Maserati GranTurismo: Italian Elegance and Performance

Origins and Design Philosophy

The Crisis-Driven Conception

Following Maserati’s separation from Ferrari in 2005, the brand faced an unexpected crisis: Ferrari retained a grand tourer project originally conceived for Maserati, eliminating the planned successor to the aging Maserati Coupé and Spyder models. Maserati executives required an immediate replacement vehicle capable of competing with the Mercedes-Benz SL, BMW 6 Series, and Porsche 911 in the luxury grand tourer segment.

Confronted with this existential requirement, Maserati contracted Pininfarina—the legendary Italian design house—to develop a replacement vehicle with an extraordinarily compressed timeline. The mandate proved audacious: complete design and engineering for production in fewer than nine months, utilizing existing platforms and powertrains wherever possible to minimize development cost and timeline.

Pininfarina’s Vision and Jason Castriota’s Design Language

Jason Castriota, working alongside Lowie Vermeersch at Pininfarina, approached the GranTurismo design challenge with Italian design philosophy emphasizing “pura e dura”—pure and hard forms without unnecessary ornamentation. Castriota, who later contributed to the Ferrari P4/5 and Maserati Birdcage concepts, drew upon Pininfarina’s 75-year legacy of Italian automotive design excellence.

Rather than pursuing temporary fashion-driven styling, Castriota developed timeless proportions emphasizing flowing body lines, a distinctive long hood, and the iconic Maserati grille. The design achieved a drag coefficient of 0.33—exceptionally low for a grand tourer despite the vehicle’s substantial dimensions—through meticulous attention to aerodynamic refinement and sculptural form.

The GranTurismo’s interior represented equally sophisticated design philosophy: luxurious materials, ergonomic control placement, and refined finishes created an environment balancing high-speed performance capability with genuine comfort during extended continental journeys. The cabin materialized as a proper luxury grand tourer rather than a compromise between sports car aggression and touring comfort.

The 2+2 Seating Architecture

The GranTurismo’s four-seat configuration, derived from the Maserati M139 platform shared with the Quattroporte V, established the vehicle as a legitimate grand tourer rather than a two-seat sports car. The 2+2 layout enabled genuine family transportation while preserving dynamic performance and mechanical engagement that pure sports cars prioritize.

Double-wishbone front suspension and multilink rear suspension geometry optimized the chassis for balanced handling throughout the performance envelope—delivering responsive dynamics during spirited driving while maintaining the composure and refinement required for continental cruising at sustained highway velocities.

The Geneva Debut and Market Reception

The Maserati GranTurismo made its historic public debut at the February 2007 Geneva Motor Show, presented to the automotive world as the production-ready successor to vanished Italian grand tourer traditions. The original model debuted with a 4.2-liter V8 engine developed in collaboration with Ferrari, producing 405 horsepower and managed through a 6-speed ZF automatic transmission.

The initial market response exceeded even optimistic Maserati projections. The GranTurismo’s timeless design proportions, sophisticated engineering, and accessible grand tourer positioning resonated powerfully across diverse global markets. The vehicle demonstrated that compressed development timelines need not compromise design excellence—Maserati had delivered an automotive icon despite working under crisis circumstances.

First Generation: The Golden Era (2007-2019)

Initial Lineup and the S Variant

The first-generation GranTurismo established fundamental vehicle characteristics that subsequent variants would refine without fundamentally altering. The base model delivered 405 horsepower from its naturally-aspirated 4.2-liter Ferrari V8, providing engaging performance from the lightweight aluminum body construction emphasizing material efficiency.

The GranTurismo S variant, introduced in 2008, increased displacement to 4.7 liters and output to 440 horsepower, delivering noticeably enhanced acceleration and mid-range responsiveness. This engine displacement expansion would become the defining characteristic of subsequent performance variants throughout the first generation’s production lifecycle.

The MC Stradale Revolution

In September 2010, Maserati unveiled the GranTurismo MC Stradale—a strictly two-seat, track-focused variant that represented the ultimate expression of first-generation engineering. Engineers eliminated the rear seats entirely, dedicating the freed interior space to a race-inspired cockpit and advanced chassis systems optimized for circuit performance.

The MC Stradale achieved remarkable performance through meticulous weight reduction: the vehicle weighed only 1,670 kilograms (3,681 pounds)—110 kilograms lighter than the standard GranTurismo—through strategic application of Formula 1-derived technologies including diamond-like friction-reducing coatings on engine wear components.

