Maserati ditches the iconic V8 as the GranTurismo gets its first facelift in 12 years

Published on Nov 05, 2025 at 3:00 PM (UTC+4)
by Callum Tokody

Last updated on Nov 05, 2025 at 3:00 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by Emma Matthews

The GranTurismo facelift marks a key change for Maserati as the company ends its long run with the V8 and introduces a twin-turbo V6 engine.

The V8 farewell brings a quieter kind of performance, focused more on precision and balance than raw theatre.

Twelve years have passed since the model was last redesigned, and this first facelift introduces new styling, updated mechanicals, and a reworked interior.

The result is a car that looks familiar but feels built for a different era of driving.

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GranTurismo facelift refines a familiar formula

This GranTurismo facelift keeps the shape that defined Maserati’s grand tourer but gives it a sharper, more modern look.

The long bonnet and compact rear remain, though slimmer headlights, a broader grille, and smoother bodywork bring it closer to the brand’s newer models.

The car uses a mix of aluminum and magnesium in its structure, reducing weight and improving stiffness without changing its proportions.

The adjustments are small but effective, making the GranTurismo steadier and more composed at speed.

Its new Nettuno V6 engine replaces the naturally aspirated V8 that powered the previous model.

The 3.0-liter twin-turbo setup produces 542hp and sends it through an eight-speed automatic gearbox and all-wheel-drive system.

It reaches 60mph (100km/h) in around 3.5 seconds and tops out just under 120mph (200km/h).

The V6 engine is lighter and more efficient, with a smoother delivery that suits long-distance driving. It trades the V8’s noise for a cleaner, more direct response.

Inside, the GranTurismo adopts a more restrained layout.

Two digital screens handle media and climate controls, leaving the dashboard uncluttered.

The driving position remains low, the materials are solid, and visibility is better than expected for a coupe of this size.

The overall design feels logical and built for use rather than show.

Maserati’s V8 farewell sets a new direction

The V8 farewell is not just about changing engines.

It marks Maserati’s shift toward new technology, with the fully electric GranTurismo Folgore set to join this model in showrooms.

Both versions share the same platform, allowing the company to offer traditional and electric options side by side.

The V6 engine bridges those two worlds, maintaining performance while meeting stricter emissions targets.

This generation of GranTurismo will be the last with a petrol-only setup.

The first facelift arrives as the company prepares for a lineup that will soon rely on hybrid and electric power.

Maserati is adjusting its identity to match that future while keeping some of what made its cars desirable in the first place.

Losing the V8 changes the GranTurismo’s character, but the fundamentals remain.

The GranTurismo is still a comfortable, fast coupe built for distance rather than drama.

Its V6 engine, updated chassis, and lighter structure keep it relevant in a market where noise and nostalgia are giving way to refinement and restraint.

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Callum Tokody is a content writer at Supercar Blondie, where he covers the latest in the automotive world with a focus on design and performance. With a background in automotive journalism, he has contributed to a range of publications in Australia and the UK. In addition to his writing, Callum also heads up PR and communications, helping to build and strengthen partnerships within the industry. Outside of work, he’s a design enthusiast with a soft spot for anything with a V8 and a good story.