[squid]

Is it just me or does this thing have woeful traction? Coming out of tight bends I'm always squealing the tires at normal speeds. My Cherokee doesn't spin the rears so easily and it has more torque down low and crappier tires. I've read one review where they panned it for having bad traction but all the others made no mention of it. The last time I experienced this was on my 968 which had to have the diff rebuilt--I'm hesitant to bring it in and have the back end stripped down unless I know there's something wrong though.

Anyone else experience this?

 

[MVP]

I had traction issues at times, I know you have a GT but on the CC models you experience traction issues when downshifting which is annoying at times. The tires just let out a small squeal.

 

[squid]

It's most noticable coming out of urban intersections. Squeak squeak squeak.

 

[squid]

So I take it noone else has this issue? Damn, maybe I need to get the thing stripped down

 

[McNab]

squid,

Could you describe the problem in more detail?

The GS can certainly give a very slight squeak on downshifts if you don't time the engine revs precisely, but I can't see how this could happen on upshifts with a manual box.

The current generation of Maseratis all have the same basic configuration, and I've never heard of major traction issues from other owners. Tire squeal coming out of tight corners just shouldn't happen!

What tires are you using, and what tire pressures?

 

[STARDOC]

I hear ya. It is probably one of my biggest pet peeves with this car....poorly matched tires to the suspension. You can feel that the tires give up far sooner than the suspension does on tight corners. Gives a lack of confidence at speeds, like it wants to oversteer. Certainly stickier wider tires would help but one has to be carefull with increased weight as they would compromise accelaration. I've taken the car on highway interchanges at around 100mph and it didn't instill the same confidence and stability as my M3 did. IMHO, if I had to do it again, I would buy a non-Skyhook version and replace the coilovers after lowering the car.

 

[squid]

I don't have any lateral grip issues, it's just the ability of the car to put power down coming out of tight corners. Don't get me wrong, that's fun for the occasional doughnut or something (not that I'd ever do such a naughty thing) but the constant squealing around town is likely to attract police attention and I don't need any more than I already get. It's just on cold tires in urban 90-deg intersections--touch the gas and squeak squeak squeak goes the inside rear tire every time. Argh.

I'm running the OEM Pilots and around 30psi all - around. Been meaning to bump it up to 34 or so but haven't been driving the beast much lately.

 

[STARDOC]

I'd assume if you bumped them up to 34 that you'd get more squeeling...since the contact patch on the road would be smaller.
BTW, forgot to ask...is this with traction control on or off?
Best tires for grip on the market right now are Michelin PS2 and Toyo TR1s.

 

[surfnirnava]

I dont get any on-road squeeling on mine but, in my experience, the UK roads tend to have a slightly rougher surface than in the US. I will get some squeel on smooth concrete surfaces in a carpark. Also, when I pull out of the top of the lane near home - uphill start onto a sharp right turn - I feel the offside rear slipping a bit. I think its down to the limited slip diff and the tight suspension these cars have.

I have also tried several tyre types - original Pilots were ok, Pirelli P Zero Rossos were not good (tramlined), the current set are Goodyear F1's and are excellent. Good grip, good wear, handle well and have a nice tread pattern.
Tim

 

[squid]

BTW, forgot to ask...is this with traction control on or off?

Either...

 

[Glenn Wallace]

My car seems to be getting even less traction. Maybe it is the weather, but even in the dry, in normal or sport mode I get major wheelspin in 1st and often in 2nd in a straightline, then of course MSP shuts it done. Tire pressures are good, OEM Pilots.

 

[GregD]

I have traction issues as well. The tires are probably the reason. My backs are getting pretty worn so I'm looking into the Pilot PS2 as well. I have heard they can take corners better.

Even after over a year of ownership, I know that I have not pushed the car near it limit on curves as I dont want to slide out. I hope new tires make a difference. I will post once there on.