2012 Maserati GranTurismo Convertible Sport First Drive: Beautiful and a Great Set of Pipes

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2012 Maserati GranTurismo Convertible Sport - First Drive ReviewTopping off Maserati's topless lineup with the delightful Sport.BY JENS MEINERS
July 2011

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Photos (44)Visit Our Buyer's Guide »Maserati GranTurismo› Overview› Specifications› Price with Options› Photos & 360° View› Get a Free QuoteNews & Reviews2012 Maserati GranTurismo Convertible Sport Official Photos and Info - Auto Shows2011 Maserati GranTurismo MC Stradale - Auto Shows2011 Maserati GranTurismo Convertible - First Drive Review2010 Maserati GranTurismo Spyder - Spied2009 Maserati GranTurismo S Auto - First Drive Review2010 Maserati GranTurismo Spyder - Car News2010 Maserati GranTurismo MC - Car News2009 Maserati GranTurismo S Automatic - Auto ShowsGentlemen, Start Her Engine! - Car NewsTop CompetitorsAston Martin DBS VolanteAudi R8 SpyderFerrari CaliforniaJaguar XKR convertibleMercedes-Benz SL63 AMG

It was a peaceful and elegant scene, the bright sunlight glinting off the top-down Maserati GranTurismo convertibles parked on the Piazza dell'Unità d'Italia in Trieste. Passersby admired the gorgeous cars, one of Pininfarina’s masterpieces. Then a legion of uprated 4.7-liter V-8s ignited with a snarl, and peace and elegance were the last things on our minds.

About that wonderful engine, fitted in the top-spec GranTurismo Convertible Sport: Purists still lament the fact that Maseratis, which were long defined by powerplants that developed peak power at low rpm, are now equipped with high-revving buzz saws bought from its former arch rival, Ferrari. But the GranTurismo Convertible Sport's 444-hp variation of the 4.7-liter V-8 is sure to create a few converts.

It’s an evolution of the regular GranTurismo convertible’s 433-horse 4.7-liter with less internal friction, thanks to a revised oil sump and slipperier coatings for the valve tappets and cam lobes. This upgraded version also powers the GranTurismo MC Stradale coupe. Compared with its lesser sibling, the droptop Sport exhales through a freer-flowing exhaust, the main purpose of which seems to be to create as much beautiful noise as is legally allowed. It’s aided in that pursuit by active valves that open at 2500 rpm when the transmission is in its automatic-sport mode. We predict the V-8 will haul the 4600-pound droptop to 60 in 4.8 seconds.

Fantastico Automatico

As in the U.S.-market MC Stradale and the Quattroporte Sport GT S, power flows through a six-speed, torque-converter automatic supplied by ZF. But don’t lament the fact that there’s no hard-core gearbox. The automatic has been extensively reworked for duty here and offers normal and manual-sport modes in addition to the aforementioned automatic sport, as well as launch control. Gearshift times are improved by up to 50 percent, it blips the throttle for downshifts, and in manual-sport mode, it doesn’t downshift when you hit the kickdown switch or upshift unless you tell it to. There’s more: You can call for a lower gear if there’s any leeway whatsoever before redline (most transmissions won’t let you downshift unless the resulting engine speed is farther down the tach from redline), and the exhaust flaps are always open in manual sport. This automatic is so good you'll hardly miss a dual-clutch transmission—or the Euro-market MC’s single-clutch automated manual. Of course, you might miss a proper clutch-pedal manual gearbox, but Maserati doesn't offer one anymore.

Chassis Changes, Too

Underneath, the front and rear springs and anti-roll bars are stiffer on this derivative, the dampers are modified, and the ZF Sachs–sourced Skyhook damping system has been retuned. On twisting roads, the Sport handles well and generally does what you ask of it, but there’s simply no masking the car’s two-ton-plus weight or somewhat uncommunicative steering. The body flexes more than it should, too. To be sure, the GranTurismo Convertible Sport is an enjoyable companion in nearly every situation, but it’s less full-bore sporty than its sinister looks and capital-S “Sport” badge might let on. So when a well-driven Audi R8 spyder closes in on you from behind, our advice is to just let it pass. Take solace in the fact that the Audi will never sound as glorious as the Maserati or seat four as comfortably (or at all).

