The all-new car replaces the Coupe, available in the United States from 2002 to 2006. The Modena, Italybased company expects that buyers will see the GranTurismo as a worthy option against the very popular Bentley Continental GT, especially as it is lighter (at 4,147 pounds curb weight) and is priced lower, at $114,650 base price.
As a lineup of products, the GranTurismo parks neatly between the company's GranSport and the flagship Quattroporte and should help continue the company's climb back into the U.S. market. Under Ferrari's ownership from 1997 through 2004, Fiat, which owns Ferrari, Alfa Romeo and Lancia, took the wheel in 2005.
The GT follows the tradition of the great Maserati A6 1500 GT of 1947, designed by Pinin Farina himself; just 58 of these were built. Later, the Maserati A6 GCS of 1953–55 expanded this heritage - a race car that won the Italian Mille Miglia. These cars demonstrated that a racing engine could show its stuff with restraint and class on the highways and streets as well. |
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Indeed, take this car out into the foothills and beyond. The GranTurismo should accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 5.1 seconds and top out at 177 mph - if that will do for your next Arizona highways outing. The eight-cylinder engine (it's in a traditional 90 V) produces its maximum output of 405 horsepower at 7,100 rpm and peak torque of 339 pound feet at 4,750 rpm.
"The GranTurismo was tested in hot weather in Spain and South Africa, in cold weather, in Scandinavia, on winding roads in Greece, even on race circuits such as the Nurburgring in Germany: At every venue, it met and surpassed expectations," Pauken notes.
The six-speed ZF automatic transmission, available in BMWs, is strong, silent, and smooth. Steering-wheel paddle shifters are standard. The gearbox connects with an adaptive control system: This adjusts shifting mode to the individual style and driving conditions. The standard Skyhook adaptive suspension (double wishbone) also makes changes based on road feel. The car knows you, and the car knows the road. |
