Maserati Takes New York with new GranTurismo S

A year after the unveiling of the highly successful GranTurismo, Maserati is back in New York City with yet another North American premiere. The Maserati GranTurismo S represents the ultimate expression of the Marque's design expertise in building a passionate, driver-focused sports-luxury car.

The new 4.7 liter V8 engine, electro-actuated gearbox with fast MC Shift, Transaxle layout, sporty exhaust and brakes made with dual-cast technology make the GranTurismo S the new flagship for Maserati sporting flair, with acceleration from 0 to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds and a maximum speed of 183 mph, the highest ever reached by a production Maserati.

The compact and lightweight 4.7 liter V8 engine develops maximum power output of 433 hp (440 CV) at 7,000 rpm and peak torque of 361 lb. ft. at 4,750 rpm, and ensures high specific power output and more torque at lower speeds as well, without affecting the capacity to up the revs quickly, typical of racing engines. The increase in power output and torque has not affected the versatility of the power unit, which continues to be readily harnessed even during everyday use. It sounds deep and throaty, but the exhaust valve pneumatic control can also be activated to make it more discrete.

      

An electro-actuated 6-speed gearbox is paired with the 4.7 liter V8 engine, and has MC-Shift software which harnesses the new engine's power output, ensuring new unbeatable gearshift performance in terms of the whole sports car range.

      

The gearshift solution known as MC-Shift program is the most important innovation of the electro-actuated system on the Maserati GranTurismo S: this includes management software and special hardware components which give top performance in terms of gearshift times.

      

The engine and gearbox on the Maserati GranTurismo S are arranged in the Transaxle layout, typical of high-performance sports cars and representing the technological DNA of Maseratis. The front-mounted engines, and the gearbox, located to the rear, are rigidly connected by a tubular element containing the driveshaft. This solution gives excellent weight distribution, 47% over the front axle and 53% over the rear axle, which translates into excellent dynamics and top performance.

      

Looking through the spokes of the new "Neptune" design 20" rims on the GranTurismo S you can see the high-performance brake system developed in collaboration with Brembo. The system features front brake discs made with dual-cast technology - a dual casting of cast iron and aluminum, paired with aluminum mono-bloc 6-piston brake calipers.

      

This technology, introduced for the first time in the automotive field on the Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT S, optimizes the braking system's performance, by emphasizing pedal feel and increasing fatigue-resistance in extreme conditions.

      

At the wheel, the Maserati GranTurismo S is more rigid and compact, thanks to the suspension layout developed specifically to support the new weight distribution. Vehicle roll has been reduced significantly as a result of the modified springs, bars and dampers, and this has benefited handling and performance.

      

On the outside the Maserati GranTurismo S is distinguished by a number of aesthetic modifications that, although discrete, are highly effective and serve to make the car body appear even sportier without abandoning the sleekness of the lines masterfully designed by Pininfarina. The integrated spoiler in the trunk lid and the new-design side skirts help to improve the flows around the car. On top of that, the Maserati GranTurismo S boasts new specially designed 20" rims, which resemble the Trident, Maserati's symbol. The sporty look is complemented by the generously proportioned oval-section exhaust tailpipes. The radiator grille and headlight casings are black, while the Trident on the grille and the oval badge below the hood are embossed in red, in true Maserati racing tradition.

      

The interior upholstered in Poltrona Frau leather and Alcantara (used for the steering wheel and center of the seat with the option to extend to the whole of the headlining) reflect the sporty flair of the Maserati GranTurismo S; the front and rear seats are distinguished by their new dynamic design with horizontal piping on the seats and seatbacks.

      

As an alternative to the standard leather/Alcantara, trim classic interiors are available in all Poltrona Frau leather, or in full-grain Pekary leather with a sporty and more refined look.

             

QUATTROPORTE GT S: A HARD-EDGED SET UP

      

The Quattroporte Sport GT S, also on display in New York, is an extreme expression of the sportiness of Maserati's flagship model. It is a car for those looking for the thrills of the race-track even in a luxury sedan.

      

With automatic 6-speed transmission, it stands out for its remarkably dynamic on-road behavior and uncompromising handling. In particular, there are two technical solutions that distinguish this model: the single-calibration shock absorbers, the new lower, stiffer suspension, and the braking system developed from the dual-cast brake disc, the result of a partnership with Brembo, used for the first time in the automotive industry on the Quattroporte Sport GT S.

      

The car also has a more aggressive look: black-chrome honeycomb mesh grille, twin exhaust pipes finished in black, door handles to match the bodywork and seven-spoke 20" wheel rims in the new Dark Chrome finish. The interiors are every bit as striking: carbon detailing with a new aluminum weave design, restyled front seats for improved comfort, great stability for chest and legs in racing mode, and the traditional Poltrona Frau leather combined with Alcantara.

             

GRANTURISMO, ONE YEAR ON

      

The debut of the GranTurismo S comes in the wake of the now consolidated success of the Maserati GranTurismo - which is still turning heads and winning critical and public acclaim exactly one year after its world debut. By the end of 2007, the GranTurismo was parked in the garages of no fewer than 1326 customers, with a further order backlog totaling over 2300.

      

The reasons behind its success are plain for all to see: the exclusive, exquisite lines penned by Pininfarina conceal a sporty, aggressive vehicle with a sparkling performance, suitable for everyday driving thanks to its excellent handling. Total comfort is guaranteed by the excellent quality of materials, attention to detail and spacious interior. The rear seats can comfortably accommodate two adults, even on long journeys.

      

The engine compartment houses a V8 4.2 liter engine (405 HP at 7100 rpm), capable of a top speed of 177 mph. With acceleration of 0-60 in 5.1 seconds, an exciting drive and thrilling performance are guaranteed.

       The success of the Maserati GranTurismo began 60 years ago, when the Modena manufacturer launched 58 units of the A6 Gran Turismo styled by Pininfarina. Ten years later, it was the turn of the first standard GranTurismo, the 3500 GT, a car which marked a turning point for the company as it shifted its attention from racing cars to road going production, turning out 1983 units of the 3500 GT in seven years. Those days may be long gone, but they have been well and truly revived with the 2007 version of the GranTurismo.