Power increased to 450 horsepower despite maintaining the same 4.7-liter displacement as the GranTurismo S, achieved through meticulous friction reduction and advanced engine management refinement. The vehicle featured a sophisticated MC Race Shift 6-speed robotized manual gearbox with switching capability between automatic, sport, and race modes—the latter delivering gear changes in just 60 milliseconds.

Most significantly, the MC Stradale became the first GranTurismo variant to exceed 300 km/h (186 mph), achieving a claimed top speed of 303 km/h (188 mph). This performance milestone established the MC Stradale as a legitimate road-legal track weapon capable of challenging purpose-built racing machinery.

GranTurismo Sport and the 460-Horsepower Evolution

In 2013, the MC Stradale received an evolutionary update featuring a refined 4.7-liter V8 producing 460 horsepower at 7,000 rpm with 520 Nm (384 lb-ft) torque at 4,750 rpm. This power increase reflected engineering refinement and turbocharging technology development that enabled greater output without sacrificing mechanical character or reliability.

From 2015 onwards, the GranTurismo Sport variant became the primary performance offering, incorporating the 460-horsepower engine configuration alongside chassis refinements and modernized interior appointments reflecting contemporary luxury vehicle standards. The Sport variant demonstrated Maserati’s commitment to continuous evolution while maintaining fundamental design principles established at the model’s 2007 debut.

GranCabrio: The Convertible Dynasty

Complementing the fixed-roof coupe variant, Maserati introduced the GranCabrio convertible at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show, with production commencing in 2010. The open-top variant preserved the GranTurismo’s design language while introducing a power-retractable fabric roof mechanism enabling rapid open-air conversion without sacrificing trunk capacity or structural rigidity.

The GranCabrio achieved approximately 11,715 units across its decade-long production run, representing substantial success in the luxury convertible segment. The convertible variant shared powertrains with coupe models while incorporating subtle reinforcement and refinement addressing the structural demands of open-roof architecture.

Second Generation: The Contemporary Era (2023-Present)

Revolutionary Platform and Powertrains

The second-generation GranTurismo II (M189), revealed in 2022 with production commencing in April 2023, represented a comprehensive engineering reimagining while maintaining design language continuity with its acclaimed predecessor. The new vehicle adopts the Giorgio Sport platform—Maserati’s cutting-edge modular architecture enabling electrified powertrains alongside traditional combustion engines.

Rather than pursuing full electrification, the second generation embraced a three-powertrain strategy: dual turbocharged gasoline variants and a comprehensive all-electric offering. This approach reflects market realities suggesting that high-performance luxury grand tourers benefit from combustion engines providing distinctive character and visceral engagement alongside electric alternatives.

The Nettuno Twin-Turbocharged V6

The contemporary GranTurismo abandons the traditional naturally-aspirated V8 architecture in favor of the Nettuno twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6—the same engine powering the Ferrari-derived MC20 supercar. This dramatic powerplant represents a fundamental philosophical shift: forced-induction enables Maserati to deliver extraordinary performance from compact, efficient engine architecture while meeting contemporary emissions and fuel consumption regulations.

The Modena variant produces 490 horsepower (360 kW), delivering engaging performance suited to grand touring priorities emphasizing comfort and refinement alongside responsiveness. The Trofeo high-performance variant increases output to 550 horsepower (405 kW) with 479 lb-ft torque at 3,000 rpm, enabling genuine supercar-competitive acceleration while maintaining the GranTurismo’s fundamental character.

Both gasoline variants employ all-wheel drive and an 8-speed automatic transmission, prioritizing traction control and refined power delivery over manual transmission engagement. Advanced suspension systems, including adaptive damping and optional carbon-ceramic braking, enable the GranTurismo to balance high-speed stability with supple ride quality throughout diverse road surfaces and conditions.

The Folgore Revolution: Embracing Electric Propulsion

The GranTurismo Folgore (Italian: “lightning”) represents Maserati’s ambitious entry into battery-electric grand touring. The electric variant features three individual electric motors—one at each front wheel and one centrally-mounted for the rear axle—collectively producing 560 kW (761 PS) of combined power, exceeding even the gasoline Trofeo variant.

Maserati engineers developed a sophisticated T-bone battery architecture strategically positioning the 92.5 kWh battery pack along the vehicle’s central tunnel rather than beneath the occupant seating areas. This innovative layout maintains the GranTurismo’s low center of gravity and optimal proportions while enabling an estimated 450-kilometer (279-mile) driving range under WLTP testing conditions.

