GranTurismo 4.2 or 4.7????
Discussion
sealtt said:
Interesting to hear your thoughts.
It kind of sounds like you are looking for a more exciting drivers car? The Maserati has a brand people love, looks the part (except for the horribly dated rear lights), and has a great soundtrack - as you noted with the start up.
I'm afraid it's a really difficult market segment, most cars in this segment (M6, Aston DB9, etc) try hard to deliver a comfy GT and a fun sports car in one package, but end up with a product that is compromised in both areas. I ended up buying a new M6 a couple of years ago - 4.4 V8 Convertible - and regretted it. Too uncomfortable and unrefined to be a good GT car and too heavy and no steering feel to be a good sports car. The M6 Coupe (the 4.4V8) is supposed to be better... maybe worth a look if in budget, maybe. Otherwise I really liked the facelift Jag XK-R convertible. Roof down you can really enjoy that V8 noise.
Of course just move more down the sports end of the spectrum and go for a 911 of some variant, that will deliver the sports car side of things though obviously is a compromised GT car. But at least it excels at something.
I wish I could get a rear facing seat into the back of a 911 as I would definitely go that route. Thing is I want something special to transport my wife and two young children in. A Pananmera lingers in the background.......It kind of sounds like you are looking for a more exciting drivers car? The Maserati has a brand people love, looks the part (except for the horribly dated rear lights), and has a great soundtrack - as you noted with the start up.
I'm afraid it's a really difficult market segment, most cars in this segment (M6, Aston DB9, etc) try hard to deliver a comfy GT and a fun sports car in one package, but end up with a product that is compromised in both areas. I ended up buying a new M6 a couple of years ago - 4.4 V8 Convertible - and regretted it. Too uncomfortable and unrefined to be a good GT car and too heavy and no steering feel to be a good sports car. The M6 Coupe (the 4.4V8) is supposed to be better... maybe worth a look if in budget, maybe. Otherwise I really liked the facelift Jag XK-R convertible. Roof down you can really enjoy that V8 noise.
Of course just move more down the sports end of the spectrum and go for a 911 of some variant, that will deliver the sports car side of things though obviously is a compromised GT car. But at least it excels at something.
Interesting to read your thoughts after you drove the car.
I'm 6'3" and never had any issues with headroom. The rear leg room was also good for similarly sized people. Also, I'm surprised you thought the exhaust note was a bit bland. Not going to say you viewed a bad car as that would be silly to suggest, but it might be worth looking at a GT-S Auto.
I personally agree with you on black I had Grigio Granito which I thought was great but they do look good in other colours also.
You mention you have kids - if the car would be used for putting little ones in the back, I don't think a DB9, XKR or Panamera could do the job as well whilst also being quick enough to make you smile when you want it to.
I'm 6'3" and never had any issues with headroom. The rear leg room was also good for similarly sized people. Also, I'm surprised you thought the exhaust note was a bit bland. Not going to say you viewed a bad car as that would be silly to suggest, but it might be worth looking at a GT-S Auto.
I personally agree with you on black I had Grigio Granito which I thought was great but they do look good in other colours also.
You mention you have kids - if the car would be used for putting little ones in the back, I don't think a DB9, XKR or Panamera could do the job as well whilst also being quick enough to make you smile when you want it to.
Echo the thoughts above. I've had my 4.7 MC shift for 3 months now. I'm 6"2" and have about 2" of room above my head. Also I've had my 14 year old, 2 year old and 8 month pregnant with in mine with no problems at all.
Al we did have to do is buy a city type pram as her fancy one doesn't fit
Al we did have to do is buy a city type pram as her fancy one doesn't fit
Am slightly surprised by the OP's observations as the GT is many things and not for everyone, but I certainly wouldn't describe the 4.7 MC Shift as "bland". Clearly I can't make a proper judgement of the car the OP drove but from the description made it does sound like it may not have been the most representative example, being grubby, felt nervous with a droning exhaust leads me to suspect that the car may not have been standard and had not been looked after in the way an enthusiast would.
I would agree that the steering is too light, but that is a criticism that could be levelled at most modern cars, including 911s whose steering is now nothing like the way it used to be. That aside the car should not feel nervous, infact the opposite is true, it is very well planted in my experience. In addition, the exhaust really is one of the best features of the car, it is plenty load in sports mode with the most amazing sound and then becomes very civilised when put back in normal mode. I have taken my family on many long trips in ours and have not had any issues with a droning exhaust. My guess is that a previous owner may have modified it as there is almost universal praise for the 4.7 exhaust.
My inclination would be to suggest you find another 4.7 to compare against and if you have the same issues guess that a Maserati is not really for you, but either way, go for the 4.7!
