Drive a Maserati GranTurismo coupe or convertible and you're at the helm of one of the most eye-catching automotive designs in the world--at any price. Designed by Pininfarina, the GranTurismo provides a grand touring experience in a package that's arguably more alluring than even the Mercedes-Benz SL.
Power for the GranTurismo comes from three Ferrari-derived 4.2-liter and 4.7-liter V-8s shared with the Quattroporte sedan. New for 2012, The Convertible Sport and MC versions receive the 4.7-liter V-8 engine capable of producing 444 horsepower. The MC has a top speed of 185 mph, and a 0-60 mph of 4.8 seconds, making it the fastest Maserati this side of the Atlantic. The Italian automaker says that, unlike many luxury sports cars, the canvas-topped convertible can comfortably seat four adults.
The GranTurismo coupe is offered in base, S, S Automatic, Convertible, Convertible Sport, and MC trims. The GranTurismo S increases the rearward weight bias to 47 percent front and 53 percent rear making for a well-balanced and weighted car, translating to sportier performance. With premium materials and a cabin to match its worthy physique and powerful engines, the 2012 Maserati GranTurismo must be considered for anyone shopping the segment.
The Range
Body styles: Coupe, convertible
Engines: 4.2-liter V-8, 4.7-liter V-8
Transmissions: Six-speed automatic, six-speed auto-clutch manual
Models: GranTurismo, S, S Automatic, Convertible, Convertible Sport, MC
What's New
The GranTurismo Convertible Sport and GranTurismo MC join the lineup for 2012, the latter being a less-aggressive version of the racy, not-for-U.S. MC Stradale. Both come with 444-hp 4.7-liter V-8s, boasting 11 hp more than the GranTurismo S. Maserati claims a top speed of 177 mph for the Convertible Sport and 185 mph for the MC.
Exterior
In coupe and convertible bodystyle, the GranTurismo is a very attractive Pininfarina-styled vehicle. Standard are 19-inch alloy wheels, adaptive headlights, and fog-lights. S models and coupes with the 4.7-liter engine benefit from 20-inch wheels and all coupes have sporty, darker headlight surrounds. The 2012 GranTurismo Convertible Sport features a sport exhaust, side skirts and a dark look trim.
Interior
The GranTurismo's interior is very customizable, from the six dashboard colors to the new leather hues, wood and leather steering wheel, and Grigio Dark Chrome trim, and available Padouk wood trim. The overall cabin feel is luxurious and rich, while still decidedly sporty. Seats offer ample comfort, including the rear seats which can often be a formality in many luxury sports cars. In this case, all but the tallest of adults can rest comfortably and luxuriously in back. The GranTurismo does offer a small cargo area, but there's room enough for some golf clubs or a couple of carry-on bags.
Performance & Handling
Base GranTurismos have an automatic transmission with five modes to fully exploit the capabilities of the Ferrari-built 4.2-liter V-8. Gear changes can be made up to 7200 rpm. The new MC version utilizes a 4.7-liter V-8 engine capable of producing 444 horsepower. With a top speed of 185 mph, and a 0-60 mph time of 4.8 seconds, it's the fastest offering from the Italian automaker this side of the Atlantic. Thanks to excellent weight distribution, the GranTurismo tackles corners with ease. Maserati's Skyhook system--continually adjusting shock absorbers--is optional. GranTurismo S models have a fixed-setting suspension with springs and 10 percent stiffer dampers. A thicker rear anti-roll bar increases performance.
Safety
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 scant 190 milliseconds in a rollover situation. Electronic brake force distribution, a Brembo braking system, and the Maserati Stability Program, which is designed to integrate stability and traction control, are also available.
EPA Fuel Economy
GranTurismo: 12-13 mpg city/20-21 mpg highway
You'll Like
- Powerful V-8 engines
- Pininfarina styling
- Customizable interior options
You Won't Like
- Limited dealer network
- No manual transmission available
- Fuel economy
Sum Up
Dead sexy in any company
If You Like This Vehicle
- Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
- BMW 6 Series
- Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet
- Aston-Martin V8 Vantage Roadster
- Jaguar XK