MASERATI GRANTURISMO COUPE 3.0 V6 Modena 2dr Auto

Maserati's GranTurismo luxury sports GT comes in two very different forms in second generation guise. Jonathan Crouch takes a look.

Ten Second Review

Maserati says a fresh chapter in its history begins with this second generation GranTurismo coupe. It still comes with charismatic combustion power, but now there's also the option of a full-electric Folgore version which will open up an entirely new market for the company. This GranTurismo is what Maserati calls 'the pillar of its brand'. It just got a whole lot more desirable.

Background

You have to turn the clock back seventy five years to Maserati's A6 1500 to find a more radically different change of brand direction than is represented by this Italian marque's second generation GranTurismo. It may look familiar but just about everything you can't see is very different. As was necessary if this car was to be offered with a futuristic full-electric drivetrain. You don't have to have it like that; brand loyalists will prefer versions fitted with the V6 Nettuno petrol engine we first saw in the MC20 supercar. But either way, we're promised that this second generation model will drive - and even sound - like a Maserati should. Different then, but classically familiar. Let's take a closer look.

Driving Experience

Maserati wasn't ready to ditch combustion power for this GranTurismo. Particularly when it has a state-of-the-art 3.0-litre twin turbo Nettuno V6 engine on its books which features F1-inspired pre-chamber combustion technology. In its car's fastest Trofeo model, this offers 550hp (71hp less than the same engine puts out in the brand's MC20 supercar), which makes possible 62mph from rest in just 3.5s. Top speed is 205mph. The same engine also comes in de-tuned 490hp form in an entry-level Modena model. There, 62mph takes 3.9s en route to 187mph. The fastest GranTurismo though, doesn't have an engine; the Folgore version (Italian for 'lightning') uses a T-shaped 92.5kWh battery powering three electric motors on the front axle and two at the rear. Which together deliver 761hp and thrust the car to 62mph in just 2.7s en route to 202mph. Both powertrains feature Maserati's latest 'Vehicle Domain Control Module' (VDCM), which adjusts the level of electronic support provided according to the drive mode selected. The main settings are 'GT', 'Sport' and 'Corsa': on the Folgore, the V6 variant's 'Comfort' setting replaced by 'Max Range'. Maserati's spent ages creating a powertrain sound system that works with these settings. Particularly for the electric version, which delivers a unique soundtrack supposed to be a fusion of electric whirrs coupled with a V8 roar.

Design and Build

Maserati says the look of this car was inspired by its classic A6 GCS/53 Grand Tourer, but there's plenty here that also draws from the present. Notably, the clamshell bonnet, the sculpted front wings and the vertically arranged headlights, all cues we've seen in the company's two most recent designs, the Grecale SUV and the MC20 supercar. As before, this GranTurismo has muscular rear wheel arches and a long two-door silhouette with a low flowing roof line. The slim LED rear light units are pure Maserati too, as of course is the oval-shaped grille with its central Trident badge. Differences between the V6 and EV models are minor - a subtly revised front bumper and, for the V6, quad tail pipes at the rear. Inside, the GranTurismo has moved into a very different age. There's a 12.2-inch digital instrument cluster and a pair of screens in the centre of the fascia, the top 12.3-inch one for infotainment and the lower 8.8-inch panel for comfort features. Disappointingly, the old analogue clock that used to decorate the middle of the dash is gone, replaced by a digital display with interchangeable faces. But Maserati still continues with physical buttons to control the automatic gearbox. As befits a GT, there are (just about) usable rear seats. And a decent 310-litre boot (up from 280-litres in the old model) - which is significantly smaller with the EV version (which offers 270-litres) due to space given up to the pair of rear axle motors. The GranCabrio Trofeo has only 172-litres of capacity, falling to 151-litres with the Folgore.

