Granturismo Initial Impressions

same thoughts as you; have had it for 4 weeks, about 600 miles:

+ = transmission, suspension, build quality, body design, interior finish, everything else not mentioned below.

- = thick A pillar, difficult to see into corners; lack of appropriate adjustment for brightness of display screen, nav display way too bright at night; rear seat bottoms too flat, need more inclination for thigh support. could use a bit more power. really needs front parking sensors. needs headliner upgrade.

 

Thanks gents. Sounds like a winner to me.


Forza,


Cavallini

 

I too think that the former is a bit annoying, although like the majority, I think that the latter is a revelation since this car is supposed to be a pure grand tourer.

The only other thing that ticks me off is the time it takes to rip a CD. It is horribly slow IMHO.

 

loading a standard CD into jukebox can take upwards of 30 mins (about 1 minute for every 2 minutes of music)--doesn't work.

better to use itunes-type program to download CDs into computer in mp3 format, then make playlists, then burn new disc in computer, then download disc into jukebox-->about 15 minutes to load about 5-10 CD's worth of music.

 

Thanks for the tip, I will try this. I am too impatient to wait for the stuff to load using the first method.

 

How much is one ?

 

I am looking at ordering a GT. I will meet with the dealer next week. I am smitten with the car, it is beautiful and by most accounts, fast enough.

My question is regarding servicing the car. Having owned several Ferrari's will the Maserati need the same type of maintenance? Engine out majors every 3 years, etc? What are people hearing about reliability and durability and requirements for care? Is it going to require care like an italian exotic or more like a Porsche or Benz?

I loved driving the F cars, but would rather now own what feels like a classic GT. But, I really don't want to go through the whole maintenance hassle again - waiting 2 months while a major is done for 20K.

Any thoughts out there would be greatly appreciated.


Thanks,

Sean

 

Maintenance shouldn't be much of an issue.
Chains, no belt servicing needed, no engine out issues.
Has been a reliable engine now for years in the GS, coupe, spyder.
4yr, 50K mile warranty.
ZF transmission should be reliabel given their incredible track record.
The rest is gravy.
I would buy with confidence. I just don't want to give up my GS...maybe will get GT in addition...there's the ticket!

 

This is the only way to get around the long rip times. But there will be an iPod adaptation coming in a few months.

 

we're in the same boat. my other daily driver is a 650hp Z06 (which is surprisingly tractable), but alas the maserati is so much more than the corvette could ever be, despite the 250hp deficit. in any arena of judgment, the maserati one-ups the chevy. while the corvette turns heads, it's usually a case of disgust at the raucous noice from the tailpipes; in the maserati, it turns heads and keeps them that way. it seats 4 very comfortably, does indeed have more power than one should realistically ever need, and did i mention how jaw-droppingly sexy it is? build quality is incomparable, and oh ya, the maserati is drop dead gorgeous!

i've yet to try ripping audio CDs, but i think the "inconvenience" of first burning them as MP3s on a data CD is marginal compared to sitting and waiting 15min for the on-board software to do its thing. i haven't experienced any lower back issues in the seats, and have racked up quite a few miles since i picked up the car last week.

the engine/exhaust noise is a bit hushed, as it should be, but that is easily remedied by rolling down the windows.

 

Had a extensive test drive today since I am in the market for the new GT S. I agree with everything. The thing I hated most was the automatic gearbox. That is solved with the GT S and I hope that also solves that you barely hear the exhaust in the car (I have a Tubi QP). No bluetooth in 2008 is strange also and indeed it needs front parking sensors...

 

I went to Ferrari/Maserati of Newport Beach the other day and looked at one. I have never driven one, but based purely on looks... it is gorgeous! Also, at 120k, it's extremely competitive with the other offerings in that price range.