Maserati GranTurismo
03/06/2007
Maserati
Maserati started as a racing car manufacturer in 1914. Starting from the chassis of a racing car, the A6, and further to the pressures of some customers, the company presented in 1947 at the Geneva Motorshow the A6 GranTurismo, styled by Pinin Farina. It was the first Maserati road car and was produced in 58 units. The car was acclaimed by the automotive press for its advanced technical content and for its avant-garde style solutions.
Ten years later, in 1957, once again at the Geneva Motorshow, Maserati presented its first standard GranTurismo, the 3500 GT. This was the car that transformed Maserati in a road car manufacturer, where production of standard cars took priority over that of racing models. A total of 1983 units of the 3500GT were produced over seven years.
To continue the tradition and celebrate the 60 year anniversary of the A6 as well as the 50 year anniversary of the 3500GT,
Maserati debuts once again at the Geneva Motorshow with its new coupe, the Maserati GranTurismo. The choice of name is not incidental; once again the combined forces of Maserati - Pininfarina have created a car that can excite and outperform the competition in terms of its design engineering and unique and inimitable style.
With the new Maserati GranTurismo, Maserati is continuing its range renewal program started with the presentation at the 2007 Detroit Motor Show of the Quattroporte Automatic.
The new Maserati GranTurismo makes the most of the experience gained with the Quattroporte in the luxury model segment interpreting in an absolutely unique manner those concepts that have made the Quattroporte such a success in all the markets.
With the Quattroporte the new Maserati GranTurismo shares:
- the mechanical set-up designed to offer an exhilarating drive
- the carefully conceived choice of materials and equipment to provide high-quality and enjoyable living on-board
- a full range of customization options, so that every customer can express their personality and fulfill their personal requirements
On top of all this, the new Maserati GranTurismo is able to offer top performance and a style that is unique within the automotive industry, and can thrill and attract the attention of the market and new potential customers with renewed vigor and urgency.
The car's concept appears evident from its name: the new Maserati GranTurismo is actually a performance sports car, enjoyable to drive, which makes no compromises when it comes to on-board functionality and comfort.
Market and Competitors
Maserati has a long-established tradition at the high end segment (>€90,000 incl. VAT) of the high-performance coupes (2+2/4 seaters). The target segment for the Maserati GranTurismo is above 30,000 units (year 2006, 8 main markets: USA, I, D, CH, F, UK, J, AUS), is mature in terms of product offering and is expected to grow in the next few years as a result of the entry of new competitors up to a maximum level of 37,000/38,000 vehicle registrations (years 2008-2011).
With the new Maserati GranTurismo, Maserati is expanding its presence in the segment: whilst the GranSport, in fact, continues to dominate the market sector represented by models up to 4.5 meters long and costing up to €100,000 (Italy - VAT included), the new Maserati GranTurismo falls within the competitive panorama represented by coupe models with a length of more than 4.7 meters priced between €90,000 and €130,000 (Italy - VAT included).
The Maserati GranTurismo therefore sees itself as a real alternative to its most solid competitors (BMW 650Ci, Mercedes CL500, Jaguar XK8/XKR, Aston Martin V8 Vantage) and, as such, must be considered a model for winning over new customers.
Positioning - Product USP
Product Key Message: a thoroughbred muscular and ultra-sporty car, thrilling to drive, which makes no compromises when it comes to everyday enjoyment.
In order to win over new customers, and beat its competitors in the segment, the Maserati GranTurismo can rely on a unique offering that encompasses:
Design with an immediate visual impact unmatched by its competitors:
- Style inspired by the lines of the Pininfarina Birdcage 75th concept car
- Style and dimensions blend into a thoroughbred and ultra-sporty car body, but never going over the top, always well-proportioned and elegant
Driving Emotion:
- V8, 4.2 liters, 405 HP with high specific power output with that distinctive all-enveloping sound
- Hydraulic converter transmission with gear change up to 7,200 rpm
- Chassis: balanced weight distribution: 49% front - 51% rear
Everyday enjoyment:
- More room in the back than the average for the segment
- Rear seats fitted to accommodate two adults even on long journeys
- Pleasure of being on board: attractive design, wide range of materials and color combinations available
Design way beyond the competition
The stylistic features of the Maserati GranTurismo can be traced back immediately to the legacy of the Trident (Maserati A6GCS) and to a boundless future illustrated by the Birdcage 75th concept car through a clear aesthetic language consisting of words such as: dynamism, modernity, sensuality and passion.
