04.03.2004 TAKEN TO THE EXTREME: THE 290KM/H MASERATI COUPE BASED GRANSPORT IN THE FLESH IN GENEVA

Joining the awesome MC 12, on the section of Maserati's stand dedicated to racing cars, is the GranSport, which has been created to offer an exciting alternative to the current Coupé, and as such, has been treated to series of new enhancements, both visually and under the bonnet.

Outwardly Maserati have taken the Coupe's highly acclaimed graceful flowing lines and beefed then up to create an aggressive, purposeful appearance, as they look to draw in new customers who found the Coupe too 'tame'. At the front, attention is instantly grabbed by a harsher looking new mesh grille in Quattroporte-style, which is complemented by a deeper, heavily cut-out lip spoiler.

New 19 inch alloy wheels, inspired by the Trofeo GT racing derivative catch the eye as one's gaze chases the lines around the wings. Below the doors, a new side skirt runs in almost opposite contrast to the sweeping curves of the cars flanks, creating a sharp effect. And finally at the rear, a reprofiled bumper which incorporates chrome mesh covered recesses and a discreet boot lip spoiler, round out the visual changes.

The Coupe's 4.2-litre V8 engine has seen its power boosted from the original 390bhhp to 400bhp too, thanks to special development work to reduce internal attrition and careful work on the intake manifolds and valve seats. The engine has been combined with a sports exhaust system that is instantly recognisable, due to the unusual design of its twin chrome exhausts and has been designed to give enthusiasts that instantly recognisable deep, full-bodied rumble. Thanks to an electronically controlled pneumatic valve system, even more can be made of the exhaust by pressing the “Sport“ button on the central console too.

Two GranSport's are present on the stand, one finished in white, the other in Maserati's traditional dark blue colours.