Maserati GranTurismo S
03/04/2008
Maserati
A year after the unveiling of the GranTurismo, Maserati is back at the Geneva International Motorshow with yet another world premiere, the GranTurismo S, the ultimate expression of the Trident coupe's sportiness. The new interpretation of the perfect balance between sportiness and comfort shifts the emphasis onto performance and driving enjoyment.
The new 440 HP V8 4.7 engine, electro-actuated gearbox with fast MC Shift, Transaxle layout, sporty exhaust and brakes made with dual-cast technology make the GranTurismo S the new flagship for Maserati sporting flair, with acceleration from 0 to 100 Km/h in 4.9 seconds and a maximum speed of 295 Km/h, the highest ever reached by a standard production Maserati.
The compact and lightweight 4.7 liter V8 engine develops maximum power output of 440 HP at 7,000 rpm and peak torque of 490 Nm at 4,750 rpm, and ensures high specific power output and more torque at lower speeds as well, without affecting the capacity to reduce and up the revs quickly, typical of racing engines.
The increase in power output and torque has not affected the versatility of the power unit, which continues to be readily harnessed even during everyday use.
The power unit sounds deep and throaty, but the exhaust valve pneumatic control can also be activated to make it discrete and comfortable.
An electro-actuated 6-speed gearbox is paired with the 4.7 liter V8 engine, and has MC-Shift software which harnesses the new engine's power output, ensuring gearshift speed and quality that represent a point of reference for the entire sports car range.
The engine and gearbox on the Maserati GranTurismo S are arranged in the Transaxle layout, typical of high-performance sports cars that represents the technological DNA of all Maseratis. The front-mounted engine, and the gearbox, located to the rear, are rigidly connected by a tubular element containing the driveshaft.
This solution gives excellent weight distribution, 47% over the front axle and 53% over the rear axle, which translates into excellent dynamics and top performance.
Looking through the spokes of the new 20" rims on the GranTurismo S you can see the high-performance brake system developed in collaboration with Brembo. The system features front brake discs made with dual-cast technology - a dual casting of cast iron and aluminum, paired with aluminum mono-bloc 6-piston brake calipers.
This technology, introduced for the first time in the automotive field on the Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT S, unveiled at the 2007 Frankfurt Motorshow, optimizes the braking system's performance, by emphasizing pedal feel and increasing fatigue-resistance in the most extreme conditions.
At the wheel, the Maserati GranTurismo S is more rigid and compact, thanks to the suspension layout developed specifically to support the new weight distribution. Vehicle roll has been reduced significantly as a result of the modified springs, bars and dampers, and this has benefited handling and performance.
On the exterior the Maserati GranTurismo S is characterised by a number of aesthetic modifications that, although discrete, are highly effective and make the car body appear sportier without abandoning the sleekness of the lines masterfully designed by Pininfarina. The integrated spoiler in the boot lid and the new-design side skirts help to improve the flows around the car. On top of that, the Maserati GranTurismo S boasts new specially designed 20" rims, which resemble the Trident, Maserati's symbol.
The sporty look is complemented by the generously proportioned oval-section exhaust tailpipes, the grille and black headlamp parabola; the Trident on the grille and the Saetta logo on the "C" pillar are decorated with red prongs, following the tradition of the racing Maserati.
The interior upholstered in Poltrona Frau leather and Alcantara (used for the steering wheel and centre of the seat with the option to extend to the whole of the headlining) reflects the sporty flair of the Maserati GranTurismo S; the figure-hugging front and rear seats are distinguished by their new dynamic design with horizontal piping on the seats and seatbacks.
As an alternative to the standard leather/Alcantara trim, interiors are available in all Poltrona Frau leather, with customers wanting a more classic flavor, or those wishing to personalize their car with a touch of refinement can choose full-grain Peccary leather with a sporty look and high lateral containment.
The same extensive range of materials and colors available for the GranTurismo is also offered for the Maserati GranTurismo S:
standard interiors available in "Alu Grey" or "Smoked Quartz", while upon request it is possible to choose from three types of genuine wood (Rosewood, Walnut and Tanganyika wood) and five varnished hues (Black Piano, Rosso Sigillo, Blu Laque, Bianco Ice and Giallo Decoro).
There is even more. Dashboard and door panels/rear sides can also be upholstered in AluTex, an aluminum-coated fiberglass fabric with a hi-tech, modern look. What makes AluTex so special is the autoclave process it undergoes during manufacturing - a fine powder of pure metal is applied to the surface which gives the fibers an unusual brilliance and three-dimensional effect.
