An Italian Maestro’s Final Act
Maserati says goodbye to its naturally aspirated V8 with the limited edition GranTurismo.
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In a fast-moving and electrified future landscape, it would be remiss of Maserati to not send off its famed V8 engine in style.
And so, before we welcome (question) the trident’s various 2021 EV newcomers, time to gaze upon the GranTurismo Sport Edizione V8 Aspirato – an extremely limited run given just 23 local cars house that famed engine, the last of its kind and which immediately ensures solid ‘future classic’ status.
The naturally aspirated 4.7-litre V8 engine, hand-built by Ferrari, was already something of a rarity in class. Capable of 338kW and 520Nm of torque through a six-speed ZF automatic gearbox, the GranTurismo Aspirato accelerates from 0-100km/h in a worthy 4.8 seconds.
The GT coupe has served Maserati well. Initially released in 2007, it’s one of the oldest ‘new’ models on market. Like a Channel Nine ‘Swiss ski instructor’, the Turin design team has worked over the years to nip and tuck the bodywork and aerodynamic hardware – things always appearing fresh, even today.
The GT’s iconic ‘shark nose’ grille has been made more three-dimensional and with new, lower air ducts, there’s now less drag. The rear has also been made more elegant in its final year.
The interiors of the car play to GT credentials. Comfortable enough for four adults, with leather trim and upholstery and a state-of-the-art infotainment system – the latter also making sure the vehicle isn’t dreaming of days gone by.
In its final ‘real’ outing, the Edizione V8 Aspirato is made available in five unique heritage colours, all that come with very Italian titles: Blue Corse, Blue Sera, Argento Auteuil, Verde Britannia and Celeste Chiaro, complementing the already available Nero Carbonio and Rosso Italiano.
While the local arrival of Edizione V8 Aspirato marks the end of an era for Maserati, elsewhere the Ghibli will be the first hybrid to sport the badge, with the GranTurismo and GranCabrio to adopt 100 per cent electric elements come 2021.
So, time to slide in and engage some modern history before it becomes, well, modern history – yours, including that infamous GT V8 rumble, from just $295,000.
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