The all-new sixth generation Maserati GranTurismo has taken to the road ahead of its official reveal, in the Modena and Trofeo versions. The high-performance coupé is clocking up the miles, powered by a tamed version of the V6 Nettuno engine found in the MC20 supercar. The new GranTurismo replaces the V8-powered GranTurismo which ended production in 2019, after a successful 12-year production run.
While automakers tend to disguise their preproduction prototypes under a cloak of camouflage, Maserati has chosen to take its new GranTurismo on the road in full livery, with large, unmistakable logos on the door and hood. The side quarter windows also feature a “75th” monogram, to commemorate the birth of a Maserati legend.
The A6 1500 Gran Turismo, unveiled at the 1947 Geneva Motor Show, is a significant milestone in the history of the brand. It was Maserati’s first production road car. Its glorious Pininfarina-designed bodywork would inspire the design aesthetics of several legendary Maserati models to follow.
The car’s advanced technical features, in addition to its beautifully fluid styling, made it a darling of the motoring press. Despite high-acclaim, only 61 units were ever produced in a short production run of just four years, before it was replaced by the A6G 2000 coupé in 1950. The irresistible combination of desirability and rarity had made the original Maserati Gran Turismo highly sought after by collectors.
The true successor to the A6 1500 came a decade later, in 1957, when Maserati unveiled the 3500 GT Vignale Spyder. Often described in the press as a ‘rolling work of art,’ the Giovanni Michelotti designed car became a favourite among Italy’s celebrities and business leaders. The stunning 3500 GT Spyder Vignale followed in 1959.
The third generation Grand Turismo arrived in 1970, with the Ghibli SS Coupé. Named after a Saharan wind, it had all the exotic elements found in the era-defining super cars – pop-up headlights, electric windows, magnesium alloy wheels, plush sports seats and a reclined driving position. But other practical elements such as a spacious 24-cubic-foot boot and large twin fuel tanks made it a truly comfortable grand tourer.
Launched in 1998, the 3200 GT Assetto Corsa is the fourth generation Maserati GT, and the first under Ferrari management. Capable of an impressive 280 kmph top speed, and acceleration from 0-100 kmph in 5.1 seconds, it had the power and performance that customers expected, along with practicality.
The GranTurismo name was revived in 2007. No fewer than six GranTurismo variants were offered, in addition to GranCabrio and one-off variants, before it was retired in 2019. A body designed by Pininfarina, a chassis derived from Quattroporte, and a 4.2-litre V8 engine developed in conjunction with Ferrari, the fifth generation Maserati GranTurismo had the perfect formula for success; as evidenced by the 12-year production run.
Now the 2023 GranTurismo, the sixth generation, carries forward the DNA of the badge: a high-performance car capable of covering long distances in comfort and style. It is powered by a variant of the V6 twin-turbocharged ‘Nettuno’ unit developed for the mid-engined MC20 supercar, and later used to power the Grecale SUV. Like the Grecale, the new GranTurismo will be offered in Modena and range-topping Trofeo variants as well.
