Maserati Uses Geneva Motor Show to Unveil GranTurismo Sport

Fresh off strong sales in 2011 of its overall product line, Maserati has debuted the new GranTurismo Sport at the Geneva International Motor Show 2012.

The Maserati GranTurismo Sport debuts as a 2013 model in the United States, which is Maserati's largest market with China breathing down its neck. It replaces the GranTurismo S.

Power is going to come from a 4.7-liter V8 that produces 460 horsepower and 380 lb. ft. of torque. It boasts an electro-actuated gearbox featuring MC shift technology for gear changes down to 100 miliseconds.

The Maserati GranTurismo Sport has a top speed of 187 miles per hour with a 0-60 time of 4.7 seconds. The automatic transmission is just a click slower to 60 with a time of 4.8 seconds and a top speed of 186 mph (but who's counting at that speed?).

The GranTurismo Sport is available with two different types of transmission: a ZF 6-speed automatic and a six-speed electro actuated gearbox, with dry twin-plate clutch (that, dammit, will not be available in North America). The first enhances driving comfort without compromising on performance, while the second offers a more involving driving experience. Once again, though, we are denied that driving experience.

Maserati has tweaked the exterior of the GranTurismo Sport for a more athletic, functional look. The front bumper has been redesigned to improve the air flow and the cooling of the front brakes, while at the same time enhancing the appearance of the front fascia, thanks to a new styling element that unites the space between the new headlights and the traditional oval grille. The chromed trident with red accents takes pride of place at the center of the grille: which Maserati says is a detail reserved to the most powerful Maserati cars, in keeping with the tradition of the marque.

The front light cluster maintains its original profile, but it has been completely redesigned and improved thanks to the addition of daytime running light LED technology. The new LEDs give the headlights a further style boost as well as improving functionality and visibility, benefitting car safety. The rear of the car has been made even sleeker than before thanks to restyled, darker light clusters that accentuate its dramatic look.

Behind the impressive 20-inch Astro Design alloy wheels lies the impressive braking system of the new GranTurismo Sport, which employs Brembo dual-cast technology coupled with 6-piston brake calipers at the front and 4-piston brake calipers at the rear. The disc, in a slotted and perforated version, is made of two different materials, cast iron and aluminum, reducing weight by between 15% and 20% and delivering enhanced comfort, reduced corrosion and wear and superior component performance. The caliper, meanwhile, represents a new feature for Maserati and Brembo in terms of color, introducing a brand new oxidized blue which, thanks to its matt finish, enhances the car's ultra-sporty nature.

The interior of the GranTurismo Sport has been treated to a sporty makeover. Of particular importance are the new front and rear seats, which not only improve and update the look, but also provide a more ergonomic design; the seats offer better support as well as optimized comfort for driver and passengers on longer journeys. The distinctive new design of the rear shell of the front seats, in leather, also frees up more space for rear seat passengers (.8 inches).

Particular attention has been devoted to enhance the dynamic yet refined spirit of the GranTurismo Sport. New details in EcoChrome grey and the Poltrona Frau leather upholstery, feature alongside sporty elements such as the gearshift paddles on the steering wheel, inspired by the design of the Trofeo race car, and the aluminum pedals. The steering wheel is also new and is now even more ergonomic and better suited to sports driving, thanks to a flatter rim and a grip with accentuated profile.

With these characteristics, the new GranTurismo Sport follows in the footsteps of one of the most successful cars in the entire history of Maserati. Since its launch at the Geneva Motor Show, back in 2007, around 15,000 Granturismo models have been delivered to customers all over the world. Last year the GranTurismo range accounted for 44% of the total Maserati sales, with more than 2700 cars delivered to clients all over the world. The United States was once again the number one market, not only in terms of overall product range sales, but also sales by model, with almost 900 GranTurismos sold in 2011, followed by China and Italy.

No price information has been announced yet for the Maserati GranTurismo Sport that goes on sale in 2013.