THE RETURN OF THR ICONIC MASERATI GRANTURISMO
The rebirth of the Maserati GranTurismo ignites the pleasures of the open road.
The grand trident’s iconic GranTurismo returns. The Maserati combination of long-distance comfort with full-throttled sports performance forges a stand that makes the model special.
This time round, the GranTurismo is reborn with three propositions – the Modena, powered by the powerful V6 Nettuno petrol engine; the Trofeo, a souped up petrol version; and the full-electric Folgore with 800-volt technology, Maserati’s first-ever all-electric battery-based powertrain. All three models embody the new generation’s three principals of sportiness, luxury and comfort.
External design is a representation of Maserati’ timeless disposition. The vertical lights in the front gives the GranTurismo a fresh, sporty countenance, with a front grille that includes the iconic 3D Trident logo. The “cofango” bonnet-fender integration (the portmanteau reference to “cofano” or bonnet, and “parafango” or fender) combines these two parts into a singular presence. Made by a market leader in this technology, the unique design element has a surface area of over 3 m2, a market leader in terms of dimensions. Industrial moulds are used to obtain its curves to the shape of the GranTurismo.
The interiors shore up a car that is designed to be the epitome of comfort and luxury on long-distance drives. GranTurismo retraces the path mapped out by the MC20 super sports car and the Grecale SUV, where Maserati began to define a line of interiors inspired by its philosophy, “balance of the opposites”. A contrast between luxury and technology, noticed immediately when entering the cabin, where the uniquely crafted materials join large screens, mechanical precision and a state-of- the-art digital user interface.
Functionality is at the fore. The absence of a gear lever means the space can be used to the full, with a series of useful compartments that have a great visual impact.
The completely clutter free central tunnel (all commands are digital) is a celebration of high-quality materials. The new GranTurismo steering wheel (available in two colours – Nero and Denim) takes sportiness to the next level. The Start/Stop and Drive Mode Control buttons are built into the central section. The Nero lucido accents and stitching match the colour of the leather. The chrome-plated details emphasise the ‘appendage’ – a Maserati hallmark, in its third generation.
Both petrol versions of the Maserati GranTurismo – the Modena and Trofeo – boast the same 490 CV 3.0-litre V6 Nettuno Twin Turbo engine with AWD transmission. The Trofeo, however, is tuned to pump out 550CV of power. The internal ambience is enhanced with the combination of accents in dark ash burl with a grey tone and open-pore finish. Interiors come in extensive black, tan or greige leather, with tone- on-tone stitching.
The heart of the Modena and Trofeo is the twin-turbo engine that revolves around Maserati Twin Combustion (MTC) technology, which made its first appearance on the Nettuno engine, the driving force behind the MC20 super sports car, using patented pre-chamber combustion technology derived from Formula One engines. All GranTurismo models are equipped with all-wheel drive transmission, and the decision to position the front differential in line with the engine has made it possible to create an ideal set-up with considerable benefits for the dynamics of the vehicle.
This positioning of the front differential meant the engine and likewise the car’s profile could be lowered, as well as bringing it closer to the centre of gravity by means of ideal mass distribution.
In its versions with an internal combustion engine (Modena and Trofeo), the GranTurismo comes with four different driving modes: COMFORT, GT, SPORT, CORSA, plus the ESC-OFF option to turn off all electronic control. The modes can be selected via the rotary control on the steering wheel, with the suspension settings button in the middle. CORSA mode offers the driver the most extreme experience and the option of enjoying the true sporty embodiment of the GranTurismo without any compromises. In typical track use, the car adopts minimum control strategies, giving the driver freedom to test their driving ability.
In the all-electric GranTurismo Folgore, three motors (one in front and two in the rear) work together to produce a total installed power of 1200CV. Specifically designed for exclusive use by Maserati, they reach higher levels of power density (9.2 kW/kg) and are driven by silicon carbide (SiC) inverters derived from Formula E.
The two totally decoupled rear motors – with no transmission to interconnect the wheels – make it possible to direct the torque to each individual side, independently of each other. This torque vectoring adjusts the car’s level of rotation not only when accelerating but also when the pedal is released and when braking. The system acts in a similar way to a sophisticated electronically controlled differential, but in the case of the GranTurismo Folgore, the potential and the level of control are considerably higher.
The 100 per cent electric Folgore version of the GranTurismo has four different driving modes: MAX RANGE, GT, SPORT, CORSA. Adjustments can be made via the drive mode selector on the steering wheel.
For Maserati, electrification does not equate to losing the typical characteristics of the brand’s audio DNA. In terms of the sound experience in the electric model, the natural acoustic dynamics of the electric motors driven by the inverters have been digitally shaped and integrated with the typical sound taken from the Maserati V8 tradition. This sound tuning function is operated by refined synthesisers and released into the space by high- qulity speakers on the inside and out.
The aerodynamics of the GranTurismo have been carefully designed for the best performance. Air springs with attitude control come as standard on all models and enable the car to adapt to conditions of use in the best way possible: from driving on mixed sections and optimising efficiency at medium/high speeds to maximising downforce in the CORSA drive mode.
The interior provenance of the GranTurismo boasts digital interfaces and experience that leave little to be desired. Both 12.3-inch central
display and 8.-inch comfort display are both ergonomically positioned, while the digital climate control offers quick gesture controls. Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Baidu CarLife offer connectivity. The 12.2-inch digital dashboard is intuitive, and offers four different layouts: Classic, Evolved, Relaxed and Corsa. And just as importantly for Maserati fans, the in-car digital clock is revised with modernity and functionality, offering three skins – Classic, Design and Sport.
Maserati’s comprehensive advanced driver assistance programmes supplement the great ride. Made possible by their meticulous calibration, the features of the GranTurismo L2 ADAS preserve Maserati’s renowned driving comfort and give drivers significant confidence in the system. In particular, of the various L2 ADAS systems, the active lane assist feature is bolstered even further with Emergency Lane Keeping, to protect occupants with very powerful steering manoeuvres when a collision is imminent.
Since the first generation of Maserati GranTurismo was unveiled in 2007, the car has earned an emblematic status in the style of grand tourers. With the latest models, Maserati not only stamps its mark within this realm, but pushes it forwards with the full-electric Folgore.
More posts
Montgomerie Links
21 Dec 2015
Dalat Palace Golf Club
21 Dec 2015
Central Coast Charm
21 Dec 2015
