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MASERATI BLENDS HARD-EDGE PERFORMANCE AND LUXURY TO PRODUCE THE GRANTURISMO S AUTOMATIC

Maserati has blended the effortless luxury and refinement of the Maserati GranTurismo with the hard-edged performance and aggression of the 4.7 litre GranTurismo S to produce the Maserati GranTurismo S Automatic, which is now on sale in Australia.

Fitted with the same 323 kW 4.7 litre engine as the range topping Maserati GranTurismo S, the new automatic variant shares the same 295 kmh top speed and is only fractionally slower to 100 kmh, despite replacing the MC Supershift sequential manual gearbox with an automatic gearbox. This feat of performance engineering has been achieved with a software package developed specifically for the characteristics of Maserati’s V8 engine, minimising power transmission loss and enabling gears to be held right to the 7200 rpm red line, something no other automatic in the world can match.

This combination endows the Maserati GranTurismo S Automatic with its own, distinct character, something that is further enhanced by exterior changes that mark it apart from the GranTurismo 4.2 litre and the GranTurismo S. The new under-door side-skirts feature a prominent shape, which enhances the dynamism of its profile and the standard new 20" wheels with the brand new "Trident" design featuring spokes that distinctly reflect the Trident shape create a mix of strength and elegance.
A further enriched equipment increases the on board pleasure for the driver and the passengers, thanks to the Bluetooth® Technology, offered as standard, and the Ipod® interface, available upon request, which complete the Maserati Multi Media System.

With a recommended price not including statutory charges and delivery of $328,500 the new Maserati GranTurismo S Automatic compliments the GranTurimso 4.2 and the range-topping GranTurimso S with the MC Supershift gearbox.

“The Maserati GranTurismo S Automatic is quite possibly the ultimate expression of a Maserati coupe as it brings together for the first time all the facets of the unique Maserati legend,” says Edward Butler, General Manager for Maserati in Australia and New Zealand. “On one hand it has the sumptuous luxury which, thanks to the Maserati personalisation programme, means that every Maserati is unique to its owner. On the other it is within a hair’s breadth of offering the aggressive performance of the fastest production Maserati of all time both in terms of straight line performance and chassis response. This combination has been made possible by a unique automatic gearbox that offers the seamless shifting required for a luxury Maserati and, on the other hand, theinstantaneous response for a performance Maserati.”

“Given its breadth of abilities, a level of exclusivity that is unrivalled and that it is the pinnacle of the Maserati legend, we are certain that it will account for the majority of GranTurismos sold in Australia,” adds Mr Butler.

Engine
The Maserati GranTurismo S Automatic is driven by an eight cylinder, 4691 cc 90 degree v-shaped engine that develops 323 kW at 7000 rpm and produces a maximum torque of 490 Nm at 4750 rpm. The timing is provided by two overhead camshafts per bank and four valves per cylinder controlled by hydraulic tappets. The overhead camshafts on the aspirated side are controlled by a low pressure, continual phase variator with actuation times of less than 0.15 seconds.
The increased power and torque is due to the higher capacity and the exhaust valves controlled by the driver. When on the move and at over 3000 rpm, pressing the ‘Sport’ button on the dashboard opens the valves to allow the exhaust gases to escape more quickly; the lower back-pressure means the engine reaches a peak power output of 323 kW.
Gearbox
The grand touring soul of the GranTurismo S Automatic shines through with the six-speed automatic transmission. The effect of the self-adapting automatic gearbox is especially felt at low to medium revs but does not affect power delivery higher up the rev range and allows changes to be made until 7200 rpm, a rate that no other automatic gearbox in the world can equal.
There are four function modes: Auto Normal is for comfortable cruising, Auto Sport is for those who like a sportier response, Auto ICE is for low grip conditions and then there is Manual mode. In manual, it is the driver who chooses when to change gear via the steering wheel paddles or the gear lever.
Chassis
The Maserati GranTurismo S Automatic reacts brilliantly thanks to its spot-on weight distribution: 49 per cent of the car’s mass sits over the front end and 51 per cent on the rear. This set up was achieved by shifting the engine behind the front axle and it gives the driver an unparalleled sense of security in any conditions.
The load-bearing chassis means greater rigidity and its high-resistance, box-steel structure allows the suspension to track every dip in the road. This enhances the car’s dynamic handling and ensures a more comfortable drive.
Suspension
The Maserati GranTurismo S Automatic’s precise handling benefits from front and rear wishbone suspension. The system’s ‘anti-dive’ and ‘anti-squat’ geometry prevents the front from dipping under braking and the rear end from squatting under acceleration.
The GranTurismo S Automatic comes with the Skyhook system as standard. This technology uses shock absorbers with an aluminium body to continually adjust the damping. Skyhook automatically selects the optimal level of damping and integrates with the Maserati Stability Programme (MSP) safety system and the calibration of the car’s automatic gearbox. The result is that the car is able to adapt to the characteristics of each driver – theGranTurismo is a car that fits like a glove.
The Skyhook system
The electronically controlled Skyhook suspension employs dampers with an aluminium body that continually adjust the damping for an improved ride. However, the system does not penalise performance or compromise the car’s sporty nature.
The Skyhook system acts by using acceleration sensors that detect movement on all four wheels and the body. A control unit processes the data it receives from the sensors, analyses the driving style and road surface and instantly adjusts the dampers accordingly via their proportional valves.