Inspired by the forms of the Birdcage 75th, the exterior appears muscular with a natural and decisive fluidity of volumes which start from the impressive grille and mark out the whole side up to the rear lights; the fenders hang over the large wheels to create a powerful and elegant form drawn tightly over the mechanics.
The dynamism of the side view is accentuated by the reduced overhangs as well as the long bonnet furrowed with the classic "V" streak; three air intakes in pure Maserati style and the chrome profile lighten the front fender.
The side is distinguished by chrome features that convey light: the Maserati logo on the rear pillar, the profile of the grilles on the front fender, the door handles, and the frame marking out the glass surface.
The imposing and dynamic front shows in plan view the traditional Maserati V form which culminates in the large oval grille alongside the headlamps which develop horizontally blending perfectly into the form of the fenders. The grille marked by vertical concave fillets is adorned with a large chrome Trident which appears to be suspended in the middle with all-round visibility.
The rear of the car gives further emphasis to sportiness and technological research: the triangular lights use 96 LED lights which ensure immediate night-time recognition; a wind tunnel designed ample aerodynamic cone framed at the sides by chrome exhaust tailpipes sits over the bottom part of the bumper.
Driving Emotion - Engine
The heart of the Maserati GranTurismo is the 4,244 cc 90° V8 which belongs to the new generation of Maserati power units, having been designed for the first application at the start of 2007 on the Maserati Quattroporte's automatic gearbox versions at the beginning of the year.
The basic technical options for these new engines have been designed to ensure high specific power and rapid rise and fall in engine revs typical of competition engines, but with particular attention to fuel consumption, smooth running and silent operation.
The V8 adopted for the Maserati GranTurismo has been especially fine tuned compared to the engine fitted to the Quattroporte's automatic versions in order to enhance its responsiveness to the throttle controls. In this configuration it delivers maximum power of 405 HP at 7,100 revs (specific power of 96.4 HP/Liter) and maximum torque of 460 Nm at 4,750 revs, of which 75% is already available at 2,500 revs.
Compact and light (180Kg), the short stroke engine (bore 92 mm - stroke 79.8 mm) incorporates a crankcase and cylinder heads (with head cover in Maserati Blue) made of aluminum silicon alloy, hardened forged steel crankshaft and 5 main bearings.
The timing has twin chain-driven overhead camshafts per bank; 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 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. This solution replaces the dry sump fitted on the previous family of engines, reducing the number of pumps and resulting in a noticeable reduction in operating noise to the benefit of acoustic comfort on board.
The ignition and injection systems are integrated, with features that detect operating malfunctions within the engine control system and ensure that emission control regulations are met. The electronic control units (ECU) dialogue with the other systems through a CAN line (Controlled Area Network) to optimize engine management.
The accelerator is electronic drive by wire, with a particularly driven operating logic: small angles or pressure on the accelerator pedal correspond to more than proportional throttle opening angles which translates into an immediate response to even the slightest accelerator pressure: for example, 40% of pressure on the accelerator pedal is the equivalent of 70% of throttle valve opening, which increases up to 100% in Sport mode (selected through the Sport button).
The V8 is connected to a stainless steel exhaust system which uses metallic catalyzers rather than those made of ceramic material: the use of this racing-derived technology means that the density of the cells can be reduced which translates into a reduction in the section resistant to the flow of gases and hence less exhaust backpressure; this means that the Maserati customer can get behind the wheel of a car that meets the most stringent anti-pollution laws, without having to compromise in terms of performance.
The exhaust system on the Maserati GranTurismo has also been designed to thrill the driver with its distinctive resonance which, although never intrusive inside or outside the cabin, can provide the enthusiast with a deep feisty growl, at times metallic in tone, issuing from the four attractive large-section chrome tailpipes.