I would agree that the steering is too light, but that is a criticism that could be levelled at most modern cars, including 911s whose steering is now nothing like the way it used to be. That aside the car should not feel nervous, infact the opposite is true, it is very well planted in my experience. In addition, the exhaust really is one of the best features of the car, it is plenty load in sports mode with the most amazing sound and then becomes very civilised when put back in normal mode. I have taken my family on many long trips in ours and have not had any issues with a droning exhaust. My guess is that a previous owner may have modified it as there is almost universal praise for the 4.7 exhaust.
My inclination would be to suggest you find another 4.7 to compare against and if you have the same issues guess that a Maserati is not really for you, but either way, go for the 4.7!
I am another one puzzled by this review. I just sold my 4.7 GTS Auto after having it for 3 years and am having a hard time replacing it with something different - it might just be a newer one that ends up coming...
6'3 and never any issue with headroom. Also, I could set the driver's seat to how I wanted it and comfortably sit behind it in the back if I wanted to: loads of room
Performance is enjoyable, noise is exceptional and the gearbox (in manual mode) isn't up there with the best double clutch jobs, but it is good
only complaint I would easily empathise with would be to do with the pretty poor radio and sat nav
6'3 and never any issue with headroom. Also, I could set the driver's seat to how I wanted it and comfortably sit behind it in the back if I wanted to: loads of room
Performance is enjoyable, noise is exceptional and the gearbox (in manual mode) isn't up there with the best double clutch jobs, but it is good
only complaint I would easily empathise with would be to do with the pretty poor radio and sat nav
We picked up our new (to us) 4.7 auto from Bowkers yesterday. Goes pretty well but isn't silly fast so based on that I would rule out a 4.2. The car will do a lot of town driving so I didn't fancy the MC box. The auto box works well. Smooth, quick shifting and you can use the paddles if you want to play. It's a shame it drops back into full auto mode so quickly rather than leaving you with gear control for longer. The car doesn't have Skyhook, it has the MC single rate fixed suspension option. It's firm but gives great body control, the car corners flat and defies it's weight on country roads. The steering doesn't give a lot of feedback and is a little light as speed but the car is anything but nervous.
It's a lot slower than our previous Continental GT Speed and not as nice inside but has a higher quality ride and the exterior looks are in a different league to the Bentley. The GT is, in my opinion, superior to a DB9 in every way. Ride quality, interior, exterior looks and handling. And it has usable rear seats.
I would have gone for a 911 but needed something more than a 2+2 for our kids and settled on the GT after looking at the various options on the market. I couldn't find anything else that offered a total package of something a little exotic with reliability, looks, performance and value for money. Didn't fancy VAG.
It's a lot slower than our previous Continental GT Speed and not as nice inside but has a higher quality ride and the exterior looks are in a different league to the Bentley. The GT is, in my opinion, superior to a DB9 in every way. Ride quality, interior, exterior looks and handling. And it has usable rear seats.
I would have gone for a 911 but needed something more than a 2+2 for our kids and settled on the GT after looking at the various options on the market. I couldn't find anything else that offered a total package of something a little exotic with reliability, looks, performance and value for money. Didn't fancy VAG.
foxsasha said:
We picked up our new (to us) 4.7 auto from Bowkers yesterday. Goes pretty well but isn't silly fast so based on that I would rule out a 4.2. The car will do a lot of town driving so I didn't fancy the MC box. The auto box works well. Smooth, quick shifting and you can use the paddles if you want to play. It's a shame it drops back into full auto mode so quickly rather than leaving you with gear control for longer. The car doesn't have Skyhook, it has the MC single rate fixed suspension option. It's firm but gives great body control, the car corners flat and defies it's weight on country roads. The steering doesn't give a lot of feedback and is a little light as speed but the car is anything but nervous.
It's a lot slower than our previous Continental GT Speed and not as nice inside but has a higher quality ride and the exterior looks are in a different league to the Bentley. The GT is, in my opinion, superior to a DB9 in every way. Ride quality, interior, exterior looks and handling. And it has usable rear seats.
I would have gone for a 911 but needed something more than a 2+2 for our kids and settled on the GT after looking at the various options on the market. I couldn't find anything else that offered a total package of something a little exotic with reliability, looks, performance and value for money. Didn't fancy VAG.
Interesting, I thought that all UK 4.7 autos left the factory with skyhook. Was the fixed rate set up done in the UK and, I presume, by saying MC you mean the Stradale set up rather than the GTS one?It's a lot slower than our previous Continental GT Speed and not as nice inside but has a higher quality ride and the exterior looks are in a different league to the Bentley. The GT is, in my opinion, superior to a DB9 in every way. Ride quality, interior, exterior looks and handling. And it has usable rear seats.
I would have gone for a 911 but needed something more than a 2+2 for our kids and settled on the GT after looking at the various options on the market. I couldn't find anything else that offered a total package of something a little exotic with reliability, looks, performance and value for money. Didn't fancy VAG.
