2011 Maserati GranTurismo Total Car Score Analysis

The 2011 Maserati GranTurismo doesn't have enough ratings to earn a valid Total Car Score. The thinking person's Italian grand tourer has plenty of other attributes, though. 
 
Beauty is supposed to be in the eye, but this Pininfarina-designed body seems to hit all the right notes for many beholders. Reviewers talk about "grace" and "aggression" while calling the overall effect "stunning." It's certainly well proportioned. 
 
Beneath the skin is a Ferrari-derived engine making good (though not class-leading) power, while adding an aural excitement to the process whenever the V8 is fired up. The rear wheels receive their drive from a six-speed automatic transmission employing steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters. 
 
The upsides continue with a chassis that provides comfort while simultaneously keeping an athletic edge -- thanks in part to a near-perfect distribution of weight. Engage Sport mode to make gearshifts quicker, the throttle more responsive and to open baffles on the exhaust system for an even more glorious soundtrack. The cabin has a similarly appropriate mix of luxurious and sporty touches, with rear seats that can actually be used by adults. 
 
About the only gripes have been some disappointment in the size of the trunk and how the steering feels a little light at high speeds. 
 
The 2011 model year sees some slight cosmetic changes, the option of a wooden steering wheel and the addition of some matte-finish paints.

2011 Maserati GranTurismo Model Line-Up

The 2011 Maserati GranTurismo comes as a base coupe, an S Automatic coupe, or a convertible. There's seating for four in all versions, but it's best to put the taller occupants in front. 
 
The base coupe has a Ferrari-derived 4.2-liter V8, producing 405 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque. The S Automatic coupe and convertible have a little more output: 433 hp and 361 lb-ft. There's a straightforward six-speed automatic transmission in the base; the transmission in the S Automatic and convertible is an automated manual. All models are rear-wheel-drive. 
 
The base GranTurismo leaves the factory stocked with 19-inch alloy wheels, power trunk lid and door closers, rain-sensing wipers, voice-activated navigation, Bluetooth, Bose audio with USB port, iPod integration and a 30GB hard drive, plus lashings of fine leather upholstery. The S Automatic and convertible come with all the above, plus 20-inch alloys. 
 
Standard safety equipment includes traction and stability control, automatic hill hold, front side and side curtain airbags, rear parking sensors and ABS. 
 
Maserati offers a wide range of personalization options in the form of various exterior and interior colors, plus an available wooden steering wheel. The S Automatic also comes with the option of a stiffer suspension. 
 
The EPA rates both coupe versions of the 2011 GranTurismo at 13 mpg city, 20 mpg highway and 15 mpg combined. The convertible is slightly thirstier at 12/20/15 mpg.

Total Car Score is not affiliated with, associated, authorized, or endorsed by, or in any way officially connected to any of the Expert Resources, nor does Total Car Score endorse any of the Expert Resources, or its affiliates.
Click here to see more.