The GranTurismo, Tipo M145, is a grand tourer from the Italian firm, Maserati. Succeeding the 2001 - 2007 Maserati Coupe, the GranTurismo was joined by a convertible stablemate, the GranCabrio. With striking architecture from Pininfarina, the GranTurismo offers a contemporary blend of sports and luxury car, with a soundtrack that sounds like a concerto.
Two versions of the GranTurismo were available, the GranTurismo Sport and the GranTurismo MC. Both models received an update and facelift in 2018, redesigning the front and rear bumper for improved aerodynamics. The interior also saw the addition of a touchscreen infotainment system while the mechanicals remained untouched.
Despite the fact that it has recently been discontinued, the Maserati GranTurismo still presents an exciting, sports GT package with seating for four and rear-wheel drive.
Related: 5 Maserati GranTurismo accessories you didn’t know you needed.
Here are 3 things you need to know about the Maserati GranTurismo.
1. Ferrari DNA
The GranTurismo is available in two models, Sport and MC, and both are powered by a 4.7-litre, naturally aspirated V8 that is hand-built by Ferrari. Both models will offer 343 kW (460 hp) and 520 Nm torque from the front-mid-mount engine, making it good for a 0 - 100 km/h sprint of under 5-seconds. The Sport will do it in 4.8-seconds while the MC does it a fraction quicker at 4.7-seconds.
Top speeds differ ever so slightly with the Sport clocking 299 km/h and the MC maxing out at 301 km/h.
2. Impeccable handling
Thanks to Maserati's Skyhook Suspension, developed in conjunction with Mannesmann-Sachs, offers continuously variable damping through a series of proportional valves. Depending on the user-chosen setting, the GranTurismo can iron out the subtle undulation of the road or provide firm, race-like feedback to the driver. This system ensures that the GranTurismo has the right suspension setting for the given task at hand.
Sensors in the system allow the Skyhook Suspension to counter nose-diving and includes anti-roll controls to provide the most stable experience.
It's complemented by a hydraulic power steering system to provide the best feedback possible.
3. Swan Song
The Maserati GranTurismo and GranCabrio bowed out at the end of 2019 with production ending after a total of 28 805 GranTurismos were made. A total of 11 715 GranCabrios were produced.
The GranTurismo is set to be replaced by the Maserati Alfieri in 2021 with production to begin in 2020. initial reports suggest that the Alfieri will be powered by a V6 engine with three different outputs and a choice of rear or all-wheel drive. There is also reports that a plug-in hybrid and full-electric version is on the cards for later in 2021.
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