2010 Maserati GranTurismo

A Modern Coupé Designed By Pininfarina

The Maserati GranTurismo is the first modern, two-door, four-seater coupé that delivers much more than its sensual beauty initially suggests. Pininfarina latest creation was destined for greatness right from its debut at the 2007 Geneva Motorshow. The car can trace its heritage right back to the very first GranTurismo produced by Maserati, the 1947 A6 1500 GT Pininfarina and it also incorporates the innovation and impact of the Birdcage 75th, the futuristic concept car that, in 2005, suggested the lines for future Maserati models.
For over sixty years Maserati has been a leading constructor of luxury automobiles. The marque is renowned for its high performance, comfort and overall safety. The GranTurismo does not stray from this tradition thanks to its distinct personality, its perfect blend of power and elegance, its adventurous design and surprising practicality.




The GranTurismo scores top marks when it comes to style, technology and craftsmanship, characteristics that have been recognised by its winning numerous international ‘Best Car' awards. This is testimony to the competence, professionalism and attention to detail that makes each Maserati truly unique.

Engine
The Maserati GranTurismo is powered by an eight cylinder 4,244 cc V90° engine, one that is part of the company's new range of power units. The engine develops 405 bhp at 7,100 rpm, equivalent to 96.4 bhp/litre. Compact and light, the cylinder heads are made of aluminium alloy and silicon. The 32 valves are actioned by two overhead camshafts per bank while the overhead camshafts on the aspirated side are controlled by a low pressure, continual phase variator.The lubrication system features a wet sump, which means a reduction in noise, making the cabin an even quieter place to be. The engine produces a reassuring burble that never interferes with the driving experience.



The acceleration provided by the Maserati V8 is immediate, and, thanks to the electronic ‘drive by wire' throttle control, the car responds to even the slightest touch on the pedal.

Gearbox
The Maserati GranTurismo's new hydraulic gearbox brings out the best in the engine. The self-adapting automatic gearbox is especially useful at the low-mid range revs while top end power doesn't suffer. Gear changes can be made right up to 7200 rpm, a rate that no other automatic transmission in the world can match.

There are four function modes: Auto Normal is for comfortable cruising, Auto Sport is for those who like a sportier, more involving drive, Auto ICE is for low grip conditions and then there is Manual mode. In manual, it is the driver who chooses when to change gear via the steering wheel paddles.

Chassis
The Maserati GranTurismo reacts brilliantly thanks to its perfect weight distribution: 49% of the car's weight sits over the front end and 51% on the rear. This set up was achieved by shifting the engine behind the front axle and it gives the driver an unparalleled sense of security in any conditions.

The load-bearing chassis means greater rigidity and its high-resistance, box-steel structure allows the suspension to track every dip in the terrain. This enhances the car's dynamic handling and ensures a more comfortable drive.

Suspension
The Maserati GranTurismo's precise handling benefits from front and rear wishbone suspension. The system's ‘anti-dive' and ‘anti-squat' geometry prevents the front from dipping under braking and the rear end from squatting under acceleration.

As an option, the GranTurismo can be equipped with the Skyhook system of shock absorbers with an aluminium body that continually adjust the damping. This technology automatically selects the optimal level of damping and integrates with the MSP safety system and the calibration of the car's automatic gearbox. The result is that the car is able to adapt to the characteristics of each driver; the GranTurismo is a car that fits like a glove.

The Skyhook system
The aluminium bodied, gas-regulated Skyhook set up assures the automatic and continuous control of the damping whatever the road condition. It does this without affecting on-board comfort, penalising performance or compromising the car's sporty nature.

The Skyhook system acts by using acceleration sensors that detect movement on all four wheels and the body. A control unit processes the data it receives from the sensors, analyses the driving style and road surface and instantly adjusts the dampers accordingly via their proportional valves.

However, as the Skyhook and transmission is data from the sensors is fed to the same point, Maserati engineers have integrated the two systems. So, the GranTurismo is able to tweak the suspension settings so that the driver feels even less movement through the chassis during gear changes.

Opting for the ‘Sport' setting results in a stiffer ride, less roll, more contained load transfer, greater agility and stability as well as allowing stunning performance figures. The dedicated on board computer reduces gear shifts by 40% and Skyhook switches from controlling the ride to focusing on the set up (body control), making the GranTurismo easier to handle and giving it more grip. Together, the two systems combine to offer more precise, livelier gear changes.

The grand touring coupé reinvented with a balance of grace and aggression
However you look at it, the Maserati GranTurismo expresses dynamic tension and a sporty edge: the large oval grille, the bodywork that seems to be drawn tight over the frame like a figure hugging dress, right down to the rear flanks. Pininfarina has created an elegant and sensual look around the idea that is the GranTurismo project. Sportiness is combined with true space for four. This sleek appearance, combined with solidity and grace, provokes a fascinating mix of sensations.

Únique and unmistakably Maserati, the GranTurismo's grille features concave vertical slats. A chrome Trident logo is suspended in its center. The front headlights are an aggressive addition to the radically sloping front bumper, a stylistic element that has long distinguished Maserati coupés. In the space between the crests of the front fenders is the traditional long, low hood. The bonnet's classic ‘V' shape is a feature that is echoed throughout the car.

The traditional Maserati design element of three chrome-ringed air vents set behind the front wheels lend the GranTurismo an even more vibrant feel. The car's lines were designed to lead the eye fluidly over its curves, from the stunning front end to the sweeping rear.

Moving further down the side of the GranTurismo, the oval version of the Maserati logo (known as ‘Saetta') stands out on the rear pillars. The elegant shape concludes at the rear light cluster, featuring LED lights, in a daring triangle. Wide aerodynamic diffusers sit under the sculpted bumper.

The styling themes continue inside the cabin, as can only be done when a car is designed as a singular piece by a talent such as Pininfarina. Inside the V design element can be seen in the dashboard below the Maserati clock, and is also picked up in the seat design, uniting the interior and exterior.

The GranTurismo transcends style and instead enters into the rarefied world of true beauty.

Source - Maserati