[///996ttm3]

So ive decided to spend the extra money and get a GranSport. Im still in the searching process and hopefully ive made a good decision.

Anyone with a GranSport that can offer some feedback, tips/tricks about the car, etc. ALso how does the stock exhaust sound, what aftermarket exhausts are usually put on the gransports to make it sound even more like an exotic?



thnx guys!!!

 

[Andrew]

The stock exhaust doesn't sound bad but with a after market exhaust you can improve it. The Tubi seems to be the favorite brand and I have driven a Maserait Spyder with the Tubi and the sound was incredible. You might be able to pick up some of it in this video:
http://www.carandgarage.com/watch.php?v_id=998

 

[maseratikai]

So ive decided to spend the extra money and get a GranSport. Im still in the searching process and hopefully ive made a good decision.

Anyone with a GranSport that can offer some feedback, tips/tricks about the car, etc. ALso how does the stock exhaust sound, what aftermarket exhausts are usually put on the gransports to make it sound even more like an exotic?



thnx guys!!!

I too have an 05 GS. If you like to chat with me about it, we can exchange phone numbers: write to [email protected] to st up time to call.
Best of luck, the GS is a wonderful Maserati!

 

[maseratifan]

It is a great car.
My tips:
I'd stick with stock exhaust, you may find it plenty "Italian" enough for you after driving a few months.
Always keep it in sport mode.
Never use automatic.
Drive it aggressively, it doesn't like to be coddled.
Be prepared to be "camera-phoned" nearly every day.
Never valet.
Make sure you use the backseats, they are functional and you paid for them.
Drive it in any weather condition, it is rugged.
Don't skimp on servicing, always get it done right.
Make sure when pulling up to a red light with a long line of cars in adjacent lane to aggressively deploy the downshifting rev-matching extravaganza...people will feel as though an F1 car pulled up next to them!
Have fun, pack on the miles.
B1tch slap anyone who whines about depreciation.
Enjoy!

 

[DeaneG]

The stock GS exhaust sounds great. Just use the Sport button when you want all the noise, it's plenty loud enough to let everyone nearby know what you're up to.

 

[BigFoot]

It is a great car.
My tips:
I'd stick with stock exhaust, you may find it plenty "Italian" enough for you after driving a few months.
Always keep it in sport mode.
Never use automatic.
Drive it aggressively, it doesn't like to be coddled.
Be prepared to be "camera-phoned" nearly every day.
Never valet.
Make sure you use the backseats, they are functional and you paid for them.
Drive it in any weather condition, it is rugged.
Don't skimp on servicing, always get it done right.
Make sure when pulling up to a red light with a long line of cars in adjacent lane to aggressively deploy the downshifting rev-matching extravaganza...people will feel as though an F1 car pulled up next to them!
Have fun, pack on the miles.
B1tch slap anyone who whines about depreciation.
Enjoy!

Thanks for this (I am picking up a GS later this week). When you say: "never use the automatic" is it for driving pleasure reasons or because there is something fundamentally (mechanically?) wrong with it? Given I'll be doing a fair bit of driving in the city, I figured the auto mode would be the default choice.

I am worried now

 

[///996ttm3]

Are there any resonators that you can take out to make the stock exhaust more louder. It will be my frist Italian car and i am a HUGE fan of that exhaust note, makes me weak in the knees

 

[FormulaDynamics]

Larini Exhaust

Yes, you can remove the center resonator and/or mufflers. Give us a ring and we'll let you know some of the tricks to getting a good sounding stock exhaust w/ mods and what to expect. In the long run you'll most likely want to go for a more refined system.

We also have now been appointed the Autorized Dealer for Larini Exhaust on Maserati. These are very fine systems and the price is very competitive as well.

 

[maseratifan]

Thanks for this (I am picking up a GS later this week). When you say: "never use the automatic" is it for driving pleasure reasons or because there is something fundamentally (mechanically?) wrong with it? Given I'll be doing a fair bit of driving in the city, I figured the auto mode would be the default choice.

I am worried now

Excessive clutch wear is the main issue. Leave it in sport mode, shifting in traffic is secod nature after 30min of experience. Don't be worried...the car is one of the best ever made!

 

[BigFoot]

Excessive clutch wear is the main issue. Leave it in sport mode, shifting in traffic is secod nature after 30min of experience. Don't be worried...the car is one of the best ever made!

Got you. Will let you know how it goes

 

[Alex]

with the GS as while at a stop light do you guys put in "N"

any tips on learning to drive the CC? I am great with the 6 speed. I have decided to buy a maserati and not the m6 or the 911. I will hopefully be in a GS in spring

 

[BigFoot]

Alex, as far as I know CambioCorsa is a clutchless manual (similar to the Selespeed system I had on my old 147), so there is really no need to put the car in neutral at traffic lights.

 

[unholy_trident]

It'll change to 'N' is sat too long in 1st gear by itself, accompanied by a beep.

If you wanna avoid the flamboyant down-shifting when coasting to a stop; just pull both paddles to engage neutral. If the lights change suddenly, just pull the 'UP' paddle and it'll change to an appropriate gear for the speed.

It's a lovely car; have fun!

 

[No_bogey_robert]

05 Gransport is awesome!!

I too own a 2005 Gransport with all the extras, including the cool red fire extinguisher (never used). It is an absolute thrilll to drive. I concur with all the posts. It seems to shift best and sound the best in SPORT mode. My garage is in the back and I have to drive by the house to park in it. My wife says she can hear me coming blocks away, and when I drive past the house (as slow as I can), it wakes the baby up every time. Small price to pay for the fun!! The only thing non-stock on the car is switching to Michelin Pilot sports tire.

I would only use AUTO mode if you absolutely have to let a valet park it; otherwise, keep it in SPORT and valet yourself...and tip anyway so they keep an eye on your car. Most of the time, when they see the car, they ask you to park it in the front of the restaurant (or casino in my case).

 

[///996ttm3]

How is the insurance for the car? How much do you guys pay?

 

[No_bogey_robert]

Insurance

How is the insurance for the car? How much do you guys pay?

Insurance was a pain. Before I bought the car, I was quoted about $700 per year. Then AFTER I bought the car, I called back to add this to my policy and they said the agent made a mistake quoting me that amount and that to underwrite the insurance on my GS this would have to get escalated to management and there is a chance they would not cover it at all. Then it took several days (obviously anxious days for me) for them to get back to me and tell me they could cover it...for about $900 per year. At that point I was happy just to be covered so I took it.

 

[BigFoot]

I reckon here in Japan, I'll pay at least 3 times that. Probably close to 4 or 5x.

Maybe I should move to America

 

[///996ttm3]

Anybody have any customization done to their GranSport?

I was seaching the net and found a silver one that had full custom exhaust, tinted rear lights(which i might do) and 20' wheels.

 

[haha]

Anybody have any customization done to their GranSport?

I was seaching the net and found a silver one that had full custom exhaust, tinted rear lights(which i might do) and 20' wheels.

already a tubi OEM and no center resonator, not much you could do except to swap out the entire exhaust system including cats. If the objective is to make it louder, replace the back boxes with stright pipes. With that you'll lose back pressure but "loud" and crisp, though it will never whine (the wonderful notes you find on 360 and 430's).

Fuch has a good F1 system but cost too much...

 

[///996ttm3]

One last question...

how bad will the prices drop on the GS's when the GranTurismo hits the dealerships?