Maserati GranTurismo (AM189)

The Maserati GranTurismo is all-new from the ground up and this is no longer the grand tourer millennials are familiar with because this is a different kind of GranTurismo you will be meeting on the road and you'll be expecting some burning jealousy upon seeing this.

2024 Maserati GranTurismo

Starting at an ultra-expensive 182,000 Euros plus additional costs, the all-new, second-generation, Maserati GranTurismo is the evolution of the definitive Italian grand tourer that is primed and ready to tackle through the new normal with its quintessential style and dramatic performance you can expect in a Maserati.

Starting with the design, the previous Pininfarina-styled shape is gone and replaced by an MC20-inspired one penned by Maserati themselves. Although it bears similarities to its predecessor, the new shape adds drama and valor to this grand tourer, giving observers a whole new meaning of passion at first sight. Bet no one's prepared for this encounter.

2024 Maserati GranTurismo interior

Inside, the new model is display overload behind the wheel because you will be greeted by not one, not two, but five displays such as the 12.2-inch digital instrument cluster, a 12.3-inch satnav, 8.8-inch climate control touch panel, a heads-up display, and a digital clock that dramatically displays the Maserati logo when you start it up. 

Like the previous model, it's a 2+2 set up but you can only fit through the front because the rear seats are rather small, meaning you'll have to fit your poodle behind you as well as your designer handbags in case you couldn't find more room in the 310L boot capacity because of so much luxury goods stuffed.

At launch, the all-new GranTurismo is powered by a 3.0L twin-turbo Nettuno V6 engine derived from the MC20. In the Trofeo version, it produces 550hp of power and 650Nm of torque. With the 8-speed automatic gearbox and 4WD, a first for a Maserati grand tourer, it does 0-100kph in 3.5 seconds and flat out in 320kph, faster than the previous GranTurismo. 

If that wasn't enough, Maserati is preparing an all-electric Folgore model that packs 761PS of total power output through all four wheels and can last over 400km of driving range on one full charge. Silent but deadly, of course.

Despite being a 4WD grand tourer, the all-new GranTurismo is downright addictive behind the wheel because of its rear self-locking differential (mechanical in the Modena and electronic in the Trofeo) as well as sport-tuned dynamics underneath. It even features four driving modes with the last one being the most enjoyable of all; Corsa. Flip this car into Corsa mode and the all-new GranTurismo comes alive as a blown-out sportscar that can dance through the bends in a wild but formal kind of manner. The same goes for the Folgore variant.

Although controversial for Maserati fanatics, the all-new GranTurismo is fitted with a range of driver assistance features such as Maserati Active Driving Assist providing autonomous emergency braking, active lane assist, emergency lane keeping, Dynamic Road View, rear emergency braking, and a surround-view camera. Welcome to the new normal.

The all-new GranTurismo by Maserati rewrote the rules of what an Italian grand tourer should be and judging by its dramatic style, interior, performance, technology, not to mention the controversial electric variant that promises to be as fun as a Formula E racer. With such evolution, this is the GranTurismo the world deserves to be seen and it's something to aspire to. This is Maserati, reloaded.

Photo: Maserati

Forza Horizon: Can you find thrills on Horizon?

An open world driving game called Forza Horizon can sometimes be a thriller because most players have a million ways to get themselves a thrill in Colorado such as racing against each other or tunnel runs or car chases or I-70 runs or whatever they want to get them thrilled. That's how a gamer wants but what cars made some thrills on Horizon? Can you get thrills on driving the fastest supercars on Horizon? I'm not sure but there are some candidate for thrillers out there...

A true V8 road runner

Hmmm... I drove the Maserati Granturismo S coupe on Horizon and that seems fine for a V8 road runner that feels as sublime as a fancy restaurant but for sheer thrills, the Granturismo doesn't offer that. Sure, I once read stories about the Maserati history, about how the racing career became historical, and everything related to Maserati but sadly though, in the Granturismo though, it feels like it's a well-civilized being, feels like there was some university life going on around here. It was made as a grand tourer, not a thrill seeker that tickles my fancy. Sorry.

A true thoroughbred

What about the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione? This maybe a candidate for a thrill seeker. With big brakes, carbon fibre body, the same V8 engine that powers the Maserati, double wishbone suspension, and the fact that it was built on the same factory as the Maserati Granturismo, the Alfa Romeo 8C seems to be a thrill-seeker's preference but as I drove one on Horizon, (sigh) it doesn't made me feel the thrill. I mean look at it, the skies, the mountains, the roads, ruined by this car. Even though it was classified as a supercar, it doesn't feel a bit supercar-ish. It reacts, feels, and sounds like an American muscle car and sometimes, this car seems to be too uncomfortable enough to tickle my fancies. Despite its faults, the 8C is still one of the best Alfa Romeos ever built.