Maserati’s engineers have integrated the Skyhook suspension and transmission control systems so that the GranTurismo S Automatic is able to tweak the suspension settings so that the driver feels even less movement through the chassis during gear changes.
Opting for the ‘Sport’ setting results in a stiffer ride, less roll, more contained load transfer, greater agility and stability as well as allowing startling performance figures. The dedicated on board computer reduces gear shift times by 40 per cent and Skyhook switches from controlling the ride to focusing on the set up (body control), making the GranTurismo S Automatic easier to handle and giving it more grip. Together, the two systems combine to offer more precise, livelier gear changes.

Exterior

The Maserati GranTurismo S Automatic is built like an athlete. Although it maintains the purity of the original car’s lines, something echoed throughout the GranTurismo range, the Maserati coupé immediately catches the eye courtesy of the subtle aesthetic modifications it has undergone. On the GranTurismo S Automatic, new side skirts bring a more dynamic look, rendering Pininfarina’s work of art even more intriguing.

The new 20” wheel rims sport a fresh design with spokes that mirror the famous Trident logo, resulting in an elegant look.

The GranTurismo S Automatic continues the unique style of the GranTurismo range. A chrome Trident logo is suspended in the centre of the grille, one that features concave vertical slats. The front headlights are an aggressive addition to the protective front bumper, a stylistic element that has long distinguished Maserati coupés. In the space between the headlights is the traditional long, low bonnet. The bonnet’s classic ‘V’ shape is a feature that is echoed throughout the car.

The three chrome-profiled air inlets set behind the front wheels lend the GranTurismo an even more vibrant feel. The car’s lines were designed to lead the eye fluidly over its curves, from the robust front end to the sweeping rear.
Moving round the back of the GranTurismo, the oval version of the Maserati logo (known as ‘Saetta’) stands out. Alongside it is the rear light cluster, each with 96 LEDs, in a daring triangle. The wide aerodynamic diffusers sit under the bumper framing the exhaust pipes.

Interior

The GranTurismo S Automatic’s cabin reveals the true identity of the new Maserati coupé. Comfort levels have been improved and the luxurious touches taken up a notch. There is a sumptuous feel to the interior, one that offers an even wider range of personalisation options.

The driver and passengers will enjoy being in a refined cabin that has been crafted using time-honoured techniques.

Poltrona Frau® supply the supple leather found inside. This superbly finished leather is the result of months of attentive treatment. The sports profile front seats are roomy and can be controlled electronically while the ‘Easy Entry’ system shifts both seats to make getting in hassle free. All in all it is a spacious and sophisticated place to be.

The advanced Bose Surround Sound® audio system adds to the elevated quality of life on board. The eleven speakers have been designed especially for the car’s interior and deliver concert hall levels of performance.

Personalisation

For the GranTurismo range, Maserati offers a personalisation programme that is unlike any other in the world. This programme has been developed with the objective of allowing each client to create a made-to-measure GranTurismo S Automatic, a car that is the maximum expression of sports luxury.
The driver can opt for one of ten colours of Poltrona Frau leather, thirteen possible colours for the stitching, seven for the carpets (that include two new colours in Red and Bordeaux) and three types of prestigious wood to choose from (Walnut, Rosewood or the new polished Wengè); a variety that will satisfy even the most demanding client and render the cabin of any GranTurismo S Automatic a one-off.

Added to these are five lacquer finishes or Smoked Quarz and Alu Grey.

Both wheel rim designs come in two tints and there is a choiceof six colours for the brake callipers.

Customers visiting Maserati dealers can make the most of expert help in creating their dream car with the assistance of staff trained by Atelier Maserati, just like they would for a suit styled by a master tailor.

The Atelier provides examples of the available options for the interior thanks to a special table showing colour samples of the leathers, the carpets, the stitching and the finishes. Clients can also browse colours for the interior and exterior and feel for themselves how the different materials combine with one another, allowing them to check the options selected on the computerised Car Configurator.

Maserati GranTurismo S Automatic

Technical Information

ENGINE
Displacement: / 4691 cc
Compression ratio: / 11.16:1
Maximum power output: / 323 kW (440 bhp)
RPM at maximum power: / 7,000 rpm
Maximum torque: / 490 Nm (50 kgm)
RPM at maximum torque: / 4,750 rpm
Max engine speed: / 7,250 rpm
SIZE AND WEIGHT
Length: / 4881 mm
Width (with side mirrors): / 2056 mm
Height: / 1353 mm
Wheelbase: / 2942 mm
Curb weight: / 1880 kg
Boot capacity: / 260 L
Fuel tank capacity: / 86 L
Weight distribution: / 49% front / 51% rear
Turning circle: / 12.3 m
PERFORMANCE
Top speed: / 295 kmh
0-100 km/h: / 5.0 s
0-400 m: / 13.2 s
0-1000 m: / 23.3 s
CONSUMPTION AND EMISSIONS
Fuel Consumption (urban cycle) / 23.2 l/100 Km
Fuel Consumption (extra urban cycle) / 10.6 l/100 Km
Fuel Consumption (combined cycle) / 15.2 l/100 Km
CO2 emissions (combined cycle) / 354 (g/km)

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For further information, please contact

Edward Butler
/ Tel: +61 2 9701 8000
General Manager / Fax: +61 2 9701 3555
MaseratiAustralia and New Zealand / E:
Edward Rowe
/ Tel: +61 2 9701 8000
Public Relations Manager / Fax: +61 2 9701 3555
Maserati Australia and New Zealand / Mob: +61 407 913 244
E:
Maserati Media web site:
Australia:
New Zealand:

Release Number: Maserati_225

Date of release: 10/20/2018 4:59:18 PM