There are a number of competitors: BMW's new 6-series droptop, the soon-to-be-new Mercedes-Benz SL, the Porsche 911 cabriolet, the Audi R8 spyder, and, of course, the Jaguar XK and its distant cousin, the Aston Martin V-8 Vantage roadster. The Maserati acquits itself well by informal comparison. It’s more spacious than most others (even if the trunk is tiny), it’s not outrageously expensive by the standards of the segment, it offers incredibly luxurious accommodations, and it just might have more character than the whole bunch combined. Those qualities ought to satisfy almost anyone—trident purists included.

Specifications

VEHICLE TYPE: front-engine, rear-wheel-drive, 4-passenger, 2-door convertible

BASE PRICE: $146,300

ENGINE TYPE: DOHC 32-valve V-8, aluminum block and heads, port fuel injection

Displacement: 286 cu in, 4691 cc
Power (SAE net): 444 hp @ 7000 rpm
Torque (SAE net): 376 lb-ft @ 4750 rpm

TRANSMISSION: 6-speed automatic

DIMENSIONS:
Wheelbase: 115.8 in Length: 192.2 in
Width: 75.4 in Height: 53.3 in
Curb weight (C/D est): 4600 lb

PERFORMANCE (C/D EST):
Zero to 60 mph: 4.8 sec
Standing ¼-mile: 13.4 sec
Top speed (mfr’s claim): 177 mph

FUEL ECONOMY (C/D EST):
EPA city/highway driving: 12/21 mpg

 

 


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2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport SE AWC, an AW Drivers Log Car Review:

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2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport SE AWC. Photo by David Arnouts.

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2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport SE AWC. Photo by David Arnouts.

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2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport SE AWC. Photo by David Arnouts.

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2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport SE AWC. Photo by David Arnouts.

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2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport SE AWC. Photo by David Arnouts.

ART DIRECTOR CHERYL L. BLAHNIK: Wow. What does everyone think of this Laguna blue paint job on this 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport SE? Not sure I'm sold on the color with the alloy fuel door. I do like the 18-inch wheels wheels, and the overall sporty shape with the rounded back end and aggressive front fascia. I would like to see one of these in silver or red.

The interior is laid out nicely, and the panoramic roof was a nice surprise with the LED lights. There's good room for families, and there are premium touches such as a push-button start system, a backup camera and heated seats.

On the road, this engine is buzzy. And for all that noise there isn't much punch from this 2.0-liter four-cylinder, but it seems to do well on fuel. I logged 100 miles during my overnight and the fuel gauge hardly moved. The suspension absorbed potholes well and yields a solid ride.

So what's to like about this Outlander Sport? A lot with the all-wheel drive, good fuel economy and the roomy interior. I can imagine this being perfect for outdoorsman with a rack up top to carry bikes or snowboards. But the as-tested price of $28,570 does make you pause. That's more than I would be willing to pay for this.

ART DIRECTOR TARA KLEIN: Is it sporty? Is it cute? Is it stylish? Is it luxurious? The Mitsubishi Outlander Sport seems to be going through an identity crisis when it comes to the overall look and feel, and because of this, I don't think it thrives in any area.

The exterior, while teetering toward completely boring, did have a sporty edge to it. I also agree with Cheryl that I may have been distracted by the awful paint color that would have been more suitable for a Jolly Rancher.

The ride was stable for the most part; it got slightly irritated on our subpar Michigan roadways, but it was a total pain to get up to speed. There have been few vehicles where I could literally put my foot to the floor and not be nervous about the looming blast of power, and this Outlander is one of those few. When accelerating in this SUV, not only was I itching for more oomph, my ears were also being irritated with the sounds of engine, wind and road noise.

The brakes are also not as responsive as I would have thought. I found myself having to really push on them to get an instant reaction in rush-hour traffic when a gradual approach wasn't cutting it.

Inside of the Outlander, one of the first things I noticed was the massive sunroof. This is a feature I found some real value in, but when I caught a glimpse of the reflection of the limolike lighting scheme, I was confused. It doesn't coincide with the initial impression I got from the Outlander. The seats were also hard and uncomfortable, but the rest of the interior was composed well.

I think the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport has some real soul searching to do before it can find its permanent niche in the SUV world.