New V8 4.7 liter, 440 HP engine
The main technical innovation on the Maserati GranTurismo S lives under the bonnet, where the latest version of the new family of wet-sump power units is fitted; the new and more powerful 4.7 liter V8 engine is capable of developing power output of 440 HP at 7,000 rpm and peak torque of 490 Nm at 4,750 rpm.
Recognizable on the outside by the red cylinder head covers, the new 4.7 engine was developed specifically to increase the car's performance and provide the driver of the Maserati GranTurismo S with an even more exhilarating driving experience.
The technical solutions adopted for this unit have served to emphasize the qualities of the most recent Maserati engines, namely the high specific power output and the ability to go up and down the revs quickly, typical of racing engines.
The maximum speed of the 4.7 engine is 7,500 rpm, with the possibility of reaching 7,600 rpm in dynamic gear shift conditions at the limiter.
The aim of the intensive development work of Maserati's engineers was to ensure maximum fluidity of operation in everyday use and a definite sporty character as soon as the foot hits the throttle.
The engine on the Maserati GranTurismo S is an eight-cylinder V with a 90° angle between the banks; the displacement is 4,691 cc. The timing has four chain-driven overhead camshafts (two per bank), with four valves per cylinder controlled by hydraulic tappets. The camshafts on the intake side are fitted with a low pressure continuous phase variator, with complete actuation times of less than 0.15 seconds.
The increase in displacement from 4,244 cc to 4,691 cc has been obtained by increasing the bore and stroke values, paying particular attention to the longitudinal packaging of the engine, with a piston bore/cylinder centre distance ratio on a par with the best competition.
The increased-diameter thin steel cylinder liners are coated with Nikasil. Against the increase in displacement, the steel cylinder liner solution helps to contain the weight and size of the engine, especially lengthwise. This is an ideal solution for a car with transaxle layout and with the engine fitted behind the front axle, since it allows the weights to be distributed ideally between the front and rear ends.
The single-chain valve gear contributes to the improved longitudinal packaging. It also ensures exceptional engine reliability, the ultimate in silent operation, low friction to the benefit of consumption and the possibility of achieving precise timings that translate into optimized cylinder fill capacity and hence performance.
The 90° crankshaft, fully balanced with an appropriate selection of connecting rods and pistons, ensures that the engine operates with low vibrations and a characteristic and resonant sound, emphasized by a highly permeable intake system and exhaust system with controlled actuation to enhance the sound of the car in full compliance with type approval requirements and environmental aspects.
The aluminum crankcase-engine block has 5 main bearings to ensure a highly rigid structure and low friction losses.
The arrangement of the upper part of the engine, namely the internal fluid-dynamics and cylinder head cooling system, is designed to make the intake manifolds highly permeable and provide effective cooling of the intake content and perfect intake and exhaust acoustic intonation. This translates into maximized volumetric efficiency and, eventually, into improved engine performance.
The skilful harmonization of the intake and exhaust geometry combined with the use of continuous-actuation phase variators on the intake camshafts, optimized combustion chamber and engine calibration itself means that 82% of torque can be obtained from as little as 2500 rpm. This translates into exceptional pick-up capacity even with long gears, allowing comfortable driving on motorway journeys and, in general, the engine's full potential to be exploited over the entire operating range.
The cylinder heads are also made of aluminum alloy and integrate the system carrying secondary air into the exhaust manifolds to obtain low emission levels. All the conduits (water, oil, secondary air) are made directly in the engine castings to create a highly rigid, space-saving system and provide a strong guarantee of quality during assembly and hence high reliability.
Incorporating the ancillary systems (water pumps) with the engine's main castings and the highly rigid design of all the wide-wall elements results in low engine noise levels and high component reliability.
In keeping with the philosophy of the most recent Maserati engines, the 4.7 liter power unit adopts a lubrication system with wet paper elements, first introduced with the launch of the Quattroporte Automatica, and also adopted on the GranTurismo with automatic transmission and now applied for the first time also on a model fitted with an electro-actuated gearbox. The lubrication system features a wet sump where the engine oil is collected in a sump integral with the crankcase and circulated by a single oil bath pump. Compared with the previous dry sump solution, the wet sump uses fewer pumps to recover the oil and reduces operating noise considerably, to the benefit of driving comfort and improved balance between comfort and performance.
