GranSport vs. GranTurismo S

No I haven't. I caution people from ordering red alcantara for just that reason. One of the two cars they had available to drive had a beige interior with alcantara and it too is a color I would caution against ordering (a lot of premature wear)

 

Thanks for the heads up.

 

You are welcome

 

I hope the Granturismo S has all the bugs ironed out, as my "normal" Granturismo has been an absolute shocker in the reliability stakes. Look here for details for anyone interested: http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=204472

 

ouch

 

double ouch!

 

I read your post and I only found 2 issues that you reported: 1)Broken brake pedal switch and 2) wavy sills.
You mentioned other issues but they were human errors by the dealer and not related to build quality.


Did I miss something? A couple of issues on a single car is hardly an inidication of a reliability issue.

 

Last Friday I had the opportunity to drive the Gran Turismo flat out on the German Autobahn.

WHAT A FANTASTIC SOUND the car has in the "Sport"-program!!!!!!!

I found the car very well balanced and now the brakes are much better than with the standart version. Also the electric gearshift-system is easy and very good in the "Sport"-modus although I found it quite nervous in the standart program.

Unfortunately I had to brake due to traffic when I took this pic!

Ciao!
Walter
Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

Apparantly we're not understanding what the true intent of the GranTurismo is. This video will help explain.

http://www.autojunk.nl/clips/view/142095

 

Now THAT is traveling in style!!!

 

dammit!

 

Here is the GranTurismo S by a Gransport that I took today.
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

+1

I have driven both the GT-S (as of this week, see my separate thread) and the 612. IMHO the GT-S is far more beautiful than the 612, while offering the same level of practicality as a "family supercar". I just can't get tired of looking at the gorgeous lines of the GT-S, and I can't say the same about the 612.

Performance wise, the 612 is marginally faster than the GT-S, but the MC-shift gearbox more than compensates for any deficiency in the real world, and handling-wise (I've driven these cars on challenging mountain roads) the GT-S can KILL a 612. Actually, a 360 struggles against the GT-S big time (as I've witnessed myself). You need an F430 to stay clearly ahead of the GT-S: it's probably one of the best handling front-engined 4-seaters ever.

And someone from Maserati revealed to me that the engine "could take much more" than 440 HP but they "weren't allowed" to do it. For me this means that at the first service I'd download the "proper" software... and with 460-470 HP on tap, there will be no contestants to the GT-S.

 

Nice photos! IMO the Gran Turismo is one of the very rare GT-Maserati that likes the red color!

Ciao!
Walter

 

Since the Coupe came out, I think all the Maserati models have been de-tuned here and there to keep them from competing with ferrari #s.

I wish a few program changes could substantially increase performance, but it's not that easy.

 

I know I am very much in the minority here...but....when I look at that picture of both GT and GS, black, from the front 1/4 angle....the GS is the nicer looking car to me. More exciting, sportier, and less "contrived." This may sound crazy, but the GT almost looks like that is the way an "Italian GT should look" so it does. Don't get me wrong I adore the lines, but the GS looks more "real." I have a similar feeling with Jaguar XKs (I am in no way comparing Maserati to Jag). The new XK looks like what Ian Callum was told to make it look to be attractive and sell (you can see them in the board room..."Ian, make this one sell, our company is on the line."), whereas the older XK looks like a "Jag."
Does this make sense?

 

It is very easy. Try Modena Tec, this German company exports its kits to the USA as well. For a few thousand Euros they extract 432 HP out of the Gransport or QP. The modifications regard the engine mapping, valve timing profiles and exhaust resonance.

I am waiting to see what they will do for the 4.7 litre, I expect no less than 460 HP.

And these Germans are serious - usually they deliver what they promise. That's why they declare "432HP" rather than go for a more glamourous 440HP, for example. Check out their website, www.modena-tec.com

 

Interesting site Andre. It would be nice to test an example of their work. I think I've seen the video of their supercharged coupe.

The aftermarket co's in the US, that I have inquired, are pushing items that provide minimal if any improvement.

I would be interested in the details of the Modified engine management & the Modified valve timing they mention.

 

You can send an email to their contact address. The owner, Mr. Ebersoldt, is an enthusiast and he speaks good English. He'll tell you everything you need to know.

I'll be moving to Chicago next week, I intend to buy an Italian exotic as soon as possible and I will need 4 seats... so a Maserati is definitely a possibility for me. Perhaps we could make a Ferrarichat "group order" of Modena Tec's kits, and Mr. Ebersoldt will give us a discount.

Are you thinking of a Granturismo S for yourself? I have looked all over the Internet but I can't find a single one in the USA. Is there a long waiting list?

 

I have the 2004 coupe and have used the back seats 3-4 times in 4 years. However, future models are always a possibility. At this time, I am waiting to see if Maserati will evolve further and offer a more sport orientated model like the Gransport. My opinion is the Quattroporte and GranTurismo models are directed more toward the mercedes and bentley driver/daily but Maserati offers a refined exotic. As Rob said, the Gransport was the last sports car.

I may be interested in some type of kit, but have not had much luck with aftermarket enhancements, except the tubi. So, I approach slowly and with caution.

I would wait and go with the GranTurismo S. If you end up on a list, waiting for next year's model, you may get an additional boost in hp or some other enhancement. Each year Maserati refines the models they present.

I'd get ahold of all the literature available from the dealer, so you can meticulously choose from the many options available and create your own work of art.

 

I have noticed all the comments stating that the Gransport is the last "sportscar" from Maserati.

After having driven the Granturismo S in Europe for 2000 miles this summer, I find myself disagreeing with this statement.

I assure you that the Granturismo S is an epic driving experience that will hit you like a hammer. I always liked the Gransport but I always found it too weak in comparison to my Ferrari 550. The lack of torque and the slower acceleration were very noticeable, despite the excellent handling I always found myself lusting after the Ferrari after a drive in the GS. Not anymore with the Granturismo S. This car still has less torque and less power than a V12 Ferrari, but the difference is less noticeable and the 4.7 V8 is a far more aggressive engine than any previous Maserati V8. The progression of the GT-S in acceleration and its super-sharp handling make it for me the best 4-seater supercar in the market. And the fantastic gearbox more than compensates for the lower torque compared to a Ferrari V12. OK, the 612 is probably a little faster in a straight line, but for pure driving pleasure where the roads get twisty, the GT-S is now for me the benchmark 4-seater. As I can testify, the GT-S can thrash a 360 Modena on a twisty mountain road.

Try it and you'll understand what I mean. I believe that with 470 HP (easily obtainable from the 4.7 engine) the GT-S will have no rivals. It is definitely NOT a Bentley competitor. I see it more as a more practical and refined competitor to the 997 Turbo or to the Aston DB9.

What the GT-S needs is less weight. If they could just shave off a couple hundred kilos (how about using kevlar bonnet and trunk lids, magnesium wheels, carbon brakes and lightening up the interior with carbon seats?) it would outhandle just about any other 4-seater in the world.

 

I agree, I prefer the GS look over the GT even though the newer car will probably sell more. Not to get off topic, but the old Jaguar XK8 was very much the product of focus groups and styling clinics (notably in southern CA) so it too was designed to sell. If you find a current issue of Jaguar Heritage magazine you'll see what some of their other ideas were. Besides, shouldn't all cars be designed to sell in some sense?