MASERATI GRANTURISMO COUPE 3.0 V6 Trofeo Primaserie 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

Laminated front glass with high thermal and noise insulation

Heated windscreen washer nozzles

Anti pinch sensor for windows

Brakes

Black painted brake calipers

Electronic parking brake

Maserati stability programme (MSP)

High performance braking system

Vehicle domain control module (VDCM)

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

Voice control system

Wi-Fi hotspot

Apple car play and Android auto

Maserati connect

Bluetooth

TBM (Telematic Box Module) for Connectivity

Cyber security gateway

Driver Aids

Forward collision warning

Electronic Power Steering (EPS)

Front and rear parking sensors with rear active braking

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

Driver Convenience

Wireless charger

Start and stop engine function

Driver Information

Head up Display

e-Call (emergency call)

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

Connectivity Services (Europe)

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

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

Driving Mirrors

Automatic dimming door mirrors

Power folding and heated door mirrors

Frameless rear view mirror

Embellishment Trims

3D carbon fibre trim

Entertainment

Digital Audio Broadcast (DAB)

Sonus Faber high premium 1195 W surround system with 19 speakers

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

Rear boot

Body coloured side skirts with carbon fibre inserts

Daylight opening (DLO) in black finish

Quad tips exhaust system in chrome finish

Trofeo specific front bumper, rear bumper and diffuser

Lower fascia with carbon fibre inserts

Carbon fibre rear boot spoiler

Active aerodynamics (Air shutter control)

Front grille surround frame in dark chrome

Fuoriserie goodwool car cover

Side airvent grille, door handle inserts and blade on boot lid in black

Exterior Lights

Front door puddle lamps

LED daytime running lights

LED rear lights

Full LED tail lamps

LED 3rd brake light

Automatic headlight activation with dusk sensor

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

LED front turn indicators

Proximity sensor with welcome lighting

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Two zone automatic climate control with humidity sensor

Rear seats air ducts

Interior Features

Driver and passenger sunvisors

Aluminium gear shift paddles

Power height and reach adjustable steering column

Maserati digital smart clock on dashboard

Rooflining in Alcantara along with pillars and sun visors

Leather sport, multifunction, heated steering wheel with Drive mode selector

Dashboard glovebox with valet lock

Two front and two rear cupholders

Dedicated 1 of 75 interior badge

Specific extended trofeo primaserie two tone full grain premium leather upholstery with perforated seat squab and backrests centres

Rear seats with load through ski hatch

Interior Lights

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

Packs

Comfort pack - Granturismo Trofeo/Primaserie Rame/Blu

Sport design pack - Granturismo Trofeo

Accessories pack - Granturismo Primaserie

Safety

Driver and passenger side airbags

Dual stage driver/passenger airbags

Tyre pressure monitoring system

Front passenger airbag deactivation

Front seatbelt reminder

Automated emergency braking with pedestrian recognition

Driver and passenger head airbags

Seats

Heated front seats

Rear head restraints

Front head restraints

Front seat ventilation

Single front passenger seat

2 individual seats in 2nd row

18-way power front sport seats with drivers memory function

Isofix rear child seat attachments with hook covers

Security

E-latch opening system

Vodafone stolen vehicle recovery with automatic driver recognition and remote inhibition

Wearable key

Keyless entry, keyless go and easy entry

Keyless entry via smartphone

2nd key fob

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

Transmission

Electronic limited slip differential

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) - Medium: 243

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

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

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb: 230

Standard Euro Emissions: EURO 6

HC+NOx: N

Particles: N

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

Engine and Drive Train

Transmission: SEMI-AUTO

Engine Layout: MID ENGINE NORTH SOUTH

Catalytic Convertor: No

Fuel Delivery: TWIN TURBO

Camshaft: DOHC

Number of Valves: 24

Cylinder Layout: V6

Cylinders: 6

Compression Ratio: 11.0:1

Cylinders - Bore (mm): 88

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): 82

Gears: 8 SPEED

CC: 2992

Fuel Consumption - ICE

WLTP - MPG - Comb: 27.8

WLTP - MPG - Low: 16.5

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

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

WLTP - MPG - Medium: 26.4

WLTP - MPG - High: 33

WLTP - MPG - Extra High: 32.8

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

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb: 10.2

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

General

Badge Engine CC: 3.0

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: N

Badge Power: 550

NCAP Safety Assist %: N

NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: N

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

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Special Edition: 0

Special Order: 0

Based On ID: N

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: N

NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: N

NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: N

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: 0

Generation Mark: 1

Coin Series: Trofeo Primaserie

Coin Description: V6

Performance

Engine Torque - RPM: 3000

0 to 62 mph (secs): 3.5

Top Speed: 199

Engine Power - BHP: 550

Engine Power - PS: No

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

Engine Power - KW: 405

Engine Power - RPM: 6500

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 479

Engine Torque - NM: 650

Engine Torque - MKG: 66.3

Test Cycles

RDE Certification Level: RDE 2

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

Tyres

Wheel Style: PEGASO

Alloys?: No

Space Saver?: 0

Tyre Size Front: 265/30 R20

Wheel Type: 20" ALLOY

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Tyre Size Rear: 295/30 R21

Vehicle Dimensions

Length: 4966

Width: 1957

Wheelbase: 2929

Width (including mirrors): 2113

Height: 1353

Height (including roof rails): N

Weight and Capacities

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 310

No. of Seats: 4

Minimum Kerbweight: 1795

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 70

Max. Roof Load: N

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): N

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 12.4

Driver Aids

Rear view camera with dynamic grid lines

Passive speed limiter

Embellishment Trims

Linear Graphic effect stitching in mint green on perforated leather seats, door panels and dashboard

Exterior Body Features

Side air vents insert, version name, trident logo on C-pillar and Maserati script on boot lid in mint green finish

Fuoriserie four layer matte paint

Interior Features

Specific 75th anniversary logo stitched on front and rear head restraints in mint green

Interior Granturismo logo in mint green

Paint - Special

Fuoriserie two layer matte paint - Grigio Lamiera

Fuoriserie four layer matte paint - Nero Cometa

Trim - Leather

Specific extended trofeo primaserie two tone full grain premium leather - Nero/ice with perforated seat squab and backrest centres

Wheels

Specific 75th anniversary logo on wheels centre cap in mint green finish

Specific detailing on wheels in mint green finish

Wheels - Alloy

20" front / 21" rear Astreo design machine forged wheels with specific matte black finish