The engine's electronic management is carried out by the BOSCH Motronic ME7 system with dedicated sensors. These supply the control unit with constant input data for processing the fuel, advance and throttle valve angle parameters to control the power unit.
The new engine is ready to comply with future Euro-V regulations for Europe and LEV2 regulations for USA thanks to the adoptions of an innovative metallic matrix catalyzer with perforated sheets which combines permeability with reliability.
The sporty exhaust - The V8 makes itself heard
The Maserati GranTurismo S gives a voice to its 440 HP with a special sporty exhaust system, designed to emphasize the deep throaty growl of the new V8 engine, but also provide the level of on-board comfort expected from a granturismo.
The steel exhaust system consists of two exhaust lines, one for each bank of cylinders, compensated with a central silencer. Two pneumatic valves, controlled electronically by the engine control unit and operated by the driver through the "Sport" button on the centre dashboard, are fitted close to the two rear silencers.
In normal conditions the valves are closed forcing the exhaust gases along a long and tortuous route so that they lose their energy and are emitted outwards with very little noise. This all changes when the "Sport" button is pressed: the valves which were initially closed, open up through a pneumatic control and the flow of exhaust gases is channeled down a route that leads directly to the outside. This provides enthusiasts with a distinctive resonance.
In aesthetic terms, the modified design of the two exhausts with dual oval chrome tailpipes make the new system instantly recognizable.
As on all Maserati models, the Maserati GranTurismo S adopts an exhaust system with metallic rather than ceramic catalyzers. This solution reduces the density of the cells inside the catalyzers and as a result lessens the section resistant to exhaust gas flow.
Transaxle layout and electro-actuated transmission - The Trident's technological DNA
The power unit on the Maserati GranTurismo S features the Transaxle layout, an architecture that belongs to Maserati's engineering tradition and, not by coincidence, is typical of high-performance sports cars. The Transaxle system further improves the Granturismo's already excellent weight distribution due to the gearbox being moved back en bloc with the differential: the engine located in the mid-front position is rigidly connected to the electro-actuated gearbox, mounted to the rear, through a rigid tubular element containing the driveshaft.
These design solutions mean that the Maserati GranTurismo S boasts a weight distribution between front and rear axle, of 47-53% respectively, which is unique in its respective segment.
From the customer's perspective the Transaxle layout maximizes traction and breakaway capacity when accelerating, the car body is more stable and balanced and behaves more neutrally. This results in higher lateral acceleration on bends and a more intuitive feel when going into a bend, and also assists with more efficient braking due to the reduced weight on the front.
The clutch-type limited-slip differential features special locking settings for traction (25%) and release (45%) conditions, in order to achieve maximum equilibrium between traction and stability in all conditions.
The adoption of the transaxle layout is instrumental in enhancing the performance of the Maserati GranTurismo S, and contributes to the car's excellent dynamic performance. As a result the car is more compact and balanced and really conveys to the driver the sensation of a true sports car.
The electro-actuated transmission
An electro-actuated transmission, representing the state of the art in the respective segment, is fitted to the Maserati Gran Turismo S in order to harness the greater power output of the new V8 4.7 and provide a heightened driving experience.
In technical terms, the electro-actuated gearbox fitted to the Maserati GranTurismo S, incorporates a dry twin-plate clutch and 6 ratios (plus reverse), with triple-cone synchronizers on 1st and 2nd, and dual cone on the other gears.
The dual-plate clutch is a solution derived from the world of racing and is particularly recommended for the most sporty cars:
the reduced dimensions of the clutch unit (Ø 215 mm), and the small-diameter flywheel (Ø 240 mm), keep the weight of the unit down significantly, and clearly reduces the power unit's total inertia compared to a single-plate system.
This type of arrangement allows the top engine speed to be reached more easily, and results in a more immediate gearbox response, quicker gear changes and, finally, improved driving dynamics.
The hydraulic control is managed by the control unit through the paddles integral with the steering column, the layout of which is highly ergonomic and effective in extreme driving conditions, as amply demonstrated.
The paddles on the steering wheel of the GranTurismo S, just like those on all the other Maserati models, differ from the systems used by other manufacturers in that they are integral with the steering wheel column.
This solution means that the driver never has to take his hands off the wheel, and so has better control of the vehicle. Thanks to the excellent ergonomic layout of the paddles it is possible to change gear with a simple flick of the fingers. This improves safety, particularly on winding routes, and gives a more enjoyable driving experience.
