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MASERATI GRANTURISMO SPORT ARRIVES IN AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND
The latest version of the Maserati GranTurismo has arrived in Australia and New Zealand delivering more style, performance and equipment but minus a price increase, with prices staying the same as the GranTurismo S variants the new model replaces.
“Maserati decided that the depth and breadth of the changes to the GranTurismo were sufficient to warrant a change in the name of the variants to indicate the significance of the changes,” says Glen Sealey, General Manager of Maserati Australia and New Zealand. “As is often case elsewhere in the industry, this would normally also be the excuse for a price rise, but standing alongside Maserati’s legendary performance, style and the glorious noise they make, is a reputation for a full standard equipment list and competitive pricing, so we have taken the decision to go against normal industry practice and hold prices while boosting equipment and specificationsin launching the new Maserati GranTurismo Sport.”
There are now two variants of the Maserati GranTurismo in Australia, the GranTurismo fitted with the 4.2 litre 298 kW engine matched to an advanced six speed transmission and the Maserati GranTurismo Sport with the 4.7 litre 338 kW engine – up sevenkilowatts. The GranTurismo Sport has a choice of a six speed automatic gearbox, fitted for the first time with the aggressive MC Auto Shift package, or the MC Shift robotized manual which, uniquely, is fitted in a different position to the automatic gearbox, using a rear transaxle position to provide an even greater rear weight balance.
The upgrades to the drivetrain of the middle variant are particularly significant for the Australian and New Zealand markets as this is the top selling variant and, for the first time, it has the same power and torque as the top variant and it is fitted with the same split personality automatic gearbox which offers a seamless combination of smooth self-shifting operation and, when called upon, an unrivalled level of aggression and instant response. Fitted to the Maserati Quattroporte Sport GTS, this gearbox has played a major contribution to this variant being the best-selling version of the four door Maserati. And, as a final stamp of approval for the changes, the automatic version of the 4.7 litre GranTurismo now has the revised exhaust outlets and bypass flaps in the exhaust system to enable it to match the MC Shift version sound for sound, volume for volume when it comes to Maserati’s remarkable aural experience.
The arrival of the new Maserati GranTurismo Sport will not only be heralded by its unrivaled engine note, but also visually recognised by the race track developed nose. Straight from the Maserati Trofeo series by way of the limited edition GranTurismo MC Stradale it adds a new aggression to the front of the four seat coupe, enhanced by the ‘Shadow line’ trim and completed at the rear by the smoked ‘fume’ rear light lenses and details such as the new matt blue brake calipers. Safety is enhanced by the revised headlights with LED day time driving lights and new standard parking sensors that operate over a wider spread of width and height to give quicker and more useful warning of hazards.
Stylish the new interior may be, but it is not without intelligent design, as is often the case in cars with lower levels of design integrity. The new front seats, derived like the new nose from the motorsport programme, are more figure hugging and boast a new upholstery design that is clearly linked to Maserati’s motorsport heritage past and present. However, their clever design also liberates an extra 20 mm of leg room for the rear seat passengers, further enhancing their comfort. Speaking of the rear seats, they have been redesigned so that they match the new upholstery design. The design is full leather in the automatic GranTurismo Sport and with Alcantara inserts in the MC Shift variant.
For the driver, there is a new steering wheel with multifunction controls laid out with the expertise provided by the Maserati motorsport programmes and complimented by the drilled aluminumpedals.
“As the fastest selling Maserati since the foundation of the company nearly 100 years ago, the GranTurismo has set a business benchmark for the company as much as it has in terms of style, performance and comfort for the industry,” says Glen Sealey. “These changes will enable GranTurismo to maintain its position as a key element in the Maserati range and provide a link to the new models set to arrive over the next two years, as well providing the benchmark for exclusive performance coupes.”
2013 Maserati GranTurismo Prices – Australia
Recommended prices not including statutory charges and delivery for the exclusive use of the media and automotive data companies from 1 October 2012
Maserati GranTurismoGranTurismo / 4.2 litre 298 kW V8 / Six speed automatic / $288,800
GranTurismo Sport auto / 4.7 litre 338 kW V8 / Six speed automatic / $308,000
GranTurismo Sport MC Shift / 4.7 litre 338 kW V8 / Six speed sequential / $345,000
2013 Maserati GranTurismo Prices – New Zealand
Recommended prices not including delivery for the exclusive use of the media and automotive data companies from 1 October 2012
Maserati GranTurismoGranTurismo / 4.2 litre 298 kW V8 / Six speed automatic / $275,000
GranTurismo Sport auto / 4.7 litre 338 kW V8 / Six speed automatic / $295,000
GranTurismo Sport MC Shift / 4.7 litre 338 kW V8 / Six speed sequential / $325,000
The Maserati GranTurismo in detail
GRANTURISMO – THE FASTEST EVER SELLING MASERATI
The rebirth of the Maserati legend started with the Coupe and Spider, two models that established a consistent demand for the cars from Modena. Inspired by the success of these two models, Maserati produced a truly inspiring car, the Quattroporte, a car that has become the bestselling Maserati during its near 100 year history and which sent other car makers scurrying back to their design centres to try and match its elusive mix of style, performance and luxury. With the GranTurismo set another benchmark – the fastest ever selling Maserati.
