Maserati GranTurismo S comes our way
A whole host of changes make for a harder edged version of the GranTurismo coupe
By Justin Lee
LOCAL MASERATI DISTRIBUTOR Hong Seh Motors has unveiled the GranTurismo S in Singapore around three months after its debut at the 2008 Geneva International Motorshow.
Powered by a new 4.7-litre V8 engine, this unit produces a maximum of 440bhp and 0-100km/h is achieved in 4.9 seconds. The car has a top speed of 295km/h, the highest ever reached by a production Maserati. For comparison, the standard GranTurismo’s 4.2-litre V8 produces 405bhp and accelerates from 0-100km/h in 5.2 seconds. Top speed for this car is 285km/h.
It has a new electro-actuated gearbox with the brand’s racing bred ‘MC-Shift’ shifting technology. Unlike the regular car, the transmission has a rear-mounted transaxle layout for better weight balance. The suspension has also been tweaked to cater to the GranTurismo S new 47:53 front rear weight distribution.
Braking comes in the form of a new system developed in collaboration with Brembo and first seen on the Quattroporte Sport GT S. Front disc brakes are made with dual cast technology combining iron and aluminium and paired with aluminium six-piston brake callipers.
It is distinguished aesthetically from the GranTurismo by a few exterior changes which come in the form of an integrated spoiler in the boot lid, newly designed side skirts and unique to the model’s 20-inch alloy wheels. Oval section exhaust pipes, black radiator grille and headlight casings are some of the other styling tweaks made.
The interior is upholstered in Poltrona Frau leather and Alcantara which is used for the steering wheel and the centre of the seat with the option to extend to the whole of the headlining. The front and rear seats are distinguished by their new design with horizontal piping on them.
Hong Seh executive director Edward Tan believes the GranTurismo S will appeal to those who enjoy a sporty and unique coupe.
“It is a sportier coupe than the standard GranTurismo that combines everyday practicality and has space for four,” he said.
The first shipment will arrive in the fourth quarter of this year and the price is set at $495,000 with COE.
