Topic: 2010 Maserati GranTurismo

[Vmango]

A family member just purchased a 2010 Maserati GranTurismo. While visiting on the weekend he let me take it out (on my own!!) for a little cruise. I thought I'd quickly sum up my thoughts and opinions since this isn't too common a car around these parts.

First thing - the car is gorgeous. Driving it around resulted in non-stop head turns, thumbs ups, and "sikk car man" commentary. The car is very elegant and curvy - which as I'll talk about in a bit - would be one of the main reasons for getting one.

The interior is very nice. Honestly, I think I expected more though. I mean, it's leather and metal everything so maybe my expectations were too high......but it wasn't crazy nice.

The engine is fantastic and sounds like sex. I know the magazines call it loud but it definitely wasn't loud enough for me - even in full throttle. I'd want the thing to just scream.

Now - about the driving experience.

This car is truly a Grand Tourer - make no mistake. Every time I put the pedal down I was left a little disappointed.....never quick or loud enough. Yes, the car is fast but it quite honestly never really put a smile on my face nor did I say "holy ." I was always more along the lines of "meh, decent power." Like driving a 335, really.

Steering feel was pretty good but maybe not as sharp as I'd like. The handling was very smooth and composed....definitely the most solid and smooth car I've ever driven or been in. The brakes were really quite good - probably the best handling aspect of this car. The paddle shifts were very quick and seamless - but I REALLY prefer a manual. Even after driving this car with such great paddle-shifts.....I just do not feel as connected as I'd like.

I'd sum up the car as if it were a piece of clothing. It's something you'd want to be seen in and it's very sexy - and you'd buy it for that reason. It's certainly not where I'd put my $120, 000 American Dollars, though.

What I found most interesting is the family member's DD is a Jaguar XJR. If I was already rocking that as my DD I would certainly have gone for something more nuts as my "toy." ZR1, Viper ACR (that kind of level)

Anyway, enjoy the pics (just point and shoots):

[HeliDriver]

Gorgeous car!

I'm sure the pics don't do that Italian leather justice, but I think I see what you mean about the interior - it does look a little plain. I think I could live with it, though. 

[TopGun]

The paddle shifts were very quick and seamless - but I REALLY prefer a manual. Even after driving this car with such great paddle-shifts.....I just do not feel as connected as I'd like.

Good thing you included the pics, otherwise I would have accused you of fibbing.   

Interesting.  I heard one of these take off in Burlington along Lakeshore, and the paddle shifting made the shifts sound kinda cool that I thought of abandoning my soap-box.  However...you set me straight.

You'd prefer a manual in THAT car, or just in general Vman?

[Erik]

Good Man, Vmango! Nice comments about the lack of a MT.

I truly think this is the finest GT car available today. As a lifetime Aston Martin fan, THIS is the car I would choose if I were buying new in this class.

And Maserati has by far the most beautiful interiors. Wow!

[Railton]

These things sound like pure sex on the highway.
That comment, from a G37 owner.
Railton

[Vmango]

The paddle shifts were very quick and seamless - but I REALLY prefer a manual. Even after driving this car with such great paddle-shifts.....I just do not feel as connected as I'd like.

Good thing you included the pics, otherwise I would have accused you of fibbing.  

Interesting.  I heard one of these take off in Burlington along Lakeshore, and the paddle shifting made the shifts sound kinda cool that I thought of abandoning my soap-box.  However...you set me straight.

You'd prefer a manual in THAT car, or just in general Vman?

Well - manual in general for sure.......but there is a disconnect in terms of feel with the GT and I think a manual would help that. You know?

I'm really just trying to be picky with a lot of these "complaints." Let's be real, it's a gorgeous car all around - my "complaints" really just reflect my taste in cars I suppose.

The only thing that really did bug me was the power. I really wanted more power. This is certainly my subjective opinion as the car HAS enough power.....I just wanted more for something this "special."

One thing to add. I wondered yesterday if there was maybe a sport button that added power or opened up the exhaust. Anyone know? Maybe I missed that? It did say "sport" on the dash when you go to paddle mode, though.

[wing]

WANT!

[Guy]

Nice! Thanks for sharing!

[Weexy]

If there ever is another CTC meet, bring that OK??

[mmret]

Who is your father and what does he do?

[quadzilla]

Great report!  I see a couple of these by my office and drool every time I walk by. Personally I'd want something more sporty for my fist pick but would love something like this or similar for the long drives on our boring hwys.

Is the tranny a DSG-Like or auto w/tq converter?

Not a fan of wooden steering wheels though.

[Sir Osis of Liver]

Sweet looking ride! Thanks for sharing.

[G0dspd]

The only thing that really did bug me was the power. I really wanted more power. This is certainly my subjective opinion as the car HAS enough power.....I just wanted more for something this "special."

You're not the only one who noticed the "lack" of power.  Most owners and reviewers noticed that the engine could use a little more kick but since its a GT, it's probably not a deal breaker.

Maserati introduced the the Grand Turismo S in 2009 (+35 hp) and they're currently working on the MC Stradale (+44 hp, lighter, bla bla bla) for those who want a little more excitement.