GranTurismo Sport-25

Naza Italia launched the Maserati GranTurismo Sport this morning. The GranTurismo Sport, a variant that made its debut at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show, is priced in Malaysia from RM1,118,000.

The GranTurismo Sport is an evolution of the GranTurismo S, but with aggressive looks thanks to “aerodynamically efficient design upgrades” from the GranTurismo MC Stradale. The newest GranTurismo also gets fresh LED DRLs and xenons with Adaptive Light Control, which tracks the movement of the steering wheel up to 15 degrees.

Inside, the GranTurismo Sport boasts sportier front seats and a new rear seat design. The new seats are said to offer better support and comfort, while offering more knee and leg room to all. The adoption of a flat-bottomed steering wheel also helps the cause.

GranTurismo Sport-16

Under that long and shapely hood is the latest evolution of Maserati’s all-alloy 4.7 litre V8 engine, which makes 460 hp at 7,000 rpm and 520 Nm of torque at 4,750 rpm. Compared to the V8 in the GranTurismo S Auto, the engine now makes 20 hp and 30 Nm more, but with no fuel consumption or emission penalties, says Maserati. The benchmark 0-100 km/h sprint is done in 4.8 seconds, while top speed is 298 km/h.

Buyers can choose from two transmissions – a ZF six-speed automatic (MC Auto Shift) or a six-speed electro actuated gearbox with dry twin-plate clutch (MC Shift). Maser says that the ZF auto enhances driving comfort without compromising on performance, while the latter offers a more involving driving experience.

GranTurismo Sport-07

To tame all that power and keep the big GT’s 1,780 to 1,880 kg weight in check, Maserati has thrown in the latest Sport Skyhook active damping system and dual-cast, cross-drilled brakes with Brembo calipers that reside behind those 20-inch “Astro Design” alloys. 100-0 km/h braking is completed in 35 metres.

The GranTurismo Sport’s signature colour is a hue called “Blu Sofisticato” but there wasn’t a blue coloured car on display today. The yellow showcar was very striking though, more so with Miss Universe Malaysia 2013 Carey Ng beside it.