The Technology of The Maserati GranTurismo S
The Maserati Granturismo S is powered by an eight cylinder, 4,691 cc V90° engine that achieves 440 hp at 7,000 rpm and produces a maximum torque of 490 Nm at 4,750 rpm. The timing is actioned by two overhead camshafts per bank and four valves per cylinder, controlled by hydraulic tappets. The overhead camshafts on the aspirated side are controlled by a low pressure, continual phase variator with an actuation time of less than 0.15 seconds.
The engine's deep throaty sound can be fully appreciated thanks to the sports exhaust. However, the engine noise never interferes with the on-board comfort you would expect from a true grand tourer.
The set up features two steel exhaust pipes, one for each cylinder bank, that are compensated by a central silencer. Two pneumatic valves are set close to the rear silencers and are controlled electronically by the engine’s central computer. They can be managed by the driver by pushing the ‘Sport’ button on the central console.
The new exhaust system is instantly recognisable thanks to its distinctive tailpipes with the two outlets coming together in an eye-catching single chrome oval.
Gearbox
From a technical point of view, the electro-actuated gearbox fitted to the Maserati GranTurismo S has a six-speed (plus reverse), twin plate clutch, with a triple cone synchroniser on the first and second gears and a double cone on the remaining gears.
The twin plate clutch is derived from the world of competition and is particularly suitable for sports cars: the reduced size of the clutch group (215 mm), and the small diameter of the flywheel (240 mm), keeps the unit’s overall weight down. This notably reduces the engine’s inertia compared to a single disc set up. The system also allows top end revs to be reached more easily, resulting in a quicker response from the gears, faster shifts and improved gear dynamics.
The MC-Shift gearbox is the biggest innovation on the electro-actuated system fitted to the Maserati GranTurismo S. MC-Shift is a management and components software that allows super fast gear change times.
When driving the Maserati GranTurismo S, the gear changes partially overlap and engaging and disengaging the gear occurs before the clutch fully opens and shuts. This means that the gear change time, taken from the break in acceleration, drops to 100ms, while the gear shift itself takes 40ms.
The fast MC-Shift is only available when changing up and in Manual Sport mode, when the gearbox computer recognises that the parameters relative to the temperature of the engine and gearbox have been reached. The fast changes can be made above 5,500 revs and with the accelerator pedal at 80% opening.
Once these parameters have been reached, the system enables fast changes and advises the driver of this via the MC-S light on the instrument panel.
Transaxle set up
The Maserati GranTurismo S is equipped with a transaxle system, part of Maserati’s proud technical tradition and one that is found on many high performance sports cars. The transaxle set-up further improves the weight distribution of the GranTurismo by shifting the gearbox to the rear in a single block with the differential. The mid-mounted engine is firmly connected to the electro-actuated gearbox, set in the rear, via a rigid tube that houses the drive shaft.
These solutions give the Maserati GranTurismo S a front-rear weight distribution of 47%-53%, unique in its segment.
Suspension
The Maserati GranTurismo S comes with fixed-setting suspension that is now fitted with new springs and dampers to offer 10% more damping. The compression and rebound ratios have also been optimised and adapted to the car’s specific characteristics and the rear torsion bar has been reinforced.
As an alternative to fixed rate dampers, the electronically controlled Skyhook suspension is available as an option. This system employs dampers with an aluminium body that continually adjust the damping.
The Skyhook system acts by using acceleration sensors that detect movement of all four wheels and the body. A control unit processes the data it receives from the sensors, analyses the driving style and road surface and instantly adjusts the dampers accordingly via their proportional valves.
Opting for the ‘Sport’ setting results in a stiffer ride, less roll, more contained load transfer, greater agility and stability as well as allowing startling performance figures. The dedicated on board computer reduces gear shifts by 40% and Skyhook switches from controlling the ride to focusing on the set up (body control), making the GranTurismo S easier to handle and giving it more grip. Together, the two systems combine to offer more precise and involving gear changes.