Maserati->ke51 chose the 2012 Geneva Motor Show to drop its new GranTurismo Sport, the model that is set to replace the current GranTurismo S. The Gran Turismo Sport adds increased performance and an elegant overall restyling that stresses its sporty nature. It will go on sale in Fall 2012.

The current GranTurismo S was unveiled back at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show and uses a 4.7 liter V8 engine that delivers 440 hp. The location of Maserati's debut, as well as the engine powering have not changed, but the V8 has been tweaked to deliver a total of 460 HP. As a result, the new Sport version will sprint from 0 to 60 mph in under 4.7 seconds.

As for the exterior changes, the highlight of the new Granturismo Sport is a redesigned front bumper that optimizes the front air flow for both the engine and brakes. The headlights have received new DRL Led technology and the taillights were improved by an elegant, more aggressive, darker tone for the light clusters. The interior received completely redesigned front and rear seats, as well as a new steering wheel with a sportier and more muscular look.

UPDATE 03/06/2012: This review has been updated with new details and images for the Maserati GranTurismo Sport.

Hit the jump to read more about the Maserati Gran Turismo Sport.

2013 Maserati Granturismo Sport

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2013 Maserati Granturismo Sport
  • Engine/Motor: V8
  • Horsepower: 460
  • Torque: 383
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

The new Maserati Granturismo Sport features a redesigned front bumper that improves the air flow and the cooling of the front brakes, while the space between the new headlamps and the tradition oval grille is united by a new styling element. On the center of the grille, you will find a chromed trident with red accents, while the front light cluster have been completely redesigned and improved thanks to the addition of DRL LED technology. For the rear, Maserati has added restyled, darker light clusters.

The new Maserati Granturismo Sport sits on a new set of 20" Astro Design alloy wheels combined with an impressive braking system which employs Brembo dual-cast technology coupled with 6-piston brake calipers at the front and 4-piston brake calipers at the rear.

The car displayed at the Geneva Show is painted in a brand new color called "Blu Sofisticato" which shows off the car's lines to the best advantage.

Interior

Just like with the exterior, the interior was also redesigned to offer a sportier feeling. The front and the rear seats received a more ergonomic design to offer better support and optimized comfort for driver and passengers.

The steering wheel has also been redesigned - it is now even more ergonomic and better suited to sports driving, thanks to a flatter rim and a grip with accentuated profile. Joining the steering wheel are the gearshift paddles which were inspired by the design of the Trofeo race car.

Maserati chose to update other elements of the interior by covering them in EcoChrome grey and Poltrona Frau leather upholstery, while also installing aluminum pedals to top it all off.

Engine

The new Maserati GranTurismo Sport is powered by the same 4.7-liter V8 engine found in the current GranTurismo S, but massaged to deliver an extra 20 HP. This leaves it with 460 HP and 383 lb-ft of torque. With the extra 20 HP, the new sports coupe will sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.7 seconds, up to a top speed of 186 mph.

The engine can be mated to either a ZF 6-speed automatic or a 6-speed electro actuated gearbox, with dry twin-plate clutch (not available in North America). There is also a Sport Skyhook suspension system that makes the car even more reactive and fun to drive with two modes to choose from: "Normal" and "Sport." "Normal" mode constantly adapts the damping to absorb the roughness of the surface for a smoother ride and "Sport" mode makes the car ultra-sensitive to the driver's input.

Prices

Prices for the new Maserati Granturismo Sport will be announced closer to its market launch.

Competition

When looking for a competitor for the new Granturismo Sport, look no further than the Aston Martin Vantage S. It is powered by a V8 engine tweaked to produce 430 hp at 7,300rpm and 361 lb-ft of torque at 5,000rpm. The Vantage model can hit a top speed of 189 mph - 3 mph more than the GT Sport.