Due to their special elongated design, the paddles on the Maserati Gran Turismo S are always within easy reach of the driver even when steering sharply, compared to those on the automatic transmission model.
The Granturismo's automatic gearbox control lever on the centre tunnel has been replaced with a panel that accommodates two buttons, one for engaging reverse and one for first gear: it is particularly useful during parking maneuvers to be able to engage first gear without having to use the steering wheel paddle.
The electro-actuated transmission features two basic operating modes, manual and automatic. Manual mode ensures maximum driving involvement and shifts take place only if requested by the driver and when the car's top performance is required; automatic mode, by contrast, is intended for those driving conditions in which the driver wishes to have less involvement: the system also decides on gear change speed as well as carrying out the shift and take-off operation.
The functionalities linked to the "Sport" button, which affects available power output, shift speed and damper setting when Skyhook suspensions are fitted (optional), can be overlapped in both modes.
The Maserati GranTurismo S can be driven selecting from a total of six operating modes:
- Manual Normal
- Manual Sport
- Manual Sport in MC-Shift
- Auto Normal
- Auto Sport
- Ice
Manual Normal Mode
In Manual Normal mode the valves are closed and the choice of gear lies solely with the driver. To ensure greater driving enjoyment the system holds the gear when the limiter is reached; the control unit merely checks that the gear requested matches engine speed, so as to avoid taking it beyond the limiter when shifting up or below the minimum speed when shifting down.
Manual Sport Mode
In manual mode, pressing the "Sport" button causes the transmission control system to adopt a more performance-oriented gearshift strategy, with much shorter times to change between one ratio and another.
In Manual Sport mode the pneumatic exhaust valves open: the reduced backpressure generated allows the engine speed to increase more quickly.
Manual Sport in MC-Shift
The gearshift solution known as MC-Shift is the most important innovation of the electro-actuated system on the Maserati GranTurismo S: this includes management software and special hardware components which give top performance in terms of gearshift times.
In conventional electro-actuated systems the three shift phases (cut in torque and opening of clutch; gear disengagement, selection and engagement; closing of clutch and restoration of torque) are carried out sequentially.
On the Maserati GranTurismo S the shift phases are partially overlapped: gear disengagement and engagement take place in advance of clutch opening and closing; this means that the shift time, interpreted and calculated as the break in acceleration, drops to 100 ms, whilst the single gear engagement phase reduces to 40 ms.
The fast MC-Shift is available only when shifting up and in Manual Sport mode, provided that the transmission control unit recognizes when given parameters relating to engine and transmission temperature are achieved: the quick shift is possible above 5500 rpm and with the throttle at 80%.
Once these parameters have been achieved, the system enables fast shift, and warns the driver through the MC-S indicator on the dashboard display, which lights up and stays on.
Auto Normal Mode
In Auto mode the gear change is managed completely automatically by the transmission electronic control system. The control unit determines engine speed and moment of the shift as well as its speed, based on parameters such as vehicle speed, engine speed and the driver's request for torque and power. In automatic mode a gear can be requested manually through the paddles behind the steering wheel (gear suggestion).
The system recognizes the type of driver by means of functions that assess the driver's style of driving through lateral and longitudinal acceleration and throttle movement. If a sportier driving style is recognized, the "UP" shifts are moved to a higher number of engine revs. The control system also recognizes the type of road, adapting gear changes when the road climbs or falls, on a bend, in town and on motorways.
Auto Normal mode is the mode most designed for comfort: Changing to a higher gear is required as soon as possible in order to obtain the lowest level of vibrations and acoustic return from the engine. Shifting is managed in such a way as to ensure that gear changes are ultra-smooth. This mode also ensures lower fuel consumption when combined with a normal and non-aggressive driving style. In Auto Normal mode the sporty exhaust by-pass valves stay closed, which results in greater acoustic comfort whilst driving.
This does not mean, however, having to give up on the car's sporty nature: when driving in sport mode, with frequent opening of the throttle, gearshift speeds approach those of the Auto Sport mode.
Auto Sport Mode
Auto Sport mode is activated with the transmission in auto mode and by pressing the "Sport" button located on the centre dashboard: changing gear is still managed automatically by the transmission control unit, but by varying the speed of the operations to open up and reduce torque, disengage, select and engage gear, close the clutch and restore engine torque. The result is a faster gear change and a more sporty driving feel.
