2006 Maserati GranSport Review
2006 Maserati GranSport Review
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Used GranSport for sale
Appraise This CarMaserati GranSport types
- Coupe
- Convertible
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Italian looks and personality for around $100,000, optional F1-style transmission, true four-passenger capacity for the coupe, a healthy warranty.
Cons
- Lacking some of the latest technology and safety features, doesn't have the flash factor that Ferraris possess.
What’s new
A convertible (Spyder) version of the Maserati GranSport debuts this year, and it essentially replaces the now discontinued base Spyder.
Edmunds says
Though outclassed in certain areas, the Maserati GranSport makes up for it with rarity and Italian-influenced design and flair. Those searching for a $100,000 luxury performance coupe will want to give it a look.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2006 Maserati GranSport 2dr Coupe (4.2L 8cyl 6A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.45 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$393/mo for GranSport Base
GranSport Base
vs
$179/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Vehicle overview
Maserati has come full circle. At first, Maserati built beautiful Italian sports cars that possessed speed, style and handling, just like countryman rival Ferrari. After rubbing shoulders with Ferrari through the '50s, '60s and '70s, Maserati stopped building memorable exotic sports cars and instead produced the forgettable BiTurbo of the '80s. Although these twin-turbo coupes (and later convertibles and sedans) were fast, they suffered from bland, anonymous design and horrid reliability. Respect for the Maserati company, as well as the cars themselves, was gone from the U.S. market by the early 1990s.
Oddly enough, Ferrari took control of Maserati in 1998, hoping to restore this once iconic Italian marque to its former glory. Actually, Fiat, the parent company of Ferrari, put up the money and immediately renovated the antiquated Maserati factory in Modena to a modern production facility. The first offspring of this union were the Maserati Coupe and Spyder, designed by Giugiaro's ItalDesign studio. The benefits of the new parentage were immediately obvious -- no less than a near 400-horsepower Ferrari V8 powered the pair, and drivers could choose between a standard six-speed manual (called the GT) or an electrohydraulic six-speed sequential-shifting manual (called the "Cambiocorsa" -- Italian for "racing gearbox"). The Cambiocorsa unit is similar in design to Ferrari's "F1" automated-clutch manual transmission. There is no clutch pedal, and it allows gearshifts to be made in the blink of an eye via paddle shifters behind the steering wheel.
The 2006 Maserati GranSport increases the sporting quotient a bit thanks to a few engine tweaks, a revised suspension with a slightly lower ride height, and a stiffer state of tune, bigger wheels and tires and some effective aerodynamic add-ons. The electrohydraulic transmission, tweaked to provide slightly quicker shifting, is also standard with this model. As with the Coupe, the GranSport can be had with the Skyhook active suspension. This system automatically adjusts the stiffness of the suspension according to different road and driving conditions for improved ride comfort and more dynamic sport handling. Similar to modern Ferraris, the GranSport has a "Sport" button on the center console that allows the driver to set many of the car's parameters for more aggressive driving. These include increased damping stiffness for the Skyhook suspension, faster gearshifts and accelerator response and reduced intervention of the stability and traction control systems.
Highlights for the GranSport include the coupe's true four-passenger capacity, an easy-to-drive personality and a measure of exclusivity. Its interior is cheerfully Italian, especially compared to the ergonomically effective but somber cabins of many German performance cars. And while the outlook of long-term Maserati durability is still unknown, at least there's a healthy warranty backing the GranSport. The downside to Maserati GranSport ownership is that its design is getting a bit old and it can't be had with some of the more recent safety features and techno-gadgets. But for those who desire an entertaining luxury coupe with an extra amount of Italian flair, this is a car to certainly check out for 2006.
Performance & mpg
A 4.2-liter V8 borrowed from Ferrari sends 400 horsepower and 333 pound-feet of torque to the rear wheels of the GranSport. All that power is sent to the rear wheels via an F1-style, automated-clutch six-speed gearbox (called "Cambiocorsa" -- Italian for "racing gearbox") that's shifted via paddles next to the steering wheel. No traditional manual gearbox is available for the GranSport. The Cambiocorsa offers four modes: "Normal," "Sport," "Auto" and "Low Grip." In Normal and Sport, the transmission shifts aggressively; more so in Sport mode. In Auto, the car shifts itself automatically. In Low Grip, gentler starts are ensured for driving on low-traction surfaces. According to Maserati, the GranSport will hit 60 mph in less than 5 seconds while top speed is 180 mph.
Safety
In addition to government-mandated equipment, the GranSport comes with antilock brakes, traction control, side airbags and stability control as standard equipment.
Driving
The combination of 400 hp, a lightning-quick F1 shifter, active suspension components and a satisfying V8 rumble prove nothing short of magical. It may sound gauche to call it a Mazda Miata on steroids, but that was the impression after running hard through our favorite set of twisties. Unlike so many exotics that impress you with their size almost as much as their performance, the easily managed Maserati doesn't intimidate you while you're driving it. Flinging the GranSport through corners is an absolute joy, with throttle, brakes and steering inputs working with each other to slingshot the car between apexes.