Driving Emotion - Automatic transmission with hydraulic torque converter
The new 6-speed automatic transmission (ZF 6HP26) has been designed to offer smooth and easy driving, without changing the sporty behavior of the Maserati V8.
The new hydraulic transmission exalts the Maserati V8 into the low/medium range, and does not limit the power at high revs, allowing really sporty gear changes up to 7,200 revs (a limit not achieved by the other cars in the target segment).
The ratios have been chosen so as to allow the Maserati GranTurismo to obtain excellent acceleration times (0-100 Km/h in 5.2 seconds) and at the same time to reduce fuel consumption and interior noise levels at high speeds.
The automatic transmission is fitted with auto-adaptive control which adapts the type of change to driving style and driving conditions: the driver can choose from four different operating modes: Auto Normal, Auto Sport (selected using the Sport button), Low Grip/Auto Ice (selected through the Ice button) and Manual (selected by moving the selector lever from "D" to the special track).
There are two different types of change for each of the Auto Normal and Auto Sport driving modes. These are selected automatically by the transmission/engine control system based on the driver's style of driving (detected through the accelerator pedal and lateral and longitudinal acceleration intensity) and the road gradient.
Auto Normal Mode:
- With normal driving style (low lateral and longitudinal acceleration) the gear-change maps are set to obtain maximum traveling 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. The gear shifts are managed so that comfort is not put at risk.
- With sporty driving style: if a sportier driving style is recognized in Auto Normal mode the "UP" shifts are moved to a higher number of engine revs; this reduces the number of changes and makes available more engine torque which reduces the need to shift up a gear.
Auto Sport Mode:
- With a normal driving style with no lateral and/or longitudinal accelerations a lower gear is engaged than in the corresponding Auto Normal situation; this makes the transmission feel sportier, with only the slightest deterioration in acoustic comfort.
- With a sporty driving style the gear shifts are moved to much higher engine speeds and the changes induced by braking are calibrated to guarantee the lowest gear before a bend so as to maximize control going into the bend and engine torque on leaving it. This mode is designed for high speed driving conditions or on highly driven roads with a lot of bends.
As well as changing the gear shift logic, selecting the Sport button also activates the sport mode for:
- Stability control operation (MSP)
- Electronic control suspension setting (Skyhook), available on request
When in Auto mode, the driver can shift quickly (for example to overtake quickly) by changing temporarily to manual mode by operating the steering wheel paddles; the transmission control system recognizes the driving condition, carries out the gear change requested and then returns to automatic mode.
Auto Ice Mode:
When the driver requests the ICE mode Sport mode is deactivated automatically (if it was on) and the stability control restored (if previously deactivated); first gear is not engaged to reduce the maximum torque at the wheel and gear changes can take place at a maximum of 3,000 engine revs.
Manual Mode:
- Manual Mode is available for maximum driving enjoyment and can be selected by moving the gear lever from "D" to the "+"/"-" selector track.
- In this case the gears are selected directly by the driver in sequence either through the gear shift lever or steering wheel paddles (Active Shifting) integral with the steering column.
When the driver users the gear lever he will find himself acting like the Maserati racing driver in the cockpit of the MC12: pulling the lever towards himself, the driver will shift up, pushing it away will select a lower ratio, following the body's movements in acceleration and braking.
The driver can at any time change from using the lever to the steering wheel paddles (leaving the gear lever in the "+"/"-" track).
The steering wheel paddles adopted by Maserati differ from other systems used by its competitors due to their elongated form and ergonomic position (integral with the steering column); using the gear shift paddles allows the driver to keep his hands on the wheel: gearshifts take place with a simple flick of the fingers, which ensures greater safety, particularly on very winding roads, but also greater driving enjoyment.
In order to ensure driving safety and maintain mechanical reliability Manual Mode automatically changes to the next gear when maximum engine revs are reached and at the same time automatically shifts to avoid under-running.
The electronic kick-down may be activated at any time by pressing the throttle right down either in Auto or Manual mode so that it is always possible to easily disengage in situations requiring maximum engine response.
