Australian specifications and pricing for the 2018 Maserati GranTurismo have been revealed with the range opening at a cool $295,000 before on-road costs.
Refining the range for 2018, Maserati is offering the GranTurismo in two versions – Sport and MC (short for Maserati Corse) – the same trim levels as its GranCabrio sibling.
Also, like the drop-top, the four-seat GranTurismo coupe will share the same powertrain between its variants with a 4.7-litre naturally aspirated V8 engine putting down 338kW of power and 520Nm of torque. The engine is hand-assembled by Ferrari in Maranello and is be mated to a six-speed ZF automatic transmission.
In terms of exterior restyling the original Pininfarina design has mostly been maintained by the Maserati Design Centre with only subtle improvements for increased aerodynamic efficiency and compliance with updated pedestrian safety regulations.
Of the few changes, the front bumper has been redesigned to include a larger, hexagonal grille with ‘shark nose’ profile and chrome insert which draws inspiration from the Alfieri Concept car. The lateral air ducts on the bumper have also been improved both for aesthetical and aerodynamic efficiency purposes.
As with the GranCabrio, a central splitter is used to distinguish the two models with the MC sporting a more pronounced design emphasising the motor racing pedigree of the Maserati brand.
Also unique to the MC model is a carbon-fibre bonnet in the body colour with downforce-optimizing air-vents as standard again reflecting the track-focused orientation. Adding to the air of a race-bred machine is the inclusion of vertical air vents in the front wings, deep functional side skirts, titanium brake calipers (black in the Sport), 20-inch Trofeo Silver forged wheels which are 10 per cent stronger and lighter as well as a pronounced rear lip spoiler at the rear.
The alloys are wrapped in lightweight, fourth-generation Pirelli P Zero hoops which not only contribute to a reduction in unsprung weight, better suspension and improved grip but also improve braking distances in dry and wet conditions.
The 2018 GranTurismo includes restyled and reshaped headlights which include the LED Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) with a darker finish.
Another point of difference between the two models is the central diffuser at the rear. The GranTurismo Sport boasts oval-shaped exhaust outlets whilst the GranTurismo MC sees round outlets protruding from the central, transparent diffuser.
A total of 16 exterior colour choices are available for the 2018 GranTurismo range which includes a new three-layer colour option known as Blu Assoluto joining four other three-layer colour options. A range of 14 light alloy wheels in six different designs is available with one being a forged aluminium choice. If that wasn’t enough, an exterior carbon package is available for both the Sport and MC versions.
Internally, the cabin of the 2018 GranTurismo features four individual Poltrona Frau leather seats with integrated headrests, a redesigned dashboard with stitched leather finishes and an 8.4-inch capacitive touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A premium Harman Kardon sound system is also a standard inclusion.
Eight interior colour and five interior trim options, which include Carbon Fibre, Black Piano and Walnut Briarwood, are available for both the Sport and MC versions.
2018 Maserati GranTurismo pricing (excluding on-road costs):
GranTurismo Sport - $295,000
GranTurismo MC - $345,000
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