Engine
The Maserati GranTurismo S Automatic is driven by an eight cylinder, 4,691 cc V90° engine that develops 433 bhp at 7,000 rpm and produces a maximum torque of 361 lb-ft at 4,750 rpm. The timing is controlled by two overhead camshafts per bank and four valves per cylinder with hydraulic tappets. The overhead camshafts on the aspirated side are controlled by low pressure, continual phase valve timing with actuation times of less than 0.15 seconds.

The increased power and torque is due to higher displacement and the exhaust valves controlled by the driver. Pressing the ‘Sport’ button on the dash opens the valves to allow the exhaust to escape more quickly; the lower back-pressure allows the engine to reach its peak power output of 433 bhp.

Transmission
The GT soul of the GranTurismo S Automatic shines through with the six-speed automatic transmission, created by German transmission specialists ZF and tuned specifically for Maserati. The effect of the self-adapting automatic transmission is especially felt at low to medium revs but still grants immediate power delivery higher up the rev range, and allows changes to be made at the 7,200 rpm redline – a rate that no other automatic transmission in the class can equal.

There are four functional modes: Auto Normal is for comfortable cruising, Auto Sport is for those who like a sportier ride, Auto ICE is for low grip conditions, and then there is Manual mode. In Manual it is the driver who chooses when to change gears via the shift paddles mounted on the steering column.

Chassis
The Maserati GranTurismo S Automatic reacts brilliantly thanks to its unique weight distribution: 49% of the car’s mass sits over the front end and 51% on the rear. This setup was achieved by shifting the engine behind the front axle and it gives the driver an unparalleled sense of balance and response.

The load-bearing chassis means greater rigidity and its high-resistance, box-steel structure allows the suspension to better track the road. This enhances the car’s dynamic handling while also providing a more comfortable drive.

Suspension
The Maserati GranTurismo S Automatic’s precise handling benefits from a front and rear wishbone suspension. The system’s ‘anti-dive’ and ‘anti-squat’ geometry limits the front dipping under braking and the rear end squatting under acceleration.

The Skyhook system
The GranTurismo S Automatic comes with the Skyhook system as standard. This technology uses shock absorbers with an aluminum body to continually adjust the damping rate. Skyhook automatically selects the optimal level of damping and integrates with the MSP (Maserati Stability Program) safety system and the calibration of the car’s automatic transmission. The result is that the car is able to adapt to the characteristics of each driver; the GranTurismo is a car that fits like a glove.

The Skyhook system acts by using acceleration sensors that detect movement on all four wheels and the body. A control unit processes the data it receives from the sensors, analyses the driving style and road surface and adjusts the dampers accordingly via their proportional valves.
As the Skyhook and transmission data is fed to the same electronic control unit Maserati engineers have integrated the two systems. As a result the GranTurismo S Automatic is able to tweak the suspension settings so that the driver feels even less movement through the chassis during gear changes.

Selecting the ‘Sport’ setting via the button on the dash results in a stiffer ride, less roll, more contained load transfer, greater agility and stability, as well as allowing startling performance figures. The dedicated on-board computer reduces gear shifts times and Skyhook switches from delivering the most comfortable ride possible to focusing on body control, giving the GranTurismo S Automatic more grip. Together, the GranTurismo S Automatic’s systems combine to offer comfort when desired and a deep well of performance to draw upon at the driver’s request.