While Maserati isn’t exactly a household name here in Malaysia, it doesn’t stop lovers of Italian auto manufacturing from being excited when Naza Italia received the latest Maserati GranTurismo. The car is a grand tourer which means it isn’t a supercar but rather one built for luxury travel with real-world practicality.
Datuk Wira Hj SM Faisal Tan Sri SM Nasimuddin, Naza World Group Executive Chairman, said, “The lightly face-lifted 2018 GranTurismo MC exudes modern sophistication and stays true to the car’s most quintessential traits and timeless elegance. As one of the last naturally-aspirated V8 engines in the segment today, the GranTurismo is a celebration of Maserati’s heritage and red-blooded racing pedigree.”
The Pininfarina-designed GranTurismo is a historically significant, brand-defining model for Maserati. The luxurious four-seater sports coupe was conceived as an ultra-modern interpretation of the very first grand tourer, the elegant Maserati A6 1500 of 1947. And over the years, the GranTurismo has evolved into one of the most iconic Maserati cars ever built, thanks to its uncompromised GT character.
This character is perfectly expressed by a uniquely compelling combination – bold yet elegant design; the exhilarating, inspirational performance of a naturally aspirated, Maranello built V8 engine; hand-crafted comfort offered by four individual, Poltrona Frau seats.
In essence, the GranTurismo is the ultimate expression of what grand touring means to Maserati. The GranTurismo is assembled at the historic Maserati plant in Modena.
MY18 range, restyling and driver interface
Of the streamlined 2018 range, the Malaysian market will be seeing the GranTurismo MC (Maserati Corse). The MC takes on an important ambassadorial role for the entire Maserati range, representing the company’s long and illustrious racing heritage. Replacing the previous MC Stradale, it offers a wide array of features already proven in other Maserati models. They include the five selectable operating modes.
The naturally aspirated V8 unit is hand-assembled by Ferrari in Maranello and guarantees the highest standards of reliability and durability. The 4.7 litre engine produces 460hp at 7,000rpm and 520Nm of peak torque at 4,750rpm. A lightweight at just 175kg, the power unit features a wet sump and exclusive to Maserati – a cross-plane crankshaft. This provides unrivalled throttle response, free-revving characteristics and a thrilling Maserati signature sound.
When it came to the MY18 restyle, the timeless Pininfarina design was treated with the utmost respect by the Maserati Design Centre. The results, among others, are even better aerodynamic efficiency and compliance with the latest pedestrian safety regulations.
The new front and rear bumpers of the MY18 GranTurismo elegantly refine the visual impact of the striking original styling. The headlights have been slightly restyled, while at the rear, a new parking camera has been integrated. The front bumper features a larger, hexagonal grille with a ‘shark nose’ profile and a chrome insert all around. The new nose is inspired by the sensational Alfieri Concept car and adds a three-dimensional effect to the front view. The design also helps optimize airflow distribution and reduce aerodynamic drag.
The bumper’s lateral air ducts, introduced in the MC Stradale and adopted across the GranTurismo range in 2012, are redesigned for the 2018. By visually pushing the car’s weight towards the front wheels, they convey a heightened sense of dynamic stability, while also contributing to improved aerodynamic efficiency.
The track-focused GranTurismo MC is equipped with a carbon-fibre bonnet in the body colour as standard. The bonnet also features downforce-optimizing air-vents. Additionally, there are iconic vertical air vents in the front wings, deep functional side skirts, titanium brake calipers and 20” MC Design – Grafite Opaco forged wheels. A pronounced rear lip spoiler is another dynamic highlight.
The headlights for the 2018 maintain the same profile and LED/Bi-Xenon functionality, but feature discreet, internal restyling. This includes reshaped LED Daytime Running Lights, grooved housing in the Xenon lamp areas and the Maserati inscription in low relief.
While the sleek body of the GranTurismo remains untouched, the rear bumper has been redesigned with the sole aim of emphasizing the natural elegance of this iconic GT. With its neater, more cohesive design, the new bumper further accentuates the impression of stability, while adding graceful finishing touch to the car’s unmistakable silhouette. The central diffuser emphasis is on elegance, with the oval exhaust outlets appearing at the bumper’s edges.
The central diffuser for the GranTurismo MC is decisively sportier, with round outlets coming through the central, transparent diffuser. The exhaust system of the MC version is lighter and has a totally different shape and function. When is Sport mode, a valve channels exhaust gases so they completely bypass the silencer. This reduces back pressure and creates a breathtakingly sporty sound.
The exterior of the MY18 GranTurismo is available in 16 colours. A brand new three-layer colour is introduced (Blu Assoluto), while four more three-layer colours are available on the entire range. There is a range of 14 light alloy wheels in six designs, one of which is in forged aluminium, and an exterior carbon package is offered.
The MY18 GranTurismo is fitted with new, lightweight, fourth-generation Pirelli P Zero tyres. These contribute to a reduction in unsprung weight plus better suspension performance and tyre grip. The new P Zero is designed to improve braking distances in dry and wet conditions, respectively by 4% and 5%, while improving mileages by at least 30%.
The elegant interior of the GranTurismo offers unparalleled comfort thanks to its four individual Poltrona Frau leather seats with integrated headrests. For 2018, the dashboard features a more sculptured design in the passenger area, complemented in high-fashion style by stitched leather finishes.
The centrepiece of the dashboard is now a high-resolution, 8.4” capacitive touchscreen from the state-of-the-art infotainment system. The GranTurismo system is in line with those featured in the other Maserati models and is compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring functions. New interior refinements in the GranTurismo include the high-end Harman Kardon Premium Sound system and a new Maserati clock with double dial in a slightly more prominent position at the centre of the dashboard.
The climate and seat heating control are not integrated into the touchscreen function, although the central console area is still significantly neater, with fewer buttons than before. The lower console is redesigned to accommodate a user-friendly, double rotary dial – a standard feature on all Maserati models. Positioned next to the gear lever, it is a high-end component in forged aluminium. The driving modes button cluster is now in front of the gear lever.
For 2018, there are eight interior colours and five interior trim options – from Carbon Fibre to Black Piano and Walnut Briarwood.
The GranTurismo MC enters the Malaysian market at the starting price of RM 717,800.00 (without local taxes and duties) and comes with 5 years Standard Warranty coverage with no mileage restriction plus a free maintenance program of 5 years/ 100,000 km whichever comes first (Inclusive of *Maserati Premium Service Plus of 3 Years /60,000KM).
The public is invited to visit Naza Italia’s showroom in Petaling Jaya to view the GranTurismo, speak with the dedicated sales team in greater detail and test drive Maserati’s newest offering.
Follow @maserati.malaysia on Instagram and if you are not on that social media, you can always check out their Facebook page at www.facebook/maserati.malaysia for the brand’s latest updates in Malaysia.