Driving Emotion - Chassis
Bodywork
The new bearing body design boasts a construction with a mix of materials and technologies for weight optimization: the structural part is made of steel, the bonnet and bumper front reinforcement member of aluminum, whilst the boot is constructed in thermosetting plastic material (Sheet Molding Compound, SMC, technology).
The boot consists of a single skin which incorporates the aerodynamic lip; SMC technology not only keeps the component weight down and is more resistant to minor damage and corrosion, it also has left the designer more room to apply his creative flair.
The high rigidity values allow the suspensions to work with excellent precision to the benefit of dynamic handling, whilst also reducing vibration and unwanted movements of the internal components. This optimizes on-board comfort over any road surface condition.
Frame
The frame of the Maserati GranTurismo derives from the Quattroporte with reduced wheelbase and rear overhang.
Constructed in high-strength steel box sections, it incorporates a tubular structure in the rear to support the suspensions and differential and a front section to support the suspensions and engine.
Transmission
What makes the Maserati GranTurismo such fun to drive, responsive to commands and safe in every driving condition is a balanced weight distribution with a slightly greater load on the rear axle (49% front - 51% rear).
This lay-out, which has been achieved by moving the engine back behind the front axle, translates in everyday driving into uncomplicated and predictable performance which makes driving so easy, maximizes traction when accelerating (particularly on low grip surfaces) and road holding (lateral acceleration 1g). It also results in exceptionally stable and balanced car performance even during emergency maneuvers.
The lay-out of the transmission is completed with the hydraulic transmission in the front in unit with the engine, drive shaft articulated into two sections which transmits the drive to the wheels through a self-locking differential (with lock percentages: 25% in traction, 45% in release) which limits slip and always ensures adequate traction control.
Steering
Steering responsiveness and precision also contribute to driving pleasure, comfort and safety, as well as to the sensation felt by the driver.
The electronic servo-system ensures that power steering action is always related to driving speed, so that there is always the right sensation when driving at high speeds and a light and comfortable feel when maneuvering.
The manually adjustable steering column may be requested with electric adjustment in combination with the seat comfort pack (also including memories and heating).
Steering diameter (from pavement to pavement): 10,7 m
Suspension
The chassis of the Maserati GranTurismo features front and rear wishbone suspensions with forged aluminum hubs and arms in order to ensure a reduction in the unhung masses.
The suspensions layout benefits from "Antidive" (prevents the front pitching down when braking) and "Antisquat" geometry (prevents the rear pitching down when accelerating).
The fixed rate standard steel dampers feature damping that represents the right compromise between handling and on-board comfort.
For anyone unwilling to make compromises the Maserati GranTurismo may be fitted on request with aluminum gas dampers which use the Skyhook system for automatic continuous damping control and thus ensure that any surface unevenness is absorbed and the highest level of comfort guaranteed without penalizing performance and sportiness.
The Skyhook system acts through acceleration sensors which record the movements of each wheel and the car body; the control unit processes this information and interprets the driving and road surface conditions and immediately adjusts the setting of the dampers by acting on the proportional valve of each damper.
A further advantage for the customer is that he can adapt the car's dynamic behavior to his own driving style and conditions of the moment choosing from two different settings, Normal and Sport (selected through the Sport button).
The first mode is characterized by ultra-soft damping, which allows travel with the highest level of driving comfort; at the driver's discretion, pressing the Sport button gives a harder ride setting, with more reduced roll angles and load transfers, which enhances the agility and stability of the car body.
The dynamic performance of the Maserati GranTurismo is assisted by the Maserati Stability Program (MSP), specially developed by Maserati to optimize driving dynamics and safety.
The system relies on a set of sensors which can pick up any anomalies in the car's ideal dynamic behavior and acts on brakes and engine to stabilize the car and restore the correct behavior.
The Maserati Stability Program (MSP) performs the following functions:
- when it recognizes the tendency to side-skid, it reduces the torque, activates the brakes and stabilizes the car in milliseconds (MSP)
- it prevents the wheels locking during braking (ABS)
- it divides the braking force between the front and rear axles preventing the rear wheels locking (EBD)
- it prevents the driving wheels skidding by improving traction on low-grip surfaces (ASR)
- again on low-grip surfaces, it prevents the drive wheels locking during gear shifts (MSR).
