Monday 1st March 2004

Maserati GranSport

Can you picture your grandmother at the wheel?

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Maserati are at Geneva this year and have dreamt up a sportier looking version of their coupe to grab some headlines.

The new Maserati GranSport gets another 10bhp taking power to 400bhp. The engineers have achieved this via some friction reduction and some work on the intake manifolds and valve seats. It's a 4244cc, dry sumped version of the version of the Maser V8.

The engine combines with a sports exhaust system designed to give enthusiasts the appropriate deep, full-bodied rumble. Thanks to an electronically controlled pneumatic valve system, even more can be heard from the exhaust by pressing the "Sport" button on the central console!

The Maserati GranSport uses the Cambiocorsa six-speed electro-hydraulic transmission in which the gears are changed using paddles mounted behind the steering wheel.

Slight improvements have been made to the aerodynamics compared with the standard car. A 10mm lower ride height, new bumpers and some fancy grilles also serve to give the car a slightly more purposeful look. 19" wheels complete the effect.

Inside more cow hide and carbon are slapped about to give the required ambience.

[chris_crossley]

I like it.

Just the side sills are a bit duff and it could do with boomerang rear lights.