Market and Model

You'll need to allow a budget of around £133,000 for the entry-level 490hp GranTurismo V6 Modena, with a big chunk extra (around £164,000) needed for the more potent 550hp V6 Trofeo variant. If you want the GranTurismo Folgore all-electric model, then you're going to need to think in terms of a £180,000 budget. For the GranCabrio, prices start with the V6 Trofeo at around £170,000, with the Folgore variant at around £188,000. Of course you get plenty of equipment, with features like sumptuous Italian leather upholstery, a digital rear view mirror and a 360-degree surround view camera system. There's also a glorious Sonus faber 3D sound system offering 'an all-round sound experience' with two levels of customisation, featuring up to 19 speakers and 3D sound with a thumping output of up to 1,195-watts. Drive assist tech includes adaptive cruise control with lane centring and autonomous emergency braking, which also works when reversing. Alexa integration is built into the central 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, which also includes the brand's voice-activated 'Maserati Intelligent Assistant' and has over-the-air update capability, plus wireless 'Apple CarPlay' and 'Android Auto' smartphone-mirroring. A configurable head-up display is optional.

Cost of Ownership

You're going to have to pay for the pleasure at the pumps of course. We'd expect the fuel economy figures for the V6 versions to be very similar to those of the MC20. For the GranTurismo Trofeo, Maserati quotes a combined cycle figure of 28.2mpg - and 227g/km of CO2; good luck with that. But all of this is par for the course for a V6 GT luxury Coupe in this segment. And you should cheer up a bit when it comes to considering residuals, which should be very solid indeed given this car's extreme rarity. Of course, if you really cared about efficiency, then you'd opt for the all-electric Folgore version. The 92.5kWh battery (just 83kWh of which is actually usable) can be charged at speeds of up to 270kW, making the GranTurismo in this form one of the fastest-charging EVs on sale. At an appropriately powerful ultra-fast public charger, up to 62 miles of range can be added in just five minutes thanks to the car's 800-volt electrical architecture. The GranTurismo Folgore's claimed driving range is up to 279 miles, though for that you'll need to be easy on the throttle and make plenty of use of the car's four brake regeneration settings, accessed via steering wheel paddle-shifters. You'll also need to engage the Folgore's 'Max Range' drive mode, which limits top speed to 80mph, softens throttle response and restricts climate system output. Folgore owners have access to a charging app loaded with a database of over 335,000 charging points around Europe. Sadly, Maserati plans to ditch combustion engines completely by 2030.

Summary

'Others just travel' is the way Maserati likes to differentiate itself in this new era. Yes you can go as fast, charge as quickly or enjoy as much luxury in a comparably priced GT sports car rival. But a journey in a Maserati is more of an event. And ownership of one a unique automotive aspiration. We can see why you might feel that way about using and acquiring this second generation GranTurismo. Maserati has taken its time deciding how a full-electric future should be translated into Maserati motion and the result here should feel opulent and elegantly exclusive. Ultimately though, there still nothing quite like the alternative throbbing V6 that better encapsulates what this enduring Trident brand is all about. Our automotive lives are going to change over the next few years, but some things should stay the same. This GranTurismo is proof that Maserati understands that.

Body Glass

Electric front windows

Rain sensor

Heated washer nozzles

Anti pinch sensor for windows

Laminated front glass with high thermal and noise insulation

Brakes

High performance braking system

Vehicle domain control module (VDCM)

Maserati stability programme (MSP)

Electronic parking brake

Carpets/Rugs

Front and rear floor mats

Chassis/Suspension

Air suspension with electronically variable active damping control system

Double wishbone suspension with semi-virtual steering axis and multilink rear suspension

Communication

Cyber security gateway

TBM (Telematic Box Module) for Connectivity

Apple car play and Android auto

Wi-Fi hotspot

Maserati connect

Bluetooth

Voice control system

Driver Aids

Drive mode selector: comfort, GT, offroad, sport with launch control

Forward collision warning

Front and rear parking sensors with rear active braking

Electronic Power Steering (EPS)

Driver Convenience

Start and stop engine function

Wireless charger

Driver Information

12.2" full TFT digital colour display cluster with onboard computer and driver information

12.3" HD touch screen central display with Maserati Intelligent Assistant (M.I.A) and satelite navigation, Android Automotive OS

e-Call (emergency call)

Connectivity Services (Europe)

8.8" multifunction comfort display with smart gestures (controls for front/rear climate, seats, headlights, ambient lighting, clock & air suspension)

