The Maserati GranTurismo is powered by an eight cylinder 4,244 cc V90° engine, one of the company’s new range of power units.  The engine delivers 405 hp at 7,100 rpm, equivalent to 96.4 bhp/litre.  Compact and light, the cylinder heads are made of aluminium alloy and silicone.  The 32 valves are actioned by two overhead camshafts per bank while the overhead camshafts on the aspirated side are controlled by a low pressure, continual phase variator.  The lubrication system features a wet sump, which results in a reduction in noise, making the cabin an even quieter place to be.  The engine produces a reassuring burble that never interferes with the driving experience.

The exhaust connected to the V8 meets the most stringent anti-pollution regulations but does not compromise the car’s performance.  On a technical level, metal has replaced ceramic on the catalysers, the same as those found on competition cars.

The acceleration provided by the Maserati V8 is immediate, and, thanks to the electronic ‘drive by wire’ throttle control, the car responds to even the slightest touch on the pedal.

The Maserati GranTurismo’s new hydraulic gearbox brings out the best in the engine. The self-adapting automatic gearbox is especially useful at the low-mid range revs while top end power does not suffer.  Gear changes can be made right up to 7200 rpm, a rate that no other automatic transmission in the world can match.

There are four function modes: Auto Normal is for comfortable cruising; Auto Sport for those who like a sportier, more involving drive; Auto ICE for low grip conditions; and Manual mode.  In manual, gear changes are made via the steering wheel paddles.

The Maserati GranTurismo reacts brilliantly thanks to its perfect weight distribution: 49% of the car’s weight sits over the front end and 51% on the rear.  This has been achieved by shifting the engine behind the front axle and gives the driver an unparalleled sense of security in all conditions.

The load-bearing chassis gives greater rigidity and the high-resistance, box-steel structure allows the suspension to track every dip in the terrain.  This enhances the car’s dynamic handling and ensures a more comfortable drive.

The Maserati GranTurismo’s precise handling benefits from front and rear wishbone suspension.  The system’s ‘anti-dive’ and ‘anti-squat’ geometry prevents the front from dipping under braking and the rear end from squatting under acceleration.

As an option, the GranTurismo can be equipped with the Skyhook system of shock absorbers with an aluminium body that continually adjust the damping.  This technology automatically selects the optimal level of damping and integrates with the MSP safety system and the calibration of the car’s automatic gearbox.  The result is that the car is able to adapt to the characteristics of each driver; the GranTurismo is a car that fits like a glove.

The aluminium bodied, gas-regulated Skyhook set up provides automatic and continuous control of the damping whatever the road condition.  It does this without affecting on-board comfort, penalising performance or compromising the car’s sporty nature.

Maserati enginners have integrated the two systems that receive data from the Skyhook and the transmission.  This means that the GranTurismo is able to modulate the suspension settings so the driver feels minimal movement through the chassis during gear changes.

Opting for the ‘Sport’ setting results in a stiffer ride, less roll, more contained load transfer, greater agility and stability, as well as allowing stunning performance figures.  The dedicated on board computer reduces gear shifts by 40% and the Skyhook switches from controlling the ride to focusing on the set up (body control), making the GranTurismo easier to handle and giving it more grip.  Together, the two systems combine to offer more precise, livelier gear changes.