Maserati is poised to reveal an all-new GT coupé at the
Geneva motorshow next month, to be called GranTurismo. Until then, we have these first tantalising images to drool over. The Maserati GranTurismo has been styled by Pininfarina and will replace the Maserati Coupé first launched in 2002.
A modest power increase accompanies the new car, with the naturally aspirated 4.2-litre V8 producing 400bhp, against the 2002 Coupé's 390bhp. The rear-wheel drive GranTurismo will also employ the new ZF automatic gearbox currently offered in the
Quattroporte saloon, but will retain the steering wheel mounted paddles of the Cambiocorsa automated manual. The new transmission is equipped with an adaptive control system which adjusts the shift strategy depending on driving style and road conditions. A more powerful performance edition fitted with the Quattroporte's 'DuoSelect' transmission will join the line-up later in the year.
The familial resemblance between the Quattroporte and the GranTurismo coupé is no accident. The design is at once elegant and unmistakably sporting, something Pininfarina accomplishes with ease. The characteristic three 'port holes' on the flanks emphasise power and performance, as do the bulged wheel arches, particularly at the rear. The long, sloping bonnet and short rear deck evoke the quintessential sport coupé stance. A nearly dead-even 49 per cent front and 51 per cent rear weight distribution should ensures this car holds true to its sporting image and reinforces the company's reputation for roadholding aptitude.
The GranTurismo makes no excuses in the interior, and there's no reason it should. Longer and wider than the car it replaces (and nearly the same length as the Quattroporte saloon), interior space and comfort is the obvious benefit. There are four proper seats - each swathed in Italian leather - with high levels of luxury and detail enveloping the cabin. Maserati is keen to demonstrate that a sporting coupé need not trade comfort for driving dynamics.
Maserati has quite a bit of history producing grand touring coupés. In 1947 the company produced its first GranTurismo (the A6) following client demand, and subsequently unveiled the car at the Geneva motor show that year. It was the first Maserati road car, and it was also designed by Pininfarina. Since then, the company has produced numerous GTs, from the 5000GT, the Sebring, Ghibli II and the 3200 GT to the 2002 Coupé. A slew of design houses were called upon to design the various models, but it's nice to see the relationship Pininfarina and Maserati forged all those years ago is once again in full swing. We're looking forward to seeing the car for ourselves in Geneva.
Eric Gallina - 21 Feb 2007