Maserati GranTurismo S Gets Automatic Transmission

True to their word, the folks at Maserati unveiled the new Gran Turismo  S Automatic at the Geneva Auto Show. The Italian luxury brand did, after all, say that it would unveil one new model at each international auto show.

While adding an automatic transmission may not seem like much, until now those who opted for the auto-box could only get one in the standard GranTurismo, which while an exceptional car, comes with the 4.2-liter V8 and not the 4.7-liter V8 in the “S” model.

The transmission itself is a six-speed ZF unit. Maserati has also eliminated the “kick-down” that happens when downshifting when in manual mode so as to keep the drive as smooth as possible.

The Gran Turismo S makes 440hp at 7000 rpm and 361 ft-lbs of torque at 4750 rpm.

Maserati is a brand obsessed with personalization and with those all-important finishing touches. That being said, the Automatic model gets new side skirts with a slightly different design to help accentuate the look of the Trident wheels.

Other highlights include a new passenger air bag with “low risk deployment,” which will become standard equipment on all new GranTurismos. Bluetooth will also be standard equipment and an iPod interface will be offered as an option.

GALLERY: Maserati GranTurismo S Automatic

Official release after the jump:

MASERATI GRANTURISMO S AUTOMATIC TO BE UNVEILED AT THE GENEVA AUTO SHOW

Modena, February 23rd, 2009 – True to Maserati’s commitment to introduce a new model at each international car show, the GranTurismo S Automatic will première at the next Geneva Auto Show. The new Maserati GranTurismo S Automatic features a 4.7 V8 which develops 440hp (323kW) at 7000rpm. The maximum torque is 490Nm at 4,750rpm.

The major novelty is the combination of the automatic transmission with the most powerful wet sump Maserati V8 on the GranTurismo – until now offered as 4.2 l with automatic transmission and 4.7 l with an electro-actuated gearbox. Thanks to the combination of the 323kW produced by the powerful 4.7l V8 engine and the smoothness of the ZF 6-speed automatic gearbox, the Maserati GranTurismo S Automatic remains consistent with the original granturismo concept while at the same time offering peak performance.

The gearshift strategy applied to the Maserati GranTurismo S Automatic inherits some widely appreciated elements of the Quattroporte Sport GT S, such as the elimination of the kick-down in Manual mode.

The Skyhook suspension system featuring continuously adjustable dampers provides great driving comfort. Passive safety is further enhanced thanks to the introduction on the GranTurismo range of a new generation passenger air-bag with Low Risk Deployment functionality.

Consistent with the unmistakable design of all Maseratis, the Maserati GranTurismo S Automatic features some marked stylistic differences which make it immediately recognisable: the new under-door mini-skirts featuring a prominent shape, which enhances the dynamism of its profile and the new 20″ wheel rims with “Trident” design, which recall the strength and elegance of the car.

A further enriched equipment increases the on board pleasure for the driver and the three passengers, thanks to the Bluetooth® Wireless Technology, offered as standard, and the iPod® interface, available upon request, which complete the Maserati Multi Media System.