Engine

The GranTurismo S is powered by Maserati’s new breed of wet sump engines, an eight cylinder, 4,691 cc V90° engine that develops 433 bhp at 7,600 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 activated by hydraulic tappets. The overhead camshafts on the aspirated side are controlled by variable valve timing with actuation times of less than 0.15 seconds.

Exhaust

The full and deep sound of the engine can be fully appreciated due to the sports exhaust system. However, the dynamic control of the exhaust system means the engine noise need never interfere with the on-board comfort you would expect from a granturismo.

The system features two steel exhaust headers, one for each cylinder bank, which consolidate into a central silencer. Two pneumatic valves are set close to the rear silencers and are controlled electronically by the engine’s central computer. They can be managed by the driver by pushing the ‘Sport’ button on the central console.  When in ‘Sport’ mode the pneumatic valves open, allowing a more unrestricted exhaust flow which unleashes 8 additional horsepower.  In ‘Sport” mode at 7,600 rpm, amid a glorious wail from the exhaust, the V8 generates its full potential of 433 bhp.

The new exhaust system can be recognized by the distinctive tailpipes with eye-catching chrome ovals mounted low in the bumper.

Gearbox

From a technical point of view, the electro-actuated gearbox fitted to the Maserati GranTurismo S has six speeds, a twin plate clutch, and triple cone synchronizers on the first and second gears and double cones on gears three through six.

The twin plate clutch derives from the world of competition and is particularly suitable for sports cars: the reduced size of the clutch group (215 mm), and the small diameter of the flywheel (240 mm), keeps the unit’s overall mass down. This notably reduces the engine’s inertia compared to a single disc set up. The system also allows top end revs to be reached more easily, quicker throttle response, faster shifts and improved gear dynamics.

The electro-actuated transmission can be used in two ways: manual and automatic. Manual mode is for those who prefer a sportier, more involving drive with gear changes fully controlled by the driver to bring out the most in the car’s performance. Automatic mode is designed for when the driver feels the need for a detached, relaxing drive: the system decides not only when to change gear but at which revs.

MC-Shift

The MC-Shift gearbox technology is the biggest innovation on the electro-actuated system fitted to the Maserati GranTurismo S. MC-Shift is a control software that allows super fast gear-change times.

On the Maserati GranTurismo S the sophisticated MC-Shift programming partially overlaps gear engagement and disengagement before the clutch fully opens and closes. This means that gear changes, taken as the time from when the electronic throttle closes to when it reopens after the shift is completed, drops to 100 milliseconds, while the gear shift itself takes just 40 milliseconds.

The fast MC-Shift is only available when changing up in Manual Sport mode when the gearbox computer recognizes that the right temperature parameters of the engine and gearbox have been reached. MC-Shift changes can be made above 5,500 revs and with the accelerator pedal at over 80%.

Once these parameters have been met, the system enables fast changes and advises the driver of their availability via the MC-S light in the instrument panel.

Transaxle set up

The Maserati GranTurismo S is equipped with a transaxle system, a feature that is part of Maserati’s proud racing tradition and that is found on many high performance racing cars. The transaxle set up further improves the weight distribution of the GranTurismo by shifting the gearbox to the rear in a single unit with the differential. The front-mid-mounted engine is connected rigidly to the electro-actuated gearbox, set in the rear, via a tube that houses the drive shaft.

These racing solutions give the Maserati GranTurismo S a front to rear weight distribution of 47% / 53%, unique in its category.  This rearward bias to the weight improves traction during acceleration and braking, and gives the GranTurismo S exceptional balance through turns.

Suspension

The Maserati GranTurismo S comes with a fixed-setting suspension that is fitted with new springs and 10% stiffer dampeners. The compression and extension ratios have also been tweaked to adapt it to the car’s specific characteristics, and a thicker rear torsion bar has been added.

The Skyhook system

As an alternative to fixed setting dampers, the electronically controlled Skyhook suspension is available as an option. This system employs dampers with an aluminum body that continually adjust the damping based on feedback from onboard sensors.

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.

Selecting the ‘Sport’ setting using the button in the center of the dash results in a stiffer ride, less roll, more contained load transfer, greater agility and stability as well as allowing startling performance figures.

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