The 2008 Maserati GranTurismo
Why It's Special:
Just when you think the legendary design house of Pininfarina can’t do any better, that they have reached automotive design nirvana, they give birth to another masterpiece that blows away all expectations. Enter the 2007 Maserati GranTurismo, an absolutely jaw-dropping, rolling work of art. Inspiration was found in the classic 1954 Maserati A6GCS Berlinetta Pininfarina and the futuristic Birdcage 75th concept. The goal was to create a car which evokes dynamism, modernity, sensuality and passion. Those who have witnessed the GranTurismo can testify that Pininfarina’s goals were not only achieved, but surpassed.
Under The Hood:
The car has both gorgeous lines and amazing detail. Take the taillights for example; they are composed of 95 individual LED’s each! And don’t think the styling is all eye candy either -- the aero-friendly shape is brutally efficient with a 0.33 coefficient of drag. In addition to the gorgeous styling there is plenty of Ferrari DNA injected into the GranTurismo. The 4.2 DOHC V8 was developed with Ferrari and cranks out 405hp @ 7,000rpm. To suit the GT profile the engine has been tuned to develop 339 lb-ft of torque, of which 75% is available at a lowly 2,500rpm.
Consequently, 0-60mph is covered in 5.1 seconds and flat out the GranTurismo will reach 177mph. In addition to the enormous power and performance levels, the engine is so compact it is actually mounted behind the front axle. The result is a 49/51% weight distribution, truly an amazing accomplishment considering both the engine and transmission are front-mounted. The GranTurismo’s transmission, a 6-speed automatic, is sourced from the specialist firm ZF, and features a sport mode which lowers shift times by 40%. Driver’s can choose from fully automatic operation or use the chrome paddle shifters in semi-automatic mode.
Power is routed to the ground via a self-locking mechanical differential and combined with the rear heavy weight distribution results in amazing levels of grip. Corner carving is handled by a fully independent front and rear suspension featuring forged-aluminum control arms and hubs. The suspension itself is designed with anti-dive and anti-squat geometry, a crucial feature in heavier GT cars. For those wanting even more from their GranTurismo’s suspension, a Maserati’s Skyhook system is available and features continuously adjustable aluminum dampers. Keeping the GranTurismo from altering any of its aesthetic features is the job of 330mm 4-piston caliper Brembo disc brakes, both front and back.
The Verdict:
To sum it all up Maserati has really outdone themselves with the GranTurismo. In an already saturated market segment, people are lined up around the block to get on the waiting list. In the UK alone 300 orders were placed before the car even debuted, further proving and cementing the legendary marque’s return to greatness.
// Continue to the 2007 Audi S5 Vehicle Overview //