The Folgore variant delivers 818 horsepower under maximum burst conditions while maintaining refined, whisper-quiet operation throughout normal driving scenarios. Regenerative braking systems recover energy during deceleration, extending range while reducing thermal stress on traditional friction braking systems. The electric architecture enables independent torque distribution to all four wheels, providing sophisticated traction control superior to traditional limited-slip differential systems.

Design Continuity and Contemporary Refinement

Despite the comprehensive engineering transformation underneath, the second-generation GranTurismo maintains visual and proportional continuity with the original 2007 design. The updated vehicle preserves the long hood, distinctive grille, and flowing body surfaces that defined Pininfarina’s original design vision while incorporating contemporary styling refinements reflecting 2020s design language.

Enhanced aerodynamic refinement reduced the drag coefficient to even lower levels than the first generation, while resculpted body surfaces and updated lighting systems modernize the vehicle’s appearance without abandoning the timeless proportions that remain visually compelling decades after the original design’s debut.

Racing Heritage and Motorsport Excellence

Historic Foundations

Maserati’s motorsport legacy extends far deeper than the GranTurismo itself. The marque’s racing history commenced with the Tipo 26 in 1926, which achieved victory at the Targa Florio—one of motorsport’s most demanding endurance races. Throughout pre-war competition, Maserati achieved multiple Indianapolis 500 victories and dominated European hill climbs and road races.

Post-war, Maserati participated extensively in the World Sports Car Championship from 1953 through 1961, establishing the brand’s identity as a serious competitor in international motorsport. While Maserati retired from works racing in 1957, the marque continued supplying competitive vehicles to private entrants, maintaining presence in international competition.

The MC12 Legacy and Contemporary GT2 Racing

The legendary Maserati MC12, which competed in FIA GT Championships from 2004 through 2010, established Maserati’s modern racing credentials. The MC12 achieved multiple championships and victories across international competition, demonstrating that Maserati’s engineering culture remained fundamentally committed to motorsport excellence.

Contemporary Maserati racing programs emphasize the Maserati GT2, a new competition vehicle based upon MC20 supercar technology featuring the Nettuno twin-turbocharged V6 engine in motorsport trim. The GT2 began competition testing in 2023 and competes in prestigious endurance racing series including the 24 Hours of Spa, Fanatec GT2 European Series, and ADAC 24 Hours of Nürburgring.

This contemporary approach reflects Maserati’s strategic understanding that motorsport competition validates engineering excellence while establishing customer racing opportunities for enthusiasts. The GT2 enables gentleman drivers and small racing teams to compete in international championships while operating the same fundamental mechanical architecture that serves production-vehicle customers.

Contemporary Models and Specifications

2025 Model Year Lineup Overview

The current GranTurismo lineup emphasizes choice across distinct customer profiles: the Modena trim prioritizes refined grand touring with balanced performance; the Trofeo variant maximizes high-speed capability and dynamic engagement; the Folgore offers comprehensive electrification for emissions-conscious enthusiasts.

Pricing reflects premium positioning consistent with luxury grand tourer segment conventions. The GranTurismo Modena opens at approximately €160,650 in European markets, representing a modest reduction from initial launch pricing reflecting market reality following production challenges and sales expectations adjustments.

Specifications Comparison: Gasoline vs. Electric Variants

Convertible GranCabrio Variant

Continuing tradition established with the first generation, the second-generation GranCabrio offers a power-retractable soft-top convertible configuration. The convertible maintains identical powertrain options and performance specifications to coupe variants while incorporating structural reinforcement addressing open-roof architecture demands.

The convertible variant attracts buyers prioritizing open-air grand touring experience alongside high-speed performance capability and luxury appointments. European and American luxury grand tourer markets demonstrate sustained enthusiasm for convertible variants among affluent enthusiasts, justifying Maserati’s continued convertible production alongside coupe offerings.

Design Philosophy: Italian Elegance and Timeless Proportions

The Enduring Appeal of Pininfarina Design

The Maserati GranTurismo exemplifies Pininfarina’s design philosophy emphasizing timeless proportions and sculptural form over temporary fashion trends. Rather than pursuing aggressive aerodynamic styling or oversized visual elements common in contemporary sports car design, the GranTurismo communicates mechanical purposefulness through refined proportions and carefully-composed surface treatments.

Designer Jason Castriota’s approach emphasized “scultura”—the Italian tradition of viewing automobile design as three-dimensional sculpture requiring meticulous attention to volumes, proportions, and geometric relationships. This philosophy demanded that every surface element contribute to visual harmony rather than pursuing mechanical necessity alone.

