The GranTurismo name carries weight. For decades, Maserati’s grand tourers have been synonymous with style, sophistication, and a certain spirited Italian emotion.
The 2024 GranTurismo Modena picks up this legacy and adds a sharper edge. It still echoes the graceful proportions of its predecessors — long hood, sweeping roofline, and that unmistakable Trident badge. Yet, it now sits confidently in the present day, thanks in part to a downsized V6 Nettuno engine sourced from the brand’s track-inspired MC20 supercar.
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Skeptics may worry that losing the naturally aspirated V8 means losing character, but the new powertrain doesn’t lack soul. There’s still genuine thrill beneath the sheet metal — just expressed with a different accent.
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GranTurismo Modena offers a balanced dance between speed and comfort
Beneath the hood lies a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6, channeling 490 horsepower and 361 lb-ft of torque through an 8-speed automatic and rear-biased all-wheel drive. The result is a sensation of poised urgency: the GranTurismo sprints to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds and tops out at 188 mph.
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More importantly, it responds to your inputs with the kind of fluid ease that defines a proper GT. It’s not just about straight-line stats — press it hard into a corner and you’ll feel the near-ideal 52:48 weight distribution working in harmony with the adaptive air suspension.
This setup grants the GranTurismo dual personalities. Comfort mode smooths out city streets and highway stretches, while a more aggressive setting sharpens responses, encouraging you to play with the chassis balance in fast corners. Even without the old V8’s operatic soundtrack, the V6’s snarl and turbo whistle still stir the senses, if in a subtler key.
It’s worth noting that the Modena trim sits at the entry point of the GranTurismo range, serving as a gateway to Maserati’s grand touring ethos. It prioritizes luxury and everyday usability without sacrificing the occasional adrenaline rush when you bury the throttle.
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For those who crave even more intensity, Maserati keeps an ace up its sleeve, Trofeo. With higher engine output, a more aggressive exhaust note, and a top speed nudging 199 mph, the Trofeo sharpens the GranTurismo’s performance credentials and amplifies its sporting DNA, appealing to enthusiasts who demand an even sharper edge to their Italian grand tourer.
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Craftsmanship meets compromise
Step inside and the cabin makes a strong first impression: quilted leather, generous bolstering, and thoughtful ergonomics signal classic craftsmanship.
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Yet closer inspection reveals inconsistencies — some plastic trim feels out of place at this price point, and the dual-screen layout (a 12.3-inch primary display plus an 8-inch secondary touchscreen) can appear more functional than artful. This digital approach may embrace 2024’s tech-forward demands, but it risks aging quickly compared to sleeker, more integrated interfaces found in rivals.
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Kyle Edward
Still, the essentials are here. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, navigation, and multimedia options come standard. The 19-speaker Sonus faber audio system delivers crystalline sound, even if it occasionally pipes in synthetic engine notes to bolster the V6’s voice. It’s a reminder that, at times, modernity involves a careful trade-off between authenticity and convenience.
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Shaped by the wind, styled for the spotlight
Visually, the GranTurismo upholds Maserati’s reputation for elegant aggression. The long front deck and gracefully tapering LED headlamps give it a purposeful stance, while the roofline flows toward the rear with a sculptural quality that feels distinctly Italian. Large alloys wrapped in grippy Pirelli P Zeros ensure style meets substance, and quad exhaust tips reinforce that this coupe isn’t just for show.
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At the back, angular LED taillamps and a confident stance maintain a contemporary edge. This is a design that aims to please both traditionalists who cherish Maserati’s lineage and newcomers drawn to its sophisticated lines.
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A grand tourer in a class of its own
Against its rivals, the GranTurismo’s attributes become even clearer. Few genuine grand tourers today can match its combination of interior room, luggage capacity, and long-haul comfort — especially if you plan to share the journey with friends.
A Porsche 911 or Corvette Z06 offers thrilling dynamics, but both feel snug for extended touring. Aston Martin’s Vantage steps up elegance yet remains petite inside, while the DB12 doubles down on price as much as it does on exclusivity.
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In a landscape leaning toward either track-focused performance or stratospheric costs, the GranTurismo carves out a unique niche. It stands as one of the last true GT cars that genuinely balances everyday usability, compelling dynamics, and four-passenger practicality in a single, evocative package.
Final thoughts
With a starting price hovering around $160,000, the GranTurismo Modena demands serious consideration. Yes, it offers daily drivability, a storied badge, and a beautifully balanced driving experience.
Yet, when you factor in the occasional interior misstep and the array of costly add-ons, like $8,300 in driver assistance tech, it’s fair to question whether value aligns with aspiration.
Still, for those who seek an emotional grand tourer that marries old-world charm to modern performance, the GranTurismo Modena remains compelling. The House of the Trident continues to craft cars that engage, surprise, and satisfy — albeit with a price tag that firmly reminds you this is a rarified slice of motoring passion.
About the author
Kyle Edward
Editor-in-Chief, Autoblog