A bit of help needed navigating the Granturismo model range
Discussion
Chaps, I wonder whether some of you might be able to assist me. I’ve got itchy car keys. And so I’m window shopping, at least for now.
I had sort of set myself on an AM Vantage V8S. Or possibly a V12S with some rooting around down the back of the sofa. One child is off on a pre Uni gap year soon, and we have a FFRR, so I thought it might be time for a two seater. Plus (heresy) one can, I gather, get a road bike in the back of a Vantage in pieces.
Then I started looking at the DB9.2, which makes very little sense in that the two rear seats are hopeless, and you can’t get a road bike in it. But it sure is very pretty.
And then I realized I’d overlooked the Granturismo. Which also can’t take a road bike, but has usable rear seats (which I don’t need), and is simply gorgeous from every angle.
But it’s been a while since I looked at the GT range, and it seems to be even less straightforward now than it was when I last looked.
Take these two:
An MC Stradale: https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
A Sport: https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Leave aside which one is better equipped for a second. What are the basic differences between them? The Sport claims to have an extra 10bhp. Really? I know the MC Stradale is “rawer”, has some race settings and so on, but in a grand tourer that weighs close to two tonnes, how useful is that?
Next, which one is better equipped?
And then the mundane but important stuff. What is the sound system like in a Granturismo? I know I will be listening to the exhaust all the time, but occasionally I might want to listen to some music. I remember reading some time ago that it is a bit ropey (the current drive has the B&O system with the pop up tweeters, which is the best in car system I have ever heard, and one of the reasons I bought my current car).
And: how easy is it to connect an iPhone to the car to listen to music that’s on the iPhone?
All comments and help most gratefully received.
I had sort of set myself on an AM Vantage V8S. Or possibly a V12S with some rooting around down the back of the sofa. One child is off on a pre Uni gap year soon, and we have a FFRR, so I thought it might be time for a two seater. Plus (heresy) one can, I gather, get a road bike in the back of a Vantage in pieces.
Then I started looking at the DB9.2, which makes very little sense in that the two rear seats are hopeless, and you can’t get a road bike in it. But it sure is very pretty.
And then I realized I’d overlooked the Granturismo. Which also can’t take a road bike, but has usable rear seats (which I don’t need), and is simply gorgeous from every angle.
But it’s been a while since I looked at the GT range, and it seems to be even less straightforward now than it was when I last looked.
Take these two:
An MC Stradale: https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
A Sport: https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Leave aside which one is better equipped for a second. What are the basic differences between them? The Sport claims to have an extra 10bhp. Really? I know the MC Stradale is “rawer”, has some race settings and so on, but in a grand tourer that weighs close to two tonnes, how useful is that?
Next, which one is better equipped?
And then the mundane but important stuff. What is the sound system like in a Granturismo? I know I will be listening to the exhaust all the time, but occasionally I might want to listen to some music. I remember reading some time ago that it is a bit ropey (the current drive has the B&O system with the pop up tweeters, which is the best in car system I have ever heard, and one of the reasons I bought my current car).
And: how easy is it to connect an iPhone to the car to listen to music that’s on the iPhone?
All comments and help most gratefully received.
Agree SportsMaserati is the best spot. That said... I have a 2009 and extensively researched
The Stradale has 10hp more than the Sport, so those performance numbers are wrong. Personally I'm not sure how you notice 10hp on a 450hp car, but anyhow
If you look in picture 18 of the Stradale, you'll see a button marked "Race" top right next to the nav screen. The Sport doesn't have that.
Pretty sure the Stradale, for some bizarre reason, doesn't have front parking sensors. I don't understand this at all. I put a parking camera on mine, these are a big car to move about at low speed.
The base stereo is adequate to good. An true audio snob (which I was some years ago but grew out of it) would tell you that the speakers are cheap and nasty, which is no doubt true, but it sounds fine. There's constant engine noise anyway.
Suspect the answer mostly comes down to colours / cosmetics (I love the Stradale bonnet personally), and whether you can tolerate no front parking sensors (if I have that right)
The Stradale has 10hp more than the Sport, so those performance numbers are wrong. Personally I'm not sure how you notice 10hp on a 450hp car, but anyhow
If you look in picture 18 of the Stradale, you'll see a button marked "Race" top right next to the nav screen. The Sport doesn't have that.
Pretty sure the Stradale, for some bizarre reason, doesn't have front parking sensors. I don't understand this at all. I put a parking camera on mine, these are a big car to move about at low speed.
The base stereo is adequate to good. An true audio snob (which I was some years ago but grew out of it) would tell you that the speakers are cheap and nasty, which is no doubt true, but it sounds fine. There's constant engine noise anyway.
Suspect the answer mostly comes down to colours / cosmetics (I love the Stradale bonnet personally), and whether you can tolerate no front parking sensors (if I have that right)
Also in terms of connecting phone - there is usually an aux port 9USB plus 3.5mm socket) in the glovebox so you can hook up directly by cable or wire in some bluetooth arrangement.
