THE Maserati GranTurismo S
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Transaxle layout and electro-actuated transmission
The Trident’s technological DNA
The power unit on the Maserati GranTurismo S features the transaxle layout, an architecture that belongs to Maserati’s engineering tradition and, not by coincidence, is typical of high-performance sports cars. The transaxle system further improves the GranTurismo’s already excellent weight distribution due to the gearbox being moved back en bloc with the differential: the engine located in the mid-front position is rigidly connected to the electro-actuated gearbox, mounted to the rear, through a rigid tubular element containing the driveshaft.
These design solutions mean that the Maserati GranTurismo S boasts a weight distribution between the front and rear axle, of 47-53% respectively, which is unique in its respective segment.
From the customer’s perspective the transaxle layout maximises traction and breakaway capacity when accelerating, the car body is more stable and balanced and behaves more neutrally. This results in higher lateral acceleration on bends and a more intuitive feel when going into a bend, and it also assists with more efficient braking due to the reduced weight on the front.
The clutch-type limited-slip differential features special locking settings for traction (25%) and release (45%) conditions, in order to achieve maximum equilibrium between traction and stability in all conditions. The adoption of the transaxle layout is instrumental in enhancing the performance of the Maserati GranTurismo S, and contributes to the car’s excellent dynamic performance. As a result the car is more compact and balanced and really conveys to the driver the sensation of a true sports car.
The electro-actuated transmission
An electro-actuated transmission, is state of the art in its respective segment, is fitted to the Maserati GranTurismo S in order to harness the greater power output of the new V8 4.7 and provide a heightened driving experience.
In technical terms, the electro-actuated gearbox fitted to the Maserati GranTurismo S, incorporates a dry twin-plate clutch and 6 ratios (plus reverse), with triple-cone synchronizers on 1st and 2nd, and dual cone on the other gears.
The dual-plate clutch is a solution derived from the world of motor racing and brings various benefits to sports cars:
the reduced dimensions of the clutch unit (Ø 215 mm), and the small-diameter flywheel (Ø 240 mm), keep the weight of the unit down significantly, and clearly reduce the power unit’s total inertia compared to a single-plate system.
This type of arrangement allows the top engine speed to be reached more easily, and results in a more immediate gearbox response, quicker gear changes and, finally, improved driving dynamics.
The hydraulic control is managed by the control unit through the paddles integral with the steering column, the layout of which is highly ergonomic and effective in extreme driving conditions, as amply demonstrated.
The paddles on the steering wheel of the GranTurismo S, just like those on all the other Maserati models, differ from the systems used by other manufacturers in that they are integral with the steering wheel column.
This solution means that the driver never has to take his/her hands off the wheel, and so has better control of the vehicle. Thanks to the excellent ergonomic layout of the paddles it is possible to change gear with a simple flick of the fingers. This improves safety, particularly on winding routes, and offers a more enjoyable driving experience.
VEHICLE STRUCTURE AND DYNAMICS
The body of the Quattroporte provides an excellent level of torsional and bending stiffness. Furthermore, the high dynamic frequencies of the body itself ensure the highest levels of comfort in any driving condition.
THE SUSPENSION SYSTEM
The layout features antidive and antisquat front and rear wishbone suspension. The first prevents the front from diving whilst braking, while the second prevents the tail from pitching down under acceleration.
The new Quattroporte range also benefits from further improvements made to the suspension, to adapt the system to different driving requirements. The Quattroporte S 4.7 litre is fitted with a further developed Skyhook suspension system (featuring electronically controlled damping and continuously adjustable setup), with new damper settings, springs and valves, to optimise the frequency response.
STABILITY AND TRACTION CONTROL
The Quattroporte’s dynamic handling is further enhanced by the MSP, Maserati Stability Program, specially developed by Maserati to ensure safety and driving pleasure. The system communicates with the ABS, EBD (electronic brake force distribution) and ASR (anti-slip regulation during acceleration) functions and acts on the brakes and engine to help the driver maintain full control of the car, even in the most critical situations.
THE Maserati GranTurismo S