The driver can opt for the sport mode also in the case of MSP: in normal conditions the MSP intervenes both on engine torque and brakes; when the Sport button is pressed the MSP is less invasive and favors a much sportier driving style but without penalizing safety functions. In fact, the operating threshold is shifted upwards and acts primarily on the brakes without cutting engine power.
Wheels and tires
The features of the car that make it ideal for everyday use but also emphasize its sporty nature are shown clearly by the sizes chosen for the rims and wheels, a perfect combination of road holding and comfort.
In the standard configuration the Maserati GranTurismo is fitted with 19" aluminum rims with mixed-size front and rear tires: the rear tires have a larger tread pattern than the front ones, so that the power is better released to the ground.
19" diameter wheels in light alloy; front 8.5J x 19, H2 profile, rear 10.5J x 19 H2 profile.
Front tires 245/40 R19, rear 285/40 R19.
A sportier 20" version is also available which, against a slight reduction in comfort, increases agility and responsiveness to steering maneuvers due to a reduced drift angle. It also sports a look inspired by the wheels on the Birdcage 75th which emphasizes the power of the mechanics.
Optional: 20" diameter wheels in light alloy; front 8.5J x 20, H2 profile rear 10.5J x 20 H2 profile.
Tires front 245/35 R20, rear 285/35 R20.
Braking System
The Brembo braking system installed on the Maserati GranTurismo consists of 4 ventilated discs (front Ø 330 mm x 32 mm, rear Ø 330 mm x 28 mm) with 4-piston calipers at the front and rear.
The brake calipers are silver grey (available on request in other colors as well), whilst the discs feature 48 drillings (Ø 4 mm) (to eliminate noise when braking) which not only guarantee a sporty look but also have important benefits in terms of braking readiness and efficiency: the holes prevent a film of surface water forming when it rains and revitalize the pad at each braking action.
The Maserati Gran Turismo guarantees tip-top performance both in terms of stopping distances and resistance to fatigue in the most challenging use, not only when accelerating but also when braking. It guarantees in all situations the immediacy of response and level of safety that one expects from a true sports car.
Stopping distance: 100 km/h - 0: 35 m
Average deceleration in g: 1.24 g
At active safety level the system includes ABS, which prevents the wheels locking during braking, and EBD, for optimizing distribution of the braking force between front and back, both integrated by the MSP (Maserati Stability Program).
To aid the driver on hill starts the Maserati GranTurismo benefits from the "Hill Holder" device which, on an incline, holds the car braked for a few seconds, so that the driver has time to move his foot from the brake pedal to the throttle without the car moving.
The Maserati GranTurismo is equipped with an Electric Park Brake (EPB) which is engaged simply by actuating an electrical control on the center tunnel which takes the place of the conventional mechanical lever.
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.
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.
The electric parking brake also performs a safety function; in fact if necessary it can even be activated with the car moving in which case the system dialogues with the stability control program (MSP) and acts on all four wheels to brake immediately (deceleration 0.5 g), in total safety and with no loss of stability, until the control is released.
Everyday enjoyment - comfort enough for four
Comfort
The interior of the Maserati GranTurismo offers those sitting both in the front and the rear maximum comfort, thanks to the spaciousness, which is greater than the average for the segment.
The Maserati GranTurismo guarantees to all four passengers maximum comfort also on long journeys.
Usually on this type of car it is the rear passengers, who are sacrificed most of all; on the Maserati GranTurismo, the sleek sporty style combines perfectly with the generous and superior proportions of its most direct competitors, making the rear seats usable by adults even on long journeys.
Front seats
Movement of both front seats is fully electric, with adjustable lumbar support on the driver's seat. Upon request the seats may be upgraded with the comfort package including: memories (on the driver's side), three-temperature heating of seat, electrically adjustable steering column with easy entry/exit function, the steering column is raised/lowered automatically when the door is opened to make entry and exit easier.
A sports configuration has been chosen for the seat and seatback that guarantees a high level of comfort whilst at the same time supporting the top half of the body and legs when negotiating bends at top speeds.
