- Free-revving 4.2-litre V8 engine sounds great
- Supportive front seats
- Excellent dynamics
- Powerful Brembo brakes
- Steering lacks feel
- Semi-automatic transmission provides jerky gearshifts
- High running and maintenance costs
Overview
Released in Australia in October 2004, the Maserati M138 GranSport was initially available as a coupe, with convertible Spyder models following in March 2006. Manufactured in Modena, Italy, the rear-wheel drive GranSport was powered by a 4.2-litre V8 petrol engine which was mated to a six-speed semi-automatic transmission.
Drivetrain
Produced by Ferrari, the 4.2-litre V8 engine had double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, variable intake valve timing, dry sump lubrication and a compression ratio of 11.1:1. The six-speed electro-hydraulic semi-automatic ‘Cambiocorsa’ transmission could be controlled via steering wheel gearshift paddles and provided four selectable modes: Normal, Sport, Automatic and Low Grip.
Development and dimensions
Based on the M138 Coupe and M138 Spyder models, the GranSport was distinguished by its more powerful engine (with a revised intake manifold, valve seats and exhaust system), aerodynamic body kit, chrome mesh grille and faster-shifting transmission.
The GranSport coupe was 4523 mm long, 1822 mm wide, 1295 mm tall and had a 2660 mm long wheelbase. Relative to the coupe, the GranSport Spyder was 220 mm shorter (at 4303 mm), 10 mm taller (1305 mm) and had a 220 mm shorter wheelbase (2440 mm).
Suspension
The GranSport had double wishbone suspension front and rear, while a ‘Skyhook’ adaptive damping system was also available. The Skyhook system utilised coil-over shock absorbers and six accelerators (to monitor wheel and body movement) to continually adjust individual shock absorbers as required.
| Body | Years | Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coupe | 2004-08 | 4.2-litre petrol V8 | 6sp semi-auto | 295 kW at 7000 rpm | 451 Nm at 4500 rpm |
| Spyder | 2006-08 |
Safety equipment
Standard safety equipment included dual front airbags, front side airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, electronic stability control, traction control and front seatbelt pretensioners.
The GranSport had a Brembo braking package which consisted of 330 mm by 32 mm front discs and 310 mm by 28 mm rear discs (both with four-piston alloy calipers).
Features
Standard features included 19-inch Trofeo alloy wheels with 235/35 ZR19 front and 265/30 ZR19 rear tyres, a six speaker sound system with a five-disc CD player, climate control air conditioning, power adjustable front seats, leather upholstery, cruise control, front fog lights, a leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel, remote central locking, power windows and heated mirrors, power folding mirrors, driver memory settings (seats and mirrors), a trip computer and an immobiliser.
The GranSport was also fitted with a limited slip differential (with a 25 per cent locking ratio under acceleration and 45 per cent on release).
2006 Maserati GranSport MC Victory
In mid-2006, a limited-run MC Victory variant was released – these coupes were released to commemorate Maserati’s 2005 FIA GT Manufacturers’ Cup victory. The MC Victory was distinguished by its faster steering ratios, leather and Alcantara interior trim, carbon-fibre racing seats, front and rear spoilers and Italian flag on the side panels.
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