Compared to Auto Normal mode, shifting up takes place at higher engine speeds, whereas moving down a gear down is accompanied by a more pronounced heel and toe effect.
In Auto mode as well, with the "Sport" button on, the pneumatic exhaust valves open so that the engine can achieve top performance.
ICE Mode
This mode can be used on low-grip road surfaces and is activated through the ICE button located on the centre tunnel alongside the electric park brake. When switched on, it limits the torque transmitted to the wheels and so loss of grip, avoiding having to run the engine at more than 3,000 rpm.
ICE mode takes priority over the Sport modes and does not allow the stability control to be switched off (MSP OFF): When the driver requests the ICE mode, Sport mode is deactivated automatically (if it was on) and the stability control (MSP) restored (if previously deactivated).
When the car is started, the Cambiocorsa configuration is the same as when the engine was switched off. Only if the engine was switched off in MANUAL mode does the transmission present itself in easy-exit AUTO mode. In this configuration the gear change logic is automatic, but when a gear is requested with the car moving (gear suggestion) the system changes to MANUAL mode. The car presents the same configuration as when it was switched off previously in NORMAL/SPORT modes as well.
Braking system - Dual-cast technology
The Maserati GranTurismo S is fitted with a high-performance brake system, which uses dual-cast technology for the front brake discs, developed in collaboration with Brembo and used for the first time in the automotive field on the Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT S.
Differently from traditional cast iron discs, the dual-cast disc consists of a cast iron braking ring and an aluminum hub, making it possible to combine the advantages offered by cast iron's performance at temperature with the aluminum's light weight.
At the front the Dual-cast discs are combined with the six-piston mono-bloc brake calipers with differentiated diameter (30/34/36 mm), with Ferodo HP1000 pads. The mono-bloc calipers are more resistant to deformation than calipers made of two parts; this means that lighter materials, in this case aluminum, can be used and component weight minimized even further. The caliper is also more efficient at any operating pressure and this translates into lighter use of the pedal use when braking.
A the rear 330 x 28 mm discs are fitted with 4-piston calipers having differentiated diameter (32/36 mm), and Jurid 673 GG pads.
The brake calipers fitted as standard on the Maserati GranTurismo S are red. The customer may personalize the color of the calipers selecting from one of a further 5 alternative shades: Titanio e Giallo for a more sporty look, Argento and Blu for a more elegant configuration and the classic Nero.
The braking system in the Maserati GranTurismo S also features ABS, which prevents the wheels from locking up when braking, and EBD for better distribution of braking force between the front and rear wheels, both integrated with MSP Bosch version 8.0.
"Hill Holder" device and Electric Parking Brake (EPB)
The Maserati GranTurismo S is equipped with the "Hill Holder" function, which aids the driver during hill starting. The device holds the car braked for a few seconds (the time varies depending on road incline), so that the driver has time to move his foot from the brake pedal to the throttle without the car moving.
Similar to the model with automatic transmission, the Maserati GranTurismo S is equipped with an Electric Parking Brake (EPB).
This system, in addition to making handbrake actuation easier, means that the driver can forget all about activating/deactivating the park brake since it engages automatically when there is no engine power and deactivates when the accelerator pedal is pressed.
In place of the traditional mechanical lever, the electric park brake can be switched on simply by activating an electric control located on the centre tunnel.
Whenever the car has to be moved with the engine off, the automated switch may be disabled using the "Park off" button in the central portion of the dashboard.
Suspensions and configuration - Single-rating sport setting to enhance the sporty driving feel
The Maserati GranTurismo S offers the same suspensions layout as the 4.2. engine version. However, it also features a special development designed to really exploit the greater power output of the 4.7 V8 and harness the capabilities offered by the Transaxle system.
The Maserati GranTurismo S is fitted as standard with fixed-rating steel dampers modified with the introduction of new springs and dampers, with 10% more damping force and repositioned in terms of compression/extension ratio so as to match the car's different specification. The diameter of the rear torsion bar has also been increased to make it more rigid.
These modifications have resulted in a 10% reduction in body roll which, combined with the excellent weight distribution, makes the Maserati GranTurismo S particularly agile and responsive to driver instructions:
in a succession of bends it appears quick and intuitive when entering and finding the centre of the bend, speedy when negotiating the bend and the driver can accelerate earlier when coming out of the bend due to the reduced load transfers.