The internally-lined leather seat belt fitting is a valuable aid for wearing the seat belt and also represents a tangible sign of craftsmanship and an eye for detail.
In keeping with the sporty design of the seats there is the leather-covered three-spoke steering wheel, with a reduced diameter (Ø 375 mm) and ergonomic grip.
Everyday enjoyment also means having a sufficient number of storage compartments: for smaller items and the driver and passenger have available the pockets in the door panels and a convenient day receptacle located next to the gear lever. The compartment in the center armrest (Capacity 5 liters) and the lockable glove box (capacity 3.5 liters) can be used for larger items. The pockets on the door panels and enclosed compartments are lined in material that is pleasant to touch.
On the center tunnel there are two large illuminated cup-holders that are easy for the driver and passenger to reach; the cup-holders can be used as extra day receptacles as necessary.
Rear seats
Thanks to the easy entry system on the driver and passenger side the front seats move forward electrically to give easy access to the rear seats.
Two single seats have been reserved for those sitting behind, perfectly suitable for two adults as well.
Comfort in the back is assured by the center pull-up armrest and two climate control vents; a further sign of the attention paid to the rear passengers are the two cup-holders (the same as the front ones) located on the center tunnel, the courtesy lights and the day receptacle located on the tunnel which, combined with the side pockets, complete the set of onboard compartments.
Everday enjoyment - on board in complete safety
The airbag system fitted to the Maserati GranTurismo relies on 4 sensors located at the front of the car and at the sides and on a control unit next to the center tunnel.
Thanks to the front sensors the front air bags, both dual-stage, always inflate in direct proportion to the severity of the impact. An extensive set of simulations and internal tests guarantees that air-bag activation meets the most stringent American standards and that it takes place in such a way as to always offer, even in the most extreme situations, maximum protection to the occupants of the car (the so-called "Out of position tests").
The Maserati GranTurismo is also fitted with side-bags incorporated in the front seats and lamella-bags integrated in the door panel, to ensure that the front passengers receive the maximum protection in the event of side impact.
The seat belts, both front and rear, are provided with the latest generation pretensioner and load limiter, so that the occupants are held securely in the optimum manner even when particularly sharp deceleration takes place. The seatbelt-fastened sensor ensures that the severity of the collision is also assessed in relation to whether the belts are secured or not and that activation of the front bags is always optimal, in terms of the speed of activation and inflation pressure.
The rear Isofix attachments offer a solid grip for child-seats and ensure that the youngest passengers are adequately protected.
Everyday enjoyment - pleasure of being onboard
The everyday pleasure of sitting in the Maserati GranTurismo is also related to the fact that you are cocooned in a captivating design that is pleasant to look at and to touch due to the high-quality materials, enhanced by the appeal of the craftmanship and love of detail in the execution.
In addition customers have the option of choosing from a wide range of materials and color combinations so that they can create a unique environment for themselves that reflects their own aesthetic tastes.
Design
The key words that describe the interior style are: modernity, elegance, craftsmanship, sportiness, livability.
The interior is divided longitudinally by the center tunnel with distributes the available space between the passengers.
The dashboard lies horizontally and features right along its top a decorative "V" shaped element, the distinctive feature of the Maserati marque. By drawing attention to the top part of the dashboard this helps to create that sporty feeling of sitting close to the floor.
The decorative features are found (with different shapes) not only on the dashboard but also on the door panels and rear panels; these also represent the main areas that can be personalized in terms of material, treatment and color, thereby serving to emphasize the exclusivity of the interiors.
The controls are distributed in such a way as to give the driver the feeling of total control: the main dynamic functions are managed through the driver buttons located on the driver's side dashboard, and inserted in an aluminum colored decorative feature. The most used multimedia functions can be controlled through the buttons on the steering wheel, and displayed on the 7" screen of the Maserati Multi Media System located in the centre of the dashboard in a raised position for improved visibility.
The attention to detail exudes from a number of features such as the subtle chrome inlay that elegantly decorates the buttons on the dashboard and steering wheel, the Trident logo hand-crafted on the seat headrests, the Alcantara trim lining the back of the gear change paddles, the leather belt fitting, front seats, beautifully handcrafted.
