Used 2018 Maserati GranTurismo

The 2018 Maserati GranTurismo is the quintessential example of a sports car from the famed Italian luxury brand. Offered as a coupe or the open-air GT Convertible, the GranTurismo is a 2+2 grand touring car with the heart of a supercar. Beating under that elegant hood is a V8 made by Ferrari whose exhaust note could justify the GranTurismo’s price of admission. Starting around $134,000, the GranTurismo is pricier and more technologically outdated than more mainstream luxury-sports cars like the Porsche 911, Mercedes-AMG GT and new BMW 8 Series, but significantly below exotics from Aston Martin and Bentley. Beyond that enviable powertrain, the GranTurismo boasts luscious looks, athletic yet graceful driving manners, and some modest practicality. Most of all, you get to brag that you drive a Maserati.

The 2018 Maserati GranTurismo really is a delight for the senses, if you appreciate it for what it is. In truth, with a 0-60-mph time of 4.7 to 5.0 seconds depending on model, it’s not as fast as even a base Porsche 911, nor will it carve corners like that benchmark performer. Another German, the all-new BMW 8 grand touring coupe and its 3.6-second 0-60-mph time will trounce the Maserati. But that’s not really the point. If you need to win every stoplight race, shop elsewhere and keep your pride intact. The name of the Maserati’s game is passion. Just listen to the wail of that Ferrari-built V8 engine. You won’t hear that in a Porsche or BMW. Nor will you get the scent of the GranTurismo’s Italian leather. It’s sensual, remember?

An older-style 6-speed automatic transmission is the only offering in this Maserati, but it’s smooth and works well for this Italian luxury car’s purpose. So does its Skyhook suspension. In Normal drive mode, it snuffs road imperfections for your coastal loafs. In Sport mode, the setup becomes more aggressive. The GranTurismo is becoming a rarity in its use of an older, hydraulic steering system. While they are less efficient, these setups are still favored by purists for their direct feel. The Maserati’s race-bred Brembo brakes enable confident stopping. Perhaps most important, the GranTurismo always seems to maintain a sense of grace, polish and refinement.

Whether you opt for the coupe or convertible, the 2018 GranTurismo has a 4-passenger cabin that is festooned with supple leather and polished wood or optional carbon fiber. The front and rear bucket seats are separated by a center console, and the front seats power forward to ease access to the surprisingly usable rear seats. The triple-insulated power-convertible top on the GT Convertible deploys in just 24 seconds, at speeds up to 20 mph, and rear rollover bars pop up to protect occupants in case of a crash. Upfront, controls are relatively minimal, with an 8.4-inch screen relaying major functions. It can be controlled via touch or a central dial to the right of the transmission lever. Trunk space in the coupe is merely adequate at 9.2 cubic feet, and convertible models are even stingier with only 6.1 cubic feet.

Even though the Maserati GranTurismo has been around for about a decade, the design isn’t dated thanks to the classic Pininfarina lines. Its long hood and short rear deck with its integrated spoiler give it a classically sporty look, and the projecting grille and trident logo are equally classic Maserati. Moreover, updates for 2018 to the grille, front and rear bumpers, and headlights help keep this Italian exotic car feeling fresh. Maserati GranTurismo MC models aim to inject a more aggressive image with a unique front fascia, optional carbon-fiber hood and centralized rear tailpipes. All models are shod with big, 20-inch wheels. GT Convertible models have a triple-insulated fabric roof in your choice of colors.

UPDATED INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM
The Maserati GranTurismo got a much-needed tech injection for 2018: Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. These systems seamlessly integrate with your smartphone, replicating core apps such as messaging, music and phone functions onto the Maserati’s 8.4-inch touch screen.

THE SPORT BUTTON
From the looks of it the 2018 Maserati GranTurismo should be sporty enough, but with a press of the Sport button you open up the exhaust, quicken the shifts and sharpen the Skyhook adjustable suspension for a firmer ride and sharper handling.

The greatest attractors of the 2018 Maserati GranTurismo coupe and GT Convertible are its Ferrari-built engine, exquisite design and the mere fact that it’s a Maserati. It doesn’t contain the long list of features like more mainstream luxury coupes and convertibles, but it does at least come with amenities including dual-zone climate controls, electric opening trunk, and universal garage remote. The infotainment update for 2018 bundles an 8.4-inch touch screen with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto integration, navigation, and a new Harman Kardon premium audio system that puts out 750 watts through 10 speakers in the coupe and 825 watts via 11 speakers in the GT Convertible.

While the 2018 GranTurismo has been updated some on the tech front, it still severely lags rivals in other aspects, especially those pertaining to active driving and safety systems. For example, you won’t find even basic systems like automatic emergency braking that’s standard in a Toyota Camry, nor will you be able to equip the Maserati with the slick, semi-autonomous driving systems or even lane-departure warning easily found in mainstream luxury brands. Also missing are creature comforts such as ventilated and massaging seats. Aside from the MC performance edition, most options are limited to interior and exterior aesthetic upgrades. A stiffer suspension setup is available for a sportier feel.

The Maserati GranTurismo uses a 4.7-liter V8 engine built by its Italian cousin, Ferrari. It is an exemplary engine with an intoxicating exhaust note. It produces 454 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque. The GranTurismo MC models don’t get a power boost, but are slightly quicker off the line thanks to other enhancements. The GranTurismo runs from 0-60 mph in the mid-4-second range, with the convertibles a tick slower. All models are rear-wheel drive and use a 6-speed automatic transmission. Steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters allow manual shifting. The Maserati also has an Ice mode for low-grip situations, forcing the transmission to start in second gear.

4.7-liter V8
454 horsepower @ 7,000 rpm
384 lb-ft of torque @ 4,750 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 13/20 mpg (convertible), 13/21 mpg (coupe)