All of the car's functions are arranged on the instrument binnacle which boasts sporty white graphics on a Maserati navy blue background. Perhaps it tries too hard. The Maserati GranSport's dashboard boasts excellent specialist trim and central console options. It surely can't be beyond the ingenuity of the software manufacturers to build in a slight ignition cut to ease upshifts in a similar way. The Maserati really is that good, and after six years it's a pleasure to be able to write it. Special Blu Anniversary paint could be chosen.
The invitation to drive the new range-topping GranSport contained no indication that something rather remarkable had happened to the Coupe. . If you are ready to purchase, please add it to your shopping cart and continue to checkout. The crankshaft is of design. You can make pretty good progress without it, but the downchanges are a little too sluggish and, laden with driver, passenger and a bootful of camera gear, the continually adaptive Skyhook damping doesn't grab hold of the mass as firmly as you'd want as soon as you'd want. The engine shares many of the design features of modern racing engines, including dry sump lubrication, a pump assembly located outside the crankcase, and four valves per cylinder. The V8's modest gain in horsepower comes at the top end of the rev-range, the tuning centred on finer build tolerances, including reworked valve seats and more accurate connections between the intake piping and cylinder head ports.
Overall length is 4,303 mm 169 in , width 1,822 mm 72 in , and height 1,305 mm 51 in. Only the six-speed Cambiocorsa paddle shift transmission was offered, and was recalibrated for quicker shifts. If Maserati hadn't provided a circuit, the GranSport's very outer limits would have remained a mystery. It's the GranSport's engaging performance on the road that stays uppermost in the mind, though. It is powered by the same 4,244 cc, dry sump, 90° V8 engine used on the standard Coupé and Spyder.
The system allows the driver to choose between four different operating modes: Normal, Sport, Auto and Low Grip. Vehicle weight was reduced by 249 kg 550 lb as a result of many comfort oriented components being stripped out: soundproofing, air conditioning, and the leather interior were left out, with the regular seats being replaced by racing seats. The transmission has a four-percent-longer top gear than the Coupé's, which, according to Maserati, enables a claimed 180-mph top speed. The introduction of the Spyder heralded Maserati's return to the North American market after an 11-year hiatus. GranSport 'Maserati and Cornes 10th Anniversary', 35 units were made to commemorate the 10th anniversary of Japanese importer cooperation with Maserati. Another aspect of the GranSport that impresses within the first few miles is the steering.
On the coupé, the upholstery materials were leather and technical cloth in black, Nickel Gray or Metal Blue on the seat centres, backs and dashboard fascia; the Spyder had an all-leather interior. Maserati Trofeo front view and Trofeo GranSport rear view The Maserati Trofeo is a racing version of the Coupé that was introduced in 2003. The whole car is working hard but feels as if it has plenty still in reserve. Let loose on this entertaining little track, whose corners are mainly second- and third-gear, it's easy to soon get to grips with. New 997 Carrera S versus GranSport? The Low Grip, or Ice mode, allows for smooth starting and gear changes on snow and ice.
What's trying to be conveyed is the direct link between the model you drive and those that are raced, an association for which you would be prepared to pay more. When placed in the Sport mode, the suspension firms up for better cornering. So, how good is the GranSport? The full 400bhp is delivered at 7000rpm; torque remains at 333lb ft at 4500rpm, the same as the Coupe. Curb weight is 1,720—1,730 kg 3,792—3,814 lb. Both deployment and stowage of the top takes about 30 seconds.
Owners can choose from the classic Giallo Granturismo Grand Tourer Yellow and Rosso Mondiale World Championship Red or, alternatively between the metallic Nero Carbonio Carbon Black , Blu Mediterraneo Mediterranean Blue and Grigio Touring Touring Grey. Personally, I've never objected to helping smooth the process by lifting the throttle slightly on upshifts. The top automatically stows beneath a hard cover that sits flush with the body in front of the boot. DealRatingFilter selectedRatingList, null ; ratingFilter. FuelTypeFilter selectedFuelTypeList, null ; fuelTypeFilter. Braking is confident, with good pedal feel, and now when you request downshifts, the Cambiocorsa 'box delivers swiftly, with a blip-perfect swell of revs helping the ratio slip sweetly home.
Each of these programs is selected by means of console-mounted buttons, corresponding to different types of operating mode. It includes chrome air-exhaust vents in the front fenders, a new polished wheel design, silver-finished brake calipers, and chrome door handles. The result is an 11-hp increase, to 396, although with rather different power and torque curves than the 394-hp version of the same engine in the Maserati Quattroporte sedan. The front one, in fact, has a very pronounced lower spoiler with side bars elegantly integrated into the body itself, while the luggage compartment deck has been given a discreet yet equally efficientspoiler lip. Only the new 'technical' cloth jars slightly; it looks like the tight-webbed material some training shoes are made from. Also recognisable by light blue dials.