The Maserati GranTurismo S Automatic has just arrived and gone on sale in Australia and New Zealand. It is a model that blends the effortless luxury and refinement of the GranTurismo with the hard-edged performance and aggression of the 4.7 litre GranTurismo S to produce the new Maserati GranTurismo S Automatic version.

Fitted with the same 323 kW 4.7 litre engine as the range topping Maserati GranTurismo S, the new automatic variant shares the same 295 km/h top speed and is only fractionally slower to 100 km/h, despite replacing the MC Supershift sequential manual gearbox with an automatic gearbox. This feat of performance engineering has been achieved with a software package developed specifically for the characteristics of Maserati’s V8 engine, minimising power transmission loss and enabling gears to be held right to the 7200 rpm red line, something no other automatic in the world can match.

This combination endows the Maserati GranTurismo S Automatic with its own, distinct character, something that is further enhanced by exterior changes that mark it apart from the GranTurismo 4.2 litre and the GranTurismo S. The new under-door side-skirts feature a prominent shape, which enhances the dynamism of its profile and the standard new 20" wheels with the brand new "Trident" design featuring spokes that distinctly reflect the Trident shape create a mix of strength and elegance. A further enriched equipment increases the on board pleasure for the driver and the passengers, thanks to the Bluetooth Technology, offered as standard, and the Ipod interface, available upon request, which complete the Maserati Multi Media System.

With a recommended price not including statutory charges and delivery of A328,500/NZ$319,500 the new Maserati GranTurismo S Automatic compliments the GranTurismo 4.2 and the range-topping GranTurismo S with the MC Supershift gearbox.

“The Maserati GranTurismo S Automatic is quite possibly the ultimate expression of a Maserati coupé as it brings together for the first time all the facets of the unique Maserati legend,” says Edward Butler, General Manager for Maserati in Australia and New Zealand. “On one hand it has the sumptuous luxury which, thanks to the Maserati personalisation programme, means that every Maserati is unique to its owner. On the other it is within a hair’s breadth of offering the aggressive performance of the fastest production Maserati of all time both in terms of straight line performance and chassis response. This combination has been made possible by a unique automatic gearbox that offers the seamless shifting required for a luxury Maserati and, on the other hand, the instantaneous response for a performance Maserati. Given its breadth of abilities, a level of exclusivity that is unrivalled and that it is the pinnacle of the Maserati legend, we are certain that it will account for the majority of GranTurismos sold in Australia."