Maserati Driving Impression... | FerrariChat
Buy

Maserati Driving Impression...

Discussion in 'Maserati' started by scott63, Jun 11, 2004.

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.

  1. scott63

    scott63 Formula Junior

    Nov 1, 2003
    408
    #1 scott63, Jun 11, 2004
    Although I posted pictures of my car in a previous thread (they were taken at the dealer). I received the car today and here are my first impressions.

    The fit and finish is of the same level that my 2003 360 was at. I actually think the paintwork and the engine bay are of a higher quality.

    The layout of the controls seems great, the only thing that takes some getting used to is the info center screen. The stereo is definately better than what the 360 came with.

    The handling and braking far exceeded what I expected. The steering ratio is also very quick and much better than I expected. Throttle response is good but not as good as the 360. The F-1 gearbox works better than the 360. The 360 shifts are very hard and make you think something is going to break!! The Maserati shifts are slow in regular mode and much faster in sport mode. They are also done without the noise coming from the gearbox like the 360.

    The car is very quiet with the top up or down. That is without the windstop (which I have) but have not used yet.

    I also ordered a TUBI today. The exhaust sound is just too tame for me (sounds like a Lexus at idle). The TUBI on a Maserati actually adds about 10 to 15 HP at the rear wheels and improves throttle response (as well as the sound!!!). This is according to the service manager at WWOC, who will be doing the install in about a week. I have also spoken to several Maserati owners who installed the TUBI and they all feel the car performs better.

    That's it so far. I'm going back out to drive!!!
     
  2. scott61

    scott61 F1 Rookie

    Feb 11, 2004
    2,606
    North of Boston
    #2 scott61, Jun 11, 2004
    You will love the Tubi, it's worth every penny. Have tried to find out about HP gains but found nothing so is interesting what you say. Brad is planing on doing a Dyno after he installs so will find out if that's true. Even if there is no gain no big deal to me, the amazing sound alone is worth the cost. I was also impressed with how quiet it is with top up, no wind noise at all and that's without having any manual latches and is very nicely lined. A great design. Now we have to stop all these Maserati threads or Rob might have to give us our own topic and theyn I would be forced to subscribe. Hope you keep enjoying your car, Am sure you will as it seems I just keep having more fun day after day with mine
     
  3. 04cambio

    04cambio Rookie

    Feb 26, 2004
    38
    Richmond, VA
    Full Name:
    Tony
    #3 04cambio, Jun 11, 2004
    One other thing about the tubi - it is a real attention grabber. I get a lot more looks now that I have the tubi. You can tell they're trying to figure out what the car is - they've never seen one before. All the P-car's and M3's are jealous. They could never sound like that.
     
  4. BJS

    BJS Formula Junior

    Jan 18, 2004
    287
    Central FL and SW MI
    Full Name:
    Brad Stephenson
    #4 BJS, Jun 11, 2004
    Based on reports from others, Scott, you'll be extremely happy with the Tubi. Everyone says it "completes the car."

    My Tubi is now in and I'm scheduled for the installation and dyno testing on the 21st.

    Nice description of the driving impressions. Did Ferrari offer upgrades to the F1 transmission software/hardware? I've been very impressed with Maserati's willingness to upgrade my 2002 with a new clutch, transmission soundproofing, software updates, replacement ECMs, etc. They are really paying attention to customer satisfaction!

    Brad
     
  5. scott63

    scott63 Formula Junior

    Nov 1, 2003
    408
    #5 scott63, Jun 11, 2004
    I think there may have been one software upgrade for the 360. I had a 2003 and it shifted much better than a 2001 that I drove. Although I think a lot of the improvements had to do with design changes in the gearbox.
     
  6. scott61

    scott61 F1 Rookie

    Feb 11, 2004
    2,606
    North of Boston
    #6 scott61, Jun 12, 2004
    That's very true. I have a neighbor with a 911 and we went for a drive together and I do mean A drive, As after that one time he said he will not go with me again as he was embarrassed (His Words) by the difference in our sounds.
     
  7. Pat S

    Pat S Rookie

    Apr 25, 2004
    7
    Aurora CO
    #7 Pat S, Jun 12, 2004
  8. scott63

    scott63 Formula Junior

    Nov 1, 2003
    408
    #8 scott63, Jun 12, 2004
    I just sold my 993TT to get the Maserati. No regrets at all.
     

Share This Page