[colinx]

Hi. I recently traded my GranSport for a 2009 GranTurismo S with the F1 transmission in Nero Carbonio with Rosso Corallo interior with 11,500 miles. I am loving it so far, except there are a couple of things I am concerned about.

First, whenever I shift from neutral to first, and from there up, there is a clink-ing sound. I took it to the dealership and they said it was normal. Is it normal and should it be so loud that you hear it while driving in lower gears?

Secondly, when I insert the key in the ignition, sometimes it turns sometimes it does not. I have tried moving the steering wheel from side to side and that usually solves the issue. But sometimes I am able to get it in to the MAR (ON) position, which starts up the electronics, but then it locks and it won't let me start the car. So I am having to start it in one fluid motion. Again, I took it to the dealership and they said that it was normal. Any thoughts?

Finally, I looked under the car and everything looks great. However, by the rear passenger side wheel there is a plastic, rectangular tube that resembles an exhaust pipe and it faces the front of the car. On the rear driver's side there is a rubber cover that is roughly in the same place. However, there is no such cover on the rear, passenger side. Is this normal? it looks like this plastic tube is only on the passenger side of the rear.

Any help you can provide would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks in advance and have a great day.

[colinx]

If anyone is interested, I took the car in to the dealership today and the tech was nice enough to come talk to me personally.

The clinking sound is completely normal and expected.

We are going to keep an eye out on the ignition issue, but most likely normal.

Finally, the plastic tube is an air intake. Apparently, it was only on the 2009 Granturismo S F1 model and that is why I could not find out any other information about it.

[veloce49]

Don't understand why a "clinking" sound is normal in any car, much less a six-figure exotic.

[ShantF1]

With the F1 gearbox, the clincking is normal. I've even noticed this noise from Ferraris with F1 gearboxes (my car also does it). As far as the car not starting, thats also normal.... if you have your key in there for a while, when in gear (because the car turns on and off in gear), the car automatically holds the clutch in for about 7-10 seconds,after that time period the car automatically lets go of the clutch thus locking your ignition. What I usually do is put the car in neutral and then start it. But if the car is still doing that when starting it in neutral, then thats a problem that the dealer should fix.

[countachqv]

Originally Posted by veloce49

Don't understand why a "clinking" sound is normal in any car, much less a six-figure exotic.

As much as italians do beautiful cars, the premium paid for the "clinking" normal noises feature is a bit much. I'd rather have a car costing $40K less and not purchase the "clinking" feature...
They really ought to make this feature...well.. optional.

[bigbob]

Well you can have that and buy the auto GTS. Not saying it's better but it's different and does not clunk or need clutches.

[ShantF1]

Think of it this way, its a Ferrari Race Tuned Gearbox.lol

[VFZ]

Originally Posted by ShantF1

Think of it this way, its a Ferrari Race Tuned Gearbox.lol

I drive my GTS Automatic in manual sport mode 99% of the time. Meaning, it drives like an F1 without the clutch problem or the clunking. Does it change gears milliseconds faster and do some other things I dont know about? Probably, but i'll never know or care, I dont race mine at the track or race 17 yr olds driving Camaro's at stop lights.

You want a race car, first lesson, dont buy a maserati. there is a long list of cars that are faster and cheaper.

So... Drive it, listen to it as you slowly change gears... that, my friend, is the beauty of the maserati.. not speed shifting .. thats just silly, so just enjoy the looks and feel.

Guys, this is just my opinion, not a slight to any F1 owner. I love that car too. Its just how I came to my own buying decision.