Embellishment Trims

Campidoglio effect stitching on seats, door panels and dashboard

Entertainment

Digital Audio Broadcast (DAB)

2 USB ports (A and C) and 12v socket in front cabin

2 USB ports (A and C) in rear cabin

Exterior Body Features

Chrome tailpipes

Quad tips exhaust system in chrome finish

Body coloured side skirts

Version name and trident logo on C-pillar in black

Rear boot

Lower fascia in gloss black

Front grille surround frame, side airvent inserts, door handle inserts, Maserati script and blade on boot lid in satin chrome

Active aerodynamics (Air shutter control)

Classic front bumper, rear bumper and diffuser

Exterior Lights

Automatic headlight activation with dusk sensor

LED front turn indicators

LED 3rd brake light

Front door puddle lamps

Full LED tail lamps

Proximity sensor with welcome lighting

LED rear lights

LED daytime running lights

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Rear seats air ducts

Two zone automatic climate control with humidity sensor

Interior Features

Full grain premium leather upholstery with perforated seat squab and backrests

Dashboard glovebox with valet lock

Two front and two rear cupholders

Rear seats with load through ski hatch

Maserati digital smart clock on dashboard

Driver and passenger sunvisors

Power height and reach adjustable steering column

Aluminium gear shift paddles

Interior Lights

Ambient lighting on dashboard, door panels, front storage and front footwells

Safety

Automated emergency braking with pedestrian recognition

Driver and passenger head airbags

Driver and passenger side airbags

Dual stage driver/passenger airbags

Tyre pressure monitoring system

Front passenger airbag deactivation

Front seatbelt reminder

Seats

Heated front seats

Isofix rear child seat attachments with hook covers

Rear head restraints

Front head restraints

18-way power front sport seats with drivers memory function

Single front passenger seat

2 individual seats in 2nd row

Security

2nd key fob

Keyless entry via smartphone

Keyless entry, keyless go and easy entry

E-latch opening system

Vodafone stolen vehicle recovery with automatic driver recognition and remote inhibition

Premium alarm system (perimeter and volumetric sensing, anti-lift device, electronic immobiliser)

