Wednesday 27th July 2016

Maserati GranTurismo: PH Buying Guide

Want a Maserati GranTurismo? Of course you do - here's what you need to know before taking the plunge

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There was no doubting what Maserati had in mind when it launched its GranTurismo at the Geneva motor show in 2007. The name said it all and the replacement for the 4200 was intended as a car to cover big distances at speed and in comfort. It was not a direct rival for any of its Ferrari cousins, even if some of its components were shared with the 599.

To underline the GranTurismo's true GT credentials, it was based on the Quattroporte platform that was shortened by 122mm in the wheelbase. The 405hp 4.2-litre V8 engine with six-speed automatic gearbox was placed as far back in the bay as possible, which gave 50-50 front/rear weight distribution. This meant the GranTurismo was praised for its handling balance in early road tests, though the performance of 0-62mph in 5.5 seconds and 177mph top speed were regarded more as adequate than impressive.

To address this problem, Maserati introduced the 4.7-litre S model in 2008 that came with 440hp to deliver 0-62mph in 4.9 seconds and upped the top end to 183mph. Other changes for the S included the MC Shift transaxle transmission that is an automated manual rather than an auto with manual override. Bigger brakes with six-pot Brembo calipers and more aggressive styling for the Pininfarina exterior styling completed the S model's upgrades.

Search for Maserati GranTurismos here

The next big change for the GranTurismo coupe arrived in late 2010 with the MC Stradale joining the line-up. Inspired by the Trofeo race car, it has a 450hp 4.7 V8. Covers 0-62mph in 4.6 seconds and hits 188mph. More importantly, weight is reduced by 110kg and the MC Shift gearbox has quicker changes and a unique Race mode. There were no rear seats in the Stradale when first introduced, which was slightly at odds with the GranTurismo's ethos, but it's the fastest version of this Maserati.

The Italian firm also introduced the GranCabrio open-top version in 2010, which has a fabric roof and a model line much the same as the coupe's. Prices for the GranCabrio start at £45,000, while around £28,000 will get you into an early GranTurismo 4.2. If you want the 4.7-litre engine, reckon on spending from £35,000, while the Stradale will need at least £70,000 to put one in your garage.

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PHer's view:
"I had a 4.7 MC shift and it was brilliant, it sounded amazing, was great to drive, looked stunning, had proper usable rear seats and I loved the MC gear box, the way it changed gear at maximum revs and full throttle was fantastic but it is not the best for town driving."
Pooh

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Buying Guide contents:
Introduction
Powertrain
Rolling chassis
Body
Interior
At a glance

Search for Maserati GranTurismos here

[m1980k]

"There are no rear seats in the Stradale, which is slightly at odds with the GranTurismo's ethos, but it's the fastest version of this Maserati."

They've had rear seats since 2013...

[m1980k]

Guvernator said:

The Maserati cam issue has been apparent since at least the introduction of the 4200 and the early 4.2 Quattroporte's and yet it's still happening on 4.7 GT's, that's a time-span of well over 10 years. Surely someone at Maserati at some point should be thinking, hang on a sec, perhaps we should try to fix this?

The variator issue referenced in the article does not affect the 4200/GranSport. And it only affects QPs and GTs manufactured during a certain time period, after which the design was changed. There are lists of impacted engine numbers that have been circulated online. So you are incorrect in stating that it was a problem that wasn't addressed for 10 years.

Also, a large number of cars have already had the issue fixed when it became a problem. So you can buy earlier cars where variators are a non-issue because they've been fixed and later cars with a different design.

And even then, the variator problem costs circa £3k to fix (and will be covered by a warranty if you purchase one), which is much cheaper than getting a rebuild on a 997 engine.

For they money, you cannot get anything with those looks, that sound and an ability to carry 4 adults in comfort.

And no, I don't own a Graturismo, I have a GranSport.