Engine
The Maserati Granturismo S Automatic is driven by an eight cylinder, 4,691 cc V90° engine that develops 440 hp at 7,000 rpm and produces a maximum torque of 490 Nm at 4,750 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 intake 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 system valves controlled by the driver. When on the move and at over 3,000 rpm, pressing the ‘Sport’ button on the dash opens the valves to allow the exhaust to escape more quickly; the lower counter-pressure means the engine reaches a peak power output of 440 hp.

Transmission
In the Grandturismo S Auto, the new MC Auto shift transmission features Manual Sport Mode for increased responsiveness and that full-throated sound you only ever hear in a Maserati, while a Launch Control mode reduces the 0 - 100km/h acceleration time to 4.9 seconds. Along with features designed for even greater driver engagement, like the Gear Keeper, Digital RPM Indicator and electronic Down-Shift Double Declutch, make it an auto capable of awakening true motoring enthusiasts. While driver comfort is improved even further by the inclusion of Poltrona Frau leather seats highlighted with M-Design stitching.

The GT soul of the GranTurismo S Automatic shines through with the six-speed automatic transmission, created by German transmission specialists ZF and tuned specifically for Maserati. The effect of the self-adapting automatic transmission is especially felt at low to medium revs but still grants immediate power delivery higher up the rev range and allows changes to be made until 7,200 rpm.

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 gears via the shift paddles mounted on the steering column.

Low Friction Program
Further enhancements have been made to Maserati’s Low friction Program. The reduced friction requires less effort for the engine, providing an increase of power to 440hp and torque to 490Nm. At the same time, each vehicle’s fuel consumption and emissions are reduced significantly.

Chassis
The Maserati GranTurismo S Automatic reacts brilliantly thanks to its unique weight distribution: 49% of the car’s mass sits over the front end and 51% on the rear. This setup was achieved by shifting the engine behind the front axle and it gives the driver an unparalleled sense of balance and response.

The load-bearing chassis means greater rigidity and its high-resistance, box-steel structure allows the suspension to better track the road. This enhances the car’s dynamic handling while also providing a more comfortable drive.

Suspension
The Maserati GranTurismo S Automatic’s precise handling benefits from front and rear double wishbone suspension. The system’s ‘anti-dive’ and ‘anti-squat’ geometry limits the front from dipping under braking and the rear end from squatting under acceleration.

The Skyhook system
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 rate. Skyhook automatically selects the optimal level of damping and integrates with the Maserati Stability Programme (MSP) safety system and the calibration of the car’s automatic transmission. 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 electronically controlled Skyhook suspension 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 adjusts the dampers accordingly via their proportional valves.

As the Skyhook and transmission data is fed to the same electronic control unit, Maserati engineers have integrated the two systems. As a result 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 via the button on the dash results in a firmer 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 shift times and Skyhook switches from delivering the most comfortable ride possible to focusing on body control, giving the GranTurismo S Automatic more grip. Together, the GranTurismo S Automatic's systems combine to offer comfort when desired and a deep well of performance to draw upon at the driver's request.