Wearable key

Transmission

Maserati all wheel drive system

Wheels

Summer tyres

Wheels - Spare

Fix and go tyre sealing compound and electric air compressor

Emissions - ICE

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb: 226

Standard Euro Emissions: EURO 6

HC+NOx: N

Particles: N

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Low: 387

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Medium: 243

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - High: 194

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Extra High: 195

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEH: 228

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEL: 226

Engine and Drive Train

Compression Ratio: 11.0:1

Cylinders: 6

Transmission: SEMI-AUTO

Engine Layout: MID ENGINE NORTH SOUTH

Catalytic Convertor: No

Fuel Delivery: TWIN TURBO

Camshaft: DOHC

Number of Valves: 24

Gears: 8 SPEED

Cylinder Layout: V6

CC: 2992

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): 82

Cylinders - Bore (mm): 88

Fuel Consumption - ICE

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEH: 28

WLTP - MPG - Low: 16.5

WLTP - MPG - Medium: 26.4

WLTP - MPG - High: 33

WLTP - MPG - Extra High: 32.8

WLTP - MPG - Comb: 28.2

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEL: 28.2

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEH: 10.1

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEL: 10

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb: 10

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low: 17.1

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium: 10.7

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High: 8.6

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: 0

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High: 8.6

General

Special Order: 0

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: 0

Based On ID: N

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: N

NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: N

NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: N

NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: N

NCAP Safety Assist %: N

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: N

Badge Power: 490

Badge Engine CC: 3.0

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Coin Description: V6

Coin Series: Modena

Special Edition: 0

Generation Mark: 1

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

Performance

Top Speed: 188

Engine Power - BHP: 490

Engine Power - PS: No

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

Engine Torque - RPM: 3000

Engine Torque - NM: 600

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 443

Engine Power - RPM: 6500

Engine Power - KW: 360

Engine Torque - MKG: 61.2

0 to 62 mph (secs): 3.9

Test Cycles

RDE Certification Level: RDE 2

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

Tyres

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Space Saver?: 0

Alloys?: No

Tyre Size Front: 265/30 R20

Wheel Style: CRIO

Tyre Size Rear: 295/30 R21

Wheel Type: 20" ALLOY

Vehicle Dimensions

Length: 4959

Height (including roof rails): N

Height: 1353

Width (including mirrors): 2113

Wheelbase: 2929

Width: 1957

Weight and Capacities

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 12.4

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): N

Max. Roof Load: N

No. of Seats: 4

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 310

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 70

Minimum Kerbweight: 1795

Body Glass

Rear privacy glass

Brakes

Anodised red painted brake calipers

Red painted brake calipers

Black painted brake calipers

Blue brake calipers

Yellow painted brake calipers

Fuoriserie - Lime brake calipers

Fuoriserie - Orange brake calipers

Fuoriserie - White brake calipers

Embellishment Trims

High gloss carbon macrotwill trim

High gloss carbon fibre with copper thread trim for selected interior details

Entertainment

Sonus Faber high premium 1195 W surround system with 19 speakers

Exterior Body Features

Fuoriserie - Special metallic paint

Fuoriserie - Three coat paint

Fuoriserie - Special solid paint

Fuoriserie - Matte paint

Fuoriserie - Solid paint

Metallic paint

Matte paint

Fuoriserie - Metallic paint

Fuoriserie - Special metallic paint II

Exterior Lights

Full LED Matrix adaptive dark finish headlights, Matrix adaptive high beam, low beam and static bending light

Interior Features

Cigarette lighter

Rooflining in Alcantara along with pillars and sun visors

Trident stitching on headrest

Packs

Advanced driver assistance pack 1 - Granturismo

Advanced driver assistance pack 2 - Granturismo

Comfort pack - Granturismo Modena

Sport design pack - Granturismo Modena

Tech assistance pack - Granturismo

Paint - Metallic

Fuoriserie - Metallic paint - Devil orange

Metallic - Nero Assoluto

Metallic paint - Bianco Astro

Fuoriserie - Metallic paint - Blu Royale

Fuoriserie - Metallic paint - Blu graphite

Fuoriserie - Metallic paint - Night interaction

Fuoriserie - Metallic paint - Orange zest

Fuoriserie - Metallic paint - Urban green

Paint - Solid

Fuoriserie - Solid paint - Verde Royale

Fuoriserie - Solid paint - Blue Maserati

Solid - Grigio incognito

Fuoriserie - Solid paint - Blu denim

Paint - Special

Special metallic paint - Blue Modena

Fuoriserie - Matte paint - Military teal

Fuoriserie - Special metallic paint II - Blu graphite texturized

Fuoriserie - Three coat paint - Giallo corse

Matte paint - Grigio maratea

Special metallic paint - Verde Giada

Fuoriserie Matte paint - Power nude texturised

Fuoriserie - Three coat paint - Aquamarina

Fuoriserie - Matte paint - Digital mint

Fuoriserie - Matte paint - Azzuro astro

Fuoriserie Matte paint - Blu corse

Fuoriserie - Special Metallic paint - Blu victory

Fuoriserie - Special solid paint - Bianco alabastro

Fuoriserie - Special solid paint - Vintage ochre

Fuoriserie - Special metallic paint - Rose gold liquid metal

Fuoriserie - Special solid paint - Orange glow

Fuoriserie - Special solid paint - Hypergreen

Fuoriserie - Three coat paint - Grigio Cangiante

Fuoriserie - Three coat paint - Rosso GranTurismo

Fuoriserie - Three coat paint - Al Aqua Rainbow

Seats

Front seat ventilation

Trim - Leather

Full grain premium leather - Cuoio

Full grain premium leather - Greige

Full grain premium leather - Nero

Wheels - Alloy

20" front / 21" rear Astreo design machine forged wheels with diamond cut dark myron matte finish

20" front / 21" rear Astreo design machine forged wheels with diamond cut dark myron gloss finish

20" front / 21" rear Pegaso design full forged wheels with diamond cut black gloss finish

20" front / 21" rear Pegaso design full forged wheels with black gloss finish