City Supercar
The Maserati GranTurismo is already a big hit with the entire production run for 2007 sold out. We found it perform true to its promises

Introduced at the 2007 Geneva Motorshow and launched locally in November, the Maserati GranTurismo is a car that will be talked about for a long time to come, a fact that is evident in the excellent reception it has received from car enthusiasts, to the extent that the entire production run for 2007 was sold out as soon as the marketing began. Recently, the company took some journalists to get a feel of the muscular Maserati GranTurismo and test it on the roads of Oman.

Exterior
The new Maserati GranTurismo makes use of the experience that the company gained with the Quattroporte in the luxury model segment, interpreting in an absolutely unique manner the concepts that had made the Quattroporte the success it was.

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. A large oval grille with the trident at the centre, blended with a sleek and sinuous car body, supported by robust fenders exude the strength and elegance of the GranTurismo. The proportions of the GranTurismo grab attention immediately and beg you to discover in detail the innovative and traditional features that Pininfarina, in a classic example of Italian style, has managed to combine with cutting-edge research.

The merit is of the architecture on which it is developed, derived directly from the Quattroporte sedan but suitably modified to mirror the ‘GT’ theme, with a sporty look adapted for a luxury product. The dashboard (at the centre of which is framed the inevitable analogue clock, as befits tradition) has a fluid form, raised more at the centre and snug on the sides, due to the chrome inlay fitted not only on the door panels, but also on the rear side panels.

The new bearing body design boasts a construction with a mix of materials and technologies for weight optimisation: the structural part is made of steel, the bonnet and bumper front from reinforced aluminium, whilst the boot is constructed with thermosetting plastic material (Sheet Moulding Compound [SMC] technology).

The boot consists of a single skin that incorporates the aerodynamic lip; the SMC technology not only keeps the component weight down and is more resistant to damage and corrosion, it also has left the designer more room to apply his creative flair.

Interior
The Maserati GranTurismo guarantees all four passengers the maximum comfort, thanks to the spaciousness, which is more than what is the average for the segment.

Usually, in such cars, it is the comfort of the rear passengers that is the first to suffer when new features are added on. But, on the Maserati GranTurismo, the sleek sporty style combines perfectly with the generous and superior proportions, comforting the rear passengers with a centre pull-up armrest and two climate control vents.

Movement of both front seats is fully electric, with adjustable lumbar support on the driver’s seat. A sports configuration has been chosen and the seatback guarantees a high level of comfort even as it supports the top half of the body and legs when negotiating bends at top speeds.

Everyday enjoyment also means having a sufficient number of storage compartments: for smaller items and the driver and passenger seats have pockets in their door panels and a convenient day receptacle located next to the gear lever.

Engine
The heart of the Maserati GranTurismo is the 4,244 cc V8, which belongs to the new generation of Maserati power units, having been designed at the start of 2007 for the Maserati Quattroporte’s automatic gearbox versions.

The basic technical options for these new engines have been designed to ensure high specific power and rapid rise and fall in engine revs typical of competition engines, but with particular attention to fuel consumption, smooth running and silent operation.

The V8 adopted for the Maserati GranTurismo has been fine-tuned when compared to the engine fitted on the Quattroporte’s automatic versions in order to enhance its responsiveness to the throttle controls. In this configuration, it delivers the maximum power of 405hp at 7,100 revs and maximum torque of 460Nm at 4,750 revs, of which 75 per cent is already available at 2,500 revs.

Compact and light (180Kg), the short stroke engine incorporates a crankcase and cylinder heads (with head cover in Maserati Blue) made of aluminium silicon alloy. The timing has twin chain-driven overhead camshafts per bank; four valves per cylinder controlled by hydraulic caps.

Drive
The high rigidity valves allow the suspensions to work with excellent precision to the benefit of dynamic handling, whilst also reducing vibration and unwanted movements of the internal components. This optimises on-board comfort over any road surface condition. The frame of the Maserati GranTurismo derives from the Quattroporte, with reduced wheelbase and rear overhang. What makes the Maserati GranTurismo such fun to drive, responsive to commands and safe in every driving condition is a balanced weight distribution with a slightly greater load on the rear axle.

This lay-out, which has been achieved by moving the engine back behind the front axle, translates into uncomplicated and predictable performance which makes everyday driving so easy, maximises traction when accelerating (particularly on low grip surfaces) and road holding (lateral acceleration 1g). It also results in exceptionally stable and balanced car performance even during emergency manoeuvres.

Steering responsiveness and precision also contribute to driving pleasure, comfort and safety, as well as to the sensation felt by the driver. The electronic servo-system ensures that the power steering action is always related to driving speed, so that there is always the right sensation when driving at high speeds and a light and comfortable feel when manoeuvring. The chassis of the Maserati GranTurismo features front and rear wishbone suspensions with forged aluminium hubs and arms in order to ensure a reduction in the unhung masses.

For anyone unwilling to make compromises, the Maserati GranTurismo may be fitted on request with aluminium gas dampers, which use the Skyhook system for automatic continuous damping control, and thus ensure that any surface unevenness is absorbed and the highest level of comfort guaranteed without penalising performance and sportiness.

Summary
The GranTurismo is suitable for everyday use, with excellent handling, a very sporty feel and a thrilling drive. It is also a car, which pays attention to comfort, materials, details, with large interior space and a capacity of up to four adult people, which is greater than the average for the segment.