How has it achieved this record?
Style and exclusivity
- Design with an immediate visual impact unmatched by its competitors:
- Style inspired by the lines of the acclaimed Pininfarina Birdcage 75th concept car
- Style and dimensions blend into a thoroughbred and ultra-sporty car body, but never going over the top, always well-proportioned and elegant
- True personalization that allows each owner to drive a car that reflects their personality.
Driving Emotion:
- A high technology engine that produces not just power and with a high specific power output but also with a uniquely distinctive all-enveloping sound that provides a strong emotional response
- A choice of a hydraulic converter transmission with gear change up to 7,200 rpm or the MC Shift robotized manual gearbox for instantaneous responses
- Drivetrain choice: balanced weight distribution: 49% front – 51% rear for the automatic or greater rear bias, 47% - 53% for the MC Shift variant
Everyday enjoyment:
- More room in the back than the average for the segment
- Rear seats fitted to accommodate two adults even on long journeys
- Pleasure of being on board: attractive design, wide range of materials and color combinations available
But as with all greatness, the strength is in the details. Here are those details:
STYLING
The stylistic features of the Maserati GranTurismo can be traced back immediately to the legacy of the Trident, in particular the Maserati A6GCS, and to a boundless future illustrated by the Birdcage 75th concept car through a clear aesthetic language consisting of words such as: dynamism, modernity, sensuality and passion.
Inspired by the forms of the Birdcage 75th, the exterior appears muscular with a natural and decisive fluidity of volumes which start from the impressive grille and mark out the whole side up to the rear lights; the fenders hang over the large wheels to create a powerful and elegant form drawn tightly over the mechanics.
The dynamism of the side view is accentuated by the reduced overhangs as well as the long bonnet furrowed with the classic “V” streak; three air intakes in pure Maserati style and the chrome profile lighten the front fender.
The side is distinguished by chrome features that convey light: the Maserati logo on the rear pillar, the profile of the grilles on the front fender, the door handles, and the frame marking out the glass surface.
The imposing and dynamic front shows in plan view the traditional Maserati V form which culminates in the large oval grille alongside the headlamps which develop horizontally blending perfectly into the form of the fenders. The grille marked by vertical concave fillets is adorned with a large chrome Trident which appears to be suspended in the middle with all-round visibility.
The rear of the car gives further emphasis to performance and technology: the triangular lights use 96 LED lights which ensure immediate night-time recognition are now fitted with Fume smoked lenses; a wind tunnel designed ample aerodynamic cone framed at the sides by chrome exhaust tailpipes sits over the bottom part of the bumper.
INTERIOR
Sports car it may be in terms of performance, style and emotional engagement, but the Maserati GranTurismo is a real four seater with a genuine boot. Capable and practical – words not usually associated with cars in this category – the Maserati GranTurismo offers everyday usability in equal measure to exhilaration.
Design
The key words that describe the interior style are: modernity, elegance, craftsmanship, sportiness, livability.
The interior is divided longitudinally by the center tunnel with distributes the available space between the passengers.
The dashboard lies horizontally and features right along its top a decorative “V” shaped element, the distinctive feature of the Maserati marque. By drawing attention to the top part of the dashboard this helps to create that sporty feeling of sitting close to the floor.
The decorative features are found (with different shapes) not only on the dashboard but also on the door panels and rear panels; these also represent the main areas that can be personalized in terms of material, treatment and color, thereby serving to emphasize the exclusivity of the interiors.
The controls are distributed in such a way as to give the driver the feeling of total control: the main dynamic functions are managed through the driver buttons located on the driver’s side dashboard, and inserted in an aluminum colored decorative feature. The most used multimedia functions can be controlled through the buttons on the steering wheel, and displayed on the 7” screen of the Maserati Multi Media System located in the centre of the dashboard in a raised position for improved visibility.
