MaseratiForum.co.uk
MaseratiForum.co.uk
www.aplan.co.uk

Eurospares

Logged in as: Guest
   
MaseratiForumMaserati CarsQuattroporte V, GranTurismo/S, GranCabrio Couldn't stay away

Couldn't stay away

[1] 2   next >   >>
Member
Message                                                                                    
21/10/2009 18:55:33  

Posts: 35
Since: 15/2/2009
Status: offline 		After selling my Granturismo back in the middle of July I was beginning to wonder if I'd made a mistake so...........




I've had a slight upgrade to a brand new GTS   Here it is arriving at the dealer today. It's being delivered to me on Monday. Can't wait!






Attachment (1)

< Message edited by iains -- 21/10/2009 18:56:33 >
21/10/2009 19:51:51  

Posts: 1155
Since: 12/1/2007
Region: Chepstow
Status: offline 		Lovely.....Can't wait to see more pics when you get your hands on her...bet you can not wait.
21/10/2009 23:13:05  


Posts: 183
Since: 8/7/2008
Region: Las Vegas, NV USA
Status: online 		Congrats, can't wait to see the rest of the pictures!

Best Regards,
-- Jeff

_____________________________

Formula Dynamics USA
info@formuladynamics.com
+001 (702) 430-1040
Visit: http://www.formuladynamics.com for your High Performance Maserati
23/10/2009 18:23:23  

Posts: 35
Since: 15/2/2009
Status: offline 		PDI'd and valeted ready to be loaded onto truck and delivered to me on Monday 






Attachment (1)
23/10/2009 18:24:12  

Posts: 35
Since: 15/2/2009
Status: offline 		Pic 2




Attachment (1)
23/10/2009 18:24:52  

Posts: 35
Since: 15/2/2009
Status: offline 		Pic 3




Attachment (1)
23/10/2009 19:35:16  

Posts: 1155
Since: 12/1/2007
Region: Chepstow
Status: offline 		STUNNING....Very very jealous...Enjoy.
26/10/2009 12:26:37  
 

Posts: 4
Since: 25/10/2009
Status: offline 		I'd love to know how you find the MC Shift gearbox of the 'S' in auto mode. I've read reports that it can be a bit of a pig round town, holding onto gears when you'd expect a change and not being smoth etc.

I've just sold my 911 turbo (just because I need to get my daughter and pram in the back) so I'm now on the hunt for a Granturismo. Just uncertain whether to go for the 4.2 or the 'S'. I've driven an 'S' but it was more of a thrash up and down dual carrigeways in 'sports mode', albeit a loud one...lol

Personally I don't think even the 'S' can compare to the 911 as a sports car driving experience and it's noticably slower too, so I'm not trying to recreate what I had from my turbo. I'm now looking for more space, comfort and cruisability from a GT car. I can't see much benefit of going for the '4.7 automatic' over the 4.2 as the power gain is so low and it looks pretty much the same, so I think the gearbox will be my deciding factor with my main criteria being how easy is the MC box to live with everyday, round town or after a while does it all become very frustrating compared to the standard auto.

Coming out of the well thought of gearbox on the 4.2 you'll be well placed to compare.
your comments will be appreciated
26/10/2009 20:32:59  

Posts: 35
Since: 15/2/2009
Status: offline 		Very quick initial impressions of the box in auto mode are that it is very well sorted and not jerky at all. I've been used to the auto function in my 430 spider and 430 Scuderia and Oerlikon who make these boxes for Ferrari and Maserati have got it nailed IMHO. Remember that these are effectively the final iterations we'll see of the F1 box as dual clutch technology will take over from now on.

Fantastic car and a huge step up in fun from the 4.2. How the exhaust is legal in sport mode beats me..... it's outrageous

I've owned a 997 turbo as well and you are correct that these are two very different cars. The GranTurismo sits on a QP floorpan so it's not a nimble sports car but it's still a hoot to hustle along a twisty road as you have to drive more smoothly and with more precision to get it into a rythm but boy is it worth it. Superb car IMHO and nothing else at the price compares for looks, comfort...... or noise!!

< Message edited by iains -- 26/10/2009 22:48:50 >
27/10/2009 20:57:33  
 

Posts: 4
Since: 25/10/2009
Status: offline 		thank you for that. I was kind of swaying towards the 'S' but the F1 box was putting me off, I think you may have tipped me over the edge now, and cost me an extra £20k.....lol

I've never had an italian car before, I've been with porsche for the last ten years but good to see you're so enthusiastic for the car, especially considering your previous machinery! My other choice was a scaglietti but I think the more youthful maserati has won me over.