As an alternative to the standard fixed-rating suspensions the Maserati GranTurismo S may be provided, upon request, with Skyhook electronic control suspensions featuring aluminum body dampers with continuous damping variation; in this case the hardware modifications are accompanied by special management software.
The Skyhook suspensions electronic management system is able to continuously monitor suspensions damping: The Skyhook system acts through acceleration sensors which record the movements of each wheel and thus ensure that any surface unevenness is absorbed and the highest level of comfort guaranteed.
A further advantage for the customer is that he can choose from two different settings: Normal, which allows travel with the highest level of driving comfort, and Sport, which gives a harder ride setting with more reduced roll angles and load transfers, which enhances the agility and stability of the car body. In the Sport configuration the handling of the Maserati GranTurismo S is comparable with that guaranteed by fixed-rating dampers.
The choice of suspension is very much dependent on driver preference: single-rating dampers make the driver feel more "at one" with car, which will convey the slightest change in road condition, without being filtered by the electronics. Thanks to the operation of the electronic control, the Skyhook suspensions ensure the best compromise between comfort and handling in all driving conditions.
Athletic look for the new Maserati GranTurismo S
The Maserati GranTurismo S is recognizable on the outside due to a number of aesthetic details that really bring to the fore this model's sporty credentials, but without detracting from the elegance of the lines expertly designed by Pininfarina.
The Maserati GranTurismo S is distinguished by the new-design side skirts, the rear spoiler integrated in the boot and the specially designed seven-spoke 20" rims. This instant recognition also extends to the opaque black grille (as against titanium on the GranTurismo); the same color is applied to the interior parabola of the headlamps.
As with all the sportiest cars, the Trident on the grille and the Saetta logo located in the "C" pillar are decorated with red prongs which match the color of the brake calipers.
The application of the side skirts and rear spoiler, which are, without a doubt, the most distinctive features of the Maserati GranTurismo S look, not only give the car a decidedly more sporty and gutsy appearance but were fine-tuned in the wind tunnel in order to increase the overall aerodynamic efficiency of the car body: the side skirts help to streamline the flow of air towards the rear wheels, whilst the rear spoiler increases the car's aerodynamic load at the rear, improving the balance between front and rear Cz.
In order to emphasize the car's handling qualities and dynamic performance, the Maserati GranTurismo S is fitted as standard with new-design 7-spoke 20" rims having distinctive spokes ending with a stylized Trident.
The front 8.5J x 20, H2 rims are fitted with 245/35 R20 tires, whilst those at the rear, 10.5J x 20 H2, come with 285/35 R20 tires.
The new rim is also available in the aggressive Grigio Mercury color.
Interior
Without a doubt, the most distinctive features of the interior of the Maserati GranTurismo S are the seats, with the contrasting central section characterized by piping running horizontally. The interiors are upholstered in Frau Leather and Alcantara: In the standard configuration the Alcantara is used for the central section of the seats and for the steering wheel's rim, and can be extended on request right up to the headlining.
Frau Leather and Alcantara is not the only combination of materials available for the interior; the customer can select a more classic interior trimmed entirely in Frau leather, or substitute the Alcantara lining the seats with Peccary leather for a more sporty and sophisticated option.
The Peccary leather is available in three colors (the elegant Cuoio and Grigio Vanadio and the extremely sporty Nero Asphalt). It is a full-grain leather with the characteristic embossing that sets it apart from ordinary leathers normally used in the car industry due to the lack of coatings or films. The leather is not chemically treated to preserve its natural look and distinctive velvety feel. The leather is treated so that it is both oil- and waterproof, and meets all the quality standards required for use in the automotive industry.
Behind the wheel, the driver's attention is drawn to the elongated paddles of the electro-actuated transmission, enhanced by a decorative profile around the edge. The electro-actuated transmission can also be noted on the center tunnel, where we find the elegantly chromed panel with the buttons for engaging first gear and reverse.
There are even more customized options available for the GranTurismo S. Customers can choose the type of molding they want for the dashboard and door panels/rear sides. They are available not only in fine varnished wood, but can also be upholstered in AluTex, an aluminum-coated fiberglass fabric with a hi-tech, modern look. What makes AluTex so special is the autoclave process it undergoes during manufacturing - a fine powder of pure metal is applied to the surface which gives the fibers an unusual brilliance and three-dimensional effect.
The dynamic feel of the car's interior is complemented by the sporty pedals made from aluminum alloy (available on request).