MASERATI’S AUTOMATIC-EQUIPPED version of the stunning Granturismo S is now on sale in Australia, boasting eight cylinders, six speeds and a $328,500 pricetag (before on-roads, of course).
The new ZF-sourced automatic transmission may not sound as sophisticated as the MC Supershift automated sequential manual that it complements, but thanks to sportier shift-mapping and a harder lock-up torque converter, it’s not exactly your average slushbox either.
Top speed is still 295km/h, while the 0-100km/h sprint is just one hundreth of a second slower than the MC Supershift model at 5.0 seconds.
The automatic will also hold gears right up to 7200rpm if the driver wants to stretch things out, while remaining smooth and progressive at low speeds.
Weight distribution is affected by the new automatic transmission, however with the Granturismo S Automatic posessing a 49-51 front-rear balance, that’s actually a little more desirable than the MC Supershift’s 47-53 split.
The 2009 Maserati Granturismo S Automatic is available in Australia with the marque’s Skyhook adaptive damper system, two designs of 20-inch alloy, a Bose stereo system and a luxuriously appointed cabin.
It’s on sale nationwide, and for full drive-away pricing contact your nearest Maserati dealer.
