Maserati Gran Turismo S

This was our fist look, last weekend, at the new 2009 Maserati Gran Turismo S. We had all read the hype from Maserati on the car, but were all a little dubious when the car actually showed up. I couldnt get my head around how 30 extra BHP and a new transmission would make that much difference to the car. I was very, very wrong. This thing is an animal.

The new 4.7 liter 433 bhp engine, coupled to a rear mounted six speed electro-actuated Graziano dual clutch plate gearbox is awesome. Maserati state categorically in their literature that this car is meant to be driven in Manual + Sport and they are absolutely right. MC shift mode is activated, along with a exhaust bypass system that gives the engine a note that even Lamborghini would be proud of. Once you get above 5500rpm and 80% throttle, gear shifts of 100 milliseconds are standard!. The stiffer springs and dampers are noticeably present and very necessary and fitting for a vehicle at this performance level. The interior is very similar to the standard Gran Turismo, the main difference being the lack of floor mounted gear shift, replaced by a first gear and reverse button, and bigger shifter paddles.As you accelerate endlessly through those 6 gears you wonder why anyone would want to drive anything else. I love this car!. Maserati are giving us a price of around $140,000, and the first cars will be here late October-ish. It is well worth the wait.