MASERATI GRANTURISMO

The 2008 Maserati GranTurismo ranks 4 out of 4 Exotic Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 9 published reviews and test drives of the Maserati GranTurismo, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

The Maserati GranTurismo exhibits superb handling dynamics, jaw-dropping body style, and a luxurious interior. Still, reviewers contend that for its class and price range, it should offer a more in terms of performance, comfort and convenience features. Overall, it ranks near the bottom of its class.


The 2008 Maserati GranTurismo's most impressive characteristics are its sleek design and smooth handling dynamics. It's a car that people buy, not because they fall in love with its performance numbers, but because they fall in love with its style. 



The GranTurismo isn't the right car for someone looking for pure performance.  Yes, it offers blistering acceleration and handles hairpin corners with ease compared to the average sports car, but it actually trails most exotic cars in those tasks -- and its brakes take a beating in the press.


"The GranTurismo has to be one of the smoothest cars on the road, in more ways than one," says Car and Driver . "It is not the fastest, smartest, or best value on the market, but the GranTurismo has panache in abundance."

The 2008 GranTurismo features a 405-horsepower V8 engine and six-speed automatic transmission with manumatic shifting.


Performance
Test drivers find that the GranTurismo's power and handling dynamics allow it to easily conquer twisted roadways. One test driver even recorded a 0 to 60 mph time of 5.1 seconds. AutoWeek  writes, "The new GranTurismo is the perfect car in which to drive fast over the Passo di Costalunga in the dramatic Italian Dolomites with your mistress or, as the case may be, concubine, boy-toy, secretary, whatever (we had none of those, only some guy from some other magazine)." Still, in its highly competitive class, the GranTurismo ranks near the bottom for performance.


Exterior
Auto writers find the GranTurismo to be both sleek and sexy. "It is Coke-bottle slim around the waist, with a neatly detailed, curvaceous rear end complemented by a sculptured front with trademark portholes and a big-mouth grille that recalls Maserati's 1957 3500GT," writes Automobile Magazine . "In terms of head-turning ability, the long, low, and wide GranTurismo gives away nothing to the Ferrari 599GTB." Still, the GranTurismo's exterior design ranks in the middle of its class.


Interior
Though the Maserati GranTurismo is criticized for its uncomfortable seats and lack of standard convenience features, it receives accolades for its overall fit and finish. "The other cars don't look like the GranTurismo, and the interior's sumptuous hand-stitched surfaces make the others' seem more commonplace," reports Car and Driver . Regardless, the GranTurismo's interior ranks near the bottom of its class.


Safety

The 2008 GranTurismo has not been crash tested by the federal government , but features an impressive list of active and passive safety features, including a parking distance sensor and multi-stage deployment front air bags


Reliability
Maserati offers insurance coverage and 24-hour roadside assistance .