The
2011 Maserati GranTurismo, whether configured as a four-passenger coupe or canvas-roof convertible, delivers a superior grand touring adventure and a remarkable car experience. Sporting either a 4.7 liter V-8 Ferrari sourced engine delivering 433 horsepower or a 4.2 liter engine variant, the GranTurismo gives you a choice of a six-speed automatic or six-speed auto-clutch manual transmission.
Maserati GranTurismo offers wood steering wheels and is sold in three different matte finishes too. The standard safety package is good but the options are quite superior. You probably won't be too excited about fuel economy in the 12 mpg city/19 mpg highway range, but then the GranTurismo is not about gas -- it's about ether.
New for 2011
Matte paint is available in one of three existing Maserati colors. All coupes now come with darker headlight surrounds, while the feature is optional on convertibles. GranTurismo S trims get an aerodynamic extension in the front fascia. Otherwise, there are a number of minor trim changes in the interior, two new leather colors are available, and a wood steering wheel is offered.
Essentials
Engines: 4.2L V-8, 4.7L V-8
Transmissions: 6-speed automatic, 6-speed auto-clutch manual
Body Styles: Coupe, convertible
Trims: Base Coupe, S Coupe, Base Convertible
On the Outside
In the coupe and convertible body styles, the GranTurismo is an attractive Pininfarina-styled vehicle. Coupes with the 4.7-liter engine benefit from 20-inch wheels, and all coupes have sporty, darker headlight surrounds.
From the Inside
The GranTurismo's interior is very customizable. You can choose from the six dashboard colors, new leather hues, and new wood and leather steering wheel. Grigio Dark Chrome trim and Padouk wood trim are newly available.
Driving Performance
The base GranTurismo has an automatic transmission with five modes to fully exploit the capabilities of the 4.2-liter V-8 engine, while gear changes can be made up to 7200 rpm. Maserati's Skyhook system, which consists of shock absorbers that continually adjust the damping, is an option to consider. GranTurismo S trims have a fixed-setting suspension with springs and 10 percent stiffer dampeners, and a thicker rear anti-roll bar increases performance.
Safety Equipment
Standard safety equipment on the GranTurismo features six airbags and a brake assist system designed to start braking before the driver does, and the convertible's roll bars can be deployed in a mere190 milliseconds in a rollover. Optional are electronic brake force distribution, a Brembo braking system, and the Maserati Stability Program, which is designed to integrate stability and traction control.
Gas Mileage
All trims: 12 mpg city/19 mpg highway
Plusses
- Robust V-8 engines
- Classic styling
- Customizable options
Minuses
- Small dealer network
- Poor fuel economy
Rating
Powerful charmer more attractive than ever before
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