Maserati GranSport First Impressions & Questions | FerrariChat
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Maserati GranSport First Impressions & Questions

Discussion in 'Maserati' started by DodgeViper01, Apr 7, 2010.

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  1. DodgeViper01

    DodgeViper01 F1 Veteran

    Oct 1, 2003
    6,867
    #1 DodgeViper01, Apr 7, 2010
    So many of you know that I have been looking for a Gransport for sometime now and I figured the best way to get a real feel for the car before possibly purchasing would be to rent one. I located a beautiful example in Central NJ. Now after putting about 40 miles on the vehicle I have noticed the following and had a few questions:

    Overall when driving there is a shake to the car. I notice it more at low speeds but overall the steering wheel just shakes a bit. I told the rental manager and he told me this was normal. Is this true? Alignment issue maybe? Are these 100% smooth in this respect?

    Transmission took a few minutes to get used to because the first gear takes more time to engage. Should one ease into the pedal or give it a little gas to prevent more clutch wear? Seems like easing into it creates more wear but again only 40 miles in so have no idea.

    Parking on a hill! Talk about diffucult. My driveway is on a hill and no matter how I tried this, I could never get it to remain stationary. I put the vehicle in first with the parking brake, reverse with the parking brake, and even in neutral with the parking brake and no matter what it still rolls a tad so I have parked on the street to be safe. I know with many italian cars this happens but is there a fix for this or one of those things to live with?

    As of now these are the only things I have so far. I am sure over the day I will have more but any help would be greatly appreciated.

    Thanking you all in advance!!!
     
  2. 430inSeattle

    430inSeattle Rookie

    Mar 29, 2009
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    Dave Shemwell
    #2 430inSeattle, Apr 8, 2010
    The wheel shake is totally not normal, prob a bent rim on one of the wheels
     
  3. rockminster

    rockminster Formula Junior
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    Nov 20, 2003
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    Lake Tahoe
    #3 rockminster, Apr 8, 2010
    is this a spyder or coupe? cowl shake is an issue in the spyders but shouldn't exist in the coupes.

    Not sure on the hill holding - that's not normal. Could be a worn clutch or software needing an upgrade.
     
  4. italiafan

    italiafan F1 World Champ
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    Jul 19, 2006
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    Stickbones Swagglesmith
    #4 italiafan, Apr 8, 2010
    Shake not normal. Mine is smooth as butter.
    Parking on a hill shouldn't be hard, has an automatic break which holds the car before stepping on th egas...keep in mind this is coming from a guy in Florida. :)
     
  5. HREU

    HREU Formula Junior

    Jun 8, 2007
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    Florida and Turin
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    Ed Colburn
    #5 HREU, Apr 8, 2010
    1) Shake = bent wheel (common) or some other easily fixed issue.
    2) Never park these cars on hills with the intention of restarting going UP the hill. That will wear the crap out of the clutch. True with any manual or F-1 type trans.
    3) Not holding via the e-brake. Very common, e-brake needs adjusted. Plan on doing this yearly. Cheap.
    4) ALWAYS drive in sport mode. Shifts faster, less wear on the system.
    5) You dont need to lift when shifting. Just shift.
    6) Neutral when stopped. Car will put itself into neutral if in gear not moving for 60 seconds. Do it yourself when at stops for more than 5 seconds or so.

    We use ours often, no issues. People seems to fear common wear items...like the clutch. Fact is, its going to go sooner or later like any non auto car. Some last 15k...others go 50k. Depends on use and level of abuse.

    Fun true story. Following my wife in the Maserati (with Tubi),...me in the Gallardo Spyder. Watching folks reactions. Maserati got all the looks. It was actually funny to watch how much people stare at the Maserati. I understand, its rare and gorgeous.
     
  6. DodgeViper01

    DodgeViper01 F1 Veteran

    Oct 1, 2003
    6,867
    #6 DodgeViper01, Apr 12, 2010
    Car was a Spyder to answer the questions.

    As for the Emergency Brake, the issue was resolved after a while but still never parked on a hill regardless because I thought it could just go back to not working and end up rolling down the hill of my driveway.

    As for the shake, I do not think it was a bent rim because I quickly looked at them before leaving the facility. It was a little uncomfortable at first but you quickly got used to it and did not notice as much.

    After having the car for 4 days, I can say that it is a great all around car, especially at the prices they were last winter. I have noticed since I have been searching that GS prices are ALL over the place but rarely do they end up selling for those high prices. I am just going to wait and see what happens this winter and then hopefully make up my mind.


    Thanks for all your help everyone!
     
  7. rob lay

    rob lay Administrator
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    Dec 1, 2000
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    Rob Lay
    #7 rob lay, Apr 23, 2010
    you won't be able to eyeball if bent or not. I plan on getting wheels straightened every year. just part of having this car with low sidewalls.

    shake could also be alignment as already mentioned. also tires. no, they all don't shake.

    the F1 is programmed to slip clutch off start in 1st. I hate that! either just ease into it letting it slip where every other car on the line is now 2-3 lengths ahead of you or simply just punch it which the computer won't allow the clutch to slip much. this will be better on the clutch and makes for a great launch, but everyone will think you are racing. :)
     
  8. Ferrari 360 CS

    Ferrari 360 CS F1 Veteran

    Dec 4, 2004
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    Jacques
    #8 Ferrari 360 CS, Apr 24, 2010
    I have been lucky enough to drive a few GS Coupes and had as few passenger laps in a Spyder and yes I did feel some shake but it wasnt too bad but then again a fairly smooth track is not really respresentative of daily driving.

    Agree with Rob about pulling off that clutch slip is irritating and especially on hills its best to just boot the accelerator, far less wear that way. Also as other have said drive in sport all the time, less wear on the clutch.

    They really are great cars, the handling is pretty good and getting them sideways is fair easy and by and large they are friendly. There is enough power to have fun without feeling totally overwhelmed.
     

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