Review

Review: Maserati M138 GranSport (2004-08)

3 stars

  • 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.

Maserati M138 GranSport specifications
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.

Related links

Back To Top