The Maserati GranSport was unveiled in 2004 with a clear intention: to assert Maserati’s sporting values at the highest level in terms of performance, usability and overall refinement. The MC12 was launched in the same year, and here was a truly capable GT which inherited the Coupé GT’s already impressive qualities and took them even further. Introduced at the Geneva motor show to considerable critical acclaim, the GranSport was conceived around a new version of the Coupé’s 4.2 liter Ferrari-derived V8 engine, tuned to produce 400 hp. Maximum power delivery had been increased thanks to special developments intended to reduce internal friction, along with work on the intake manifolds and valve seats, together with an electronically controlled pneumatic valve system. A new sports exhaust (instantly recognizable thanks to its twin chrome tailpipes) was designed to provide a deep, full-bodied rumble.

The Maserati GranSport was fitted only with the Cambiocorsa six-speed electro-hydraulic transmission. In Sport mode the revised software offered 35 percent quicker gear changes than the Coupé CC and boasted automatic rev-matching to make changing down a gear even faster. With these improvements the GranSport could sprint over a kilometer from a standstill in an eye watering 23 seconds flat. The Maserati GranSport had racing in its genes, with technology and experience derived from the Trofeo Maserati championship. The ride height was lowered by 10 mm and the suspension was stiffened. With new Trofeo-style 19" wheels (with spokes designed to evoke the Trident motif) the GranSport boasted a lower centre of gravity which turned it into a particularly agile and responsive GT.

Externally, a body kit with new bumpers and side sills distinguished it from the Coupé, making it more muscular and aerodynamic at the same time. The very pronounced lower spoiler was elegantly integrated into the body itself, while the rear trunk lid received a discreet yet efficient spoiler lip. The result of much testing in the wind tunnel, the add-ons improved the Cd value and achieved a balanced division of vertical loads (Cz) between front and rear axles. This resulted in improved front-wheel grip and precision and bestowed the GranSport with exceptionally balanced dynamic handling qualities.

PRESS
Automobile magazine reviewed the GranSport in December 2004 and declared “It’s fiery when whipped, then cool and serene when eased into the indulgent lane, proving that with proper breeding, luxury and sport can coexist.”

Classic Driver (UK) reviewed the GranSport in November 2004:
“The performance is devastating, either in its smooth progression (in 6th think ‘turbine’) or explosive violence in the lower gears.  It’s got 400bhp and boy do you know it… The engine scores maximum points, and the other truly impressive aspect of the car is the Skyhook computer controlled suspension.  Considering the ultra-low profile of the tires it is nothing less than amazing how supple and composed the ride and handling is.”

EVO magazine (UK) reviewed the GranSport in November 2004:
“Maserati has hit the bullseye… Twist the key, thumb the blue starter button and the V8 fires up with a glorious, resonant, rolling rumble… In Sport mode it rises to another level, becoming taut, confident and rarely wrong-footed.  Body movement is more tightly controlled, with roll and pitch resisted in the early stages, yet the ride remains supple.  Securely and comfortably restrained by the well-shaped seat, you feel perfectly placed to exploit the strong grip the chassis generates.  Braking is confident, with good pedal feel, and now when you request downshifts, the Cambiocorsa ‘box delivers swiftly, with a blip-perfect swell of revs helping the ratio slip sweetly home…     These are difficult roads, mainly second- and third-gear, throwing up complex sequences of corners thick and fast, and the Maserati is devouring them with a seemingly insatiable appetite.  The whole car is working hard but feels as if it has plenty still in reserve… the GranSport simply digs in and goes… It works on two levels, both as a cosseting four-seat GT and a sports car, something the DB9 tried but has so far failed to do.”

AutoWeek reviewed the GranSport in November 2004:
“It works.  Point the more aggressive new snout around a slow truck, floor the throttle, and the Ferrari-built 4.2L V8 erupts like baby Vesuvius… The regular snarly growl ascends to a joyous roar… It’s just all acceleration all the time, one heady rush to the 7600 (rpm) redline.”