2018 Maserati GranTurismo

The 2018 Maserati GranTurismo, the latest iteration of what is the epitome of the legendary Italian car maker’s grand touring sports car, has arrived in Australia with a host of refinements and improvements to maintain and extend its unique and exclusive reputation.

“The Pininfarina-designed GranTurismo is a historically important, brand-defining model for Maserati,” says Glen Sealey, Chief Operating Officer of Maserati Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. “This luxurious four-seater sports coupé was conceived as an ultra-modern interpretation of Maserati’s very first production grand tourer, the elegant Maserati A6 1500 of 1947.

Over the years, the GranTurismo has evolved into one of the most iconic Maserati cars ever built, thanks to its uncompromised GT character. In essence, the GranTurismo is the ultimate expression of what grand touring means to Maserati, making the GranTurismo a true benchmark for all the cars that claim, but rarely achieve, the real substance of a true grand touring car.”

This character is perfectly expressed by a uniquely compelling combination – bold yet elegant design; the exhilarating, inspirational performance of a naturally aspirated, Ferrari-built V8 engine; and the hand-crafted comfort that can only be offered by four individual seats upholstered in Poltrona Frau leather, which is so special and of such a high quality it has its own patent.

The GranTurismo, together with its GranCabrio sibling, is assembled at the historic Maserati plant of Ciro Menotti in Modena, following the highest manufacturing and quality control standards in the world. More than 37,000 GranTurismo and GranCabrio models have been sold globally since 2007.

MY18 range, restyling and driver interface

The GranTurismo range has been streamlined for 2018 and two well-defined versions are now offered, the Sport and MC. The Sport and MC share the same powertrain but suspension trim and equipment, along with personalization packages, ensure they retain their own distinct characters.

The MC – for Maserati Corse – takes on an important ambassadorial role for the entire Maserati range, representing the company’s long and illustrious racing heritage. Replacing the previous MC Stradale, it offers a wide array of features already proven in other Maserati models. They include the five selectable operating modes.

The naturally aspirated V8 unit is hand-assembled by Ferrari in Maranello and weighs only 175kg. The 4.7-litre engine features a wet sump and – exclusive to Maserati – a cross-plane crankshaft. This provides unrivalled throttle response, free-revving characteristics and a thrilling Maserati signature sound that has been voted the most sexy sound to ever come from a car.

When it came to the MY18 restyle, the timeless Pininfarina design was treated with the utmost respect by the Maserati Design Centre. The results, among others, are even better aerodynamic efficiency and compliance with the latest pedestrian safety regulations.

The new front and rear bumpers of the MY18 GranTurismo elegantly refine the visual impact of the striking original styling. The Sport and MC share the same basic features, although each has unique inserts to accentuate its distinctive character.

Additionally, the headlights for each model are slightly restyled for 2018, while a new rear parking camera is now integrated.

The front bumper features a larger, hexagonal grille with a ‘shark nose’ profile and a chrome insert all around. The new nose is inspired by the sensational Alfieri Concept car and adds a three-dimensional effect to the front view. This design also helps optimize airflow distribution and reduce aerodynamic drag.

The bumper’s lateral air ducts, introduced in the MC Stradale and adopted across the GranTurismo range in 2012, are redesigned for 2018. By visually pushing the car’s weight towards the front wheels, they convey a heightened sense of dynamic stability, while also contributing to improved aerodynamic efficiency.

The central splitter is the element that most clearly distinguishes the two models and the GranTurismo MC boasts an even more pronounced design, giving greater emphasis to the motor racing pedigree. The new front bumper and redesigned air splitter, meanwhile, reduce dynamic drag from 0.33 to 0.32.

The track-focused GranTurismo MC is equipped with a carbon-fibre bonnet in the body colour as standard. The bonnet also features downforce-optimizing air-vents. Additionally, there are iconic vertical air vents in the front wings, deep functional side skirts, titanium brake calipers (black in the Sport) and 20” Trofeo Silver forged wheels, now 10% stronger and lighter. A pronounced rear lip spoiler is another dynamic highlight.

The headlights for 2018 maintain the same profile and LED/Bi-Xenon functionality, but feature discreet, internal restyling. This includes reshaped LED Daytime Running Lights, grooved housing in the Xenon lamp areas and the Maserati inscription in low relief. Additionally, the MC version’s headlights feature a darker finish.

