|
|
|
 |
|
Prominent fenders and a deep, distinctive
front grille distinguish Maserati’s new GT. |
|
|
|
Maserati has long held a special
place within the rarefied, discerning market sector world of
high-performance premium brands. Its racing history and its ability
to consistently create cars that are distinctive in design and
technology have given it a place within a very small niche.
Maserati’s latest model, the four-seat GranTurismo (GT) now entering
production, continues that position.
Powered by a wet-sump 4.2-L V8 gasoline engine derived from the
power unit of the company’s Quattroporte sedan, its performance
figures include a top speed of 285 km/h (177 mph) and a 0-100 km/h
(0-62 mph) time of 5.2 s. Maximum power of 298 kW (400 hp) is
delivered at 7100 rpm, with peak torque of 460 N·m (339 lb·ft)
available at 4750 rpm. Combined fuel consumption is 14.3 L/100 km,
and CO2 emissions 330 g/km. The 180-kg (397-lb) engine drives
through a six-speed ZF 6HP26 automatic transmission with steering-wheel-paddle
and central-console-selector operated manual shift mode.Kick-down
operates in auto or manual, and the engine can be taken to a maximum
7200 rpm for fullthrottle upshifts. |
|
|
With the engine set back just aft
of the front axle, weight distribution is 49% front/51% rear.
Chassis electronics include MSP (Maserati Stability Program). The GT
is based on the M139 platform of the Quattroporte but with the
wheelbase shortened by 125 mm (4.9 in) to 2942 mm (115.8 in), and
with rear overhang reduced by 66 mm (2.6 in) to give an overall
length of 4881 mm (192.2 in). Suspension is by double wishbones
front and rear, and aluminum gas dampers working with Skyhook
automatic continuous damping control are optional.
A driver-operated Sport mode
provides enhanced throttle response, raises gearshift points, and
tightens the Skyhook system. The car uses Brembo four-pot, cross-drilled
disc brakes, 330x32mm (13.0 x 1.3 in) in front and 330x28mm (13.0 x
1.1 in) |
|
 |
|
Aerodynamics paralleled aesthetics in
importance in the design of the new Maserati GT. |
|
at the rear. Standard wheels are 19-in, with 20-in an
option. The car’s curb
weight at 1880 kg (4145 lb) is heavier than that of two of its main
competitors, the BMW 650Ci at 1715 kg (3780 lb) and Jaguar XKR
at 1655 kg (3650 lb), but 40 kg (88 lb) less than the Mercedes-Benz
CL500. |
|
|
|
 |
|
Sophisticated electronics complement the
hardware elements of the Maserati GT’s suspension. |
|
|
|
 |
Styled by Pininfarina, the GT’s
aesthetics are related to the Birdcage concept seen at the 2005
Geneva Motor Show. The car has very prominent front fenders and an
aggressive front grille that Andrea Pininfarina said recalls those
of historic Maserati sports cars; its rear quarters are also
prominent. At the rear are LED lights and four exhaust tailpipes. Cd
is 0.33. The body is mostly steel, but the hood and the front bumper
reinforcement member are of aluminum, while the trunk lid uses SMC (sheet
molding compound). The
car’s interior is the typical Maserati specialization of mixing
luxury and sports car design, and it has been designed to
accommodate four adults with relatively easy access to the rear
seats, where legroom spans 130 to 340 mm (5.1 to 13.4 in).
Rear-seat headroom is 910 mm (35.8 in) and front 991 mm (39.0 in).
The trunk has a 260-L (9.2-ft3) capacity. A wide range of |
|
Maserati GT’s wet-sump 4.2-L engine produces
298 kW (400 hp). |
|
“personalization items” is listed for the car,
including brake calipers in various colors. |
|
|
|
 |
|
A mix of luxury and sporty design was the
goal for the
four-seat Maserati GT interior. |
|
Stuart Birch |
|
|
