The Maserati GranTurismo is back in Australia with a new Maserati-built engine that sounds like heaven

The Maserati GranTurismo is back in Australia in a stylish package that brings Maserati’s typical high performance from a coupe that is designed for long distance comfort.

The GranTurismo design incorporates a balance between “beauty and functionality” and Maserati’s unique and easily recognisable lines.  The long, wide bonnet gives a clean front view and the slope at the back gives it that iconic Maserati GranTurismo look.

The all new GranTurismo brings with it the first Maserati-built engine in a while, sporting a V6 Nettuno engine which is available in two versions, the Modena which sports a 490hp 3.0-litre V6 Nettuno Twin Turbo engine while the “high performance” Trofeo version is based off the same engine but outputs a maximum power of 550hp.

The best-in-class weight levels of the new model are achieved through the use of materials such as aluminium and magnesium combined with high-performance steel.

Inside the cabin, the GranTurismo has new, innovative systems that look space aged, something unexpected from a traditional brand such as Maserati.  The comfort display brings together the main functions in an integrated touchscreen interface, a digital clock, the Heads-up Display (available as an option) and the exceptional Sonus faber audio system.

As a tech writer I was really taken with what Maserati has done with their entire operating system.  The HVAC and control of the Maserati features are run by the Android Automotive operating system but include Maserati’s own design skin over the top which is incredibly stylish.

For the user to play their own apps, you do not install them on the Android Automotive operating system as you do on some other cars running Android Automotive, you just plug connect your Android or Apple smartphone and run your own apps through Android Auto or Apple CarPlay.  This is the best implementation of Android Automotive for the user that I have ever seen and used.

The iconic signature sound of the Maserati engine is completed by the Sonos faber sound system featuring 14 speakers and 2D surround sound with an output of 860W.  You can even upgrade this sound system to a 19-speaker 2D and 3D surround sound system with amplification for a total of 1,195W.

News from Maserati is that a 100% electric version of this GranTurismo model is due early next year so you can be sure Trevor will be all over that.

Maserati GranTurismo Modena and Trofeo are priced from $375,000 and $450,000 respectively with the electric version expected to sit above that in pricing.