2018 GranTurismo:
GranTurismo is even grander for 2018.
Combining race car sportiness and handcrafted luxury, the new Maserati GranTurismo has been completely restyled –– from the sinuous exterior, inspired by the Maserati Birdcage 75th concept car, to inside comforts even surpassing those of former years.
New owners of this Trident may spend time just taking in the outside before they’re completely taken by the unique Maserati driving experience of power and panache.
“The GranTurismos for 2018 offer greater convenience and in-vehicle technology features to go with the classic Maserati driving dynamics and seductive sound from the Ferrari engine hand built in Maranello,” says Tim Cupp, brand manager for Scottsdale Ferrari−Maserati, a Penske Automotive Group dealership, just south of the Loop 101 on Scottsdale Road.
“Inside, the new infotainment unit, complete with rear view camera and full phone integration are the most significant changes,” he adds.
This year, the four-seat GranTurismo is available as a Sport model, also as a convertible, the GranTurismo MC and an MC convertible. “MC” is for Maserati Corse, the carmaker’s racing component.
Produced in the historic Viale Ciro Menotti factory in Modena, Italy, all four coupés are powered by the naturally aspirated 4.7-liter V-8, producing 454 horses at 7,000 rpm and 384 ft-lb of peak torque at 4,750 rpm.
A six-speed ZF automatic provides exhilarating 200-millisecond shifts to your chosen level of performance. Standard are two operating modes, Auto and Manual, the latter giving you the opportunity to shift via steering-wheel paddles without the effort of clutching. A limited-slip differential adds to the car’s road grip.
GranTurismos, and Maseratis across the board, are more affordable than you might think. MSRP for the four versions: GranTurismo, $132,975; Gran Turismo Convertible, $148,850; GranTurismo MC, $150,220; GranTurismo MC Convertible, $161,220.
GranTurismo 2018: Proudly Bearing the Maserati Traditions
The 2018 GranTurismos may be new but they proudly carry 70-year model traditions and the century-plus legacy of one of the world’s great marques.
Every Maserati breathes the history of the five brothers who began the company, Alfieri, Bindo, Carlo, Ettore and Ernesto in 1914; great racers such as Juan Manuel Fangio, who drove a 250F to the F1 title in 1957; and landmark road cars that made today’s GranTursimo possible.
These include the original GranTurismo, the A6 1500 GT Pininfarina –– the first Maserati destined for road use and not racing; the 1957 3500 GT Vignale Spyder and 1959 roadster version, “rolling art” designed by Giovanni Michelotti; 1970 Ghibli SS Coupé, epitomizing “la dolce vita”; and the 1998 3200 GT Assetto Corsa with its 175-mph performance and leather craftsmanship.
And, just a month ago during Monterey Car Week, at The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering, the 2018 GranTurismo was showcased and a 1954 Maserati A6GCS/53 Berlinetta was named this year’s The Peninsula Classics Best of the Best Award as chosen by 24 of the world’s distinguished motoring experts.
“Clearly, GranTurismo follows a tradition of great Italian sports cars –– in design, performance, comfort, elegance and safety,” Cupp says.
Beautiful Functionality
The exterior changes are not just for looks, such as the sharknose grille, which helps improve the airflow distribution, reducing aerodynamic drag to 0.32 from 0.33 last year.
On the racing-inspired GranTurismo MC, the front fenders have functional ducts; in addition, side skirts, front and rear spoilers and hood outlets combine to aid aerodynamics, downforce, handling and performance. Enhancing the driveability and enjoyability of the GranTurismo is the weight balance: 49 percent in the front to 51 percent in the rear.
Performance is superb: The GranTurismo Sport accelerates 0−62 mph in a brisk 4.8 seconds and reaches a top speed of 186 mph, and the lighter MC version, because of features such as the aluminum hood, makes 62 mph in just 4.7 seconds and reaches 187 mph.
For comfort, Poltrona Frau® leather seats have integrated headrests and armrests. And, the new high-resolution 8.4-inch touch screen provides easy control of the harman/kardon Premium Sound system and other components.
The state-of-the art infotainment system is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring functions, and the redesigned central console incorporates a double rotary knob allowing you to navigate in the infotainment system, such as scrolling through a list of contacts or radio stations.
In addition to the GranTurismo models, Cupp and his Scottsdale Maserati associates can show you the Maserati flagship, the Quattroporte, in GranLusso and GranSport versions, the Ghibli sports sedan, GranCabrio and the Levante, the first Maserati SUV.
The new GrandTurismos and all Maseratis have a transferable four-year or 50,000-mile limited warranty, and Maserati North America Inc. adds Maserati Roadside throughout the new car warranty period. And, Maserati owners can further personalize their cars with a variety of custom finishes and interiors.
Scottsdale Ferrari-Maserati is distinguished not only by its world-class cars and its gracious, knowledgeable personnel but also by its professionally trained technicians, who provide certified service for your Maserati in a state-of-the-art complex adjacent to the showroom.
“We have been in the Maserati business for years and have the knowledge and skill to deliver the full Maserati-ownership experience,” says Chad Morgan, general manager for Scottsdale Ferrari-Maserati. “Our service team has an excellent reputation in and outside the Valley and will ensure your Maserati runs like a Maserati today, tomorrow and beyond.”
Scottsdale Maserati, scottsdalemaserati.com, 877.704.1152