[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”24″ el_class=”used-value-text”]Maserati has striven to be the “exotic daily driver,” and GranTurismo fits that role nicely. This big coupe is as happy sitting in traffic as it is carving a twisty two-lane back road, and its magical engine note never rises to the level of annoyance. With new-car prices starting around $125,000, this big Italian coupe can be considered a strong value, to boot. Like most sports cars in this league, GranTurismos retain their value rather well, so a used example isn’t exactly bargain-priced.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”0″ el_class=”used-overview-text” title=”Overview”]
Maserati had been out of the U.S. market since 1991, until the debut of a GT coupe and Spyder convertible for 2002. Those sports cars lasted into 2006. A year earlier, the Italian automaker had placed its new Quattroporte sedan on sale, but a new sports car was in the works. Introduced for 2008, this four-passenger GranTurismo coupe shared much of its basic design with Maserati’s far bigger Quattroporte sedan. The only powertrain offered on the GranTurismo was a 405-horsepower, 4.2-liter V8, coupled to a six-speed automatic transmission with steering-column-mounted shift paddles. Maserati claimed 0-60 mph acceleration in 5.2 seconds. Unlike most front-engine cars, the GranTurismo had a rear weight bias, which Maserati said improved handling. Standard safety features included antilock braking, traction control, an antiskid system, front side airbags, and front curtain airbags. All models had dual-zone climate control, adaptive bi-xenon headlights, and a rear obstacle detection system. Also standard were a navigation system, 10-way adjustable front seats with memory that powered forward to ease entry to the rear seats, and a power tilt-and-telescopic steering column that raised and lowered for easier entry.
Maserati’s heritage dated back to 1914, but prior to World War II, the Maserati brothers built only race cars. After the war, they added road cars to the line. Maserati’s sports car was often Ferrari’s prime competitor. In 1997, Maserati was bought by Fiat, which also owned Ferrari. Today, the Maserati V8 engine is related to Ferrari’s own V8. Maseratis have tended to be larger and less overtly sporty than their Ferrari stablemates. Although the company’s cars are undeniably swift, Maserati has preferred to emphasize luxury grand touring–hence the model name. Maseratis also are less expensive than Ferraris.
2009 GranTurismo
A new top-of-the-line S model debuted in the 2009 Maserati GranTurismo lineup, with a 440-horsepower, 4.7-liter V8 engine.
2010 GranTurismo
A convertible joined the original coupe in the Maserati GranTurismo lineup for 2010. Only the coupe was offered in sporty S trim, with the larger V8 engine.
2011 GranTurismo
Few changes were evident on the 2011 Maserati GranTurismo. An adjustable suspension with Normal and Sport settings was standard on the base convertible and S coupe, but optional for the base coupe. A five-piece luggage set designed to fit the GranTurismo’s trunk was available.
2012 GranTurismo
For 2012, the convertible version of the Maserati GranTurismo gained a Sport version with more horsepower and a firmer Skyhook active suspension. Special styling touches on the Convertible Sport included a black grille, dark-look trim, and redesigned, body-colored side skirts. Also new this year was an MC coupe with a more powerful engine and more precise handling than other Gran Turismo models. All engines were now 4.7-liter V8s. The previously used 4.2-liter was no longer offered. The S coupe and base-model convertible held a 433-horsepower V8. A 444-horsepower version of that V8 went into the Sport convertible and MC coupe. All used a six-speed automatic transmission with shift paddles mounted on the steering column. The MC’s automatic transmission was recalibrated for faster shifts, and was optional on the S. That quicker-shifting automatic also went into the new Convertible Sport. According to Maserati, the S coupe could accelerate 0-60 in 4.9 seconds and had a top speed of 183 mph. The MC did 0-60 in 4.8 seconds and could reach 187. The heavier base convertible accelerated 0-60 in 5.15 seconds and had a top speed of 176 mph. The Convertible Sport managed 0-60 in 5.0 seconds.
[/mk_table][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row][mk_page_section attachment=”scroll” bg_position=”left top” bg_repeat=”repeat” bg_stretch=”false” enable_3d=”false” speed_factor=”4″ bg_video=”no” video_mask=”false” video_opacity=”0.6″ top_shadow=”false” section_layout=”full” sidebar=”General” min_height=”100″ padding_top=”10″ padding_bottom=”10″ margin_bottom=”0″ first_page=”false” last_page=”true” section_id=”Engines”][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/1″][vc_column_text title=”Engines” disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”12″ el_class=”used-engine-section-head”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”12″ el_class=”used-powertrains”]longitudinal front-engine/rear-wheel drive [/vc_column_text][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”24″ el_class=”used-powertrain-text”]Maserati’s Ferrari-derived 4.2-liter V8 engine developed 405 horsepower, working with a six-speed automatic transmission. A 4.7-liter V8, making 440 horsepower (later rated at 433), went into the S model, which was new for 2009. By 2011, both engines earned EPA fuel-economy ratings of 13-mpg city/20-mpg highway. A year later, the 4.2-liter V8 was gone, and the 4.7-liter V8 in a coupe got a 13/21 mpg rating (13/20 in convertibles). Also in 2012, Maserati issued a 444-horsepower version of the 4.7-liter V8, installed in the Sport convertible and new MC coupe.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][mk_table style=”style2″ el_class=”used-engine-specs”]
Because the GranTurismo’s Ferrari-sourced engine is somewhat small for the class, this coupe lacks the immediate thrust of rivals from BMW or Mercedes-Benz. Once underway, however, Maserati’s V8 shines, pulling vigorously as revs climb. The responsive, well-matched transmission shifts with authority but is never harsh.