27/10/2009 22:54:05  

Posts: 35
Since: 15/2/2009
Status: offline 		The GranTurismo is hard to beat in all honesty. It has the rarity factor, real beauty, excellent build quality, strong performance and space for four people to travel in comfort. It's must cheaper to service than a Scaglietti, much prettier and less ostentatious IMHO. I've not driven the 4.7 S auto but imagine that is also a great car. The MC shift S just has a higher fun factor for the type of driving I do with it as the paddle shift coupled with the sport buton just make the driver inter action that bit more special. If I was using the car for a more daily grind I'd think long and hard about plumping for the full auto version as the ZF auto is a very good box.

Get your dealer to give you a decent test drive over roads you are familiar with to make sure you are happy to live with the car's handling as it's very different to the 997 as I said. I found myself enjoying just wafting along at a comfortable pace in my previous 4.2 as the car can have a very calming effect on your driving style. I understand that tail out antics are easy to access if you switch off the stability programme and the car is fairly easy to gather up. I'll wait until I've run it in before investigating that though.

PM me if you decide to take things further as my dealer is excellent and will be extremely competitive on a quotation for you if going down the route of a new car


< Message edited by iains -- 27/10/2009 22:56:55 >
31/10/2009 10:28:06  
 

Posts: 4
Since: 25/10/2009
Status: offline 		You're right, I need to get down and try it out properly at my dealers and do some 'everyday driving' like parking, reversing, hill starts etc. to make sure I'm happy with the MC shift which I'm sure is wonderful on the open road and for spirited driving.

I have my diesel saloon for back and forth to the office so I'm looking for something which has the fun factor at the weekend plus the space to get my family in. 

I certain either the standard car or the 'S' will achieve this for me, I just think the 'S' will feel that bit more special and do more of the fun stuff, which is important to me. I just hope it can satisfy me that it is competant at doing the boring stuff too.

I have the new or second hand dilema too as I understand some of the dealers are giving maserati 'support' making buying new an attractive option. But low mileage 58 plates from main agents are now going for mid 70's, so even after support there will be a significant drop after a year of ownership. 

decisions decisions .........
3/11/2009 15:50:29  
 

Posts: 24
Since: 16/6/2009
Status: offline 		Marcus

You are right to be concerned about the F1 box, I had tried one of the old Cambiocorsa coupe's a couple of years ago and it was truly awful in town and in general use I found it very frustrating. BUT the MC Shift on the GTS is light years away from that old system. I have had my GTS for about 3 months now and still cannot get over how good the car is, it really exceeds expectations. Whilst it is true to say the gearbox is not ideal in Auto mode, it will change when you do not expect it with the consequent interuption of power, I simply don't see the need for it when flipping a paddle is so easy. It very quickly becomes second nature and although I live in Central London it is not really much of a chore to drive with the paddles. The only real area where a proper auto or manual has a significant advantage is in parallel parking, reversing up hills and 3 point turns, where you need to be patient and take care with the throttle. Other than that it is an amazing box of tricks and full bore changes with the Sport button pressed are a constant source of amusement!

It is able to cope incredibly well with normal commuting duties (I drive mine to work 2-3 days a week) but is then able to transform itself into a very competent sports car. Perhaps not in quite the same league as a 911 Turbo (not much is to be honest) but properly quick with good dependable and predictable handling. Even the ride is a very good compromise and if you do go for one (and it sounds like it is only a matter of time!) I would do without the skyhook, mine does not have it (I deliberately didn't want it) and it is a very very well resolved compromise. The skyhook is somehow not quite right in either setting and as such I would save your cash.

This is my third Maserati and cannot be happier with them as a brand both in terms of the actual car but also in the way people treat you on the road, always positive and interested which is not always the case with other Italians. I can from years of German cars and there is frankly no chance of me going back now! Hope this helps but let me know if there is anything specific you need some help on.

Cheers

Carl  

_____________________________

Current - GT-S Med Blu
Past - QP GTS
Coupe GT
5/11/2009 11:13:02  
 

Posts: 4
Since: 25/10/2009
Status: offline 		Thanks for the advice Carl, and it's really good to hear from another delighted owner of a GTS!

I keep looking on the used websites, but I want silver with red leather but it doesn't seem a popular combination so I may be talking to a dealer about a new one soon as most used cars seem to be in black, which look great but I bet their a bugger to keep clean!

