensazione di spaziosità e fruibilità del volume interno è stata ottenuta attraverso un profondo lavoro di ottimizzazione del layout tecnico/ funzionale e, per la parte estetica, anche attraverso il trattamento grafico della plancia, dove la massa più importante è resa in colore scuro ed antiriflesso.

"La GranTurismo è come una persona dal carattere intrigante e vario" conclude Pininfarina. "Muta nel tempo davanti ai vostri occhi come una persona irresistibile durante una relazione: non annoia mai".

[MASERATIBI]

The 2008 Maserati GranTurismo, a two-door coupe to complement the Quattroporte sedan, is yet another Italian beauty, this one penned by Pininfarina's Jason Castriota. Successor to Maserati's Guigiaro-designed coupe and spyder, the upcoming GT is built on a shortened version of the Quattroporte's chassis.

The GranTurismo is powered by a 405-horsepower version of the same Ferrari-sourced 4.2-liter V8 found across the Maserati range. In a nod toward the crucially important American market, where Maserati hopes to achieve significant sales gains with the GT, power is sent to the rear wheels through the ZF-built six-speed automatic transmission that just became available in the Quattroporte.

With a platform converted from the rear-transaxle configuration necessary for the automated manual gearbox to the front-mounted automatic transmission, the GranTurismo should provide enough rear-seat space to make it something more than a cramped 2+2. Nevertheless, we expect a weight distribution of 49 percent front/51 percent rear, which should ensure excellent maneuverability.

Meanwhile the GranTurismo's suspension will be similar in configuration to the Quattroporte's double-wishbone setup, but it'll be supplemented by Maserati's Skyhook active damping system. Throughout the rest of the car, extensive use of carbon composites and aluminum should provide the GT with an exhilarating power-to-weight ratio.

Maserati hopes the GT will help alter the misperception that its cars are prohibitively expensive. Prices should begin somewhere around $110,000, putting the GT Coupe in good position to steal business from Porsche's 911 and the Mercedes-Benz SL.

A hardtop convertible version of the GT, powered by a larger-bore version of the 4.2 and delivering around 470 hp, should arrive later in the year, and a Competizione model is sure to follow.

What's Edmunds' take?
This gorgeous new coupe should help make the Maserati badge a more familiar sight on American roads. — Greg N. Brown, Contributor

[rave426]

Pretty nice looking..........not as good looking as the QuatroP or the new Alpha.............but nice...


a lowered stance and slightly lower profile tires would make it NASTY

[79TA]

The car has great presence. I can't wait to shoot one at the LA Auto Show in a couple of weeks.

[pterps]

Some pics I took yesterday at a dealership:

http://www.imagehosting.com/out.php/t1328719_4407bypterps168aan.jpg (http://www.imagehosting.com/out.php/i1328719_4407bypterps168aan.jpg) http://www.imagehosting.com/out.php/t1328720_4407bypterps174aan.jpg (http://www.imagehosting.com/out.php/i1328720_4407bypterps174aan.jpg)

[silentm]

wow very aggressive :shock: the first good looking mdoern day Maser imo

though i'm not too sure about the Citroenish headlights... :?