Skip advert
Advertisement

Geneva 2012: Maserati GranTurismo Sport: Geneva 2012: Maserati GranTurismo Sport

Maserati has launched the new GranTurismo Sport at Geneva, with a 453bhp engine

Check out our A-to-Z list of stories from the 2012 Geneva Show

Maserati's new GranTurismo Sport has been launched at the Geneva motor show - a new model designed to replace the outgoing GranTurismo S.

The engine is a development of the fabulously vocal 4.7-litre V8 already found in the current 'S', with peak power rising from 433bhp to 454bhp. This same engine will also be used in the hardcore MC Stradale GranTurismo.

Advertisement - Article continues below

It will be available with two gearboxes, a six-speed ZF automatic or a six-speed electro-actuated 'box, with dry twin-plate clutch (Although this won't be available in North America). European LHD markets will get the first cars, which are expected to go on sale in June with the incoming MY2013 GranTurismo.

When fitted with the electro actuated gearbox, the faster shift times (down to 100ms) and increase in power enable the GranTurismo Sport to accelerate from 0-62mph in just 4.7 seconds, reaching a top speed of 186mph. The fully-automatic version isn't far behind, and with new MC Auto Shift management software, can achieve a top speed of 185mph, hitting 62mph in 4.8 seconds.

The suspension has been tweaked but not changed substantially, now using an updated version of the Sport Skyhook system previously fitted to the GranTurismo S and Quattroporte models. The system offers a Sport mode which sharpens the car up, while normal mode allows for more comfortable cruising.

In addition to the mechanical changes, 'Sport' models will feature a revised front bumper design said to improve both engine and brake cooling without increasing drag - but, to our eyes at least, does little to improve the looks of the car itself. Other changes on the ‘Sport’ include a new steering wheel design, better front seats, new front LED running lights and lightly smoked taillights.

Check out our A-to-Z list of stories from the 2012 Geneva Show

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Volkswagen Passat 2025 review – a breath of fresh air next to leaden EVs
Volkswagen Passat front
Reviews

Volkswagen Passat 2025 review – a breath of fresh air next to leaden EVs

Being ‘only’ 1500kg has its advantages. The latest Passat in petrol-only form reminds us ‘normal’ cars can and should be above average
16 Apr 2025
Best German cars – our high-performance favourites from the Fatherland
Best German cars
Best cars

Best German cars – our high-performance favourites from the Fatherland

If you still think Germans don’t have a sense of humour, you haven’t driven their finest performance cars. You’d be grinning from ear to ear
18 Apr 2025
Why the Vauxhall Astra should have been given a different name
Vauxhall Astra GSE
Opinion

Why the Vauxhall Astra should have been given a different name

It’s time to reassess a perennially underrated hatchback, says Porter
17 Apr 2025