Maserati GranTurismo S Automatic to be unveiled at Geneva Show 2009

Modena-Cairo-Dubai / February 23rd, 2009 / – It seems that the Italian car manufacturer Maserati will stick to it’s commitment to introduce a new model at each international car show. This time it is the Maserati GranTurismo S Automatic which will premi?¨re at the next Geneva Auto Show. The new Maserati GranTurismo S Automatic features a 4.7 V8 which develops 440 HP (323kW) at 7000 rpm. The maximum torque is 490Nm at 4.750 rpm.

The major novelty is the combination of the automatic transmission with the most powerful wet sump Maserati V8 on the GranTurismo – until now offered as 4.2 l with automatic transmission and 4.7 l with an electro-actuated gearbox. Thanks to the combination of the 323kW produced by the powerful 4.7l V8 engine and the smoothness of the ZF 6-speed automatic gearbox, the Maserati GranTurismo S Automatic stresses the original granturismo concept while at the same time offering peak performance.

Equipping such a powerful Gran Turismo with an automatic transmission will be very helpful for the sales numbers in Egypt and the Middle East, as such an option is extremely important in Egypt and the Middle East region due to the annoying traffic situations there.

The Skyhook suspension system featuring continuously adjustable dampers provides great driving comfort. Passive safety is further enhanced thanks to the introduction on the GranTurismo range of a new generation passenger air-bag with Low Risk Deployment functionality.

Consistently with the unmistakable design of all Maseratis, the Maserati GranTurismo S Automatic features some marked stylistic differences which make it immediately recognisable: the new under-door mini-skirts featuring a prominent shape, which enhances the dynamism of its profile and the new 20� wheel rims with “Trident� design, which recall the strength and elegance of the car.

A further enriched equipment increases the on board pleasure for the driver and the three passengers, thanks to the Bluetooth?® Wireless Technology, offered as standard, and the Ipod?® interface, available upon request, which complete the Maserati Multi Media System.