Pure Elegance

This is the car I found on the December IGN Car Pack. The Aston Martin DBS. Even though this is an invalid choice because the new 2013 Vanquish is supposed to be on Horizon, not this, this is still a proper thoroughbred car. Let's not talk about the faults okay? Not even the Volvo-sourced sat-nav system, okay? What it feels here on the DBS is pure thrills. Sure, it has the same German-built 6.0L V12 engine as the DB9 but the engine output produces 510HP of power while being mated with a 6-speed manual transmission. Also, I can expect the same architecture as the DB9 as well.

Despite the fact that it's just a DB9 that has been on breast implants, the DBS really shivers my excitement. Thanks to its Pirelli P-Zero tires developed specifically for the DBS, this car dances excelentlly and with the reworked suspension, the DBS sure seems to be more fun to drive than the 8C or the Granturismo.

I know, the Aston Martin DBS brought me more thrills than the Maserati and the 8C but in overall thrills, you can do better. There are so many thrills to find on Horizon, just not this car, okay? Take your time, the thrills are all around you and feel free to enjoy.

V8 Road Runners

A beautiful scenery

Swiss background is very lovely

Gran Turismo meets GranTurismo, very lovely...

Now this is quite a thrill...

GranTurismo tackling through the driving heaven

...because what we have here on Gran Turismo 5 is a front-engine rear-wheel drive GT car. A 4.7-litre, 183 mph V8 roadrunner. This car is wonderful and overall, this is a Maserati GranTurismo S, which if you're 700 to 13 or 14 years old means a lot.

Maserati taking a day-off in Japan

Maserati was founded in 1914 and it won several races when Enzo Ferrari wasn't even born yet. In 1957, courtesy of racing driver J.M. Fangio, a legendary Maserati 250F won the world championship. To men with beards and adenoids, a Maserati with a big steering wheel and cross pipe tyres is Debbie does Dallas. You would think that with such heritage mixed with a cocktail of technology comes with a big surprise when you're driving a Maserati and spicing up your thriller sense but sadly, it doesn't.

I was expecting that this Maserati GranTurismo S will amaze me with its perfect mix of luxury and sportiness but to me, it's a bit boring for me. It doesn't give me such thrillers every time my foot is on the gas pedal. Sure it has a fixed-setting steel dampers or the optional Sky Hook adaptive suspension feature but they're not enough to please me. Not enough to make me smile. It feels like I'm sitting a massaging chair and reading a good book for a spare time. Mmmmm.....

Trident smoking is hazardous to my mind...

In terms of Pininfarina design, the Maserati GranTurismo isn't quite a sightseeing stuff for me. The front is too big and the rims are too gaudy. It maybe a 4.7-litre 183 mph V8 roadrunner that rides comfortably as a long distance cruiser but for thrills, that doesn't work...

I'm sure The Stig left the keys to this car somewhere...

How about this? It's the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione, their first attempt to create a supercar. Sure it may have the same 4.7L V8 I'd expect from the Maserati GranTurismo S but it's a bit detuned. It produces 331 kW (450 PS; 444 hp) of power, 480 N·m (350 lb·ft) of torque, and it has a top speed of 292 km/h (181 mph). It has a 6-speed semi-automatic gearbox mounted at the back, double-wishbone suspension, bigger brakes, carbon fiber body and this car is truly a thoroughbred.

Alfa Romeo made a V8 supercar?

There is a simple Top Gear dialog that you can't be a true petrolhead without an Alfa Romeo but this 8C, a limited-to-500-units special edition supercar, is the best Alfa Romeo petrolheads could ever have.

In the days of black-and-white television, Alfa Romeo is one of the world's greatest racing team and as a matter of fact, Enzo Ferrari began his racing career there. In the 1950's, Alfa Romeo won many races in years and their racing pedigree has been preserved for years. Surely the Maserati has records of motorsport history but for Alfa, this is how they all began.

From the looks of it, it's horrid

Because it was made in the same factory as the Maserati, it doesn't pack too much thrill to me and...Jeremy Clarkson's right because THE 8C IS HORRID! Horrid when it comes to its exterior design because it looks like Ju-On The Grudge meets Sadako from The Ring if you know what I mean. Also horrid was the gearbox and then the suspension that Alfa claims that they made it so firm but when potholes came...ouch. It feels like you're going to get some serious osteoporosis here.

Horrid, isn't it?

It feels wayward, uncomfortable, and it feels like an American muscle car. It even sounds like one. It doesn't feel that fast every time when your foot is on the pedal. Imagine that, Eiger in Switzerland, ribbon of asphalt, driving heaven, all ruined by this...Alfa Romeo 8C. Even it is rather disappointed, the Alfa Romeo 8C is a wonderful car, it's one of the best looking supercars I have ever seen and that's all it is.

Modena Exotica

These two are not the biggest thrill

The Maserati GranTurismo S may be more comfortable and the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione may be better looking but for me, I'm afraid these two doesn't work and for me...I could do better than those...

