Maserati GranTurismo packs on muscle

Someone must have been listening, after all.

When we first sampled the Maserati GranTurismo at its international launch in Bolzano, Italy, in July last year (more here), we lamented the fact that its sublime Pininfarina-penned lines weren't complemented by the brisk turn of speed expected of an exalted grand tourer adorned with the trident badge.

Although no slug, the GranTurismo simply didn't launch out of corners with the alacrity we would have liked.

Problem solved… at least on paper. Maserati will use the imminent Geneva motor show to reveal the uprated GranTurismo S, which is propelled by the same 4.7-litre V8 as the impossibly gorgeous -- and already sold-out -- Alfa Romeo 8C.

The result is that power rises from the 4.2-litre cooking model GranTurismo's 298kW to 324kW, while peak torque swells from 460 to 470Nm, and is accessible across a greater rev range.

Another key technical change is the substitution of the standard (and excellent) ZF six-speed ZF automatic transmission in favour of an electro-actuated robotised manual gearbox with "fast MC-Shift".

Meanwhile, stopping power is uprated via a high-performance brake system developed in collaboration with Brembo and introduced last year in the Quattroporte Sport GT S.

The system features front brake discs made with dual-cast technology -- a dual casting of cast iron and aluminium, paired with aluminium mono-bloc six-piston brake callipers, ensuring optimised braking performance, according to Maserati.

Visual tweaks are subtle, to say the least, but they're no more than required on what's already a stunning looking car in standard guise. Maserati diehards will have noticed the red highlighted trident badge, bespoke alloy wheels, side-sill extensions and mesh grille inserts.

Inside, the GranTurismo S's leather/alcantara-lined cabin gains funkier trim to add to its sense of occasion.

The GranTurismo S will make its Australian debut in early 2009, when prices and local specification will be announced.

Meanwhile, the standard GranTurismo recently went on sale locally and the order book for the coupe is larger than Maserati's total Australian sales in 2007. Globally, the GranTurismo has already earned the distinction of being the fastest selling Maserati of all time.

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