The Maserati GranSport was unveiled in 2004 with a clear intention: to assert Maserati’s sporting values at the highest level in terms of performance, usability and overall refinement. The MC12 was launched in the same year, and here was a truly capable GT which inherited the Coupé GT’s already impressive qualities and took them even further.
Introduced at the Geneva motor show to considerable critical acclaim, the GranSport was conceived around a new version of the Coupé’s 4.2 liter Ferrari-derived V8 engine, tuned to produce 400 hp. Maximum power delivery had been increased thanks to special developments intended to reduce internal friction, along with work on the intake manifolds and valve seats, together with an electronically controlled pneumatic valve system. A new sports exhaust (instantly recognizable thanks to its twin chrome tailpipes) was designed to provide a deep, full-bodied rumble.
The Maserati GranSport was fitted only with the Cambiocorsa six-speed electro-hydraulic transmission. In Sport mode the revised software offered 35 percent quicker gear changes than the Coupé CC and boasted automatic rev-matching to make changing down a gear even faster. With these improvements the GranSport could sprint over a kilometer from a standstill in an eye watering 23 seconds flat.
The Maserati GranSport had racing in its genes, with technology and experience derived from the Trofeo Maserati championship. The ride height was lowered by 10 mm and the suspension was stiffened. With new Trofeo-style 19″ wheels (with spokes designed to evoke the Trident motif) the GranSport boasted a lower centre of gravity which turned it into a particularly agile and responsive GT.
Externally, a body kit with new bumpers and side sills distinguished it from the Coupé, making it more muscular and aerodynamic at the same time. The very pronounced lower spoiler was elegantly integrated into the body itself, while the rear trunk lid received a discreet yet efficient spoiler lip. The result of much testing in the wind tunnel, the add-ons improved the Cd value and achieved a balanced division of vertical loads (Cz) between front and rear axles. This resulted in improved front-wheel grip and precision and bestowed the GranSport with exceptionally balanced dynamic handling qualities.
Technical Specifications
| Model | GranSport |
| Maserati internal code | |
| Production start | 2004 |
| Number Produced | |
| Ignition | Bosch integrated ignition-injection system, electronic drive-by-wire acceleration control. |
| Lubrication | dry sump, pump in single unit with cooling pumps |
| Transmission | 6-speed + reverse, transaxle layout, electro-hydraulic operation and electronic management operated by paddle-shifts; asymmetrical limited-slip differential (25% under acceleration, 45% on lift-off), dry twin-plate clutch diameter 215 mm (8.46 inches) with flexible couplings and hydraulic control, rear wheel drive |
| Reduction | 1:3.73 |
| Gear ratios | I=3.286; II=2.158; III=1.609; IV=1.269; V=1.034; VI=0.816; R=2.733 |
| Chassis | stress-bearing steel monocoque with both the external panels and box-section superstructure are galvanized-coated on both sides. Chassis made from high resistance galvanized steel with a rear tubular sub-chassis to support the suspension and gearbox, and a front tubular sub-chassis to support the suspension and engine. |
| Front suspension | Double wishbones with arms and hubs in forged aluminum; progressive rate steel dampers or optional continuously variable aluminum gas dampers with adaptive damping and acceleration sensors on each wheel (Skyhook system), co-axial coils and springs. |
| Rear suspension | Double wishbones with arms and hubs in forged aluminum, additional radius arm to control toe-in; progressive rate steel dampers or optional continuously variable aluminum gas dampers with adaptive damping and acceleration sensors on each wheel (Skyhook system), co-axial coils and springs. |
| Brakes | Brembo braking system, Ferodo HP1000 brake pads, Bosch 5.7 four-channel ABS, Electronically controlled braking corrector (EBD) |
| Brakes front | 330 mm x 32 mm cross-drilled ventilating discs, alloy four piston calipers 46-38 mm with ceramic insulating seals |
| Brakes rear | 310 mm x 28 cross-drilled ventilating discs, alloy four piston calipers 34-30 mm with ceramic insulating seals |
| Steering | servo-assisted rack and pinion |
| Cooling system | water cooled |
| Length | 178.07 inches (4,523 mm) |
| Width | 71.7 inches (1,822 mm) |
| Height | 51.4 inches (1,305 mm) |
| Wheelbase | 104.7 inches (2,660 mm) |
| Front track | 60.0 inches (1,525 mm) |
| Rear track | 60.5 inches (1,538 mm) |
| Dry weight | 3,480 lbs (1,580 Kg) |
| Curb weight | 3,700 lbs (1,680 Kg) |
| Tires front | 235/35 ZR 19 (8J) |
| Tires rear | 265/30 ZR 19 (9.5J) |
| Wheels | 19” Trofeo-design alloy wheels; front 8J x 19, rear 9.5J x 19 |
| Top speed | 180 mph (290 km/h) |
| Bodywork | two-door, four seater coupé |
| Fuel tank | 19.3 Imperial gallons / 23.2 US gallons (88 liters) |
| 0-62 mph | 4.85 sec (0-100 kmh). |
| Quarter mile | 0-400 m in 12.8 sec. |
| Standing kilometer | 0 to 1000 m. in 23.0 sec. |
| Production date | 2004-2007 |
| Engine | 90° V8, crankcase and cylinder heads in hardened aluminum silicon alloy; crankshaft in refined forged steel, balanced individually on five main bearings |
| Bore and stroke | 92×79.8 mm |
| Total displacement | 4,244 cc |
| Displacements (unitary) | 530.5 cc |
| Compression ratio | 11:1 |
| Maximum power | 400 hp (295 kW) at 7,000 rpm |
| Maximum torque | 46 Kgm (452Nm) at 4,500 rpm |
| Timing gear | chain-driven twin overhead camshafts per cylinder bank command; four valves per cylinder with hydraulic tappets. |
| Fuel feed | Bosch ME 7.3.2 injection with electronic control, electronic drive-by-wire throttle control |
| Engine weight | 405.7 lbs (184 Kg) |