The article was originally produced on November 29, 2008, some facts and prices may have changed since then.
Maserati Granturismo S
To get the car up to street level, it has to be driven up via a ramp from the basement. This ramp is specially designed for Autoropa and can even handle a Maserati MC12. This was demonstrated with millimeter precision at the inauguration of the premises.
It is a sunny autumn day that I arrive at Autoropa's bright premises on Narvavägen in Stockholm. The exhibition hall is filled with cars that have to be moved to get the Granturismo S out, which I will have the pleasure of driving today. The cars that Gustav from Autoropa has to shovel around are a number of Maserati Quattroportes and a couple of regular Granturismos. When Gustav starts these, of course you enjoy the sound, it's Italy singing from the pipes. Autoropa's premises are divided into a street level and a basement where all cars will have room. The Granturismo S that I'm going to drive is in the basement and when Gustav starts it, it's like a dragon coming to life in its cave. The sound is totally different compared to the other cars – a much sharper and more aggressive sound that signals sport!
Once up with "my" Granturismo S and out on the street, I feel the butterflies begin to flutter in my stomach. It is so beautiful and so hot, bordering on vulgar with its large gap to grill. Personally, I like the front more than the rear. The front is so incredibly eye-catching, almost reptilian-like with its narrow lights and wide "jaw". But the rear end is not at all as brutal and it feels a bit as if there were two different designers involved. The interior is of the highest class and you can choose between a multitude of color combinations on leather and alcantara.
Gustav gives me a quick lesson in the most important controls and how the gearbox works with its paddles. I'm listening carefully even though it's not the first time I've driven a car with such a transmission system. But better to run a rehearsal so nothing unexpected happens.
So I roll off across Östermalm and feel very well placed in that environment. It's not exactly an unusual brand to see parked along the streets in this part of town, but the S version is one of the rare ones. City driving is not a problem for this car and it is advantageous to put it in fully automatic mode with the softer type of gear changes. This provides a smooth and quiet drive.
I have chosen to drive a favorite stretch to be able to feel properly what this car is capable of. The stretch starts with the motorway where you quickly realize the potential of this car. You are constantly in the outer lane and pass all other cars as if they were stationary. The engine sound is fantastic and the high-revving V8 of 4.7 liters and 440 horsepower roars so well. The dragon from the cave keeps reminding himself. Definitely one of the best I've heard!
After the highway comes a stretch of road with long gentle curves. It's not the first time I've driven this route so I know it quite well and know the curves. As I'm entering a long sweeping right turn, I suddenly feel something feels very wrong and that I'm about to lose control of the car. I have to really try to keep the car on the road, because I've entered the corner at a much higher speed than I'm used to. When I look at the meter, it says about 30 km/h above what I normally take this curve in. Then my reference cars are fast cars, like Audi R8, BMW M3 etc. But what puzzles me about the Granturismo is that I don't perceived the speed before the curve. The only thing I heard is the engine, no tire noise, no wind noise. I am completely speechless and state that this car has one of the most aerodynamic bodies and competent chassis I have ever experienced. At speeds well above the legal limit, you can carry on a conversation in near-whisper tones with no problem hearing what the other person is saying. Fantastic!
After a couple of ferries and a lunch in Vaxholm, I set off on a well-known stretch of road with tight winding S-curves and hidden crests. This type of road is absolutely no problem for the Granturismon, it steers directly and reacts sporty. Just so nice that you get slightly sweaty palms. I now choose to drive in full sport mode and the gears are managed with the paddles behind the steering wheel. Every time you shift up, the car gives off a nice middle gas that makes the whole body tingle with pleasure.
After a couple of turns on the curvy road, it's time to move towards town again. And out on the highway, you realize that this Italian from Modena absolutely munches on the road as if it were small sweets. Having a Granturismo as an everyday trailer in Germany, where you can let it stretch out properly on the autobahn, would be pure fun. In town, you have to settle for envious glances, because it's a car that makes everyone look twice, regardless of whether it's guys or girls. No one can remain unaffected by the beauty and sound of a Maserati Granturismo S!
Maserati GranTurismo S
| Basic price | No task |
| Engine | 4.7 liter V8, 440 hp. Torque 490 Nm |
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic transmission, rear wheel drive |
| Acceleration | 0-100 in 4.9 sec |
| Top speed | 295 km/h |
| Fuel consumption mixed driving according to the manufacturer | 16.1 l/100 km |
| Guarantees | Two-year new car warranty without mileage limitation |
| Web | www.autoropa.se |
| + | The front and the sound and the total lack of tire and wind noise |
| – | Back, Thirsty |
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