Maserati’s 2+2 sports car duo, at least until a new flagship model graces their portfolio, have received updates for the 2018 model year, and Australian prices and specs have subsequently been announced.
Following the facelift revealed in the latter half of 2017, the focus for both the coupe and convertible - the GranTurismo and, respectively - consist of visual sprucing to equipment upgrades. Prices start from $295,000 for the GT and $335,000 for the GC, before on-road costs.
The exterior of the updated pair retains the same silhouette, leaving no room for passersby to mistake it for anything else. Each come with a revised front fascia that incorporates the Alferi-style hexagonal ‘shark nose’ grille as well as new bumpers front and back.
Both body styles come in two variants: Sport and MC. The latter, in case you’re unfamiliar with the Maserati’s variant split, is the more sporting and driver-focused, with suspension setup and steering tune to match. In addition the MC receives a lighter carbon fibre bonnet, a redesigned splitter, titanium brake callipers, a rear lip spoiler, and 20-inch Trofeo forged wheels.
The more comfortable Sport variant adopts adaptive dampers (as opposed to the MC’s fixed double wishbone setup) that can - and probably will - be left in the Comfort setting. Stylistically too, it isn’t as ostentatious as the more hardcore MC, as observable by the greater emphasis on elegance rather than creating functional downforce or cutting through the air with less drag.
An easy way to distinguish between the Sport and MC is by the exhausts exits. Both feature dual pipes, but are arranged at the very corners of the car for, again, a greater emphasis on elegance for the Sport, whereas the MC’s exhausts are placed closer toward the centre to encourage better heat dispersion through the diffuser’s air channel.
Under the bonnet, both variants of the GranTurismo and GranCabrio retain the naturally aspirated .4.7-litre Ferrari V8. It’s widely known to be one of the last and most sonically endowed engines on sale today, all the while pumping out a 338kW and 520Nm. Power reaches the rear wheels via a 6-speed ZF automatic transmission and a standard mechanical limited slip differential.
Inside, its new design seats are upholstered in premium Poltrona Frau leather and an 8.4-inch infotainment system that supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with audio being piped through the now-standard Harman/Kardon sound system. Additionally for 2018, there are eight interior colours and five interior trim options – from Carbon Fibre to Black Piano and Walnut Briarwood. All are available on Sport and MC versions.
- GranTurismo Sport - $295,000
- GranTurismo MC - $345,000
- GranCabrio Sport - $335,000
- GranCabrio MC - $355,000
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