EXECUTIVE EDITOR--AUTOWEEK.COM BOB GRITZINGER: The Outlander Sport--especially with this CVT tying it down--makes me sad, because I know there's a good car and a great Lancer chassis buried somewhere underneath this crossover get-up. You can feel it when you toss the Outlander into a corner, feel it start to roll and then check itself as the suspension responds and the tires bite for traction. The problem comes when you try to dial in more power and there's just nothing left in the tank, or the CVT's response is dull and lagging. The engine could use some help as well--don't these folks know a lot about turbos and such? The engine, as noted, is buzzy at best.

All of that aside, this a nicely equipped ute for the money, with AWD, navigation, backup camera, heated seats, automatic climate control, keyless entry and ignition, and that giant sunroof. There's a lot of equipment here to love, but somehow it feels like window dressing on a vehicle where I'd be a lot happier if Mitsubishi targeted transmission response and engine output before getting carried away with extras.

There's a great little ute in here somewhere. It'd be really great if Mitsubishi would let it out.

EDITOR WES RAYNAL: I don't have much to add to the above. The Outlander is close to being a good little ute, it looks good to my eye, but the powertrain lets it down. The CVT is just awful (as I'd have thought) and basically ruins an otherwise decent drive. And why bother with the paddles?

The four-cylinder is good, the car feels light on its feet and potholes are fairly well absorbed. In other words, it's not too soft or too harsh.

I'd love to see better materials inside, but the seats were decent and for this money, what do you want?

However, this is a competitive segment. Would I consider this over a Chevrolet Equinox or a Volkswagen Tiguan? Not with this drivetrain.

DIGITAL EDITOR ANDREW STOY: Knowing in advance that the Outlander Sport uses the old-world engine/CVT powertrain from the early Dodge Caliber, I wasn't expecting much. Turns out I was pleasantly surprised by this little runabout. Granted, the engine and transmission are far from satisfying, but walking into the gig knowing what to expect (the CVT's obnoxious moans and slipping-clutch driving dynamics), I found that it did its job fine. And the engine felt much stronger than its numbers and displacement would suggest, particularly since this was a 4WD model with the extra mechanicals. Finally, Mitsubishi did a good job of isolating the cabin from the worst of the powertrain racket.

In fact, the entire car was remarkably quiet and composed in every driving situation I encountered. It's a far more enjoyable place to spend time than either of the Scions that I drove recently. The dash is well laid out and covered in soft-touch materials, the thick steering wheel and good seating position help, and the Mitsubishi multimedia system is tolerable--not the best, not the worst. My only complaint is that the center armrest doesn't extend far enough forward. Oh, and the whole car smelled like a new Hyundai in 1988. I can't describe it, but you'd know it if you smelled it. It's like some kind of glue or plastic that no one uses anymore.

The glass roof was a very pleasant surprise, and it made a basic commuter car interior into a wide-open, airy space.

But would I pay $28,500 for a Mitsubishi? No way. The company doesn't have the brand equity to charge that kind of money for this vehicle. That's unfortunate, as there are the makings of an actual competitor here.

NEWS EDITOR GREG MIGLIORE: I had a weekend cruise in this Laguna-hued 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport SE, and I liked the looks and the glass-roof feature. It fit in well during one of the first truly warm weekends of the year in Michigan. The Evo-styled grille, lower fascia and detailed headlights are sharp, adding character to the Outlander Sport in a crossover segment that's devoid of it. The side panels look sporty, too, with impressive lines and contours that show plenty of design character. I was a little surprised at how nice this car looks in the flesh. It gets attention.

The CVT was what I expected--which was disappointing. Its operation is a bit awkward, especially low in the band, and it seems sluggish at times. Harder launches are slow, too, and this four-banger is adequate at best. The nicest thing I can say is at least the Outlander GT doesn't feel underpowered.

The chassis is considerably better than what lurks underhood. It's tight, well-sprung and offers little rebound when whacking road imperfections. It feels sporty, yet with the elevated ride height, it isn't abusive. I give props to Mitsu for keeping the curb weight relatively low (for a crossover with AWD) and the body is composed during most maneuvers. I found a comfortable driving position, and the front part of the cabin is plenty roomy. The materials are fine, and the dark plastics actually present rather well. Steering offers a bit of weight into turns but is still often on the light side. The interior lets in a good amount of engine noise as this four-cylinder whines and strains, and I detected a bit of wind noise on the expressway. Other random thoughts: The fuel economy is fairly solid and the rear camera is quite clear.