While the sleek body of the GranTurismo remains untouched, the rear bumper has been redesigned with the sole aim of emphasizing the natural elegance of this iconic GT. With its neater, more cohesive design, the new bumper further accentuates the impression of stability, while adding a graceful finishing touch to the car’s unmistakable silhouette.

The central diffuser is specific to each version. The emphasis is on elegance with the GranTurismo Sport, with the oval exhaust outlets appearing at the bumper’s edges. The GranTurismo MC is decisively sportier, with round outlets coming through the central, transparent diffuser. The exhaust system of the MC version is lighter and has a totally different shape and function.

When in Sport mode, a valve channels exhaust gases so they completely bypass the silencer. This reduces back pressure and creates a breathtakingly sporty sound.

The exterior of the MY18 GranTurismo is available in 16 colours. A brand new three-layer colour is introduced (Blu Assoluto), while four more three-layer colours are now available on the entire range. There is a range of 14 light alloy wheels in six designs, one of which is in forged aluminium, and an exterior carbon package is offered both for Sport and MC versions.

The MY18 GranTurismo is fitted with new, lightweight, fourth-generation Pirelli P Zero™ tyres. These contribute to a reduction in unsprung weight plus better suspension performance and tyre grip. The new P Zero™ is designed to improve braking distances in dry and wet conditions, respectively by 4% and 5%, while improving mileage by at least 30%.

The elegant interior of the GranTurismo offers unparalleled comfort thanks to its four individual Poltrona Frau® leather seats with integrated headrests. For 2018, the dashboard features a more sculptured design in the passenger area, complemented in high-fashion style by stitched leather finishes.

The 2018 Maserati GranTurismo Sport is fitted as standard with Maserati Centennial Pack  which boasts Poltrona Frau leather upholstery with strip design in contrast colour on front and rear seats, central/side, front/rear armrests, trident logo stitched on head restraints in the same color of strip design; seat backrest cover and seat frame in carbon fibre.

In contrast and befitting its image, the Maserati GranTurismo MC has a Poltrona Frau  leather/drilled Alcantara upholstery interior which extends to the sports steering wheel, instrument cluster, central armrest, door panels armrest/handles, central dashboard area, tunnel gear pod

The centrepiece of the dashboard is now a high-resolution, 8.4” capacitive touchscreen from the state-of-the art infotainment system. The GranTurismo system is in line with those featured in the other Maserati models and is compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring functions.

Both GranTurismo models also now feature the high-end Harman Kardon Premium Sound system as standard.

The climate and seat heating control are not integrated into the touchscreen function, although the central console area is still significantly neater, with fewer buttons than before. The lower console is redesigned to accommodate a user-friendly, double rotary dial – a standard feature on all Maserati models. Positioned next to the gear lever, this a high-quality component in forged aluminium. The driving modes button cluster is now in front of the gear lever.

Another interior refinement is a new interpretation of the classic Maserati clock with a double dial in a slightly more prominent position at the centre of the dashboard.

For 2018, there are eight interior colours and five interior trim options – from Carbon Fibre to Black Piano and Walnut Briarwood. All are available on Sport and MC versions.

“The Ghibli and Levante may have transformed the availability and broadened the ability of Maserati’s range, but these new models owe their Maserati soul to the GranTurismo,” explains Mr Sealey. “Those new models sound, look and perform they way they do because the GranTurismo set, and continues to set, the benchmark for Maserati. It is, and remains, the heart and soul of what it means to be a Maserati.”

Maserati GranTurismo MY18 – key points

• Streamlined range, now two versions, Sport and MC
• Exterior restyling includes new bumpers, grille and front air ducts
• Drag coefficient improved to 0.32
• Naturally aspirated 4.7-litre V8 with 460hp
• Six-speed ZF automatic gearbox
• New infotainment system
• 8.4” high-resolution, capacitive touchscreen
• Redesigned central console with double rotary control
• Compatibility with Apple Car Play and Android Auto
• New double dial Maserati clock
• Standard Harman Kardon Premium Sound system
• New rear view camera with dynamic gridlines