W12GT said:
I went to see the 4.7 MC shift today. Disappointed to say the least.
Car has had some very bad paint repair. Terrible smell in the car which reminded me of an old oily garage.
The interior was in good condition but was very grubby - a decent valet would get it back to former glory without too much effort.
I liked the gearbox - very positive action and felt right for the car.
The steering was very light yet nervous feeling - a bit like when you have a boot full of heavy stuff and it feels a little like you are a passenger not a driver - it had skyhook suspension; could this be the reason? The suspension felt very firm in sport mode and definitely too harsh to drive my kids around in.
I was surprised by the lack of headroom - I am a smidgen over 6ft but even with the seat on it lowest setting I had to sit with my head tilted as my right hand side was touching the roof lining (maybe I need a haircut lol).
I was also a bit disappointed by the overall experience, it wasn't as exciting as I was hoping for; maybe even feeling a little bland. The exhaust droned at motorway speed whether or not I had Sport mode selected. The exhaust didn't sound that loud on the B roads. The start up sound though - probably the best I've heard from ANY CAR.
The car was black and I think that was part of the problem - just a bit dull for my eyes.
So have I experienced a bad car or is this what to expect - especially with regards to the steering and suspension.
I will keep my eyes open for another because I love the look and it has been on my wish list for a while!
I reckon it must have been a bit of a dog, and I'm really puzzled by your lack of headroom?? I'm 6'3, and had no problems whatsoever, are you sure you had the seat postion correct? Were they the electric heated comfort ones, as if so it possible they were a bit lazy going down/back etc.Car has had some very bad paint repair. Terrible smell in the car which reminded me of an old oily garage.
The interior was in good condition but was very grubby - a decent valet would get it back to former glory without too much effort.
I liked the gearbox - very positive action and felt right for the car.
The steering was very light yet nervous feeling - a bit like when you have a boot full of heavy stuff and it feels a little like you are a passenger not a driver - it had skyhook suspension; could this be the reason? The suspension felt very firm in sport mode and definitely too harsh to drive my kids around in.
I was surprised by the lack of headroom - I am a smidgen over 6ft but even with the seat on it lowest setting I had to sit with my head tilted as my right hand side was touching the roof lining (maybe I need a haircut lol).
I was also a bit disappointed by the overall experience, it wasn't as exciting as I was hoping for; maybe even feeling a little bland. The exhaust droned at motorway speed whether or not I had Sport mode selected. The exhaust didn't sound that loud on the B roads. The start up sound though - probably the best I've heard from ANY CAR.
The car was black and I think that was part of the problem - just a bit dull for my eyes.
So have I experienced a bad car or is this what to expect - especially with regards to the steering and suspension.
I will keep my eyes open for another because I love the look and it has been on my wish list for a while!
Regards the exhaust, this is another puzzle. One of the best driving experiences I've had was 250 miles down to Wales on the early morning motorways with Sports switched off/cruise switched on (no exhaust drone whatsoever) in relaxed comfort, then arriving and going for a 2 hour blast round the coastal roads with Sport on,everything firmed up, exhaust valves open,window down and the simply magnificent exhaust note bouncing off the cobbled walls. I learnt loads about the car that day,( like how the MC shift is so much quicker above 4K rpm etc and really "got it"...it played the dual role absolutely brilliantly. One guy when I parked up said he heard me from miles back, and "that's got it's own orchestra"!
Think you need to have another go in a well cared and prepped one, and if it's an MC-shift ( which for me adds massively to the experience), get an extended drive, because it does take a while to understand it and get the most out of it.
Edited by sjc on Wednesday 24th June 19:56
EC2 said:
Interesting, I thought that all UK 4.7 autos left the factory with skyhook. Was the fixed rate set up done in the UK and, I presume, by saying MC you mean the Stradale set up rather than the GTS one?
It is listed as part of the cars original chosen option spec so I'd assume it was factory built like that. MCH1 single rate suspension as offered on the Stradale. I don't know why it's known as the MC single rate suspension nor said to be an option on the Stradale specifically when my car demonstrates it was available on the auto GTS too. Having had another play today it seems you can lock the car into a gear simply by moving the gear lever left into manual mode. That gives what seems to be full manual control over gear selection. Who'd have thought it, manual mode doing exactly what it says on the tin 😊
I've fired a message over to FD re their exhaust valve controller. That'll allow me to choose full volume as and when I want it and then cars 100% tickety-boo.
Although another 35bhp with a remap and a new set of wheels wouldn't go amiss 👍🏻
I've fired a message over to FD re their exhaust valve controller. That'll allow me to choose full volume as and when I want it and then cars 100% tickety-boo.
