Maserati GranTurismo
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| Maserati GranTurismo | |
|---|---|
| Name | Maserati GranTurismo |
| Manufacturer | Maserati |
| Production | 2007–2019 |
| Assembly | Modena, Italy |
| Class | Grand tourer (S) |
| Body style | 2-door coupé, convertible |
| Layout | Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive |
| Engine | 4.2 L V8, 4.7 L V8 |
| Designer | Giorgetto Giugiaro, Pininfarina |
Maserati GranTurismo The Maserati GranTurismo is a grand tourer produced by Maserati from 2007 to 2019, combining Italian coachbuilding traditions with modern performance and luxury. Conceived during ownership by Ferrari-linked management and launched under the stewardship of Domenico Siniscalco-era strategies, the GranTurismo used engines developed in collaboration with Ferrari and design cues by Pininfarina and Giugiaro-influenced studios. It competed directly with grand tourers from Aston Martin, Bentley, Jaguar, and Mercedes-Benz.
Development and Design
Development began after Maserati's integration into the Fiat S.p.A. family, with engineering input from Ferrari and styling overseen by Pininfarina and later refinements influenced by Giovanni Bertone-era concepts. The GranTurismo's proportions referenced classic grand tourers such as the Maserati A6G, while blending cues from contemporary models like the Ferrari 612 Scaglietti and Aston Martin DB9. Exterior design emphasized a long hood, short deck and cabin set back on the chassis, reflecting the aesthetics championed by Giorgetto Giugiaro, Leonardo Fioravanti, and elements traceable to Carrozzeria Touring Superleggera. Interior architecture incorporated luxury materials and ergonomics informed by collaborations with Poltrona Frau and components shared across the Stellantis group heritage.
Models and Specifications
The GranTurismo range launched with the base coupé and later added the GranCabrio convertible, the performance-oriented S and MC variants, and limited-run models overseen by Maserati's in-house bespoke divisions. Powerplants included a 4.2-litre V8 and a later 4.7-litre V8 produced alongside Ferrari units used in models comparable to the Ferrari F430 derivative family. Transmissions were supplied by ZF Friedrichshafen and adapted by engineers experienced with Getrag and Magneti Marelli controls. Chassis and suspension setups drew upon technologies used in Ferrari road cars and tuning input from former Maserati Corse engineers and coachbuilders at Italdesign.
Performance and Engineering
Engineering emphasized front-engine, rear-wheel-drive balance, with weight distribution and suspension geometry tuned for high-speed stability on venues such as Monza Circuit, Silverstone Circuit, and Nürburgring Nordschleife test runs. Brake systems featured components from suppliers like Brembo, and electronic systems integrated ABS and traction control calibrated by teams experienced in Formula One and endurance racing such as Scuderia Ferrari and AF Corse. Aerodynamic development referenced wind tunnel work similar to programs at Università degli Studi di Modena facilities and consultancy from engineers who had worked on projects for Lamborghini and Pagani. The MC Stradale variant reduced weight and sharpened dynamics through changes inspired by touring-car setups used in FIA GT Championship competition.
Production and Sales
Manufactured in the historic Modena plant, production logistics connected Maserati to supply chains centered in Italy and Europe, with components sourced from vendors across Germany, France, and United Kingdom. Sales efforts targeted markets including United States, China, United Kingdom, and United Arab Emirates, where dealerships coordinated with luxury retail partners such as Harrods and regional importers. Production volumes were modest compared with mainstream marques, aiming for exclusivity akin to offerings from Bentley Motors Limited and Aston Martin Lagonda. The GranTurismo's lifecycle encompassed showroom years contemporaneous with models from BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, and Audi.
Motorsport and Special Editions
Maserati developed motorsport-oriented and commemorative editions, including track-focused MC packages and special trims celebrating racing heritage with liveries recalling victories in events like the 24 Hours of Le Mans and Targa Florio. Collaborations with tuning houses and racing teams such as Neri and Bonacini, Maserati Corse, and independent preparers produced homologation-style variants aimed at series similar to the FIA GT Championship and GT3 categories. Special editions often referenced Maserati milestones, drawing inspiration from historic models like the Maserati 300S and Maserati Ghibli (1966), and featured bespoke paint, trimmed interiors by Ermenegildo Zegna and performance calibrations by former Ferrari engineers.
Reception and Awards
Critics praised the GranTurismo's blend of styling, engine character and luxury, earning recognition in reviews by publications associated with institutions like Autocar, Car and Driver, Top Gear, and awards given by bodies including national automotive associations in Italy and United Kingdom. Commentators compared its sound and character to engines from Ferrari and contemporary grand tourers from Aston Martin, while noting production rivals such as the Jaguar XKR and Porsche 911 Turbo. The GranTurismo maintained a reputation for evocative design linked to Italian coachbuilding heritage and for delivering a distinct alternative within the luxury performance market.