Agent00J
Agent00J
Life is too short to drive boring cars...
View My AgentSpace

Print this Page | Digg It | del.icio.us

2008 MASERATI GRAN TURISMO
Of the seven Maserati brothers, six became renowned mechanics and engineers. The black sheep of the family—Mario—instead became a painter, although he left an indelible mark on the marque. Wandering about Bologna’s main square one day, Mario came face to face with a statue of Neptune, whose barbed trident he promptly expropriated as the logo for his brothers’ first car, the 1926 eight-cylinder Tipo 26.

Why Mario would associate a racing car with the Roman god of the sea is one of those synaptic misfires mostly appreciated by liberal-arts majors. But it proved a good choice. By the time the brothers introduced their stunning A6GCS road car, Maserati automobiles had become associated with a distinctive concave grille with chrome vertical fillets, lending their products the countenance of a jawfish gagging on tadpoles. Voilà! The marine connection was complete.

Fast-forward to 2008. Were Mario still painting today, he’d fling his palette in joy to behold an identical aquatically themed grille, with huge chrome trident still attached, adorning Maserati’s latest, greatest luxo-coupe. The GranTurismo is a Maserati Quattroporte with two fewer doors, a 4.8-inch shortening of the wheelbase, and Pininfarina styling so seductive that the kid running the Ann Arbor carwash wouldn’t afford passage until he photographed it with his cell phone.
Read Article
2008 MASERATI GRAN TURISMO



Comments:

Images hosted in your AgentSpace can now be posted in the comments section using the following syntax (case matters):
[img]IMAGE URL[/img]
Example: [img]http://agent004.myautospies.com/users/150/Sample-Gallery/sample1.JPG[/img]

S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 5/12/2008 11:24:56 PMView My AgentSpace
+5 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
Stunningly beautiful. I don't think I've ever seen a car that looks quite so good in maroon.

reply to this comment
Agent00JAgent00J - 5/13/2008 7:59:56 AMView My AgentSpace
+4 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
I have to agree with you, this Maserati is stunningly beautiful. The lines on it are so serene and downright sexy.

The last paragraph or two of the Car & Driver article states that for the money it basically boils down to the Mercedes CL coupes and the BMW M6. Both of those cars are almost commonplace nowadays, the Maserati is a great alternative that won't find yourself passing yourself on a frequent basis.

PLUS, it has a Ferrari V8.

Too bad they took the manual (I am talking a real manual with a clutch pedal) off the options list.



lexusrox123lexusrox123 - 5/13/2008 1:47:08 PM
+1 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
agreed 00j. id much rather have the maser gt than some commonplace bmw or mb. since whenb do you see maserati's runnin' around everywhere?


Agent004Agent004 - 5/13/2008 12:55:59 AMView My AgentSpace
+1 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
At $120,000 I think it is priced perfectly.


Your choices are:
  1. 2009 Mercedes SL550
  2. 2008 Maserati GT
  3. Audi R8
  4. BMW M6

What do you choose? That's my order above.


reply to this comment
S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 5/13/2008 6:07:10 PMView My AgentSpace
-1 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
You would choose a common SL550 over the other three??? Are you INSANE? That's last on my list!

Mine would be:

1. R8 / Gran Turismo (tie)
3. M6
4. SL550



Agent63Agent63 - 5/14/2008 4:03:32 AMView My AgentSpace
0 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
If I want luxury I'll go buy an SL hands down it's the benchmark IMO. If i want a supercar for the money I will buy the R8(and I have, it's great). If i want a good handling GT/sports coupe I will want an M6. If i want a rare, exotic brand GT, I will want the Gran Turismo.


dimitri_010dimitri_010 - 5/13/2008 1:00:52 AM
+2 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
1.Audi r8 (not just because im an Audi fan, but because i think it has the best road presence)
2. Maserati GT
3. Mercedes SL550
4. BMW M6


reply to this comment
TritonxTritonx - 5/13/2008 1:21:48 AM
+5 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
Where can you find R8's available for 120k?

reply to this comment
ChipChip - 5/13/2008 5:06:54 AM
+2 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
From what I've heard, the R8 is sold out for quite some time. And the cars that end up for sale to those who did not order them are commanding a ridiculous, highway robbery markup. We're not talking $10,000. EVERYONE with money wants this car right now and most are prepared to pay dearly to get their hands on one.

