FEW brands evoke as much admiration and prestige as one that bears the illustrious trident of Maserati.
As a testament to its rich motorsport heritage, blending the finest Italian design with exhilaration and performance through the fusion of speed, elegance and comfort, it has given life to the GranTurismo (GT).
This isn’t just a car, rather, it is an experience that embodies the spirit of grand touring and stands as this marque’s symbol of both power and prestige.
Instantly, the recently launched second-generation GT (M189) is still a head-turner thanks to the sleek aerodynamic profile that’s both aggressive and graceful.
Sitting low to the ground, the GT exudes a sense of dynamism with the front end’s sculpted hood appearing eager to muscle through the air while the brawny rear haunches stand at the ready to pounce off the line.
Every curve on the GT is designed to not only enhance its appeal but also bolster its on-road performance.
This is undoubtedly a timeless design that looks outright fast. And it’ll drive even faster.
In a world of down-sized engines that look to turbocharging among others for better performance and efficiency, the GT hasn’t been spared.
Recently launched with a 3.0-litre bi-turbo V6 Nettuno engine under the hood, the performance is still staggering, even in the entry-level Modena spec with an all-wheel-drive (AWD) system as standard.
Meanwhile, it has been priced from RM738,800 (before duties, taxes, insurance and options).
The engine delivers 496PS and 600Nm of torque for the all-wheel-drive system, unlike the range-topping Trofeo (Trophy) variant that unleashes an up-tuned 557PS and 650Nm instead from the same engine and displacement.
Unlike the 4.7-litre naturally aspirated V8 in the previous generation, that unit provided 460PS and 520Nm for the rear wheels.
Nonetheless, raw power is to be had for all who crave it, turning the GT into a dream when out and about on the open highway or a never-ending winding route (if you can find one).
Power delivery is spectacularly unadulterated with 0 to 100kph sprints conducted in a mere 3.9 seconds or 3.5 seconds for the GT Trofeo and for this, the asking price starts from RM878,800.
Regardless, the Modena will still pin the body into the seat, leaving what’s left of the brain at its starting point and, if possible, it’ll thrill up to a top speed of 302kph (Trofeo - 320kph), if you can find a route that allows it.
Yet, despite its incredible speed, it remains composed, providing drivers with both control and confidence.
Paddling through the crisp eight-speed gearbox from German transmission builder ZF while wailing from corner to corner, the Brembo braking system is where the trust comes from to do so.
The front six-piston and rear four-piston callipers clamp the front 380mm front and rear 350mm rear discs properly and can bring this GT to a complete stop if and when required.
When belting it through corners, the GT feels more race-like regarding steering and suspension setup, which uses an electronic damping control to keep it flat around corners.
Being nicely weighted at the wheel and coupled with a traction mapping that allows for enough slippage from the wheels, an engaging drive is utterly assured and is far from being a handful – unless wanted.
Despite the GT’s 2+2 seating interior, the marque still stays true to providing the finest in Italian craftsmanship – allowing its owner and passengers to remain “en vogue”.
Although it might be a tight fit at the rear, passengers are still able to enjoy the ride for a lap or two while enjoying what the opulent interior has to offer.
With that being one of the key trademarks that Maserati prides itself on, from the hand-stitched leather seats to the finely detailed dashboard, every inch seems to strongly exude Italian elegance.
High-quality materials, including fine leather, wood, and even carbon fibre can be optioned to provide a more tailored tactility and/or visual indulgence.
Ergonomics are part and parcel of the GT’s cockpit which places all controls within easy reach of the driver, ensuring that every ride (Comfort, GT or Sport) is enjoyable or as thrilling as one might want.
Although the GT stays true to its heritage of classic sports car performance, it doesn’t shy away from modern technology that includes a 12.2-inch digital instrument cluster.
This also includes a 12.3-inch infotainment system, paired with an optional 19-speaker Sonus faber sound system with 1,195 watts of power for those who demand exceptional sound reproduction during long-distance drives.
The GT is both a lifestyle choice and a statement by those who intend to show their appreciation for prestige and the finer things in life.
Whether it’s cruising or carving up roads, a unique blend of performance, luxury and style is assured to a point that few cars can match.
Combining a high-performance sports car with elegance and luxury is a feat that Maserati not only knows how to do but also does well.
So whether it is on the racetrack or through a scenic route, the GT is proof that comfort does not need to be sacrificed for performance.
SPECIFICATIONS
Maserati GranTurismo (Mk2) Modena
Engine: 2,992cc bi-turbo V6 Nettuno, front mid-mounted
Maximum power: 496PS
Maximum torque: 600Nm
Transmission: Eight-speed ZF 8HP automatic with rear self-locking mechanical differential, all-wheel drive
Acceleration: 3.9 seconds (0-100kph), 13 seconds (0-200kph)
Brakes: Front ventilated 380x34mm discs with Brembo six-piston callipers; rear ventilated 350x28mm discs with Brembo four-piston callipers
Stopping distance (100kph-0): Less than 35m
Top speed: 302kph
Boot capacity: 310 litres
Fuel tank capacity: 70 litres
Suspension: Front double-wishbone with “semi-virtual” steering axis and air springs with electronic damping control; rear multi-link with mechanical self-locking differential and air springs with electronic damping control
Weight: 1,795kg (kerb)
Weight distribution: 52/48 (front/rear)
Features: Adaptive Full-LED Matrix headlights, Alcantara headliner, automatic wipers, push-start button, powered tailgate, front 20-inch (265/30) and rear 21-inch (295/30) forged Pegaso wheels, electric parking brake, Driving Modes (Comfort, GT and Sport), leather interior, powered front seats, automatic dual-zone climate controls, wireless Qi charger, 19-speaker Sonus faber sound system, 12.2-inch digital instrument cluster, 12.3-inch infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple Carplay, 8.0-inch climate control display, frameless digital rearview mirror, Intelligent Speed Assist, Active Driving Assist, Traffic Sign Recognition, Intersection Collision Assist and Lightweight sport pedals with aluminium footrest
Warranty: Three years with unlimited-mileage
Price: From RM738,800 (before duties, taxes, insurance and options).