Welcome Back: 2010 Maserati GranTurismo S

This gran tourer is every hairy-chested men's dream car

You see this is one of Dingdong Dantes' personal car. The car that he used while going for a shooting of My Beloved or Dance of the Steel Bars. What? Never heard of it? Perhaps maybe you never saw him and that car on one episode of GMA News TV's Turbo Zone.

He said that in earlier times, he often plays toy cars, G.I. Joe figures, and something else. He also told us that he often drives that kind of car for his everyday life. What was Dingdong's dream car? It varies from time to time but for now, Dingdong Dantes sticks with this, the Maserati GranTurismo S. Don't tell us where did Dingdong Dantes bought this GranTurismo car and let's be honest that the Maserati hasn't been on the Philippines yet until the official Ferrari and Maserati distributor, Autostrada Motore Inc, burst in the scene. The MC Stradale was the only GranTurismo variant sold in the Philippines but seriously, where did Dingdong bought the GranTurismo S for his personal use? Auto Trend?

Never mind but anyway, the GranTurismo S is a perfect mix of luxury and sportiness and its V8 engine churns out 440HP and 0-60mph time of 4.9 seconds. You might think that the GranTurismo has two seats like most sports car do but here, it's a 2+2 seater gran tourer because it has two at the back...which you can't fit yourself in.

It's a perfect everyday car because it has a brilliance of the sports car, the handling, and everything. You can use it anytime, anywhere, even if you're on Barong or on shorts, but no trunks because we don't see drivers going out in their trunks.

Like Dingdong Dantes, it's good to have something you're dreaming on and you can also be inspired because if you work hard, your experience will become more rewarding. That is everything. That is how you say "Hello, Sexy!"

The Run of Maserati GranTurismo MC Stradale

Maserati GranTurismo MC Stradale

Name: Maserati GranTurismo MC Stradale

Nationality: Italian

Top Speed: 187 MPH

0 to 60 Time: 4.6 seconds

BHP: 444 @ 7,000RPM

Performance: Tier 4

Handling: Normal

Class: Exotic

Drivetrain: RWD

Manufacture Year: 2012

Description:

The Maserati GranTurismo MC Stradale is the most powerful Maserati ever built for the hardcore car enthusiasts and it is known to be the softened, firmed-up, street-legal version of the track-only Maserati GranTurismo MC and the MC GT4. This hardcore version is all work, all play, suitable for track day use or as a long-distance cruiser if you want to go out for a stroll at the country club. The inspired race-car technology derived from the GranTurismo MC GT4 produces more aerodynamic downforce and more power, without sacrificing the original GranTurismo's ride quality. Under, the hood, the MC Stradale comes with the 4.7L V8 engine that was improved to have 450HP of power and 510Nm of torque. It can do naught to 60 in 4.6 seconds and top speed of 187MPH. To make it more race-oriented, the GranTurismo MC Stradale retains the original 48:52 weight distribution for balanced handling and even tyre wear. The rear seats from the original Maserati GranTurismo has been stripped off, all in the case of saving weight and this is the first to have Race Mode that even sharpens throttle response and gear changes.

The Maserati GranTurismo MC Stradale is part of the all new Need For Speed THE RUN Italian Edition Pack, now available at the PlayStation Store and XBOX Live Marketplace. Go back to THE RUN and experience this racecar-oriented long distance cruiser!

Maserati GranCabrio (GranTurismo Convertible)

Based on the satanic GranTurismo sports car made by the premier Italian car manufacturer, the GranCabrio (known in the U.S. as the GranTurismo Convertible) seeks temptation in the eyes of lust-worthy drivers who are speeding their way without borders. This car is truly the brand's first four-seater convertible model that succeeds from the two-seater Maserati Coupe/Spyder. It retains the power of the trident mark that became a part of the Maserati tradition. As a light shining in the light of the Italian machine, the GranCabrio is armed with the 4691cc V8 engine that holds 440PS of power and the maximum top speed of 283km/h. It features a six-speed, ZF automatic transmission with the hydraulic torque converter that allows this transmission to handle the torque of the GranCabrio's raw V8 engine. It also has the standard skyhook control suspension for precise handling on several turns; from curves to u-turns, no matter where this car will go. The Maserati Stability Program is equipped on the GranCabrio and it works well with the anti-lock braking system to avoid the case of locking of wheels during braking.

Since this is a convertible, the GranCabrio comes with the soft-top that can be opened or closed in just 24 seconds. This is great when you are experiencing open-air travels and let the wind be your companion on the highway.

My thoughts about the GranCabrio:
With the wind chasing on the rear bumpers, the Maserati GranCabrio is perfect for those who wanted a four-seater convertible armed with the special features adults want to experience the devil within the convertible. Sadly, this Italian monster cabriolet is not worthy to take down its sister car, the Ferrari California, but on the pricing side, we might consider the GranCabrio a real winner.

Photo: Maserati