2016 Maserati Granturismo Interior – Luxury In Motion
The mark of any Italian sports car is the exceptional level of luxurious detail they put inside the car. Unlike other high-end brands, from around the world, the Italians have a high regard for how a car interior should look like. Certainly, other car makers install high levels of luxury to their models but not with the panache and cachet to which exclusive brands from Italy provide as standard, such as what you’ll experience in a 2016 Maserati Granturismo Interior.
Italian Cachet
Maserati are the epitome of this stylish quality. The company’s credo is a balance between beauty and performance. Whilst taking every considered step to producing an automobile that has exceptional performance and driving experience, they also ensure that each model they produce is a testament in their perfection for aesthetic comfort and desirability.
Bespoke Works of Art
The unique attraction to the vehicles that Maserati offers, is the level of customization they provide to every model. While every Maserati SUV, sedan and grand tourer has the same technical specifications, each model has a distinct character which sets them apart. Choices are endless: which leather? Which tanning process and color? Which thread? Which hard surfaces and finishes?
Every model is bespoke to the owner’s choice tastes and requirements. Making every automobile that rolls off the production line a unique work of art. As an Italian automotive aficionado once stated, “It is not a car, it is art!”
2016 Maserati GranTurismo Interior
In this review, we go back to 2016 and take another look at what the Maserati GranTurismo had to offer in way of choices for the interior of the car.
The Grand Tourer came in several iterations. The hardtop coupe came in three renditions but the soft top had four. While the Base option was only for the convertible, the Sport, MC and MC Centennial Editions were available for both vehicles. The first impact that hits you, when you open the GT’s door and sit inside, is the sight and smell of expensive leather.
Italy’s Premier Upholsterer
Every square inch of fine cow hide, that envelops the 2016 Maserati GranTurismo interior, comes from an Italian company that has been in operation for almost 110 years – Poltrona Frau. The Italian word for armchair is “poltrona” and the founder of the furniture company was Renzo Frau, back in 1912. Over a century, they have become one of the world leaders in leather furniture and are sold the world over.
In the early 1980’s, they were approached by the Italian car maker, Lancia, to supply leather to their new model, Thelma. This would begin a long and lucrative relationship between the auto industry and this highly respected furniture company. This would lead to multiple brands using their leather including, Maserati, Ferrari, Bugatti, Jaguar, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Land Rover, Alfa Romeo, FIAT, Mini, Infiniti and Chrysler. But Poltrona Frau would reserve only their finest leather to the Trident and the Prancing Horse.
Stylish Layout
But it’s not just the high level of leather that makes the interior so special but how Maserati styles the cabin to make it so desirable. The 2016 Maserati GranTurismo interior begins with the seats. The front set are sleek and sporty with a design that is both stylish and ergonomic.
The central back and base of each seat is built for comfort while the sides angle inwards and give lateral support. This makes this seat versatile for aggressive driving and longer trips, a seat that is perfect for a grand tourer. The two rear seats are equally well fitted out for comfort and support (although leg room and head room is limited).
Colorful Palette
The 2016 Maserati GranTurismo interior offered ten different hues and colors for the Poltrona Frau leather. This was augmented by creating contrasting color palettes as well as colored stripes on the front and rear seats for the Centennial Edition.
To increase the range of colorful interiors, the choice of hand stitched thread and piping added 13 more colors. So, there were now thousands of variations for the interior finish and tone. Anything from subdued and subtle to bright and vibrant. This included the iconic Trident logo that was hand stitched into each headrest. This can be stitched in any of these available colors.
As a last option for the seats, some or all of the leather can be replaced by Alcantara suede. This artificial fabric is usually placed over the central panels for a more comfortable ride. The faux suede allows body heat to disperse better and can absorb perspiration when the fabric is fitted to the steering wheel.
Dashing Dash
What next draws the driver’s eye is the stylish dash that sits before them. Depending on what model the vehicle is, the 2016 Maserati GranTurismo interior dashboard is fitted out with leather, piano-black plastic and an accent of wood or carbon fiber.
The instrument panel is set up in a tight and symmetrical layout with a digital display situated between the speedometer and tachometer. In front of this is the sporty steering wheel which is finished off with wood or Alcantara suede.
The gear stick is adorned with the Trident logo on top while it is dressed in matching leather with the rest of the cabin. Rounding off the layout, the central panel, between the front seats, and the door panels and armrests are enveloped with matching leather and stitching.
Set in pride of place, in the middle of the dash, is the iconic Maserati clock. An analog feature that has been a part of Maserati cars for over half a century. The distinctive oval-shaped face is as stylish and beautiful as any dress watch.
Their last stylish flourish is the name of the model adorning the dash, in front of the passenger seat. Using their distinctive Maserati font, the GranTurismo name and iteration is stylishly written across the leather.
The, much criticized, infotainment system completes the 2016 Maserati GranTurismo interior which detracts to the level of style and fit out for the rest of the cabin. But this doesn’t negate the overall panache that the Maserati delivers. A car that is luxury in motion.