Overall, this is a nice effort by Mitsubishi. It looks great, drives decently, and is generally well done. But I would prefer a better powertrain.

2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport SE AWC

Base Price: $23,775

As-Tested Price: $28,570

Drivetrain: 2.0-liter I4; 4WD, continuously variable transmission

Output: 148 hp @ 6,000 rpm, 143 lb-ft @ 4,200 rpm

Curb Weight: 3,263 lb

Fuel Economy (EPA/AW): 26/24.6 mpg

Options: Navigation with rearview camera including 40GB HDD navigation with music server and real-time traffic, rearview-camera system and auxiliary video input jack ($2,000); premium package including panoramic glass roof with LED illumination, black roof rails, 710-watt Rockford-Fosgate punch premium sound system with nine-speakers, 10-inch subwoofer, six-disk CD/MP3 in-dash head unit, Sirius satellite radio with three months' service ($1,800); exterior sport package including large rear spoiler, front corner extensions, rear diffuser garnish, alloy fuel door ($995)

AutoWeek loves passionate comments and debate, but remember that you're part of a diverse community. Critique statements or articles, not people; talk about the automotive world, but skip the rhetoric, hate speech, and obscenities. Above all, be respectful. While we can't read every post, this site is moderated and AutoWeek will remove comments as we see fit. Questions? Email moderator@autoweek.com

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2012 Fiat 500 Sport vs. 2011 Mini Cooper – Comparison Tests

May 20, 2011 at 2:53pm by K.C. Colwell

Playmobiles: Fiat battles Mini for sandbox supremacy. It’s on like Donkey Kong.

The wide boulevards, endless expressways, ?and three-car garages of the United States are not what you might call prime territory for tiny city cars. Sure, they’re big business in Europe, the hatchery?that birthed these automotive Peeps, with all major carmakers (including Mercedes-Benz and Audi) looking for a piece of the action. But without the need for space efficiency that guided the development of these runabouts, few Americans seem willing to put up with the resulting trade-offs. Previous efforts largely failed to break Americans out of the small-is-cheap mind-set. ?And cars like the quirky-but-joyless Smart Fortwo, and soon the Scion iQ, test the outer limits of American good humor.

Keep Reading: 2012 Fiat 500 Sport vs. 2011 Mini Cooper – Comparison Tests

Tags: British, Fiat, Fiat 500, Fiat 500 Sport, hatchback, Italian, Mini, Mini Cooper, performance testing |

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2010 Mazda Mazdaspeed 3 Sport, an AW Long-Term Wrap-Up:

New squeaks were springing from the dash, the 2-3 shift was as finicky as ever, and the clutch take-up still took getting used to, but the consensus at year's end was unwavering: The Mazda Mazdaspeed 3 is simply one of the best cars for the money that an enthusiast can buy.

We found the car a joy to drive no matter the weather (a set of Bridgestone Blizzaks LM-60s helped), the state of the roads (true, the stiff suspension could be punishing) or the task at hand (the cargo hold could swallow just about anything). The lively chassis and eager turbocharged engine erased whatever quibbles we otherwise found with the car. As one particularly effusive staffer said: “This car is a hell of a hot-hatchback deal. Its power, handling composure and versatility are hard to argue with. I'll say it again: worth every penny.”

That said, the quibbles should not be overlooked. By the end of the year, the squeaks had started erupting from several places, from across the dash, around the windshield and a couple hard-to-pinpoint places in the rear of the vehicle. At one point, someone jammed a small wedge of paper between two dash-panel pieces. That eliminated one squeak, only to have it return a few weeks later, slowly to be joined by a chorus of others.

We also never fully resolved our relationship with the clutch pedal. Even the most skilled on staff would have to reacclimate themselves to the pedal's springy feel, high take-up and on/off engagement every time they climbed behind the wheel. The same went for the mediocre shifter, which would often punish those aggressively working the gears by hanging up between 2 and 3. “Maybe a short shifter would help, or some stiffer transmission mounts?” one editor suggested.

Despite our minor protests, the Mazdaspeed also proved to be a most reliable ride, not requiring any unscheduled maintenance until 10 months into its stay, when the idle started behaving oddly. In neutral or at low loads, the idle would surge and jump around a bit before smoothing. It turned out that a service technician had sprayed some carbon cleaner into the intake manifold during the car's scheduled service stop a week earlier. Diagnosing and fixing the problem kept the Mazdaspeed out of our hands for three sad days.

