Used 2015 Maserati GranTurismo

The 2015 Maserati GranTurismo mixes the Italian exotic-car formula – powerful and sonorous V8 and drop-dead sexy styling – with a couture name and leather-lined interior. The result is a car that offers an alternative if you’re shopping for an Aston Martin DB9 or a Porsche 911. Not only can it hang with its British and German rivals, it neatly splits the cost between them, although we’re guessing Maserati GranTurismo buyers aren’t exactly bargain hunting. Nonetheless, Maserati offers a surprisingly wide spectrum of models to choose from, ranging from the base coupe and convertible to Sport, MC Stradale and this year’s special Centennial edition.

Whatever model of Maserati GranTurismo you choose, it’s hard to go wrong thanks to the 454-horsepower V8 engine under the hood. Along with the 6-speed automatic transmission, the Maserati GranTurismo has no problem getting out of its own way, or anybody else’s for that matter. There are two different suspension setups. Sport Coupe, Convertible and Sport Convertible models get Skyhook, an electronically controlled suspension system that continuously adjusts damping to maintain optimum handling control and ride comfort. If you’re looking for optimal handling, the MC Coupe and MC Convertible suspension uses fixed-rate shocks, lower and stiffer springs and thicker anti-roll bars. The direct and positive steering is standard across the board, and the race-bred Brembo brakes (6-piston in front) erase speed with confidence. But as sharp and responsive as it is, the GranTurismo always maintains a sense of grace, polish and refinement.

Regardless of model, all 2015 Maserati GranTurismo coupes and convertibles offer two pairs of bucket seats around a center console for 2+2 seating. Sport models get form-fitting seats with integrated headrests, and in all models the front seats power forward to help clear a path to the rear. The triple-insulated power convertible top on the drop-top GranTurismo deploys in just 24 seconds, at speeds up to 20 mph. Two golf bags stash in the trunk. The Maserati GranTurismo Convertible features rear rollover bars that pop up, protecting occupants in a crash.

With a wide, projecting oval grille, aggressive air intakes and sleek headlights, the 2015 Maserati GranTurismo embodies the company’s design aesthetic. The long nose and short rear deck on the coupes give the car a classically sporty look, and the convertible is simply gorgeous with the top down. All GranTurismos roll on big, 20-inch alloy wheels. The GranTurismo MC Coupe has bodywork inspired by the racing Stradale, employing a wider front spoiler and rear diffuser to make the car more stable at speed.

THE SPORT BUTTON
You’d think the 2015 Maserati GranTurismo would be sporty enough, yet the Sport button opens up the exhaust, quickens the shifts, and sharpens the Skyhook adjustable suspension for a firmer ride and sharper handling.

SHIFT PADDLES
Mounted behind the steering wheel on the Maserati GranTurismo are two long, artfully crafted shifter paddles. Not only do they give you manual control over the car’s drivetrain at a single click, but they epitomize the Italian flair and design of the car with their light-alloy construction and tactile control.

Obviously, the 2015 GranTurismo comes standard with plenty of leather inside, a navigation system, rear parking sensors and automatic windshield wipers. There’s also a high-end Bose audio system with surround sound, satellite radio and Bluetooth/iPod integration, and a hard drive to store music. On the convertible GranTurismos, the A/C settings adjust automatically based on whether the top is up or down.

New to the long list of customization options for the Maserati GranTurismo this year is the Centennial Edition GranTurismo MC. This special edition includes three tri-coated colors, special 20-inch wheels, and aggressively styled seats with contrasting red, white and blue insert. Even without the Centennial Edition, you can chose from exotic padouk or wenge wood interior trim, eight different colors for the brake calipers, carbon-fiber accents or many other personalization options. However, this high-end luxury sports coupe isn’t available with some of the high-tech features of its competitors, like night vision, a head-up instrument display or dynamic cruise control.

The 4.7-liter V8 engine under the hood of the GranTurismo was co-developed with Ferrari, a company that knows its way around a V8 engine. Making 454 horsepower, and routing it all to the rear wheels through a 6-speed automatic transmission, it is especially intoxicating when the exhaust system bypass-valve opens above 3,000 rpm. Fuel economy isn’t great, but the power is smooth, responsive and strong. In Sport mode, the GranTurismo’s 6-speed automatic transmission also offers a Sport mode for quicker shifts, a Manual setting for full manual gear selection via steering-column-mounted paddle shifters, and an Ice mode for low-grip situations where the transmission starts out 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)