Maserati GranTurismo S: Dial S for Sport
Engine, suspension, brakes all modified on more sporting GranTurismo

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The Maserati GranTurismo was the sensation of the 2007 Geneva Auto Show, where it was unveiled. With its breathtaking Pininfarina-styled body, sports-car handling, stunning performance and a luxurious full four-seat interior, it made other sports coupes look painfully compromised. An instant sales success, the entire year’s production was pre-ordered in a matter of weeks.

Maserati is a company driven by passion, never content to rest on its laurels. And so the 2008 Geneva Auto Show saw the introduction of the GranTurismo S. The new limited-edition version is aimed squarely at the driving enthusiast – it features more power, a new transmission and lowered, stiffened suspension.

The V8 engine has been increased to 4.7 liters – a size with historical overtones. A 4.7-liter V8 first appeared in the very first Quattroporte, back in 1966, and went on to be fitted to such classic Maseratis as the Indy, Ghibli and Bora. The latest version is right up to date, built by Ferrari and putting out an impressive 433bhp. In the GranTurismo S it is mated to the latest paddleshift manual gearbox, fitted to the rear transaxle – putting optimal weight on the rear wheels for enhanced grip and handling.

The new gearbox features MC-Shift technology; this offers rapid shift times in normal mode, and when the Sport mode is engaged, the upshift time drops to a staggering 0.1 sec – as fast as a Ferrari 599 GTB. The GranTurismo S features a special suspension, which allows the car to ride lower than the standard model. To keep the extra power in check are enhanced front brakes, fitted with the same Brembo-developed six-piston monobloc calipers and revolutionary dual-cast rotors found on the Quattroporte Sport GT S.

The body of the GranTurismo S has been refined in the wind tunnel.  Side skirts help manage airflow around the rear wheels, and a subtle lip spoiler has been formed into the trunk lid for extra downforce.  To visually set the GranTurismo S apart are new 20” wheels exclusive to the model, with trident patterns repeated on each spoke.

As with the Quattroporte sedan, choosing the more sporting version of the GranTurismo coupe does not mean compromising on creature comforts. The interior features the same Poltrona Frau leather, plus new Alcantara trim, and the seats now have horizontal piping to emphasize the dynamic attributes and exclusivity of this ultimate GT.

The GranTurismo S may be the newest Maserati model, but the idea is not new to the Trident.  Those schooled in Maserati’s recent history will recognize the pattern: first came the Coupe in 2002 – beautiful, fast, sporty, yet remarkably comfortable and practical.  Then in 2005 came the GranSport evolution of the Coupe: more power, faster gearchanges, more performance-tuned suspension, subtle and aerodynamic bodywork modifications.  Maserati has always managed to balance luxury and performance, but with certain special models the scales get tipped a little more to the side of sport.  For those Maserati owners who enjoyed their GranSports we say your GranTurismo has arrived!

The GranTurismo S will be arriving at your local authorized Maserati dealer this summer, but in extremely limited quantities: the GranTurismo S will be produced for one model year only, the 2009 model year, ensuring exclusivity. The GranTurismo S is designed for a select few, the most passionate Maserati drivers – if that is you, contact your dealer now to be sure you are one of the few who gets to experience the kind of automotive excellence Maserati passion achieves.