posted on April 30, 2020
Celebrating the end of an era for Maserati
There’s no doubt that Italy has a proud history of exotic automobiles. Ferrari is known for putting Formula 1 technology in their production cars, while Lamborghini packs both high horsepower and wild styling into every car that leaves its factory. Then there’s Maserati, another Modena-based company that takes a completely different approach to the exotic car business. Continuing the tradition of high-performance luxury road cars, Maserati’s vehicles are a stylish way to cover long distances in absolute comfort.
For nearly the last decade and a half, the sleek GranTurismo coupe has been the most evocative model in the Maserati lineup. But Maserati finally ended its production at the end of last year. To celebrate the end of an automotive staple, we’ve given the Maserati GranTurismo the honor of April car of the month!
2017 Maserati GranTurismo
| ENGINE | HORSEPOWER | 0 to 60 MPH | TOP SPEED | MILEAGE | DAILY PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.7L V8 | 450 | 4.7 sec | 185 mph | 16 mpg | $195 |
| ENGINE | HP | 0 to 60 MPH | TOP SPEED | MILEAGE | DAILY PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.7L V8 | 450 | 4.7 sec | 185 mph | 16 mpg | $195 |
Initially hitting the streets in 2007, the GranTurismo has been one of Maserati’s longest running models. It wasn’t until late 2019 that the final GT rolled off the assembly line. As a 2017 model, Turo host Hayk’s GranTurismo comes from the tail end of production, so Maserati was able to really fine tune the design by this point.
Under the hood sits a high-revving 4.7L V8 developed in conjunction with Ferrari, which translates to over 450 horsepower and 375 lb-ft of torque waiting to be unleashed at the discretion of your right foot. And once it’s time to let those horses run, the exhaust note is intoxicatingly delightful as the tach sweeps into the powerband. To keep the music going, the paddle shifters let you further compose the V8 symphony through all six gears.
While the GranTurismo may have the heart of a thoroughbred Italian race car, the design and craftsmanship are equal elements of the Maserati experience. The timeless lines of Pininfarina are carefully draped over the long wheelbase, capturing the traditional long hood, short deck GT car proportions of years past. However, straying from the vintage car look, the deep metallic blue paint over gray 20-inch wheels make this GT look as contemporary as ever. Since Hayk’s GranTurismo is an MC model (the highest trim), Maserati treats the car to some special styling cues. A pronounced scoop adorns the hood, while the interior receives sleek carbon fiber trim along the dash and door panels.
The interior of Hayk’s GranTurismo really lets you know you’re driving something special. Most obvious is the red leather upholstery, which is a welcome splash of color to complement the exterior. As is the recipe of any good GT car, the GranTurismo’s front bucket seats are both stylish and supportive for those long stints on the highway. There’s even two extra seats in the back in case you fancy some additional (short-legged) company.
GranTurismo production may have ended, but the model holds a significant role in the automotive landscape. As lots of automakers chase lap times in the pursuit of all-out performance, Maserati stays true to the notion that a car’s roadgoing experience is just as important. As much as zero-to-60 and quarter mile times may be fun benchmarks for the water cooler, it’s the sight, sounds, and roads in between that allow a car like the GranTurismo to be thoroughly enjoyed in its element.
Whether for cruising Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood or going for a scenic drive through the hills of Malibu, GranTurismos like Hayk’s offer the exotic super-GT experience in all the right ways. Farewell to one of the real lookers of the road!
Please note this listing may not currently be available.
Joey Crosetti
Joey is usually thinking about one thing: cars, cars, and did we mention cars? If he’s not talking about cars, chances are he’s tinkering under the hood of his old E30 BMW.
