Italian Thrill: Driving the Rare Maserati GranTurismo S
I had the opportunity to drive one of only two 2009 Maserati GranTurismo S vehicles currently in the United States by invitation from Maserati Beverly Hills. Deliveries of these cars is slated to begin during the fall of 2008 and production will be strictly limited to a one year run with total US allocation of a rumored 250 to 300 cars. How is the car? One word: Outstanding! I've driven the "standard" GranTurismo and that was very nice; "a sense of occasion" being an apt description. The S is immediately yet subtlely distinguishable from its sibling car by its bespoke 20" wheels, an integrated bootlid spoiler, black headlight surrounds and black grille, and revised and more aerodynamic side skirts. The total effect is a more aggressive yet still very elegant look. The 2009 range has also added bluetooth and iPod/MP3 capability. Satellite radio will also be on offer soon. I love it...
On the test drive. Shame the camera could not pick up just how marvelous the engine sounds!
My drive in theS was much longer than my brief jaunt in the standard GranTurismo. Two things I noticed very quickly: the revised spring and damper setup was firm yet comfortable. No settings here like the GranTurismo and its electronically controlled "Skyhook" suspension. The more sporting and fixed S setup made the car feel smaller than it really is because the GranTurismo is a pretty large GT that genuinely holds four persons in comfort. Roadholding is superb. I've heard that the revised suspension can be a bit bumpy on less than smooth pavement but I didn't notice.
Getting to know the new Maserati GranTurismo S
Red engine heads... as opposed to the "standard's" Maserati blue
Behind the wheel of the S
The larger paddles behind the steering wheel were easy to find no matter what the position of the hands on the steering wheel. These paddles were linked to the "manual" MC-Shift clutch/gearbox which resides in the rear of the vehicle for better weight distribution. With shifts as quick as 100 milliseconds, the clutchless manual paddleshift gave smooth and very quick shifts. Good fun.
The biggest grin maker: the 4.7 liter, 440 HP 8 cylinder Ferrari designed motor (as opposed to the 4.2 liter standard). Lots of torque and power that really makes theS get up and go. Any complaints about the GranTurismo's power are vanquished with this engine. Not only the power is noticeable, push the "Sport" button on the dash and the sound of the car will make any car enthusiast's hair stand on-end! Absolutely marvelous sound that is simply lovely to hear. It puts many other cars at twice the price to shame...
Can you tell that I like this car yet??? :-)
I should have some interesting news about the GranTurismoS later in the year. Stay tuned.
4 comments:
Anonymous
said...
We want the "interesting note" abou the GranTurismo S now!!! Us potential owners out there are grasping for every little tidbit we can. The only things I've heard is this engine was originally supposed to be in the GranTurismo from the get go and then it didn't pass regulations in time. I've also heard that the reason why this car is only for one year of production is Ferrari is concerned it will steal away sales from the Ferrari California.
I often wonder why they put back seats in these type cars? Is it for taxes reasons? I mean why bother? Can't imagine cruising the Amalfi Coast or the PCH from Cambria to Carmel in the backseat in much comfort. Or even a short jaunt to a local ristorante if you have any kind of claustrophobic condition. Plus with 4 people where would you put the luggage?
We have a Maserati agency here is Pasadena so I do see some here. Beautiful car and I love the sound of the engine. Will they ever get a sequential shift?
It's nice living vicariously through you. Did Jennifer take the vid? Here I am fretting spending my Social Security checks on a 2009 JCW. ;-)
I don't think that the 4.7 liter engine was planned to go into the Granturismo from the beginning because it had already been planned for the Alfa Romeo 8C. I do think that Maserati had eyed the larger engine all along for a performance version as a natural evolution of the model lineup, a la the GranSport. I was a little surprised that Maserati chose to strictly limit the supply of the S and that it is one year only model. Perhaps the desirable transmission bits are being restricted by Ferrari but who knows...
The Ferrari California is a completely different animal and I don't think that a purchaser of that vehicle is also eyeing the Maserati. Then again, a California buyer could probably buy both!
The Granturismo was designed from the get-go to be a comfortable four seater. True, take four on the road and you'll need to be efficient with your luggage but at least this really is a car that you can take four people in.
The GT-S is sequential shift via the paddles. It is true "clutchless" manual.
Yes, Jennifer took the vid and that was my dad in the passenger seat...
After trying out the 2009 JCW on the Autocross I'd say the JCW is a good choice! What color?
Getting to know the new Maserati GranTurismo S
Red engine heads... as opposed to the "standard's" Maserati blue
4 comments:
We want the "interesting note" abou the GranTurismo S now!!! Us potential owners out there are grasping for every little tidbit we can. The only things I've heard is this engine was originally supposed to be in the GranTurismo from the get go and then it didn't pass regulations in time. I've also heard that the reason why this car is only for one year of production is Ferrari is concerned it will steal away sales from the Ferrari California.
I often wonder why they put back seats in these type cars? Is it for taxes reasons? I mean why bother? Can't imagine cruising the Amalfi Coast or the PCH from Cambria to Carmel in the backseat in much comfort. Or even a short jaunt to a local ristorante if you have any kind of claustrophobic condition. Plus with 4 people where would you put the luggage?
We have a Maserati agency here is Pasadena so I do see some here. Beautiful car and I love the sound of the engine. Will they ever get a sequential shift?
It's nice living vicariously through you. Did Jennifer take the vid? Here I am fretting spending my Social Security checks on a 2009 JCW. ;-)
Ciao & Bona Fortuna, RB
I don't think that the 4.7 liter engine was planned to go into the Granturismo from the beginning because it had already been planned for the Alfa Romeo 8C. I do think that Maserati had eyed the larger engine all along for a performance version as a natural evolution of the model lineup, a la the GranSport. I was a little surprised that Maserati chose to strictly limit the supply of the S and that it is one year only model. Perhaps the desirable transmission bits are being restricted by Ferrari but who knows...
The Ferrari California is a completely different animal and I don't think that a purchaser of that vehicle is also eyeing the Maserati. Then again, a California buyer could probably buy both!
The Granturismo was designed from the get-go to be a comfortable four seater. True, take four on the road and you'll need to be efficient with your luggage but at least this really is a car that you can take four people in.
The GT-S is sequential shift via the paddles. It is true "clutchless" manual.
Yes, Jennifer took the vid and that was my dad in the passenger seat...
After trying out the 2009 JCW on the Autocross I'd say the JCW is a good choice! What color?
Not sure on colour yet or even if it will be maybe a Clubman???
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