Our little red car cost us $1,561.15 to keep on the road during the fourth quarter, with fuel costs, routine maintenance and minor repairs. For the as-tested price of $25,840—despite that less-than-precise shifter, those squeaks and that touchy clutch pedal—every person on staff considered the Mazdaspeed 3 well worth it.

2010 Mazda Mazdaspeed 3 Sport

Miles driven (quarter/year): 5,678.1/19,099.9

Fuel economy (quarter/year): 22.8/22.5 mpg

Fuel cost (quarter/year): $781.89/$2,569.03

Days out of service (quarter/year): three/three

Maintenance: 5,000-mile scheduled service, including oil change, top off fluids, rotate tires, general inspection ($55.42); reinstall summer tires ($54); 15,000-mile service, including oil change, replace air filter, lubricate latches and hinges, top off fluids, tire rotation, general inspection ($310.62); unscheduled service visit to investigate jumpy idle (warranty); repair windshield chip ($19.15); install winter tires ($54); replace windshield ($332.49); 20,000-mile service, including oil change, tire rotation, general inspection ($63)

Original sticker price: $25,840

Trade-in value: $22,000 (www.kbb.com)

AutoWeek loves passionate comments and debate, but remember that you're part of a diverse community. Critique statements or articles, not people; talk about the automotive world, but skip the rhetoric, hate speech, and obscenities. Above all, be respectful. While we can't read every post, this site is moderated and AutoWeek will remove comments as we see fit. Questions? Email moderator@autoweek.com

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2011 Chevrolet Cruze LT vs. 2012 Ford Focus SEL, 2011 Hyundai Elantra Limited, 2011 Mazda 3 s Sport, 2011 Volkswagen Jetta 2.5 SEL – Comparison Tests

April 29, 2011 at 11:16am by Jared Gall

Startup Sedans: Five perfectly respectable rides for up-and-comers establish a new standard for compact sedans.

Even if two weeks’ worth of Maruchan ramen drains your savings account, there’s something about a rusting mid-’90s Accord on sagging springs that fails to inspire confidence among financial backers or real-estate agents. And when you and the missus are just starting out, you feel that need to be taken seriously more acutely than most. There are certainly cheaper new cars than the group gathered here, but—wrong as it may be—“cheap” is the only reputation many B-segment cars have.

Keep Reading: 2011 Chevrolet Cruze LT vs. 2012 Ford Focus SEL, 2011 Hyundai Elantra Limited, 2011 Mazda 3 s Sport, 2011 Volkswagen Jetta 2.5 SEL – Comparison Tests

Tags: American, Chevrolet, Chevrolet Cruze, economy, Ford, Ford Focus, Hyundai, Hyundai Elantra, Japanese, Korean, Mazda, Mazda 3, performance testing, sedan, Volkswagen, Volkswagen Jetta |

View the original article here

2011 Chevrolet Cruze LT vs. 2012 Ford Focus SEL, 2011 Hyundai Elantra Limited, 2011 Mazda 3 s Sport, 2011 Volkswagen Jetta 2.5 SEL – Comparison Tests

April 29, 2011 at 11:16am by Jared Gall

Startup Sedans: Five perfectly respectable rides for up-and-comers establish a new standard for compact sedans.

Even if two weeks’ worth of Maruchan ramen drains your savings account, there’s something about a rusting mid-’90s Accord on sagging springs that fails to inspire confidence among financial backers or real-estate agents. And when you and the missus are just starting out, you feel that need to be taken seriously more acutely than most. There are certainly cheaper new cars than the group gathered here, but—wrong as it may be—“cheap” is the only reputation many B-segment cars have.

Keep Reading: 2011 Chevrolet Cruze LT vs. 2012 Ford Focus SEL, 2011 Hyundai Elantra Limited, 2011 Mazda 3 s Sport, 2011 Volkswagen Jetta 2.5 SEL – Comparison Tests

Tags: American, Chevrolet, Chevrolet Cruze, economy, Ford, Ford Focus, Hyundai, Hyundai Elantra, Japanese, Korean, Mazda, Mazda 3, performance testing, sedan, Volkswagen, Volkswagen Jetta |

View the original article here