RE: Maserati GranTurismo/GranCabrio MY18: Driven

[TurboFlorio]

Still one of the best looking cars you can buy I think.

Altough in that red it looks like a combination of a Mazda Rx8 and an Aston Martin Vantage to me

[alpha channel]

The front yes, the rear (more so from the profile shot) no, not a fan of the rounded rear (the rear edge of the boot anyway), I'd prefer a slightly sharper profile personally but we all know that reality very rarely meets concept (though it does, occasionally, happen which is always nice to see).

As has been said though it's very unlikely that the concept is a usable 2+2, if there's rear seats in there then it'll be more like the XK, a bench in the rear that's only usable by toddlers, someone sitting side saddle or a double amputee... either that our you'll never be able to fit anything of decent size in the boot.

[ducnick]

Have they done anything about the seats now? Possibly the introduction of a thin layer of padding perchance? That's the only thing that put me off buying one... the concrete seats are not what you need for long distances.

[jakesmith]

maybe but it's always been a good selling point that the gt has proper back seats

[StickBreitling]

Have a 2013 facelift GT Sport with Larini cats and x-pipe. The car sounds even more spectacular. A perfect family with a good blend of practicality and drama. Gets the right kind of appreciative looks.

I may rebuild my interior to update it to the new satnav.

Not many choices of other cars to be honest:
- Ferrari FF had that but the wife hated it plus a boring drive around town
- Ferrari 612 some of interior build is a bit fragile
- Bentley Conti bit too footballer
- Aston DB9 bit to "Canary Wharf" for me and the back seats are tiny
- Maserati Ghibli nice but missing that 'edge'
- Maserati Quattroporte or Aston Rapide both too long
- Porsche Panamera looks not my cup of tea

Edited by StickBreitling on Tuesday 18th July 19:21

[Pooh]

Great cars, I loved mine.
A pity about the MC shift gear box, not only does it make the driving experience more immediate but it gives a 53% rear weight bias which improves the handling and traction.

[Dino550]

I've had mine 6 weeks and love it. Cashed in on the 550 and replaced it with a 4.7S auto. Doesn't quite have the grunt of the 550, but most people prefer the looks and sound. Much more useable.

It's in the process of getting a 430 Scud remap (with a bit of tweaking from Michelotto) and custom straight pipes (catback), so cannot wait to collect her later this week. Apparently it sounds epic. Roll on Friday.....

[BVB]

Brilliant car, and a handsome one too.
PH need to man up and stop whingeing about radar cruise control and a key that looks like a key. This sites reviews are becoming comedic.

[sidesauce]

ZX10R NIN said:

The Alfieri looks great but it won't be a proper 2+2 like the GT is, it'll be a 2+0 like the DB9

Maybe but I'd not feel short-changed - just look at it!

[db10]

I had a grancabrio from new for 4 years. Lovely sound but bits of the interior trim used to fall off and the sat nav was crap (you couldn't even put a postcode into it). Would never get a masser again!

[vanman1936]

BVB said:

Brilliant car, and a handsome one too.
PH need to man up and stop whingeing about radar cruise control and a key that looks like a key. This sites reviews are becoming comedic.

I think you make a valid point. Not about PH reviews per se, however real world ownership perspectives are so far away from road test views.....look at a car for what you use it for 95% of the time. This is why apparent "dull" or non driver cars sell so well eg Audi S and RS series.

[Contigo]

Just got back from the Maserati factory tour (Hi Francesco) and also Pagani (need a whole new thread for that one!) and saw the new model there and it has really grown on me. Some subtle changes mainly to the front end splitter and also the grille but it's still a classy looking design.

The fact that they no longer make the MC Shift (semi-auto box) means than my GTS MC-Shift may become more desirable over the year as it really is the purists choice and transforms the whole driving experience. Add to the mix my Larini Sports Cat and H Pipe and it is one of the loudest cars out there on the roads right now at over 130dB

I love mine and other than a 2 seater Stradale I won't ever replace it.