The attention to detail exudes from a number of features such as the subtle chrome inlay that elegantly decorates the buttons on the dashboard and steering wheel and the Trident logo hand-crafted on the seat headrests.
Comfort
The interior of the Maserati GranTurismo offers those sitting both in the front and the rear maximum comfort, thanks to the spaciousness, which is greater than the average for the segment. The Maserati GranTurismo guarantees to all four passengers maximum comfort also on long journeys.
Usually on this type of car it is the rear passengers, who are sacrificed most of all; on the Maserati GranTurismo, the sleek sporty style combines perfectly with the generous and superior proportions of its most direct competitors, making the rear seats usable by adults even on long journeys.
New Front seats
The new front seats boast a designed that is not just aesthetically pleasing in its emphasis of the sporting nature of the car, they also are practical, liberating an extra 20 mm of leg space for rear seat passengers.
Movement of both front seats is fully electric, with adjustable lumbar support on the driver’s seat. In addition, the seats are fitted with memories on the driver’s side, three-temperature heating of seat, electrically adjustable steering column with easy entry/exit function, the steering column is raised/lowered automatically when the door is opened to make entry and exit easier.
A sports configuration has been chosen for the seat and seatback that guarantees a high level of comfort whilst at the same time supporting the top half of the body and legs when negotiating bends at top speeds.
The internally-lined leather seat belt fitting is a valuable aid for wearing the seat belt and also represents a tangible sign of craftsmanship and an eye for detail.
In keeping with the sporty design of the seats there is the leather-covered three-spoke steering wheel, with a reduced diameter (Ø 375 mm) and ergonomic grip.
Everyday enjoyment also means having a sufficient number of storage compartments: for smaller items and the driver and passenger have available the pockets in the door panels and a convenient day receptacle located next to the gear lever. The compartment in the center armrest (Capacity 5 liters) and the lockable glove box (capacity 3.5 liters) can be used for larger items. The pockets on the door panels and enclosed compartments are lined in material that is pleasant to touch.
On the center tunnel there are two large illuminated cup-holders that are easy for the driver and passenger to reach; the cup-holders can be used as extra day receptacles as necessary.
Rear seats
Thanks to the easy entry system on the driver and passenger side the front seats move forward electrically to give easy access to the rear seats. Two single seats have been reserved for those sitting behind, perfectly suitable for two adults as well.
Comfort in the back is assured by the center pull-up armrest and two climate control vents; a further sign of the attention paid to the rear passengers are the two cup-holders (the same as the front ones) located on the center tunnel, the courtesy lights and the day receptacle located on the tunnel which, combined with the side pockets, complete the set of onboard compartments.
Personalization - Choice of materials and personalization options
The basic material used for the interior of the Maserati GranTurismo is Poltrona Frauleather, a true expression of Italian craftsmanship, both as regards the rich quality of the raw material used and the traditional processing techniques adopted.
The Poltrona Frauleathers used for the interior trim of the Maserati GranTurismo are the product of a thorough selection process, designed to ensure the highest quality and pleasurable contact with the natural material. The refined processes that they undergo add durability, strength and practicality to the attractive appearance and soft-to-the-touch quality.
The natural character and distinctive process used, which combines original mechanical solutions and individual hand-craftsmanship, make the leather soft and cosy in winter, cool and fresh in summer, and give it that very particular feature that makes ageing a factor that actually enhances the quality.
Given that the range of leathers spans ten shades, the customer can select the preferred color combination for the seats, dashboard/rear shelf and steering wheel/gear lever knob, which can be matched to the color of the stitching, carpets and headlining.
The decorative features of the dashboard and door panels/rear sides are other areas that can be personalized. The procedure used to develop both the wood and varnish kits meets the industrial process standards required to ensure top quality, whilst at the same time entailing a high level of individual craftsmanship during the stages with the highest added value.
The decorative features in genuine wood are obtained through a “plating” process: several layers of construction wood and a final layer of genuine wood are laid on a metallic support; a non-reversible single unit is obtained by exploiting parameters such as pressure, temperature and time.
The special “blank” obtained in this way is then prepared for the finishing operations using fully manual “smoothing”, “bleaching” (to eliminate impurities), “tinting” (to have color consistency for all the kit components) and “isolation” (so that the finishing varnish adheres perfectly) processes; the final stages are “felting” and “polishing” which gives the special bright shiny effect desired.
Varnishing follows the same process used to produce the shiny surfaces of pianos; up to 7 coats of varnish are required in which the colored pigment is dissolved followed by polishing to obtain the desired reflecting effect.