As soon as the wraps came off Maseratiâs new GranTurismo coupe at this yearâs Geneva auto show, we realized the preview photos didnât begin to do full justice to the gorgeous car we saw in the flesh. The graceful Pininfarina-designed GT, with styling inspired by the Pininfarina Birdcage 75th concept car, even managed to steal everyoneâs eyes away from the sexy models perched around Maseratiâs show stand. The GT is scheduled for launch in Europe and America in September, and though pricing hasnât yet been determined, weâre told the GTâs cost in Europe should fall somewhere between 110,000 and 115,000 euros. Only 1,500 GTs are due to be built in the first, short year of production, but Maserati expects to build around 7,000 GTs in 2008...
Although fashioned around a shortened version of the Quattroporteâs chassis, the GT is a generously proportioned two-door with a 192-inch overall length and 115-inch wheelbase. Power comes from the same Ferrari-sourced 4.2-liter V-8 thatâs fitted in the Quattroporte, but output has been increased to 405 horsepower and maximum torque is 339 lb-ft, of which 75 percent is available as low as 2500 rpm. Maserati says the GT will accelerate from zero to 62 mph in 5.2 seconds and achieve a top speed of 177 mph.
Power runs to the rear wheels through a ZF 6-speed automatic, the same transmission that has also found its way into the Quattroporte Automatica. Gear selection is either with the console shift lever or standard steering-wheel-mounted paddles. In contrast to the former coupeâs rear transaxle design, the GTâs transmission is placed conventionally, just behind the engine, which helps free up rear-seat room and elevates the cabin beyond a 2+2 configuration and into a genuine four-seater, with enough room to haul two adults in back without complaint. Weight distribution remains a sporty 49 percent front and 51 percent rear.
As with the Quattroporte, the GTâs interior is straightforward, free of gimmicks, and as comfortable as your own living room â that is, if your living room was pulled straight out of a designerâs showcase home. The soft Poltrona Frau leather (we donât know what "Poltrona" means, either, but itâs obvious only the best cows were recruited for the hides) is to complement the GTâs atmosphere of haute couture, Maserati is offering a five-piece luggage set designed by Salvatore Ferragamo to fit snugly in the trunk.
It was appropriate that Maserati chose Geneva for the debut of the new GranTurismo. Sixty years ago, Geneva was also used to launch another Pininfarina classic, the A6 GranTurismo, the first Maserati built for public roads. Ten years later, in 1957, Maserati again used Geneva to present its first standard gran turismo, the 3500 GT, the car that transformed the small Italian company into a fully fledged carmaker, with road-going cars taking priority for the first time over racing machines.
The GTâs combination of sex appeal, performance and luxurious cockpit should go a long way toward making the Maserati badge a much more common sight on American roads. -- Greg N. Brown, Contributor
Power runs to the rear wheels through a ZF 6-speed automatic, the same transmission that has also found its way into the Quattroporte Automatica. Gear selection is either with the console shift lever or standard steering-wheel-mounted paddles. In contrast to the former coupeâs rear transaxle design, the GTâs transmission is placed conventionally, just behind the engine, which helps free up rear-seat room and elevates the cabin beyond a 2+2 configuration and into a genuine four-seater, with enough room to haul two adults in back without complaint. Weight distribution remains a sporty 49 percent front and 51 percent rear.
As with the Quattroporte, the GTâs interior is straightforward, free of gimmicks, and as comfortable as your own living room â that is, if your living room was pulled straight out of a designerâs showcase home. The soft Poltrona Frau leather (we donât know what "Poltrona" means, either, but itâs obvious only the best cows were recruited for the hides) is to complement the GTâs atmosphere of haute couture, Maserati is offering a five-piece luggage set designed by Salvatore Ferragamo to fit snugly in the trunk.
It was appropriate that Maserati chose Geneva for the debut of the new GranTurismo. Sixty years ago, Geneva was also used to launch another Pininfarina classic, the A6 GranTurismo, the first Maserati built for public roads. Ten years later, in 1957, Maserati again used Geneva to present its first standard gran turismo, the 3500 GT, the car that transformed the small Italian company into a fully fledged carmaker, with road-going cars taking priority for the first time over racing machines.
The GTâs combination of sex appeal, performance and luxurious cockpit should go a long way toward making the Maserati badge a much more common sight on American roads. -- Greg N. Brown, Contributor
iancar says:
08:07 AM, 03/ 6/07
Compare to A5, this one is hot enough to burn.
ateixeira says:
10:00 AM, 03/ 6/07
Beautiful, though it does have that door stop look to it. Aston Martin still does it better.
trackwrex says:
10:24 AM, 03/ 6/07
doesn't it resemble a sturgeon? i mean, don't get me wrong, I absolutely LOVE this car... but you know, i have to be fair, it looks like a fish... or a nurse shark! side gills and all! the back end leaves something to be desired but personally, i still think this car is beautiful! :)
sddoc07 says:
01:11 PM, 03/ 6/07
I am in love. BACK TO WORK (must....work.....harder....longer.....)!
estreka says:
06:29 PM, 03/ 6/07
"it looks like a fish... or a nurse shark!"
Actually I see a lot of stingray in it, Corvette Stingray. Those flairs are beautiful.
jacksokm says:
01:12 PM, 03/ 7/07
theres something a little wrong with the tail lights area. Regardless, its still a stunning looking car.