Maserati is ending production of the current-generation GranTurismo by rolling out the GranTurismo Zeda, a one-off creation that commemorates the model’s more-than-a-decade-long run in the market. The Maserati GranTurismo Zeda comes with a lot of exclusive touches, none more prominent than a unique paint finish that separates its aesthetics from just about every GranTurismo model that has hit the market in the last 12 years. There are currently no plans to offer the Maserati GranTurismo Zeda to the public, but a limited-production run in the future hasn't been ruled out quite yet.
2019 Maserati Gran Turismo Zeda
- Make: Array
- Model: 2019 Maserati Gran Turismo Zeda
- Engine/Motor: V8
- Horsepower: 460
- Torque: 384
- [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Maserati Gran Turismo Zeda Exterior Design
The respective finishes of each color are also different, beginning with the high-gloss sheen of the blue paint in the front and then ending with the satin white finish in the back. Maserati calls it a “metallurgic” effect. I call it “awesome.”
The Maserati GranTurismo Zeda is provocative in ways you don’t expect from a performance coupé, even if it carries the “one-of-one” label. The rest of the Zeda's exterior is standard. There are no fancy aeros throughout the body or other additional unique touches. Not that it needs them because the GranTurismo Zeda is like a work of art on four wheels. You just look at it and you know you’re looking at one of the most unique models you’ll ever see.
The Maserati Gran Turismo Zeda Features No Interior Upgrades
That may be cause for disappointment for some, but it’s not that big of a deal. Like most Maseratis, the GranTurismo Zeda already comes with a decked-out interior, complete with premium materials throughout the entire cabin and a suite of modern technological features that bely the fact that this is a decade-old model we’re talking about.
Front passengers are treated to a choice of well-curated seats that are wrapped in either soft leather or faux suede. The coupe’s dashboard gets a similar treatment in the form of cowhide covering significant real estate in this part of the interior. Contrast stitching helps elevate the stylishness of the aforementioned premium materials and the embroidered Maserati trident logo — a fixture in the headrests — gives the GranTurismo another identity marker.
Those who are familiar with Fiat-Chrysler’s Uconnect interface will probably recognize certain aspects of the TCP software, in part because of some of the shared capabilities and functionalities of both systems. A 10-speaker Harman/Kardon audio system comes standard in the GranTurismo Zeda, as do Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Maserati Gran Turismo Zeda Powertrain and Performance
It’s not exactly a speeding bullet on four wheels, but thanks to a standard six-speed ZF automatic transmission — a six-speed sequential robotic transmission comes as an option — that sends all that power to the two rear wheels, the GranTurismo Zeda is still capable of sprinting from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.7 seconds on its way to hitting a top speed of 187 mph.
Maserati Gran Turismo Drivetrain Comparison
Maserati Gran Turismo |
Aston Martin Vantage |
Porsche 911 Turbo |
Jaguar F-Type SVR |
Engine |
4.7-liter V-8 |
5.9-Liter V-12 |
3.8-Liter Flat-Six |
5.0-Liter V-8 |
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Transmssion |
Six-Speed Auto |
Seven-Speed Auto |
Six-Speed Manual |
Eight-Speed Auto |
|||||
Horsepower |
460 HP |
565 HP |
540 HP |
575 HP |
|||||
Torque |
384 LB-FT |
457 LB-FT |
523 LB-FT |
516 LB-FT |
|||||
0-60 mph |
4.7 Seconds |
3.9 Seconds |
3.0 Seconds |
3.5 Seconds |
|||||
Top Speed |
187 MPH |
205 MPH |
198 MPH |
200 MPH |
Part of this is probably the reason as to why the Gran Turismo is finally going out of production. The Aston Martin Vantage, Porsche 911 Turbo, and Jaguar F-Type SVR all have more than 500 horsepower, and all meet or exceed the 200-mph top sped barrier. The Gran Turismo is also the only one of the bunch that doesn't hit 60 mph in less than six seconds.
Fianl Thoughts
The Maserati GranTurismo Zeda was created to serve as a one-off muse for the departing first-generation GranTurismo. There are no plans to offer it to the public — not yet, at least — since the purpose behind its creation was to show “a new beginning for every ending.” Yes, the first-generation Maserati GranTurismo is leaving us after 12 years on the saddle, but the second-generation model is coming, albeit with an electric configuration. The all-electric versions of the GranTurismo and the GranCabrio are expected to play big roles in Maserati’s revamped lineup for the next decade. The next-generation GranTurismo is scheduled to arrive in 2021, a year after refreshed versions of the Ghibli, Levante, and Quattroporte hit the market. The next-gen GranCabrio will follow in 2022 where it will be joined by the next-generation Quattroporte.
Say what you will about the first-generation Maserati GranTurismo’s extended life, but it’s also retiring at the right time for Maserati. As every automaker worth its salt looks forward to a coming decade dominated by electrification and autonomous driving technology, Maserati is bidding adieu to the decade that will end by saying goodbye to its long-time coupé in the most fitting way possible. The one-off Maserati GranTurismo Zeta is, without question, one of the coolest swan song pieces you’ll ever see.
Alfa Romeo Gran Turismo History
The Maserati GranTurismo is a special kind of performance car. It’s hard to imagine a performance car lasting a decade in the market — Ferrari released the 458 Italia, 488 GTB, and now, F8 Tributo in that span — and yet, the GranTurismo not only made it 10 years in the market, but it’s actually been around for 12 years. I don’t know if I credit it to the model’s longevity as an appealing performance car or Maserati’s insistence in selling the model for as long as it possibly could. Either way, the GranTurismo is arguably one of the oldest same-generation models that’s still in the market today. Maserati sold a total of 28,805 models of the GranTurismo, and when you take into account the 11,715 units of the GranCabrio that Maserati also sold in the model’s lifetime, you’re looking at a total of almost 40,000 sold units of the long-standing nameplate.
In many ways, the first-generation GranTurismo’s longevity is admirable, especially when you consider that customers still wanted to buy the model despite it being long in the tooth. It is deserving of all the accolades and recognition that Maserati throws its way, and Maserati prepared a pretty cool one in the form of the one-off Maserati GranTurismo Zeda.