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Maserati, the legendary Italian automaker that celebrates its 60th anniversary this year, is upping the ante with the introduction of the 2008 Maserati GranTurismo. Automotive Rhythms was on the scene as the GT made its US debut at the New York International Auto show, and we were left more than impressed.
The GranTurismo moniker dates back to 1947, when Maserati unveiled its first GranTurismo, the AG at the Geneva Auto Show. It was Maserati’s first road car. Pininfarina designed both the historic model and the current GT, and both made their world debuts in Geneva. This gorgeous coupe is several steps above Maserati’s current coupe offerings, and is sure to be a sales success.
But the 2008 Maserati GranTurismo is more than just a stunner. This high styled coupe is also a runner, with the recent partnership with Ferrari still paying dividends. The 4.2-liter V8 is derived from the Ferrari-designed engine in the Quattroporte, and puts out an impressive 405 horsepower. Shifting will be handled by the slick new ZF six-speed that debuted in the Quattroporte. A near perfect 49/51-front/rear weight bias assures race car like handling, while advanced suspension design and electronics soothe the comfort side of the performance equation.
Dropping sometime late fall expect pricing for the 2008 Maserati GranTurismo to come in around $114K.
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