2011 Maserati Gran Turismo Review


2011 Maserati Gran Turismo is equipped with an automatic gearbox and adaptive control system, which adjusts the driving condition and it even shifts the gear mode according to the driving style.

The electronically controlled front seats are covered in Poltrona Frau Leather upholstery.
Changes are light for the 2011 Maserati GranTurismo, with a new wood steering wheel, aerodynamic bodywork trim for S models, dark surrounds for the headlights, minor interior trim revisions and matte paint options.

The font-engine, rear-wheel-drive GranTurismo is one of those rare cars that once seen is hard to forget. As the name suggests, the GranTurismo is a touring car, not an out-and-out exotic sports car.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options
The 2011 Maserati GranTurismo is a four-passenger coupe that is offered in two trim levels: base and S Automatic. The base GranTurismo features 19-inch alloy wheels, adaptive xenon headlights with washers, foglights, power-folding and heated sideview mirrors, automatic wipers, Brembo brakes, an electronically adjustable suspension, rear parking sensors, auto-dimming mirrors, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, heated front seats, driver seat memory, wood interior trim, voice-activated navigation, Bluetooth, and an 11-speaker Bose surround-sound system with a CD player, satellite radio, digital music storage, iPod integration and auxiliary/USB input jacks.

The GranTurismo S Automatic includes all of the above, plus a more powerful engine, an automated manual transmission, larger brakes, a sport exhaust, 20-inch wheels, and unique front and rear spoilers. Options for either of the GranTurismo trims include front parking sensors, two-tone interior colors, a faux suede headliner, a wood steering wheel and perforated leather seats.

Powertrains and Performance
The base 2011 Maserati GranTurismo is powered by a 4.2-liter V8 that produces 405 horsepower and 339 pound-feet or torque. Standard safety features for the GranTurismo lineup include antilock brakes with brake assist, automatic hill hold, stability control, traction control, front-seat side airbags and side curtain airbags.

Interior Design and Special Features
Front seat comfort is excellent, with well-bolstered seats and ample cushioning for long-distance comfort. Unlike other cars in this class, the GranTurismo also boasts comfortable rear seats for medium-sized adults.

Driving Impressions
The 2011 Maserati GranTurismo artfully balances a luxurious ride with sporting athleticism. For drivers desiring even more sports car dynamics, the Sport mode revises gearshift points, sharpens throttle response and stiffens up the suspension.

The beautiful Maserati GranTurismo returns for the 2011 model year with its companion Convertible--and with few changes.

Both sport a six-speed automatic transmission that cured Maserati's terrible automated-manual transmission, which was offered through 2008. Top speeds are 177 mph and 183 mph, respectively.

Big Brembo brakes give excellent stopping power, with the brake pedal feel of an exotic car.
Narrow seats and footwells are the hallmark of the GranTurismo interior.

The GranTurismo has not been crash-tested, but its safety gear is impressive. Anti-lock brakes and stability control are standard.

Maserati allows owners to custom-order their cars, and offers a wide array of upholstery, wood and color combinations.

For more on the Italian sports car, see our most recent full review of the Maserati GranTurismo.