Sunday, May 10, 2009

Maserati Gran Turismo 2008
























  • Competes with: BMW 650, Jaguar XKR, Aston Martin V-8 Vantage
  • Looks like: A stretched, flattened and chopped version of the Maserati Coupe
  • Drivetrain: 405-hp, 4.2-liter V-8 with ZF six-speed automatic transmission; rear-wheel drive
  • Hits dealerships: Fourth quarter of 2007

Maserati teamed with Italian design company Pininfarina to style its latest model, the Gran Turismo, which is influenced by another of the companies' collaborative efforts, the Maserati Birdcage 75 concept car of 2006.

The Gran Turismo is a replacement for the not-so-gracefully-aging Maserati Coupe that first hit the road as a 2002 model.

Exterior
The Gran Turismo looks like a current Maserati Coupe that was imported into an image-editing program, then stretched, flattened and chopped into a sleek sports car. The Gran Turismo displayed at the Geneva show features wheels almost identical to the 2005 concept's. The production version will have standard 19-inch wheels, with 20-inch wheels available.

The most alluring view of the Gran Turismo is its side profile, where the arching fenders and long pointed nose are most notable; this is in stark contrast with the current Coupe and its bulgy front and rear ends.

Interior
Maserati surrounds the interior with high-quality leather and wood, as well as chrome accents on the dashboard. There's seating for four passengers, and Maserati says two adults can fit comfortably in the backseat.

Under the Hood
Powered by the same Ferrari-derived 4.2-liter V-8 as the Coupe, the Gran Turismo has 405 horsepower, and Maserati says it can accelerate from zero to 62 mph in 5.2 seconds and reach a top speed of 177 mph. A six-speed automatic transmission adapts gear changes to driving style and conditions.

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