Maserati took the wraps off the Maserati GranTurismo at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this month (6 March 2007). It is due to arrive for an Australian and New Zealand launch in early 2008.

A true four seater and high-performance sports car rolled in to one, it is equipped with a V8 4.2 engine with 405 bhp at 7,100 rpm and a maximum torque of 460 Nm at 4,750 rpm, of which 75% is already achievable at 2,500 revs. Its maximum speed is 285 kph, and it accelerates from 0-100 in 5.2 seconds. Weight distribution is 49 per cent on the front, 51 per cent at the rear. The six speed gearbox is automatic with fully adaptive software which adjusts the gearchanges to the driving style and conditions.

The new model is 4,881 mm long with a wheel base of 2,942 mm. The standard wheel rim is 19” or 20” as an optional. Maserati claims that the interior dimensions guarantee all four occupants maximum comfort on short or long journeys.

The interior is divided longitudinally by the centre tunnel which almost distributes the available space between the passengers on the left and right sides. 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 create that sporty feeling of sitting low in the cockpit.

The new model has a number of special features such as the subtle chrome inlay that elegantly decorates the buttons on the dashboard and steering wheel, the Trident logo hand-crafted on the seat headrests, Alcantara trim lining the back of the gear change paddles, the leather belt fitting, front seats, beautifully handcrafted. The basic material inside is Poltrona Frau leather, individual hand-crafted and designed so that the leather is soft and cozy in winter, cool and fresh in summer.

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Adaptive light controls

The effective dual-xenon lights which are fitted to the Maserati GranTurismo can be enhanced by the steerable headlight function which improves illumination of the carriageway and surrounding areas and hence improves driving safety whilst traveling at night on very winding routes.

The electronic high and low beam control unit captures the instantaneous information relating to steering and angle as well as driving speed and actuates special electric motors to rotate the lights.

Maserati has even commissioned fashion designer Salvatore Ferragamo to create bespoke luggage for the new model, a large case, a weekend bag, beauty case, suit holder and dual-function shoe case.

The Maserati GranTurismo will go on sale in Australia and New Zealand early in 2008, when prices and specifications will be announced. For more info on the GranTurismo see our previous article.

Postscript

The Maserati GranTurismo has been unveiled on Friday (6 April 2007) at the New York International Auto Show. First seen at the Geneva International Motor Show in March, the Maserati GranTurismo will appear at the Sy