Audi is actually being pretty smart with this beast. Sell out the V8's, rack up orders for the V10 and the Roadster, and you basically have a car that will NEVER sell for MSRP and be sold out until the production is over.


reply to this comment
amazinBimmeramazinBimmer - 5/13/2008 7:57:57 AM
-1 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
who cares about the silly gussied up vw.. this is about the maser..

agent, have you driven this?.

and audi(vw) in montville, nj are selling this heap (r8) for 10K over sticker. call them


reply to this comment
Agent00JAgent00J - 5/13/2008 5:46:23 PMView My AgentSpace
+2 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
I have not driven this car. I would like to drive it and then offer a full impression of it.

Perhaps a Maserati PR person is watching and can get me one of these for a week or so to test drive.



amazinBimmeramazinBimmer - 5/13/2008 7:59:31 AM
0 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
and my order is
1. maserati
2. m6
3. sl 63
10. r8


reply to this comment
S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 5/13/2008 6:08:00 PMView My AgentSpace
0 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
You are a dumb idiot.


lexusis350lexusis350 - 5/13/2008 9:06:56 PM
0 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
That's his opinion. I don't think you have any reason to judge him.


lexusrox123lexusrox123 - 5/13/2008 9:09:03 AM
0 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
HOT CAR!! LOVE IT!

reply to this comment
JCH335iJCH335i - 5/13/2008 10:20:48 AM
0 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
1:R8
2: Maser
3: M6
4: SL


reply to this comment
AudiphileAudiphile - 5/13/2008 10:49:17 AM
+2 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
This is indeed a lovely car.

I noticed that Motor Trend printed a review of the Gran Turismo in their April issue. At times I wondered if the MT & C&D authors were reviewing the same car!

For instance, MT was very critical of the big Maserati's engine, transmission brakes and handling. C&D, on the other hand, praised the engine and gearbox to the heavens, and gave slightly qualified raves to the brakes and handling. The two magazines were united, however, in their disapproval of the car's steering. Hopefully, an upcoming "S" version of the Maserati GT will address the handling and steering issues.

As I said earlier, it's a lovely car. I just wish that I could afford it.







reply to this comment
bmwdrvrbmwdrvr - 5/13/2008 12:23:44 PM
+2 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
this article isnt even about the R8 or any of those other cars its just a test of the Maserati, not make a list of your choices.....but BACK ON TOPIC the Maserati is a good looking car, plenty of space, and it sounds like a good mix of luxury and performance, i think a smaller more performance oriented Maserati either a 2 seat, or 2+2 would be a good idea

reply to this comment
lexusrox123lexusrox123 - 5/13/2008 1:49:42 PM
+1 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
for the coupe, i think it would look better with a longer hood, like the viper or corvette, imo.
but still cool looking car.



lexusrox123lexusrox123 - 5/13/2008 1:50:03 PM
+1 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
just cant take my eyes off of it...

reply to this comment
charlik05charlik05 - 5/13/2008 6:54:23 PM
+1 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
1. Maserati Gran Turismo S
2. Mercedes CL550 AMG
3. Porsche 911 Carrera 4S Convertible
4. Audi R8


reply to this comment
lexusis350lexusis350 - 5/13/2008 9:09:32 PM
0 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
Maserati
M6
SL
R8


reply to this comment
FerrarisR4meFerrarisR4me - 5/14/2008 1:03:07 AM
+1 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
Maybe its just me, but I don't think the R8 is in this discussion at all. I would say that the R8 is more in league w/ F430s, 911 Turbos, and Gallardos. I would say:

1. Maser
2. 911 Carrera 4S
3. SL 550 AMG
4. M6

I'm not sure where to slot the Aston V8 Vantage... you can make a case either way. If it slots w/ the GT's, it would be either 1 or 2 depending on the drive vs the Maser.