The GranTurismo’s distinctive long hood, flowing side surfaces, and truncated rear overhang remain visually compelling across three generations of automotive design language evolution. The vehicle’s proportions communicate “grand tourer” character more effectively than aggressive styling cues, appealing to discerning customers valuing understated elegance and mechanical authenticity over visual aggression.

Interior Design: Luxury and Ergonomic Refinement

The GranTurismo’s interior design reflects Maserati’s commitment to balancing luxury with mechanical engagement. Premium material selection—leather, carbon fiber, aluminum—establishes an environment conveying exclusivity and craftsmanship. Ergonomic control placement prioritizes intuitive operation and driver comfort during extended continental journeys.

Contemporary GranTurismo interiors incorporate modern infotainment systems, smartphone integration, and advanced climate control technology seamlessly integrated without dominating the driving experience. Maserati engineers maintain the principle that technological sophistication should enhance rather than substitute for mechanical engagement and driver focus.

Market Position and Contemporary Challenges

Production Realities and Market Response

The second-generation GranTurismo launched into significantly more challenging market conditions than its acclaimed predecessor. While the first generation achieved 28,805 total unit sales across its 12-year production run, second-generation sales have encountered unexpected obstacles.

Initial pricing positioned the new GranTurismo at premium levels reflecting advanced engineering and manufacturing costs. However, market reception proved weaker than projections, particularly in the American market—historically Maserati’s largest region. Subsequent price reductions reflected adjusted market expectations and competitive positioning relative to established luxury grand tourer alternatives.

Folgore Electric Strategy and Market Realities

The GranTurismo Folgore represented Maserati’s ambitious electrification strategy, offering buyers a comprehensively electric grand tourer with performance credentials rivaling combustion variants. However, consumer reception for high-price luxury electric vehicles has proven substantially weaker than industry projections anticipated.

Market data suggests that affluent consumers purchasing grand tourers continue prioritizing traditional combustion engines for their distinctive character, visceral engagement, and established infrastructure familiarity. While the Folgore delivers objective performance superiority and environmental benefits, consumer preference for mechanical authenticity has constrained electric variant adoption across the entire Maserati lineup.

Competitive Landscape Transformation

The contemporary grand tourer market has consolidated dramatically. Traditional competitors including Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Porsche, and Ferrari offer increasingly sophisticated alternatives competing on performance metrics, technology integration, and brand heritage. The emergence of emerging electric vehicle manufacturers offering extraordinary performance at accessible price points adds additional competitive pressure.

Despite these challenges, the GranTurismo maintains distinctive positioning emphasizing Italian design heritage, mechanical authenticity, and grand touring character transcending pure performance metrics. The vehicle appeals to customers valuing automotive connection, design appreciation, and European craftsmanship traditions.

The Bottom Line

The Maserati GranTurismo’s remarkable journey—from crisis-driven nine-month emergency development through two generational cycles spanning nearly two decades—demonstrates enduring relevance of elegant grand touring traditions in an increasingly technology-focused automotive landscape. The original GranTurismo’s success derived not from revolutionary innovation or technological breakthroughs, but rather from meticulous design discipline, sophisticated engineering refinement, and commitment to timeless Italian automotive excellence.

The second generation continues this philosophical lineage while embracing contemporary engineering realities including electrification and advanced driver assistance systems. The new GranTurismo demonstrates Maserati’s mature understanding that luxury grand tourers remain fundamentally about the driving experience, aesthetic achievement, and mechanical authenticity—qualities transcending technological fashion cycles and temporary market trends.

As automotive markets transition toward electrification and autonomous capabilities, the GranTurismo’s evolution—maintaining combustion engines alongside electric variants—reflects balanced pragmatism. The vehicle validates that drivers continue valuing the distinctive character of refined turbocharged engines, the engagement of responsive chassis systems, and the visual appeal of timeless proportions.

The Maserati GranTurismo stands as a testament to the enduring power of thoughtful design, meticulous engineering refinement, and commitment to mechanical character in an era of technological disruption. Whether represented by the revered first generation or the technologically advanced second generation, the GranTurismo embodies the principle that genuine automotive excellence transcends performance metrics—it emerges from the intersection of design integrity, engineering sophistication, and respect for the driver relationship that defines driving pleasure. The GranTurismo remains what Pininfarina envisioned at that crisis-driven moment in 2007: an elegant, powerful, thoroughly refined grand tourer delivering authentic automotive joy to discerning enthusiasts worldwide.