From left: Majdi Joudah, Maserati National Brand Manager; Florian Mack, Regional Sales Manager; and Khaled El Abed, Managing Director, Fast Auto Technic KSA, pose before GranTurismo Sport car during its launch in Jeddah recently. JEDDAH – For Maserati, the Italian luxury car manufacturer, combining unmatched style and performance is synonymous with GranTurismo Sport. That's why when the sport car was launched recently in Jeddah, executives of Maserati in the Kingdom and Fast Auto Technic KSA, the distributor of Maserati, were in high spirits knowing that the GranTurismo is one of the most successful models in Maserati history. Majdi Joudah, Maserati National Brand Manager, Fast Auto Technic, KSA told the Saudi Gazette that the launch of the 2013 model foretells the “continuation of the success" that Maserati has been reaping for years. The GranTurismo Sport carries on the traditions of the GranTurismo, which has been one of the most successful cars in Maserati history. Since its launch at the 2007 Geneva Motor Show, around 15,000 GranTurismos have been delivered all over the world. Last year the 2700 GranTurismo sales accounted for 44 percent of Maserati's total. The United States was once again the leading market with almost 900 GranTurismos sold in 2011, followed by China and Italy. An evolution of the GranTurismo S and the GranTurismo S Automatic, the GranTurismo Sport delivers a range of technical features that enhance its sporting character, both inside and out. To validate his optimism, Joudah said “GranTurismo Sport Maserati actually doesn't compete only with luxury sportscar brands but with a much larger segment of sporty grand tourers. The GranTurismo Sport has all the ingredients to be an attractive proposition to our potential customers." While its headlight shape remains the same, Maserati has fitted them with new lighting technology, including LED daytime running lights. Capable of sprinting to 100km/h in only 4.7 seconds and reaching 300km/h, the GranTurismo Sport carries the latest evolution of Maserati's all-alloy, 4.7-litre V8 engine, boasting 338kW (460CV) of power. Available with both six-speed automatic and electro-actuated transmissions, the GranTurismo Sport also delivers a new generation of the Sport Skyhook active damping system and dual-cast brakes for maximum stopping power. It sits between the GranTurismo and the GranTurismo MC to provide the mid-point of the GranTurismo model range. Joudah further said the GTS does not have one specific main competitor. “We carefully evaluate our vehicles in terms of overall customer benefit... in terms of comfort, style and performance while keeping the value proposition highly competitive." The GranTurismo Sport, with its electro-actuated gearbox, is now capable of sprinting to 100km/h in only 4.7 seconds, an improvement of 0.2 seconds over the GranTurismo S. Its top speed has also risen and the GranTurismo Sport is now able to reach 300km/h, the benchmark speed that approaches supercar performance. With the automatic transmission, the GranTurismo Sport can accelerate to 100km/h in 4.8 seconds. S. It is also faster than its predecessor GranTurismo S, achieving a top speed of 298km/h. Unlike any other sport cars which are identified with an age group, the GranTurismo Sport is the car of choice by any generation of Saudis. “Maserati offers a unique combination of sportiness and comfort which makes it makes it attractive as an everyday car for both, young and more senior customers. Currently, we have customers from all age groups but no specific target customer profile," Joudah averred. It is this recognition that makes GranTurismo Sport the only sport car that can aptly be described as “opposites attract," Joudah said. Its 90-degree, 4691cc V8 engine is fully balanced and uses five main bearings. The aluminum alloy engine contains a hardened and tempered steel crankshaft and its 32 valves are operated by chain-driven, double overhead camshafts. “It combines dynamic driving with comfortable traveling, it combines the typical Maserati exhaust sound with the possibility of relaxed cruising, while at the same time keeps the sporty feel with enough room to host 4 adults," he noted. Besides it is also projects a “muscular look yet retaining its elegant appearance," he added. With a price tag starting from SR500,000, the GranTurismo Sport exudes timeless Italian style immersed in latest technology. – SG/QJM
