Maserati Granturismo Sport III - 2018

The Maserati GranTurismo Sport (2012–2019) arrived as the sweet spot of the first‑generation GranTurismo range: the looks and theatre of the Pininfarina coupé, paired with a sharper drivetrain and chassis tune. Unveiled at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show, it replaced the “S” and distilled lessons from the hardcore MC Stradale into something you could happily cross continents in.

Under that long bonnet sits the Ferrari‑built 4.7‑litre F136 V8, now at 460 PS and 520 Nm, breathing freely to a spine‑tingling crescendo. Early cars could be had either with the rear transaxle electro‑actuated MC Shift 6‑speed or the ZF 6‑speed automatic (MC Auto Shift); the latter became the mainstay as customers favoured its long‑legged character. Maserati retuned the adaptive Skyhook dampers, introduced firmer bushes and uprated Brembo dual‑cast brakes. The Sport’s new front bumper and darker headlamp internals gave it a more predatory face, while redesigned front and rear seats improved ergonomics and rear legroom.

In period, critics loved the steering feel, the balance on a flowing road and, above all, that operatic exhaust note. It wasn’t the lightest or the quickest against the clock, but it was a grand tourer in the truest sense—able to take four adults and luggage, then make every tunnel sound like Monza. Against rivals such as the Aston Martin DB9/DB11, Bentley Continental GT, Jaguar XKR‑S and Porsche 911, the GranTurismo Sport traded raw pace for romance, space and a uniquely Italian sense of occasion.

Maserati kept the formula fresh. For MY2018 the GranTurismo gained a subtly reworked fascia and grille for better aero, plus a new 8.4‑inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and a cleaner centre stack—resolving the one major gripe enthusiasts had carried since launch. Power and character remained gloriously old‑school: naturally aspirated, hydraulic steering, rear‑drive.

Pop culture helped, too. The GranTurismo appeared across racing games like Gran Turismo, Forza and Need for Speed, and it featured on TV shows including Top Gear, where its soundtrack was regularly singled out for praise. Footballers and musicians were frequent owners, attracted by the drama and 2+2 usability.

Built by hand in Modena on a shortened Quattroporte chassis, the Sport became Maserati’s halo through a turbulent decade and bridged the era between the classic V8 GTs and the modern MC20 age. Production concluded in 2019, marked by the striking three‑tone GranTurismo Zeda farewell livery. As a used buy today, the Sport 460 remains the connoisseur’s choice: the best blend of comfort, theatre and tactility in the original GranTurismo line.