EXOTIC RACING SERIES CAR OF THE DAY: Maserati GranTurismo S

Submitted by Kirk Pedersen on Thu, 2010-03-11 22:31

A coupe on the same platform as the Quattroporte sedan, the Maserati GranTurismo S is the Italian automaker’s most recent range-topping grand tourer. Unveiled at the 2008 Geneva Auto Show, GranTurismo S also shares a platform with Ferrari’s newest halo car, the 599 GTB Fioriano, and when you examine their lines closely, you can see how one car takes after the other. GranTurismo S is also closely tied to another car featured in the Exotic downloadable content Pack for Need for Speed SHIFT, the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione, which uses a modified Maserati platform and powertrain. Designed by former Pininfarina car guru Jason Castriota, GranTurismo S maintains the modern styling that has dominated the past several Maserati models while still giving a nod to the automaker’s past. Sporting Maserati’s classic ‘trident’ badge, GranTurismo S, which was first offered in 2008, marks a significant upgrade on the basic GranTurismo platform. Under its long, shapely hood is a 4.7-liter V8 - a larger mill than the 4.2-liter powerplant featured in the standard GranTurismo – which pumps out an impressive 434 horsepower, 35 more than the ‘base’ variant. When equipped with a manual transmission, GranTurismo S tears up the tarmac, running 0-60 in less than five seconds with a top speed of 183 mph, more than enough to get your blood rushing. Speaking of the transmission, GranTurismo S features a six-speed ‘robotic’ manual transmission which shifts smoother than a warm knife through soft butter, with a lightning-quick response time. Its suspension system is aided by fixed-setting steel dampers, with the Skyhook adaptive suspension a factory option for drivers who want a bit more strength. You owe it to yourself to take the GranTurismo S out for a burn in Need for Speed SHIFT's Exotic Racing Series because this car was built for the tracks in this game, especially Riviera.