After having the privilege of driving the Maserati GranTurismo Trofeo for a week, I must say, this Italian beauty has left quite an impression on me – one that is as enchanting as a Tuscan sunset and as captivating as a Venetian gondola ride.
As a car enthusiast like myself, there’s nothing quite as exhilarating as Monterey Car Week. It’s an event I eagerly anticipate every year. But the real question is, if I’m driving, which ride would I choose to roll up in style? That’s the million-dollar question!
For those unfamiliar, Monterey Car Week is a multi-day celebration filled with car-related events, activities, shows, and parties for automotive enthusiasts. It features everything from new vehicle unveilings and custom builds, to top-tier, stunning, impeccable vehicles on display at Concours d’Elegance exhibitions – it’s like heaven for cars, if you will. Everyone who attends wants their car to stand out and be snapped by photographers. You might think that arriving in a bright green Lamborghini Huracan would do the trick, but in reality, it could be just a single drop compared to what you encounter on the road or alongside at Pebble Beach.
For our upcoming journey to Monterey Car Week, Maserati lent us a 2024 Granturismo Trofeo – the top-tier version of their iconic Grand Tourer model. The six-hour plus drive from Orange County to Big Sur and Monterey will offer ample opportunity to familiarize ourselves with this well-established Maserati sports car, as we’ll be traversing smooth roads and taking in the stunning vistas along the way.
Below are our five key takeaways, in order of relevance.
It’s Supremely Comfortable
Initially, what immediately caught our attention during our 360-mile journey to Monterey was the comfort of the Granturismo, which I was keen to confirm. Fortunately, it turned out to be true and provided a comfortable ride.
The seats inside were firm and reminded us more of a sports seat than an executive cruiser, but we were also surprised how sculpted they were to our body. Our thighs were supported laterally thanks to stiff side bolsters, but our butt was on a soft pillow of a cushion that gave us confidence in a “planted” position. Shoulders were also supported well with extended wings, but admittedly this is more of a track-focused insight as you carve corners – something we didn’t do much of on our trip. We had a passenger sit in the back for a short stint and she also noticed how supportive the seat was, almost as if they could pose as “semi-sporty” front seats. And while HVAC systems are pretty much a commodity these days but one thing we did notice was how quiet the blowers were, even at full crank; something you wouldn’t normally notice but when you’re “GT”ing, it’s a nice thought.
In summary, it took approximately six hours and 35 minutes for time to seem to slip by easily during the Granturismo Trofeo drive, implying that this vehicle was indeed designed and crafted with long journeys in mind.
It’s Incredibly Fast
The second impressive aspect was its effortless power and the smoothness with which it could be utilized. To clarify, I’m referring to its ability to accelerate efficiently on open highways, manage overtaking situations effectively, and deliver power smoothly – not just its 0-60 speed, which in this context isn’t critical as this car is more about something else entirely.
The essence of the Granturismo Trofeo lies in its twin-turbocharged 3.0L V6 engine, producing 542 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. However, it’s not just about these numbers; it’s how Maserati has fine-tuned the car to perform with such power on real-world roads. We focused less on initial acceleration and were astounded by its swift 8th-to-4th gear shift during freeway driving. It felt like a gentle push of our toes, but this subtle action unleashed an immense burst of power as the turbos spun and revs rose. In no time, we found ourselves effortlessly reaching triple-digit speeds, transforming what was once a simple overtake into an exhilarating experience.
In a striking contrast, this power was so seamless and gradual that it felt more like a leisurely drive than a speedy one – a characteristic typically found in luxury grand tourers. To illustrate, imagine driving a BMW M2, where the power is tightly packed for sharp turns and corners, delivering a vibrant feel within the cabin through the steering wheel. On the other hand, the Granturismo Trofeo distributes its power effortlessly, making it feel like we’re just leisurely cruising along the road.
It Looks and Feels Like Luxury
Over the years, we’ve developed a fond affection for the Granturismo. Its unique proportions really appeal to us – the extended length of its body and chassis, large wheels, compact overhangs, and curvaceous fenders give it a distinctly “tough” or “gangster” aesthetic that I can’t quite put into words.
The current version of the Granturismo doesn’t deviate from the norm. Its design has been refreshed, featuring a rounder, more voluptuous front grille compared to its predecessor, which some might argue was more menacing, particularly with its elongated headlights and sharper, more angular front hood. However, the inclusion of larger corner air intakes, a lower front spoiler, recessed hood vents, and other elements give the Granturismo an exotic, high-end appearance, creating an air of luxury (provided the right color is selected, further details to follow). Regarding our thoughts, in terms of suspension, we would have appreciated a slight reduction in ride height, as the wheel clearance seems excessively tall and not quite fitting for such an aggressive profile.
Inside, that luxury look and feel continues, with a slathering of leather, contrast cross stitching, a cocoon of Alcantara at the pillars and headliner and, as optioned for our car, carbon fiber trim pieces and dash components. The Italian Sonus faber audio system paired well with the car’s design language and sounded like a cliché “Opera House” symphony, even if its equalizer and surround sound adjustments were literally buried in the digital-only infotainment system’s sea of menus. However once tuned just right, there wasn’t anything we could throw at it that the system couldn’t handle – 90s hip-hop sounded deep, K-Pop came in clear and crisp, and even screamo, mathcore and other alternative genres couldn’t generate a grill rattle or speaker pop of any kind. Definitely worth the “High Premium Audio System – $4,000 USD” asking price.
It Can Be Surprisingly Low-Key
GT cars have a knack for capturing interest. While Maserati’s vehicles lean more towards grandeur and imposing presence rather than the sleek, futuristic vibe of some spaceships, the GranTurismo Trofeo excels in creating an impressive impact.
1. At Monterey, our presence added credence to the fact that we struck the perfect balance between noticeable and not obnoxious. If you’ve visited Monterey Car Week previously, you’d understand it’s teeming with supercars; 911s on every street corner, SF90s and Aventadors as common as Camrys or Corollas. This time, we were the understated cool guy with the growling exhaust, garnering attention from the ‘in-the-know’ crowd, but not swarmed like the Paganis and Koenigseggs nearby. Our “Giallo Corse” Yellow was somewhat loud, but it still earned us a few thumbs up from enthusiasts, and we could confidently assert that no one else was driving what we had.
In a quieter setting such as a bustling city like Manhattan, a flashy yellow Maserati Granturismo Trofeo might attract unwanted attention. However, opting for a sleek black or metallic silver finish would make this 199 mph sports car less conspicuous and more discreetly enjoyable.
Its Value Is Relative
Let’s talk about the main point: The Maserati Granturismo Trofeo has a starting price of $190,000 USD. This is quite an investment, and there are numerous other vehicles in the Grand Touring class that cost around the same amount. Instead of asking “why should I buy this car,” the question to consider is “what unique benefits or experiences am I seeking from this vehicle.”
In our mind, the buyer looking at the Maserati Granturismo knows exactly what the car is – a departure from what’s more common on the road, with a bit of Italian soul and the ability to perform, keep up and even best the competition. It’s for someone who wants to stand out, but does it so discreetly and with tact, rather than pizazz and showboating (again, our Yellow example aside). And while the power and luxury is a key factor for drivers and automotive lifestyle seekers, its four-full seats and plentiful trunk also make the Granturismo Trofeo very practical and useable.
Due to these various factors, it’s understandable why the asking price is set at $190,000 USD. In our lives, we often seek unique alternatives beyond the ordinary, and if you’re one who appreciates something with a touch of distinction and are prepared to invest in that quality, the Granturismo Trofeo should definitely be on your radar as a strong candidate.
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2024-09-02 16:26