Maserati GranTurismo (2007-2019): history, specs and buying guide

Over the years, Maserati has created some exceptional cars, as well as some that are best described as ‘characterful’. However, perhaps one of the company’s greatest achievements is the original GranTurismo, a sleek and sensuous coupe that evolved from the Quattroporte platform.

The first-generation GranTurismo debuted in 2007, and while it shared its 4.2-litre V8 and six-speed ZF automatic transmission with the QP, it was the stunning bodywork – once again originating from the Pininfarina studio – that would affect heart rates the most.

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While the engine’s 399bhp and 339lb ft made it a competent performer, many felt that it lacked the low- to mid-range strength you’d expect from a large V8. It was a good thing, then, that the engine really came into its own when revved, with a smooth and progressive delivery accompanied by a glorious howl from the quadruple tailpipes.

The traditional automatic gearbox used by the first variant of the GranTurismo was mounted on the rear of the engine, helping to give the car a perfect 50/50 front/rear weight distribution. The standard dampers were fixed items, but Maserati’s ‘Skyhook’ adaptive damping was available as an option. Press the Sport button, which also sharpens throttle response and tweaks the transmission for quicker shifts, and Skyhook tightens the chassis immediately, but it also constantly adapts to the road conditions and the driving style to provide optimum handling.

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The GranTurismo’s interior lives up to the promises of the exterior. There are four seats, each capable of housing an adult, and the ergonomics and materials are, as you’d expect, superb. The switchgear has always been criticised for lacking the quality feel of the rest of the car, but that’s a fairly small price to pay for the overall experience.

The GranTurismo range was complemented by the introduction of the ‘S’ in 2008, which in addition to increasing the engine size to 4.7 litres and its outputs to 433bhp and 361lb ft, saw the car adopt the Cambiocorsa paddleshift manual transmission from the GranSport. With a transaxle layout, this brought a slight rearward bias to the weight distribution. An automatic version of the S was introduced in 2009, and in 2010 the open-topped GranCabrio arrived.

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Also launched in 2010 was the most focused iteration yet, the 444bhp GranTurismo MC Stradale, with more focus, less weight and a more aggressive design. The range-topper went on to receive a facelift in 2013 with a modest uplift in performance, while the less focused GranTurismo and GranTurismo Sport models adopted design elements from the range-topper. Production came to a close in December 2019.

Whatever version you go for, the end result is a car that fully deserves the iconic trident badge. It’s also a genuine GT; too large to be a back-road racer, but perfectly suited to smooth, flowing, fast A-roads.

When it comes to combining style, passion, performance and, now, reliability, there are few that can match the Maserati GranTurismo.

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Buying checkpoints

The original Maserati GranTurismo has proved to be a surprisingly reliable car, with the vast majority of examples requiring only regular maintenance and the replacement of the usual consumables on a car of its age.

Engine

The V8 in the GranTurismo is fundamentally the same unit as found in the 4200 and the Quattroporte, and, like them, it can develop oil 
leaks. Upper and lower front covers can fail with time, and some early cars were delivered with faulty camshaft variators, but ensure all recalls have been carried out and you’re unlikely to have any major engine issues.

Transmission

The ZF automatic transmission is virtually bulletproof. Cars equipped with the Cambiocorsa gearbox tend to use clutches sooner than you’d expect with a traditional manual transmission, though, purely due to the increase in the number of shifts over a traditional manual.

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Wheels and brakes

Weighing almost two tons, the GranTurismo is heavy on brakes. When viewing a car, run your finger over the disc to the outside edge to check for a lip in order to judge wear. Weight and driving style also means the GranTurismo tends to eat through tyres quickly, with tracking also easily knocked out by potholes. Rusty wheel bolts are also an issue many have seen, but these are easily replaceable for not much money.

Bodywork

The build quality from the factory is very good, so check carefully for any uneven panel gaps or colour differentiation, which could indicate the car has been damaged and repaired in the past.

Interior   

The interior is very well put together. However, there can be electrical issues with rain sensors for the automatic wipers and the rear lights, with flickering or the central brake light staying on. A reflash of the ECU can usually rectify most of these issues. However, if a car displays symptoms after a jump-start, blown control modules are the likely culprit.

Servicing 

What to pay

While GranTurismo prices held strong initially, they’ve since fallen to tempting lows, with early, high-mile, non-Cat examples now available for under £17,000. Move to the 4.7-litre S and prices start at around £24,000, with the MC Stradale range-topper available for as low as £50,000. Opt for examples with below 35,000 miles and you can find standard 4.2 models from £22,500, the 4.7 from £25,000 and the MC Stradale from £55,000.

*Prices correct as of February 2023

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I bought one

Harry Metcalfe: ‘I actually bought, sold and then bought back the same 2007 GranTurismo, all in the space of a couple of years. Madness, really, but I missed it badly after letting it go and the second owner kindly rode a chunk of the depreciation curve on my behalf…

‘I instantly fell in love with both the looks and the way the GranTurismo offers proper seating for four adults. With two teenage kids to haul around, that’s extremely useful.

‘I ordered my car on the standard 19-inch wheels, as I felt the ride was better on these than the optional 20s. I wonder if the Skyhook suspension was worth the extra outlay, though, as I don’t like the way the ride goes to pot once you press the Sport button. Also, Bluetooth wasn’t available at the time, but was later. Annoying.

‘Servicing might seem expensive but at least it’s only every two years if you keep the miles down. Tyres don’t seem to last long, though, with replacements needed every 12,000 miles or so.

‘Would I buy another? Yes. That’s why I bought mine back again…’

Maserati GranTurismo (4.2, 2007) specs