Consumer Guide has had no opportunity to measure fuel economy in real-world driving. GranTurismo requires premium-grade gas.
Compared to Mercedes’s less-visceral CL coupes, the GranTurismo feels like a go-kart–but in the best possible way. Every nuance of the road surface is felt but effectively filtered, with no harshness or crashing. Buyers attuned to more-conventional luxury suspension tuning may find GranTurismo’s ride more challenging than relaxing. Enthusiasts will praise the car’s road feel.
Handling is far sharper than might be reasonably expected from a heavy coupe. Remarkable balance in corners and direct, communicative steering combine for sports-car-like handling
More music than mechanical noise, the GranTurismo’s engine is a delight to hear rev and encourages aggressive driving. The engine is always heard, even in relaxed cruising; but for most Maserati drivers, that’s just fine.
Large, clearly marked gauges make getting vital information a snap. Most controls are logically placed and easy to use. Unfortunately, the standard navigation system is a nightmare of nonsensical buttons and knobs, requiring lengthy study before use. More like a private library than a car interior, the GranTurismo’s cabin exudes luxury with sumptuous leather accented by real wood and chrome accents. Sadly, the standard headliner looks and feels cheap–more appropriate for a Mercury than a Maserati. An Alcantara headliner (if installed as an option) goes some distance to remedy this deficiency.
Despite its sporty, contoured visage, GranTurismo is surprisingly roomy up front. There’s sufficient headroom and legroom for most folks. Large, wide-opening doors make entry and exit easy. Even the rear seat offers surprising adult space–provided that adult is small and the trip is short. Quick forward-sliding front seats ease access to the rear.
Two golf bags may fit in the trunk, but not big ones. Interior storage limited to an average-sized center console and smallish glovebox.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][mk_content_box icon=”icon-road” heading=”Ratings” el_class=”ratings-box”][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”18″]Model Tested: 2008 Maserati GranTurismo[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”18″ el_class=”review-slideshow-caption”]Ratings values are on a 1-10 scale, with 10 being the best. With the exception of Value, these numbers reflect how the vehicle compares against the universe of vehicles, not just against rivals in its class.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”0″ el_class=”used-performance-ratings” title=”Performance”][mk_skill_meter title=”Acceleration – 8″ percent=”80″ color=”#0bb697″][mk_skill_meter title=”Fuel Economy – 2″ percent=”20″ color=”#0bb697″][mk_skill_meter title=”Ride Quality – 7″ percent=”70″ color=”#0bb697″][mk_skill_meter title=”Steering/Handling – 9″ percent=”90″ color=”#0bb697″][mk_skill_meter title=”Quietness – 6″ percent=”60″ color=”#0bb697″][/vc_column_text][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”0″ title=”Accommodations” el_class=”used-accomodations-ratings”][mk_skill_meter title=”Controls/Materials – 8″ percent=”80″ color=”#0bb697″][mk_skill_meter title=”Room/Comfort Front – 8″ percent=”80″ color=”#0bb697″][mk_skill_meter title=”Room/Comfort Rear – 4″ percent=”40″ color=”#0bb697″][mk_skill_meter title=”Cargo Room – 2″ percent=”20″ color=”#0bb697″][/vc_column_text][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”0″ title=”Other” el_class=”used-other-ratings”][mk_skill_meter title=”Value – 8″ percent=”80″ color=”#0bb697″][/vc_column_text][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”0″ el_class=”used-ratings-total”]
[/mk_table][/vc_accordion_tab][/vc_accordions][/vc_column][/mk_page_section][mk_page_section attachment=”scroll” bg_position=”left top” bg_repeat=”repeat” bg_stretch=”false” enable_3d=”false” speed_factor=”4″ bg_video=”no” video_mask=”false” video_opacity=”0.6″ top_shadow=”false” section_layout=”full” sidebar=”General” min_height=”100″ padding_top=”10″ padding_bottom=”10″ margin_bottom=”0″ first_page=”false” last_page=”true” section_id=”Equipment” visibility=”visible-sm”][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”0″ title=”Equipment Lists”]Equipment lists are only viewable on larger screen sizes.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/mk_page_section][mk_page_section attachment=”scroll” bg_position=”left top” bg_repeat=”repeat” bg_stretch=”false” enable_3d=”false” speed_factor=”4″ bg_video=”no” video_mask=”false” video_opacity=”0.6″ top_shadow=”false” section_layout=”full” sidebar=”General” min_height=”100″ padding_top=”10″ padding_bottom=”10″ margin_bottom=”0″ first_page=”false” last_page=”true” section_id=”Pricing”][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”0″ el_class=”used-pricing-text” title=”Pricing”]Used-car pricing varies widely depending on local market conditions. Therefore, we recommend visiting websites that list used cars for sale to get a better idea of what a specific model is selling for in your area.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/mk_page_section]