In terms of wiring if you have a current model Iphone you will need a lightning splitter if you want to charge and play music at same time
For BT - Some people seem to swear by these, I had one but it stopped working (possible due to trickle charging). Might be just bad luck. It was better than the alternatives while it worked
https://www.amazon.co.uk/FIREFLY-Smallest-Bluetoot...
Feel free to message me if you have other questions
In terms of wiring if you have a current model Iphone you will need a lightning splitter if you want to charge and play music at same time
For BT - Some people seem to swear by these, I had one but it stopped working (possible due to trickle charging). Might be just bad luck. It was better than the alternatives while it worked
https://www.amazon.co.uk/FIREFLY-Smallest-Bluetoot...
Feel free to message me if you have other questions
Oh one other thing - the Stradale has ceramic brakes, should last multiples over metal but cost an absolute bomb if you do need to replace them
Both cars are F1 box so worth checking clutch wear (needs SD diagnostic tool so main dealer or indy specialist), as a new clutch is £3000 ish. If its 30% or more I wouldn't worry, but any less might be worth negotiating on price.
If the parking sensors don't worry you, I'd take the Stradale (but for gods sake throw away those red edged floor mats, they are awful) for its sheer gorgeousness and a little bit of extra exclusivity
Both cars are F1 box so worth checking clutch wear (needs SD diagnostic tool so main dealer or indy specialist), as a new clutch is £3000 ish. If its 30% or more I wouldn't worry, but any less might be worth negotiating on price.
If the parking sensors don't worry you, I'd take the Stradale (but for gods sake throw away those red edged floor mats, they are awful) for its sheer gorgeousness and a little bit of extra exclusivity
Murph7355 said:
If you don't need the rear seats, get the Vantage (V8 or V12...they're both excellent cars).
Your general road usage should be A-roads to get the most out of the GT. They are stunning cars in many ways and the world is a better place for them being made. But they are flawed cars.
Kind of agree with this, I ave an early 4.2 GT, it's awesome at what it does but is not practical at all as it is so wide and low. I have kerbed the wheels a few times. Your general road usage should be A-roads to get the most out of the GT. They are stunning cars in many ways and the world is a better place for them being made. But they are flawed cars.
If you like chucking a car around or want a manual the Vantage is the better option
For cruising or carrying rear passengers the GT is the one
I spent a fortune ripping out & replacing the entire stereo on my GT, the OEM one is terrible in my opinion and only improved AFAIK for MY18. All good and well to say 'listen to the engine' but on a long drive that's not the solution. Really needs parking sensors at front and I retrofitted a reverse camera too using my skills as a safe and proficient electrician
The range doesn't differ much other than the Facelift and the pre-Facelift (i'm excluding the 2018 model here). Obviously the front grill changed and the engine tune is greater in the facelift.
Music from iphone is easy, there is a direct connection however this has mixed reviews/experiences. I chose to get a bluetooth receiver as above and stream my phone to the car. You can still connect your phone to the telephone integrated system as the bluetooth version allows two connections.
The speakers are not great given the systems found in most cars today. However, they are fine if all you want to do is listen to music at reasonable sound levels, and it is competent for phone calls too. If you want to cruise with windows down, music blasting - then they are no good.
Hope this helps.... I was also looking at the V12 Vantage but went for an MC Shift Facelift GranTurismo Sport
very pleased to date.
Music from iphone is easy, there is a direct connection however this has mixed reviews/experiences. I chose to get a bluetooth receiver as above and stream my phone to the car. You can still connect your phone to the telephone integrated system as the bluetooth version allows two connections.
The speakers are not great given the systems found in most cars today. However, they are fine if all you want to do is listen to music at reasonable sound levels, and it is competent for phone calls too. If you want to cruise with windows down, music blasting - then they are no good.
Hope this helps.... I was also looking at the V12 Vantage but went for an MC Shift Facelift GranTurismo Sport
very pleased to date.madmover said:
Stereo is awful IMO and I've never really settled with the gearbox. Subsequently, for me I'd be going down the Aston route all day long.
it is a beautiful thing, and a wonderful car to own (the noise alone makes it worthwhile) however, I'm not sure I'd buy another.
Which engine/gearbox combi did you have on the Maser?it is a beautiful thing, and a wonderful car to own (the noise alone makes it worthwhile) however, I'm not sure I'd buy another.
Greg66 said:
I’d forgotten about this thread.
I went for a V12VS. I sometimes park next to a colleague’s GranCabrio. I know beauty is in the eye of the beholder and all that, but the Aston looks all of leaner, more muscular and more aggressive, and prettier.
Happy.
I put the Granturismo and the Vantage together as the most beautiful cars available. Especially the older GT before they changed it allI went for a V12VS. I sometimes park next to a colleague’s GranCabrio. I know beauty is in the eye of the beholder and all that, but the Aston looks all of leaner, more muscular and more aggressive, and prettier.
Happy.
The Grancabrio is a little awkward looking, the Vantage Roadster is not
They are very different cars - I've just solf my GT for an R8, I do miss the sound but in earnest that's about it - it's not a driver's car and that's what I didn't like about it. The Vantage is a proper drivers car. Hope you enjoy it!
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