Engine
The Maserati Granturismo S Automatic is driven by an eight cylinder, 4691 cc V90° engine that develops 440 bhp at 7000 rpm and produces a maximum torque of 490 Nm at 4750 rpm. The timing is actioned by two overhead camshafts per bank and four valves per cylinder controlled by hydraulic tappets. The overhead camshafts on the aspirated side are controlled by a low pressure, continual phase variator with actuation times of less than 0.15 seconds.

The increased power and torque is due to the higher capacity and the exhaust valves controlled by the driver. When on the move and at over 3000 rpm, pressing the ‘Sport’ button opens the valves to allow the exhaust gases to escape more quickly; the lower back-pressure means the engine reaches a peak power output of 440 bhp.

Gearbox
The GT soul of the GranTurismo S Automatic shines through with the six-speed automatic transmission. The effect of the self-adapting automatic gearbox is especially felt at low to medium revs but does not affect power delivery higher up the rev range and allows changes to be made until 7200 rpm, a rate that no other automatic gearbox in the world can equal.

There are four function modes: Auto Normal is for comfortable cruising, Auto Sport is for those who like a sportier ride, Auto ICE is for low grip conditions and then there is Manual mode. In manual, it is the driver who chooses when to change gear via the steering wheel paddles.

Chassis
The Maserati GranTurismo S Automatic reacts brilliantly thanks to its spot-on weight distribution: 49% of the car’s mass sits over the front end and 51% on the rear. This set up was achieved by shifting the engine behind the front axle and it gives the driver an unparalleled sense of security in any conditions.

The load-bearing chassis means greater rigidity and its high-resistance, box-steel structure allows the suspension to track every dip in the terrain. This enhances the car’s dynamic handling and ensures a more comfortable drive.

Suspension
The Maserati GranTurismo S Automatic’s precise handling benefits from front and rear wishbone suspension. The system’s ‘anti-dive’ and ‘anti-squat’ geometry prevents the front from dipping under braking and the rear end from squatting when the accelerator is pressed.

The GranTurismo S Automatic comes with the Skyhook system as standard. This technology uses shock absorbers with an aluminium body to continually adjust the damping. Skyhook automatically selects the optimal level of damping and integrates with the MSP safety system and the calibration of the car’s automatic gearbox. The result is that the car is able to adapt to the characteristics of each driver; the GranTurismo is a car that fits like a glove.

The Skyhook system
The electronically controlled Skyhook suspension is available as standard. This system employs dampers with an aluminium body that continually adjust the damping for an improved ride. However, the system does not penalise performance or compromise the car’s sporty nature.

The Skyhook system acts by using acceleration sensors that detect movement on all four wheels and the body. A control unit processes the data it receives from the sensors, analyses the driving style and road surface and instantly adjusts the dampers accordingly via their proportional valves.
However, as the Skyhook and transmission is data from the sensors is fed to the same point, Maserati engineers have integrated the two systems. So, the GranTurismo S Automatic is able to tweak the suspension settings so that the driver feels even less movement through the chassis during gear changes.

Opting for the ‘Sport’ setting results in a stiffer ride, less roll, more contained load transfer, greater agility and stability as well as allowing startling performance figures. The dedicated on board computer reduces gear shifts by 40% and Skyhook switches from controlling the ride to focusing on the set up (body control), making the GranTurismo S Automatic easier to handle and giving it more grip. Together, the two systems combine to offer more precise, livelier gear changes.