MASERATI GRANTURISMO S

Looks
The Maserati GranTurismo S made a big impact on the Auto Trader team when it arrived for its test drive. Everyone loved the looks, which are pretty much everything anyone expects from an Italian supercar, or as one impressed onlooker exclaimed: “it’s the Bat Car!”.

Combining look-at-me features including seven spoke 20-inch trident-inspired alloys with spadefuls of style isn’t necessarily an easy act to pull off but the Maserati GranTurismo S does it. It also features chrome-trimmed side vents, red-painted Brembo brakes, oval section exhaust pipes you can fit an arm in, black headlights new-design side skirts, boot-integrated rear spoiler and of course that gaping grille with the iconic Maserati badge.


Looks inside
The class continues into the car with electric assist on the doors giving that touch of luxury. Once in front of the three-spoked steering wheel the first thing you notice is what’s missing, with “R” button and “1” buttons instead of a conventional gear stick. The black fabric roof lining adds to the feeling this is very much a driver’s car of serious intent and the displays dominated by a shift indicator are clear and easy to read. The trident-embossed headrests look the part too.



Practicality
The Maserati GranTurismo S is a two door coupe with useable rear seats. The boot may require some thoughtful packing with just 260-litres available.


Ride and Handling
The transaxle layout combines a front-mounted engine and rear-wheel drive with the weight distributed 47 per cent over the front axle and 53 per cent over the rear. It features the same suspension layout as the regular GranTurismo. However, vehicle roll has been reduced by ten per cent as a result of modified springs, bars and dampers. The car is certainly comfortable enough for long journeys, even over poor surfaces, while a variety of settings detailed in the Perfomance section below helps deliver an engaging drive when that’s what is required.


Performance
The Maserati GranTurismo S is powered by a 440hp V8 4.7-litre power train, following an increase in displacement from the 4.3-litre engine which powers the Maserati GranTurismo. This takes the car from 0-62mph in 4.9 seconds and on to a top speed of 183mph.

Press the Sport button to open two pneumatic valves fitted close to the two rear silencers and generate what Maserati describes as “a distinctive resonance”, or what we would call “one helluva roar”. The Sport setting also increases available power output, accelerates shift speed and adjusts the damper settings.


Kick downs are impressive. The smooth six-speed automatic gearbox can also be controlled by paddles integrated with the steering column. There are six possible settings to play with in all Manual Normal, Manual Sport, Manual Sport in MC-Shift (in which shift phases are partially overlapped to make them even faster), Auto Normal, Auto Sport and Ice. These provide a satisfying range of set-ups to accommodate a spectrum of driving needs.


Running Costs
Car tax falls in the top bracket and ownership will enable you to get on first name terms with the petrol station staff. Average fuel consumption is 17.01mpg. CO2 emissions are 387g/km.


Reliability
The Automatic version of this car was launched in 2008 and no problems have come to light as yet. The finish is all you would expect from an £88,000 car, there is a strong sense of quality inside and out.


Safety
The Maserati Stability Programme is there to help keep you out of trouble, though it can be turned off for track action. Brembo brakes come as standard and there are six airbags.


Equipment
Standard equipment includes: 20-inch alloy wheels, front fog lights, cruise control, dual-zone climate control, rear parking sensors, CD/radio with satnav and a 30GB hard drive, in fact most of the features described here. Options include a variety of finishes ranging from metallic paint at £540 to pearlescent paint at £4,485.


X-Factor

We love the engine noise but all in all it’s got to be looks. This is a car which says: “I like driving and I’ve got taste” (before being drowned out by the sound of its own engine).


Key facts
Model tested: Maserati GranTurismo S V8 Automatic 2dr
On the road price: £88,000
Price range: £78,210 – £88,000
Date tested:  June 2009
Road tester: Adrian Higgins