reply to this comment
FerrarisR4meFerrarisR4me - 5/14/2008 1:04:45 AM
0 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
2 corrections, first, it should be the CL, not the SL and second, forgot the Jag XKR which would slot in above the 911 (for me).

reply to this comment
amazinBimmeramazinBimmer - 5/14/2008 10:56:35 AM
0 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
Ferrari...

r8 in the league of a F430?/ hahaha. you mean VW jetta dont you with a RS4 engine. which is a derivative of a VW Jetta or passat engine.. laughable.. I wonder wha tit must be like to make as little money as you do.


reply to this comment
FerrarisR4meFerrarisR4me - 5/14/2008 2:51:43 PM
0 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
:-) you make me laugh sweetie. I don't think your dad's 325i is worth as much of any of my cars. Why don't you go to the BMW/Lexus post and start your flame war there? Leave the actual car talk to mommy and daddy and their friends that have drivers lisences.

reply to this comment

To post a comment for this story, you must first Login.

If you do not have an account, you will need to Register (It's Free!).

Most Recent Stories
Ford's Model T celebrates 100 yearsMercedes wants a Grand Prix team of its ownBat-tastic! Batman’s Rides from The Dark Knight, Up Close and Personal2008 Volvo C30 WTCC Green RacerCarlsson Mercedes-Benz Cl 65 Looks AMAZING!Which retro ride is the coolest? Challenger, Camaro or Mustang. And how dead IS retro?Mercedes - Benz Review: The GLK, CLC Sport Coupe And SLK-ClassComparison - 2008 Ferrari 599GTB Fiorano and 2008 Aston Martin DBS2010 Chevrolet Camaro OFFICIAL Pictures - The Wait is ALMOST Over!New Photos BMW 3 Series Touring2009 BMW 3 Series New High-Res Wallpapers2009 BMW 6-Series with New Sport Package2009 Maserati Quattroporte S - First DriveFirst Video Of The 2009 BMW 3-SeriesNew M3 Convertible: A disappointment? Audi R8: GT3 spec race car up for saleHonda Releases Civic Type S Fireblade ReplicaIncredible Mercedes SLR McLaren crash in QatarLeaked memo: 2009 Subaru Impreza WRX to get 265 horsepowerThe VW Up! could be changed front-wheel-driveExclusive iPhone Pouch Premiers At Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Berlin Am I the Only Person Alive Bored Silly By the SLR McLaren?First Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 Delivered in USElfin’s Caterham Bashing ‘Type 5’100% Electric Mitsubishi i MiEV Confirmed in 2009BMW M3 vs. BMW 335iAudi RS5: Will it look like this?New BMW 7 And Mercedes S-Class Side By Side: S-Class Still The King?French Auto Spies Get Nabbed By Authorities-So Much For Freedom Of The Press?$27 Million Jaguar XJ13 Le Mans Race Car to Run at Bradford Classic Jaguar Tops J D Power CSI Study For Second Year In a RowThe First Crash of a Maserati GranTurismo (pics)GM dealers buy $1 million in GM stockCadillac CTS coupe and wagon to be produced in LansingSpy Shots: Mercedes SLR McLaren Speedster hits the NurburgringThis Just In: Not All HUMMER Owners Gas-Guzzling Jerks2008 Toyota RAV4 SR180 On Sale UK2009 Infiniti FX50 vs 2009 BMW X6 xDrive50i Subaru WRX STi Spec C - Spy ShotsThe Top 5 Most Beautifully Designed Cars from the Designer of the CenturyThe 2009 Honda Fit and the New American Way2009 Mitsubishi Pajero Sport Suv Unveiled at Moscow Show2008 Nissan Micra 25 Special EditionIs there an uglier pick truck made anywhere?Spy Shots: 2010 Acura NSX interiorMercedes boss confirms full turbocharged lineup within 3 yearsVideo: Porsche’s PDK Gearbox, how it worksBMW's X5 hybrid spied in USMercedes Benz Top QualityTh!nk Ox Electric-car could arrive in 2011