Maserati GranTurismo Trofeo revealed
The next GranTurismo debuts with a V6 engine, all-wheel drive and a lot more performance
Maserati has revealed its all-new GranTurismo coupe, a traditional four-seat grand tourer that’ll occupy a space somewhere between BMW’s 8-series coupe and the Bentley Continental GT. It replaces the previous generation model that was on sale between 2007 and 2019, but this time around will come with both an internal combustion and full-electric powertrain, making it the first true electric GT. Production will commence at the end of this year, with the electric Folgore model following around six months later.
Despite looking fairly similar to the model that came before, the GranTurismo is all-new from the ground up, and features a whole host of new features and technology bringing it right into the 21st century. This starts with the GranTurismo’s structure, which is constructed from a mixed-metal construction that’s both lighter and stiffer than the previous GT.
Under the bonnet is Maserati’s Nettuno engine, a cutting edge twin-turbocharged V6 that features F1-inspired dual-combustion chambers. First utilised in the MC20 supercar, the GT features a slightly more laid-back tune that now includes cylinder deactivation and a wet oil sump. In top-spec Trofeo form, the GT will produce 542bhp at 6000rpm, with 479lb ft peaking at 3000rpm. This puts it quite substantially down on the MC20’s 612bhp figure, but right on track for the Bentley Continental GT V8 and BMW M850i. The entry-level Modena specification reduces these figures to 493bhp and 442lb ft.
Connected to the V6 is an eight-speed ZF unit we already know well, mounted on the back of the engine rather than in a transaxle. The GT is also lighter than the previous model, weighing a refreshingly reasonable 1795kg – 60kg less than the old model in its lightest MC form.
> Bentley Continental GT V8 review
Those disappointed by the demise of the V8 engine should note that the Nettuno engine has already been vindicated in the brilliant MC20, and the fact on-paper performance has seen a massive improvement. Compared to even the most potent MC Stradale variant of the previous model, the new Trofeo will hit 62mph in 3.5sec (-1.0sec), 124mph in 11.4sec (-3.9sec) and top out at 198mph (+10mph).
Helping the GT achieve these performance figures is a completely variable all-wheel drive system. Depending on the chosen driver modes, the all-wheel drive system can vary from 50/50 in slippery conditions to a complete and physical lock-out of the front axle in ‘Corsa’ mode, making it purely rear-wheel drive. In Normal and Sport modes, the GranTurismo will generally send no more than a fifth of the power to the front wheels, and together with an electronically controlled rear differential should make the Trofeo the most agile and dynamic version yet.
All GranTurismo models utilise double wishbone front and five-link multi link rear suspension designs, running on air springs with adjustable dampers. The braking package pairs 380mm discs with six-piston Brembo calipers on the front axle, and 350mm discs with four-piston calipers out back. There’s also a staggered 20- and 21-inch wheel and tyre package, running 265- and 295-section rubber front to rear.
Maserati has not finished the GT’s long-winded launch program just yet, as it won’t reveal pictures of its interior until January next year. We do have a fairly good idea of what to expect, though, as it’ll incorporate the new touchscreen-intensive dual-screen interface already seen in the Grecale SUV, and its new digital interpretation of the iconic Maserati clock face.
Pricing is also still to be set in the UK, but sales will commence early next year, with customer cars being delivered soon after. The Folgore model will join the range around six months later, and comes with perhaps an even more impressive set of facts and figures.
