Maserati GranTurismo

Modena Art

Wheels Magazine
October, 2007

They say that wealth complicates rather than simplifies. It's a theory I've always struggled with, at least until I found myself gazing longingly at Maserati's new GranTurismo coupe and thinking, if I were in the unlikely position of having around $300K to spend on a new automotive extravagance, what would I buy?

Maserati suggests its GT coupe occupies a very specific, exclusive niche, one unsullied by rival brands. But in terms of premium-priced 2+2 grand tourer coupes, think Mercedes CL500, or Aston Martin's slightly pricier DB9. On the other hand, you could view the Maserati GT as a near-half-price alternative to Ferrari's epic 612 Scaglietti.

At almost 4.9m in length, the GT is a much bigger car than Maserati's entry-level Coupe/GranSport. It's also capable of accommodating four adults, and has its emphasis very much on the traditional grand touring role; that means space and comfort get top-line billing alongside the more expected Maserati qualities, like performance and dynamism.

Power comes from the same 4.2-litre V8 used in Maserati's other models, but with output nudged upwards slightly to 298kW.

For the time being, the only transmission option is the six-speed ZF automatic, recently fitted to the Quattroporte. Given the GT's touring aspirations, it's a logical choice.

Despite its sizeable footprint, the GranTurismo's styling deftly mixes grace with assertiveness, referencing traditional Maseratis without looking contrived, and for 3200GT fans, marks a return to LED rear lights.

On first inspection, construction seems to have taken a step forward, too, with consistent shut lines and doors that close with a solid thud. The interior is also significantly better than recent Maseratis. There was never a shortage of leather or wood, but the GT's supporting cast of plastics are more consistently high quality and the design is less cluttered.

The cockpit of the GranTurismo is a terrific place in which to relax on long hauls. The seat offers decent adjustment, as does the near-vertical wheel, which can be drawn close to your chest.

But it's the view ahead which best reminds you that this isn't any ordinary car. The beautifully trimmed dash, long bonnet and high arching front guards make the GT's romanticism impossible to ignore. The best news, though, is that you can share the experience with three of your friends or loved ones, as the rear-seat accommodation is generous. You can fit four adults in this car without too many compromises, something not possible in the DB9, for starters.

As long as you remember the GT's touring remit, the driving experience will be entirely agreeable. The ride is comfortable even on the standard 19-inch rims; there's the option of adjustable Skyhook suspension if you want to soften things further, but the standard setting is sufficiently pliable.

The auto transmission really is a nice fit for the GT's role, as it's far more fluid and less intrusive than the company's automated manual. True, it robs a little engine response and we'd prefer it to hold ratios in its manual mode, but this seems a fair trade given the GT's mandate. It's the same ZF unit that Jaguar uses; a shame, then, that Maserati's programming isn't as slick. Down-changes do without the XKR's neat automated blip.

For a touring car (and one as large as this), the performance and handling are more than adequate. There's sufficient power to cruise effortlessly and overtake with confidence, and thanks to its even weight distribution, the GT changes direction keenly. Push harder, however - beyond, say 70 percent - and the GranTurismo starts to struggle slightly, the engine fighting the car's 1880kg, especially against an incline. Although Maserati claims similar performance figures, the GT has less torque than its rivals, so in real-world driving it feels slower. There's no question it could use a bit more muscle - the grunt of its atmo 4.2-litre V8 is well short of that from cheaper alternatives like Jaguar's XKR.

Equally, if you're planning to throw the GT about, you might wish for a slightly firmer set-up; its natural tendency is to understeer, although this can be neutralised if the corner is long and your commitment firm. In reality, though, this would seem unlikely - what the GT does well is cruise, and cruise with authority and serenity. In most respects this is a well-rounded machine, delivering all the character and allure you'd expect of a Maserati.

So as a grand tourer it triumphs, but its style is so infectious that the GranTurismo could steal sales from more sporting rivals. One thing is for sure: for those with the means, the decision is more complicated than ever. But a Maserati is now among the top choices.

To comment on this article click here