Maserati Granturismo S Debut At Geneva International Motorshow

Modena, 4 March 2008- 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 Marque’s sportiness. The Granturismo S is claimed to have the perfect balance between sportiness and comfort that translated into performance and driving enjoyment.
The new 440 HP V8 4.7 engine, with a maximum torque of 490 Nm at 4750 rpm, electro-actuated gearbox with fast MC Shift, Transaxle layout, sporty exhaust and brakes made with dual-cast technology give the new flagship model a claimed acceleration from 0 to 100 Km/h of 4.9 seconds and a maximum speed of 295 Km/h, the highest ever reached by a production Maserati.
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. It sounds deep and throaty, but features a pneumatic control for the exhaust valve which can also be activated to make it discreet.
An electro-actuated 6-speed gearbox is paired with the engine to harness the new engine’s power output, ensuring new unbeatable gearshift performance.
The MC-Shift gear shift is mooted 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 is reduced to 40 ms.
The fast MC-Shift is available only when shifting up and in Manual Sport mode, and is possible above 5500 rpm and with the throttle at 80%.
The front-mounted engine, and the gearbox 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, optimizes the braking system’s performance, by emphasizing pedal feel and increasing fatigue-resistance in the most extreme conditions.
Vehicle roll has been reduced significantly as a result of a modified suspension set-up, claimed to enhance handling and performance.
On the outside the Maserati GranTurismo S is distinguished by a number of aesthetic modifications that, although discrete, are highly effective and serve to make the car body appear even 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 radiator grille and headlight casings are black, while the Trident on the grille and the oval badge below the hood are embossed in red, in true Maserati racing tradition.
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) reflect the sporty flair of the Maserati GranTurismo S; the 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 classic interiors are available in all Poltrona Frau leather, or in full-grain Pekary leather with a sporty and more refined look.