My journey with Maserati began many years ago as an avid young car enthusiast. My walls were filled with posters of Lamborghinis, Ferraris and Porsches. Among these icons, a mysterious Italian marque captured my attention—the introduction of the early 2000s Maserati Spyder, which later evolved into the GranTurismo, made a bold statement among its supercar rivals. With its Ferrari-derived V8 and a delightfully unique exhaust note, the beautifully sculpted curves designed by the legendary Pininfarina firmly established the GranTurismo on the automotive map. Despite some issues, the original GranTurismo was fast, fun, and audaciously loud, leaving a legacy cherished by many.
Now, as I’m a little older and somewhat wiser, almost 20 years after its original incarnation, the GranTurismo has also matured, with it’s latest incarnation presented in an all-new super GT format. The distinctly muscular silhouette remains (unlike mine), but the car has received a comprehensive 21st-century revamp. Attention to detail is paramount. From the low, aggressive front end with an almost haunched stance through to the pronounced arches, the new GranTurismo carries many design cues from the original that we all know and love.
The new GranTurismo embodies the same spirit that captured hearts two decades ago, now refined and modernised to meet contemporary standards. The evolution of this model is not just about maintaining legacy but enhancing it with cutting-edge technology and design innovations. This new iteration stands as a testament to Maserati’s commitment to excellence and tradition, ensuring that the GranTurismo remains a symbol of luxury and performance in the automotive world.
This new iteration blends advanced technology with Maserati’s signature style, presenting a formidable competitor to the likes of the Porsche 911, Lexus LC, and BMW 8 Series. After 20 something year of admiring the GT from afar, I had the privilege to take the new Trofeo model for an extended road test.
Design and Build Quality
The first impression is crucial, and the GranTurismo does not disappoint. Klaus Busse, Maserati’s head of design, describes the car’s aluminium bonnet as a “masterpiece that should be hung on a museum wall.” and I couldn’t agree more. Every angle presents a new sculpture-like feature, accentuated by carbon fibre highlights throughout the exterior. The car’s advanced, lightweight aluminium and steel hybrid construction marks a significant improvement over the previous generation, ensuring both rigidity and weight efficiency. This design not only offers aesthetic appeal but also accommodates the low-slung front-mid positioning of the MC20’s twin-turbo Nettuno V6 engine and the ZF 8-speed automatic gearbox.
Despite its substantial size, the GranTurismo maintains an elegant profile. The design draws heavily from its predecessor, ensuring continuity while enhancing modern aesthetics. This thoughtful approach has created a vehicle that is both familiar and refreshingly contemporary. The Trofeo model, with its aggressive front valance and four prominent exhaust pipes, stands out distinctly, embodying the performance potential within.
Performance and Handling
Under the hood, the Trofeo houses a 3.0-litre V6 Nettuno engine, derived from the MC20 supercar. This twin-turbocharged marvel delivers 542 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque at a low 3000 rpm. The Trofeo’s performance is breathtaking; Maserati claims it can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.2 seconds and complete a quarter-mile in 11.5 seconds at 121 mph. On a private road, I can confirm these figures are very close to real world conditions.
Driving the GT Trofeo is an exhilarating experience. In Comfort mode, the air suspension absorbs bumps effortlessly, offering a smooth and serene ride. Switch to Sport mode, and the car transforms. The suspension firms up, the steering becomes more responsive, and the exhaust note deepens, creating a more immersive driving experience. The transition from a refined grand tourer to a focused sports car is seamless. To release the car’s full potential, a further turn of the dial to Corsa mode unleashes a completely new animal. With throttle response at 100%, maximum suspension stiffness and minimal ride height, and ALL driver aids turned off, you can really light the rear tyres up. Again, on a private road of course. Launch control is easy to engage, and with a little practice can be timed to perfection, and the off-line acceleration is blisteringly fast. The instant torque is comparable to a 911, which is surprising considering the mass of the car.
The chassis, benefiting from double wishbone front and multi-link rear suspension, provides excellent stability and control. The all-wheel-drive system, capable of distributing torque variably between the axles, enhances traction and ensures a dynamic driving experience. The handling is precise, with minimal understeer and a balanced feel that inspires confidence.
So, what about the sound? This is the question on all car enthusiasts lips. The original GT was famed for its raspy V8, with tuned headers, downpipes and stainless steel exhaust, making for a prominent low idle rumble, followed by a refined scream as the revs increased. With the new model having more eco-friendly V6 engine, you’d be forgiven for thinking that it’s just not going to sound as good. This is where you’d be wrong. A cold start initiates a more respectable low idle burble, but after hitting Sports mode and selecting manual paddle shift, the valves open up and the red line creeps in at 8,000 rpm producing a symphony of engine notes that encourage constant downshifting. Although not as loud, it’s certainly more refined, and sounds every bit as impressive as the good old days.
Interior and Technology
Stepping inside the GranTurismo, the cabin exudes luxury. High-end materials and meticulous craftsmanship are evident throughout. The front seats, both comfortable and supportive, provide an ideal driving position. The rear seats, while more spacious than previous models, are best suited for shorter journeys or additional luggage space. The boot, sufficiently large for a weekend getaway, further enhances the car’s practicality.
Maserati has significantly upgraded the onboard technology. The infotainment system, a Google-based setup, features a 12.3-inch central touchscreen and an 8.8-inch display for climate controls. The graphics are crisp, and the system includes navigation, smartphone integration, and wireless charging. The optional Sonus Faber sound system, with up to 19 speakers, delivers an exceptional audio experience. If the soundtrack of the tuned exhaust note isn’t enough, the upgraded sound system really packs a punch, with crisp high’s and sharp bassy lows.
The Electric Folgore
In addition to the petrol-powered models, Maserati offers an all-electric version known as the Folgore. This variant features three electric motors producing a combined 751 horsepower, with an estimated range of around 280 miles. The Folgore represents Maserati’s commitment to an electrified future while maintaining the performance and luxury associated with the brand.
Conclusion
The 2024 Maserati GranTurismo Trofeo is a remarkable blend of luxury, performance, and cutting-edge technology. Maserati has successfully revitalised the GranTurismo, maintaining its character while enhancing its capabilities. Whether you opt for the petrol-powered Trofeo or the electric Folgore, the new GranTurismo stands out as one of the best grand tourers on the market today.
