Engine

The Maserati GranTurismo is powered by an eight cylinder 4,244 cc V90° engine. The engine develops 405 bhp at 7100 rpm, equivalent to 95.4 bhp/liter, which is extraordinary for an engine of this size. Compact and light, the engine is made of aluminum alloy and silicon. The 32 valves are controlled by two overhead camshafts per bank while the overhead camshafts on the aspirated side are activated by a variable valve timing system. The lubrication system features a wet sump, which means a reduction in noise, making the cabin quieter. The engine produces a stirring rumble but it never interferes with onboard comfort.

The exhaust connected to the V8 meets the latest anti-pollution regulations but does not compromise the car’s performance. On a technical level, metal has replaced ceramic as the material of choice for the catalysts, as they do in competition cars.

The acceleration provided by the Maserati V8 is immediate, and, thanks to the electronic ‘drive by wire’ throttle control, the car responds instantly to the pedal.
 

Transmission

The Maserati GranTurismo’s hydraulic automatic transmission brings out the best in the engine. The self-adapting automatic transmission is especially responsive at low to mid-range revs, yet top end power remains strong. Gear changes can be made right up to 7,200 rpm, an engine speed that no other automatic transmission in the class can match.

There are five 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 are Manual and Manual Sport modes. In the Manual modes it is the driver who chooses when to change gear via the steering wheel paddles or gear shift lever in the center console.
 

Traction and stability control

The GranTurismo’s dynamic handling is further assisted by the Maserati Stability Program (MSP). This has been specially designed by Maserati to help improve safety and works by integrating the ABS (anti-lock braking system), EBD (electronic brake-force distribution) and ASR (automatic slip reduction), acting on the brakes and the engine in order to help enhance the driver’s control in critical situations. The Program is based on a series of sensors that constantly monitor the car’s handling. MSP can act according to two different logic maps; these correspond to settings chosen by the driver by pushing ‘Sport’ on the center console. This setting adjusts the Skyhook dampers, the traction control and the speed of the gear changes.  

Chassis

The Maserati GranTurismo reacts brilliantly thanks to its unique weight distribution: 49% of the car’s mass sits over the front wheels and 51% on the rear. This set up was achieved by shifting the engine behind the front axle and it gives the driver an unparalleled sense of balance during turns and transitions.

The load-bearing chassis means greater rigidity and its high-resistance, box-steel structure gives the suspension a solid foundation. This enhances the car’s dynamic handling and ensures a more comfortable drive.
 

Suspension

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

The Skyhook system

As an option, the GranTurismo can be equipped with the Skyhook system of shock absorbers that continually adjust the damping. This technology automatically selects the optimal level of damping and integrates with the MSP safety system and the calibration of the car’s automatic gearbox. The result is that the car is able to adapt to the characteristics of the road and 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 from the sensors is fed to the same control unit, Maserati engineers have integrated the two systems so the GranTurismo is able to adjust the suspension settings so that the driver feels even less movement through the chassis during gear changes.

Selecting the ‘Sport’ setting through the button on the central console results in a stiffer ride, less roll, more contained load transfer, and greater agility and stability as well as allowing startling performance figures. In ‘Sport’ mode the onboard computer also reduces gear shift times by 40%. ‘Sport’ mode offers the driver a livelier and more performance-tuned experience.

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