Choice of materials and personalization options
The basic material used for the interior of the Maserati GranTurismo is Poltrona Frau leather, a true expression of Italian craftsmanship, both as regards the rich quality of the raw material used and the traditional processing techniques adopted.
The Poltrona Frau leathers used for the interior trim of the Maserati GranTurismo are the product of a thorough selection process, designed to ensure the highest quality and pleasurable contact with the natural material. The refined processes that they undergo add durability, strength and practicality to the attractive appearance and soft-to-the-touch quality.
The natural character and distinctive process used, which combines original mechanical solutions and individual hand-craftsmanship, make the leather soft and cosy in winter, cool and fresh in summer, and give it that very particular feature that makes ageing a factor that actually enhances the quality.
Given that the range of leathers spans ten shades, the customer can select the preferred color combination for the seats, dashboard/rear shelf and steering wheel/gear lever knob, which can be matched to the color of the stitching, mats and cabin roof.
The decorative features of the dashboard and door panels/rear sides are other areas that can be personalized: in the standard version these are available in "Smoked Quartz" and "Alu Grey", while upon request it is possible to choose among essences of genuine wood (Walnut, Tanganyika wood, Rosewood) for a warm and elegant environment, or as an alternative varnished hues (Black Piano, Rosso Sigillo, Giallo Decoro, Bianco Cotton, Blu Laque), for a more sporty and elaborate look.
The procedure used to develop both the wood and varnish kits meets the industrial process standards required to ensure top quality, whilst at the same time entailing a high level of individual craftsmanship during the stages with the highest added value.
The decorative features in genuine wood are obtained through a "plating" process: several layers of construction wood and a final layer of genuine wood are laid on a metallic support; a non-reversible single unit is obtained by exploiting parameters such as pressure, temperature and time.
The special "blank" obtained in this way is then prepared for the finishing operations using fully manual "smoothing", "bleaching" (to eliminate impurities), "tinting" (to have color consistency for all the kit components) and "isolation" (so that the finishing varnish adheres perfectly) processes; the final stages are "felting" and "polishing" which gives the special bright shiny effect desired.
Varnishing follows the same process used to produce the shiny surfaces of pianos; up to 7 coats of varnish are required in which the colored pigment is dissolved followed by polishing to obtain the desired reflecting effect.
Everyday enjoyment - main equipment
Automatic climate control
The automatic dual-zone climate control maintains ideal conditions inside the cabin by automatically adjusting the interior temperature and the intensity of the ventilation in relation to outdoor temperature, sunlight intensity and air humidity.
The fully electronic dashboard allows the driver and passenger to set their own preferred temperature separately between a minimum of 16°C and a maximum of 32°C, whilst the flow distribution maintains the ideal climate in the back as well through two vents located on the centre tunnel.
The system is fitted with an anti-misting sensor: this automatically operates to reduce the humidity content of the air.
Maserati Multi Media System (MMS)
The ICT offer on board the Maserati GranTurismo derives from the new top of the range IT platform developed by Magneti Marelli.
The CD player, satellite navigation (cartography where available), radio and onboard computer (information on the journey and car set-up) functions can be seen through a 7" high-resolution color TFT, located in the centre of the dashboard; the equipment may be upgraded on request to include the GSM 900 - 1.900 MHz telephone with SIM card.
The system's performance is enhanced by the use of a 30 GB automotive hard disk drive that can host the whole cartography and offer the juke-box function (in place of the CD loader). The hard-disk drive, on the one hand, significantly reduces the journey calculation times, and on the other allows about 180 hours of music to be memorized, which can be copied directly from Audio CD or downloaded in Mp3 file format through the USB socket (available on request from January 2008) located in the passenger glove compartment.
The system also allows you to use your own Mp3 player as an audio source: the USB socket can, in fact, be used to connect most players on sale today and to listen to your own music during the journey.
As far as the satellite navigation system is concerned, the ample color display and a graphic 3D processor offer high-appeal view navigation.