Although another 35bhp with a remap and a new set of wheels wouldn't go amiss 👍🏻
foxsasha said:
It is listed as part of the cars original chosen option spec so I'd assume it was factory built like that. MCH1 single rate suspension as offered on the Stradale. I don't know why it's known as the MC single rate suspension nor said to be an option on the Stradale specifically when my car demonstrates it was available on the auto GTS too.
Just dug out the brochure from when I ordered mine and the GTS fixed rate sport set up was an option for the GTS Auto (which came with skyhook as standard) but there is no mention of the MC (Stradale) fixed rate set up in the brochure. What I guess must have happened is that they allowed people to choose from the separate MC Sport accessories catalogue for factory fit as well as dealer fit. Makes your car pretty rare I would say! foxsasha said:
Having had another play today it seems you can lock the car into a gear simply by moving the gear lever left into manual mode. That gives what seems to be full manual control over gear selection. Who'd have thought it, manual mode doing exactly what it says on the tin ??
I've fired a message over to FD re their exhaust valve controller. That'll allow me to choose full volume as and when I want it and then cars 100% tickety-boo.
Although another 35bhp with a remap and a new set of wheels wouldn't go amiss ????
From what I can gather, the claimed extra BHP figures from a remap are exactly that.. claimed, going by what has been said on SM.No difference at all in back to back/side by side real world driving.I've fired a message over to FD re their exhaust valve controller. That'll allow me to choose full volume as and when I want it and then cars 100% tickety-boo.
Although another 35bhp with a remap and a new set of wheels wouldn't go amiss ????
foxsasha said:
EC2 said:
Interesting, I thought that all UK 4.7 autos left the factory with skyhook. Was the fixed rate set up done in the UK and, I presume, by saying MC you mean the Stradale set up rather than the GTS one?
It is listed as part of the cars original chosen option spec so I'd assume it was factory built like that. MCH1 single rate suspension as offered on the Stradale. I don't know why it's known as the MC single rate suspension nor said to be an option on the Stradale specifically when my car demonstrates it was available on the auto GTS too. sjc said:
I'm pretty sure that the single rate MC suspension option isn't the same as the Strad' set-up, but it was an expensice option (circa 3K+ if IIRC).
I have it on my MC shift and I read that it is almost identical to the Strad' set-up, I believe that the only difference is that the dampers are recalibrated to allow for the weight difference. Pooh said:
sjc said:
I'm pretty sure that the single rate MC suspension option isn't the same as the Strad' set-up, but it was an expensice option (circa 3K+ if IIRC).
I have it on my MC shift and I read that it is almost identical to the Strad' set-up, I believe that the only difference is that the dampers are recalibrated to allow for the weight difference. http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=101...
Interesting, I didn't realise the set up included arbs and bushes. I'd assume the dampers for the GTS would be slightly stiffer than the Stradale to cope with the extra weight. My car has very little body roll, corners flat. At least on the road. Roll might become apparent given the opportunity to push harder on track. I'm amazed at how well it handles for such a big heavy car. The more I drive it the more I like it.
It was a fairly extraordinary stroke of luck to stumble across the car. I just happened to contact Bowkers about a new one they had in stock explaining that I was struggling to find a used one in my required spec and they came back saying they had one that they were picking one up the very next day with the exact (and I mean exact) spec I was looking for.
It was a fairly extraordinary stroke of luck to stumble across the car. I just happened to contact Bowkers about a new one they had in stock explaining that I was struggling to find a used one in my required spec and they came back saying they had one that they were picking one up the very next day with the exact (and I mean exact) spec I was looking for.
sjc said:
Pooh said:
sjc said:
I'm pretty sure that the single rate MC suspension option isn't the same as the Strad' set-up, but it was an expensice option (circa 3K+ if IIRC).
I have it on my MC shift and I read that it is almost identical to the Strad' set-up, I believe that the only difference is that the dampers are recalibrated to allow for the weight difference. http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=101...
In the link above Palmball mentions being able to choose between three different ride heights. Any idea how ride height is altered?
He also mentions that the Stradale runs 25mm wider wheels with lower offset (+12.5mm?) so the outside wheel face sits a full inch further out than the non Stradale models. Can anyone verify this and is it the same for front and rear wheels?
Edited to add that the Stradale only runs 10mm wider tyres than the GTS. 245 vs 255 and 285 vs 295.
He also mentions that the Stradale runs 25mm wider wheels with lower offset (+12.5mm?) so the outside wheel face sits a full inch further out than the non Stradale models. Can anyone verify this and is it the same for front and rear wheels?
Edited to add that the Stradale only runs 10mm wider tyres than the GTS. 245 vs 255 and 285 vs 295.
Edited by foxsasha on Friday 26th June 23:17
My GT Sport has the MCHP MC handling package fitted and I really like the setup. The only downside is that the car is noticeably lower than other GTS's I drove. I normally create a 1\2 mile tailback going down a speedbumped road as the carbon splitter means very little clearance at the front.
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