I was pretty certain I wanted skyhook too, I even gave back word on a car last month as the dealer told me it had it but when I said I'd buy the car, it turned out to be a non skyhook car. I based my decision not because I'd notice much of a difference but because I've no experience of maserati and if I wanted to move out of the car would I find it difficult to sell on without having this option, as there are so few cars without skyhook. I hadn't considered a non skyhook car could be seen as an advantage, so I'll think twice before it puts me off again.

I think you guys have convinced me the 'S' is the way to go and I'm sure l'll learn to live with the extra effort the MC Shift gives in parking etc.

thanks again.



5/11/2009 11:36:42  
 

Posts: 24
Since: 16/6/2009
Status: offline 		Hi Marcus

You make a good point with regards resale and having Skyhook, as most of the cars have them people generally will expect to have it fitted and may not want to go for a car that does not have it. This is probably more out of ignorance than any positive choice to have a Skyhook car but will certainly be a factor come resale. This is something I was prepared to accept and on the basis that my dealer fully supported the decision is unlikely to impact on my trade in value when I do look to change my car. Were I to sell privately it may well do.

From what I understand there are some good deals to be had on new cars at the moment from some dealers, especially as were are starting to approach the financial year end, you may just find that a dealer will give you an offer you cannot refuse on a new car with the right spec for you. Best of luck and let us know how you get on.

Cheers

Carl

_____________________________

Current - GT-S Med Blu
Past - QP GTS
Coupe GT
5/11/2009 15:02:09  
 

Posts: 13
Since: 30/3/2008
Status: offline 		Hello Marcus, If you go for the GTS you will not regret it, especially when you blast down a high street in sport! Fabulous car. I've had mine over a year and 7000 miles, so run in nicely. MC Shift is good in auto, sometimes hangs in gear, but a flick of the up paddle wakes it up, otherwise pretty smooth cruiser.
Faults - Air bag fault came on the other day, free entry on driver seat stopped working a while ago and will not reset. The seats are a bit hard, but OK even on a long journey. I took it to France in the summer and it was the main attraction. Also took 4 adults for a spin and some roads were very rough, never bottomed out and nothing fell off. There was plenty of room and one guy commented that his brother's Aston would have bottomed out many times, he loved it! In fact I haven't heard anything negative about it. It is what it says, a GT and quite sporty.

Have fun!

7/11/2009 11:21:58  

Posts: 542
Since: 22/7/2006
Status: offline 		had driving day with Granturismo S and new shape QP with both manual and auto boxes. The GTS is truly stunning and a doddle to drive, with paddles or in auto mode. The sound is awesome and the experience of "Maserati World" is most uplifting and a refreshing change from the antipathy of being a "porsche driver". We do still have a 911, and will never lose it, but the trident is another world.

To the OP - great colour combo - exactly what I choase using the configurator on main maserati site.

Just got mailshot from Lancaster - offering dealer inducement of £7000 on a new QP S. Good luck.

Carlsberg don't make sports GT cars.......

_____________________________

rob
alfa 166 3.0V6 Gone
Alfa 166 3.0 V6 Sportomatic
911 3.2 cab
3200GT assetto corsa 40/75
"You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough." — Joe Louis.
7/11/2009 23:27:01  
cho
 

Posts: 18
Since: 27/4/2009
Status: offline 		Marcus, had my GTS for about six months now and perfectly happy witht it. A few niggles(even though i bought dealer demo car) which i had looked at and sorted under warranty. The gearbox is very easy to use around town and i would recommend using paddle shift rather than the auto(unless you are eating a sandwich or something!) as the auto can be a bit slow and change unpredictably if you try to push on a bit. Don't expect it to react like a normal auto box. The MC shift doesn't work in auto mode but you still get the noisy exhaust if switched to sport but it can be a bit embarassing in crowds as it does attract attention from about 100 metres away!

In short would thoroughly recommend this car as others have mentioned that it is comfortable and a perfect GT and has amazing looks. Still smile when parking up and people walking past mention in hushed voices that 'it's a Maserati!'
  [1] 2   next >   >>

 
Forum | Section | Top of Page


Eurospares
© 2010 MaseratiForum.co.uk
MaseratiForum.co.uk has no official association with Maserati S.p.A. All associated Maserati logos, names and images appearing on this site are for nominative and informational purposes only.
Banner images are © Copyright Maserati S.p.A./Other Author/MaseratiForum.co.uk, as applicable. Maserati is a registered trademark of Maserati S.p.A.
Terms & Conditions  |  Contact Us