System control is easy and intuitive through the controls in the centre of the dashboard, whilst the most frequently used functions are accessed in complete safety through the buttons on the multi-function steering wheel; again from a safety standpoint, the audio system, navigation system and telephone (where fitted) can be operated without distracting the driver through a convenient voice command system.
The "Text to Speech" voice synthesis system also contributes to user safety since it reads the SMS messages traffic information so that the driver is not distracted by having to look at the display.
Audio system
The Maserati GranTurismo is fitted as standard with an audio system having 6 speakers (2 tweeter + 4 mid-woofer) with integrated equalizer and 4 x 25 Watt rms amplifier.
Those who are very particular about their audio quality can choose the Bose system with Surround Sound from the catalogue of optionals; this is specially designed and built to match and blend in with the car's acoustics.
Starting from the idea that top audio quality should never be just an after-thought, but should be designed alongside the car from the very beginning, Bose has created a system that can offer music reproduction on a par with that of the best concert halls in terms of depth, clarity and sensations.
Cutting-edge solutions characterize the system in terms of technology applied in the construction of the speakers and sound management.
Adaptive Light Control
The already highly effective dual-xenon lights which are fitted to the Maserati GranTurismo are enhanced by the rotation function which improves illumination of the carriageway and surrounding areas and hence improves driving safety whilst traveling at night on very twisty routes.
The electronic high and low beam control unit captures the instantaneous information relating to steering and angle as well as driving speed and actuates special electric motors to rotate the light cones.
Parking sensors
The significant size of the Maserati GranTurismo should not be cause for concern as the car is fitted with standard rear sensors integrated in the rear bumper which, combined with those fitted in the front (optional), assist when maneuvering even in very tight spaces.
Cruise control
When driving at steady speed cruise control is particularly useful because it allows the cruising speed set to be maintained automatically without having to press the throttle pedal.
When cruise control is activated provision is made for a specific set of gearshift strategies selected automatically based on road gradient and calibrated to obtain maximum comfort and avoid unnecessary changes.
Immobilizer and anti-theft system
Security against theft is assured by an immobilizer operating with a transponder inserted in the ignition key and an anti-theft system consisting of:
- anti-lift sensor and ultrasound volumetric sensors
- perimeter protection
- alarm in engine compartment
- remote control with three buttons with door lock and unlock and boot release.
Other onboard equipment
In addition to the equipment already mentioned, the onboard equipment may be supplemented with other electronic devices available on request, conceived to make driving safer and more comfortable.
- Interior and exterior electro-chrome rearview mirrors: these darken progressively as light intensity increases thereby avoiding glare
- Garage opening remote control: this allows up to three frequencies of three remote controls to be transferred directly to the car onboard system located on the driver's sun visor
- Tire pressure monitoring sensors (TPMS): the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) uses dedicated sensors to continually check tire pressure whilst driving. The system displays on the onboard panel individual tire pressure and alerts the driver if pressure falls below the optimal value or in the event of a puncture.
Everyday enjoyment - boot, room for luxury
The Maserati GranTurismo offers a flexible boot area allowing to load a pair of golfing bags in regular size or as alternative a five luggage set conceived to meet the traveling needs for two.
Maserati chose Salvatore Ferragamo, world leader in the production of luxury accessories, to develop a set of luggage, available on request, made of exclusive top of the range materials, conceived especially for the size and shape of the Maserati GranTurismo boot; the link with the car is reinforced by the sophisticated design inspired by the lines of the radiator grille and shape of the headlamps.
The luggage set includes:
- 1 large case
- 1 medium-size weekend case
- 1 beauty case
- 1 suit carrier
- 1 shoe carrier with extractable divider which may be used as a bag if required.
The set is available in two variants of leather material and four different colors:
- Firenze: the hand-grained calfskin with a clean and shiny appearance, dark brown or Maserati blue
- Modena: the more gritty style of natural anti-scratch calfskin, in black or aubergine, with contrasting stitching.
The attention to detail reserved to the Maserati GranTurismo even extends to allowing the customer to choose the color of the carpet lining the boot.
The bottom is provided with chrome inlays which serve to hold the flexible netting (available in after-sales) designed to secure heavy objects.