The Italians know a thing or two where sports and supercars are concerned. Italy is home to many of the finest automotive brands including, Ferrari, Lamborghini, and of course Maserati. One of the brand's most iconic cars is the imposing GranTurismo. However, the existing car is now getting long in the tooth, and a refresh is arguably overdue.
The GranTurismo is undeniably one of the classiest grand tourers money can buy, capable of blasting over huge distances without even breaking a sweat and in ultimate style. We can see how the GranTurismo has remained a popular option for so many years.
The time has finally arrived, and we now know some main details surrounding the upcoming and revised GrandTurismo V6. Since its original launch, technology has evolved exponentially, and efficiency has also been prioritized. With this in mind, here are 10 things gearheads should know about Maserati's new V6-powered GranTurismo.
10 Gorgeous Evolutionary Styling
The GranTurismo has long been one of the most stunning cars produced by Maserati. The new version takes the best elements of the previous car's design but brings them bang up to date.
The front end has seen the biggest changes, with a modified grille, and far larger bumper air intakes added. To the rear, there is a splitter, quad tailpipes, and a revised bumper.
9 Eagerly Anticipated
The previous generation car was released all the way back in 2007 and remained pretty much unchanged until production ceased in 2019.
While this is a seriously impressive production run and demonstrates the successful and timeless styling, an update has been long overdue.
8 Two Appetizing Trim Levels
The new V6 will be available in two tantalizing trim levels dubbed "Modena" and "Trofeo." The former will be the "entry-level" model, while the Trofeo will be the flagship.
As a result, we can expect the most powerful engine offering and luxurious features in this model, along with a higher tag.
7 All New “Nettuno” Powerplant
Under the hood of the new GranTurismo lies a brand new 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6. Named the "Nettuno", the engine will make use of Formula-One-derived technology. The fuel and air mix will be "ready ignited" in a pre-chamber using a spark plug, helping to ignite the fuel in multiple places. Flames subsequently travel into the main combustion chamber via a small nozzle.
The advantage of all this is that the "knock" threshold is raised, and more of the available fuel is burned rather than exploded. Higher boost pressures can be used, and in the MC20 supercar, the unit is able to put out an impressive 630 hp.
6 An All Electric Version Is In The Pipeline
Dubbed the GranTurismo Folgore, the EV version looks set to complement the existing combustion engine line-up. Regarding the performance, the Folgore will come with some enviable credentials. 0-60 mph is set to be around 2.7 seconds, while the top speed is rumored to exceed 200 mph.
Three electric motors will work in tandem to produce the power. Two of which will be fitted to the rear axle, with a third on the front axle. As a consequence, the car will boast all-wheel drive, with rear axle torque vectoring.
5 Rapid Performance
With a twin-turbo V6 located under the hood, we can expect the car will have seriously enviable performance on offer. While we haven't been given the official indications of power output, if the outgoing model is anything to go by, it should certainly put a smile on your face.
The Trofeo is rumored to be receiving the epic 630 hp found in the MC20 supercar. The Modena is likely to be tuned differently, with a slightly lower power output, but should still be epic regardless.
4 A Cabrio Version Is Likely
Alongside the GranTurismo, Maserati has traditionally offered a cabriolet version of the car. Known as the GranCabrio, the new drop-top version would likely carry over the revised styling and engine.
This is the case in the current car, and it makes sense Maserati would do the same in a new version.
The only real difference is the luggage space, needing to accommodate the folding roof, a smaller 6.1-cubic-foot is on offer, compared to 9.2-cubic-foot in the GranTurismo.
3 Rear-Wheel Drive Configuration
Gearheads will no doubt be happy to hear the GranTurismo will be remaining rear-wheel drive. Favorite of the enthusiastic driver, the configuration generally improves weight distribution, as is the case in the Maserati, which has a front mid-engined layout.
The more balanced setup generally means the car handles better, but fun can also be had, with it being easy to slide the back end.
2 New Aluminum Chassis
Under the GranTurismo's sleek exterior, will lie a new aluminum chassis. This has been engineered specifically to support the V6 engine and the weight associated with the EV powertrain of the Folgore.
The new design should be considerably lighter than the outgoing design, which is a hybrid fusion of steel and aluminum cladding.
1 Suspension Design Likely To Mirror Previous Model
One area which looks set to stay the same as the current model is the suspension. Currently, the front axle is served by a double-wishbone setup, while the rear axle sports a multi-link design.
We will have to wait for confirmation of this, but the rumors are very little modification will be made.