Yes, yes – it’s just a new transmission option. But we find it hard to suppress our enthusiasm for the Maserati Granturismo, even when it is in only mildly modified form. At the 2009 Geneva motor show on 3 March, Maser will unveil this, the new Granturismo S Automatic.
These first photos are the first sight of the Granturismo 4.7 in two-pedal form, the full auto transmission option coming from ZF which provides the six-speed slusher. Previously, the GT has only been available as a 4.2 auto or the brawnier 4.7 with electro-actuated, robotised manual.
Ah yes, the Granturismo has two engine options!
Indeed it does. The new S Automatic is the stronger of the two, harnessing the bigger 4.7 V8 with the wet sump and producing 434bhp at 7000rpm and 361lb ft at 4750rpm. The ZF ‘box is tuned up to copy the Quattroporte Automatica‘s shift patterns, eliminating kickdown in manual mode for instance.
Skyhook suspension is standard on the Granturismo S Automatic, continuously varying the damper rates, while the sidesills are reprofiled and the 20in alloys have a slight refresh. Like we could spot the difference… but then this shape is still absolutely drop-dead gorgeous.
And how much will the Maserati Granturismo S Automatic cost?
Good question. We won’t know until press day, but our bet would be for £90k+. The regular 4.2 V8 costs £78k, the DuoSelect £88k – and this auto model is bound to top that.
Such proliferating choice is yet another sign of Maserati’s swelling line-up; Modena says it will continue to show a new car at each major motor show (albeit minor transmission mash-ups and spec fiddling). We approve.
>> Come back to CAR Online every day for our coverage from the 2009 Geneva motor show