Interior
Beautiful leather work is as Italian as cannoli. The GranSport shows off its heritage with fine hides and impeccable craftsmanship. A dip in the center of the dash echoes the signature Maserati grille, and the various controls are much easier to use compared with past Masers. With a power top that automatically disappears under a hard tonneau cover, enjoying the GranSport Spyder alfresco is a breeze.
2006 Maserati GranSport models
The Maserati GranSport is available as a four-seat coupe and a two-seat convertible known as the Spyder. Among the standard features are dual power seats with driver memory, automatic climate control, a power tilt and telescopic steering wheel, and an alarm system. Setting the GranSport apart from the standard Coupe are a lowered suspension (10mm), 19-inch wheels, mesh grille, aerodynamic tweaks (such as a lower front spoiler and flared rocker panels), aluminum pedals and a steering wheel wrapped in leather and carbon fiber. The GranSport Spyder boasts the same upgrades over last year's discontinued base Spyder and features an interior trimmed in leather and "technical" fabric that graces the dash as well. The luxury-themed GranSport LE coupe features a high-power audio system with CD changer, xenon headlights, heated front seats, red brake calipers and the Skyhook active suspension. Many of the LE features are available a la carte for the GranSport coupe and Spyder. Also of some significance is the ability of the GranSport buyer to customize his car with a multitude of interior trim color combinations, as well as being able to choose unique out-of-range exterior paint colors. Maserati backs its cars with a four-year/50,000-mile warranty.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2006 Maserati GranSport.
5 star(95%)
4 star(5%)
3 star(0%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
22 reviews
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Most helpful consumer reviews
4.25 out of 5 stars
Addictive car!
CD-F1, 12/02/2008
2006 Maserati GranSport LE 2dr Coupe (4.2L 8cyl 6A)
I have owned this car since new for 2 years. Mine is the MC Victory edition. It is one of my favorite cars to drive if not the best. I have and had Ferrari F430, MB Amgs CLK 55, SL 55, Porsche Boxster S. You never get bored of this beauty. The sound is definitely addictive and the handling is great. I must add though that I installed aftermarket anti-roll bars as for track driving … the suspension even in sport mode is more GT than Sport car biased (a little soft). I truly enjoy driving this bella machina daily to work and taking it to Lime Rock and put it through its paces! Can't get enough of it. Maserati should consider bringing a newer version of this car. (Not the Gran Turismo)
4.88 out of 5 stars
I Love This Machine
Love It, 04/04/2007
2006 Maserati GranSport LE 2dr Coupe (4.2L 8cyl 6A)
This is the only true sports car GT that is a beautiful inside as it is on the outside. The interior has plenty of room for 4 and beats the heck out of the plastics native to the porsche or the jag xk. I spent a lot of time in my search for the perfect car and this is as close as it gets. Moreover, once a "stick only" guy, the F1 paddles have won me over.
5 out of 5 stars
Owned multiple Maseratis
Lively, 01/04/2008
2006 Maserati GranSport 2dr Coupe (4.2L 8cyl 6A)
We have owned, and driven heavily, a few Maseratis from the 2002 spyders to the 2006 GranSport MCV. All the cars are stunningly beautiful, ferocious driving machines, and comfortable GT cruisers. The problems with transmission that were evident on the 3200 (pre GranSport) have been fully resolved to the point where Ferraris now use Maserati's Cambiocorsa F1 transmission. The ride is … smooth unless you utilize Sport mode, which also acts as a volume and power control for the exhaust system. Responce is superb, shifting is fast, acceleration is amazing for a 4.2 liter v8. Compare the GS to the v8s of other makers, and you will wonder why non-Italian builders bother trying!
5 out of 5 stars
Incredible Value
scinfidel, 08/06/2016
2006 Maserati GranSport LE 2dr Coupe (4.2L 8cyl 6A)
After I sold my 911 Turbo('02 996tt) I wasn't sure what I wanted.. When a friend suggested I look at a Gransport or Gran Turismo, I drove them both and loved both of them. Easy to say, the Turbo is much faster but the Gransport is just much more satisfying. I chose the Gransport for a couple reasons; 1st, at $32k it's an incredible value 2nd, it's lighter and unless you buy the 4.7, the … GT feels much slower. The sound, the engine flexibility, the way it revs... it's just an awesome vehicle. You hear, usually from internet warriors who've no idea what they are talking about, that these are unreliable or poorly made but my experience has been the complete opposite. I'm not sure if there is a real downside to this car, the stereo sucks but seriously is that even worth mentioning?
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2006 Maserati GranSport, so we've included reviews for other years of the GranSport since its last redesign.
2006 GranSport Highlights
Coupe
Base
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $98,872 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 13 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $393/month |
Seating | 4 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 10.6 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the GranSport include:
- Alarm
- Stability Control
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