Differences between GT Sport Auto and GT S Auto?

[slay]

Hi guys,

What exactly are the differences between the S and the replacement - Sport on the Gran Turismo?

I bought a 09 model GT S from Graypaul Birmingham, the dealer had some last minut issue taxing the car because they did not had the latest registration paper, so they gave me a 2013 Gran Cabrio as a loaner.

I understand that in terms of exhaust note, the MC shift sounds better than the Auto, but I decided to get the Auto because of the traffic condition around London/Richmond.

Having driven the Gran Cabrio Auto for over a week, the exhaust note in Sport mode sounds bloody fantastic already. In fact, I am not sure if I want it any louder!

Does anyone know th difference on th exhaust system between th Sport Auto and the S Auto ? Being a Sport model, what are the other major differences apart from a slightly more powerful engine and some cosmetic updates? The DRL certainly looks fantastic, I am hoping that the exhaust system is the same between the Sport and the S. If the exhaust valve does remain open at all time on the Sport mode, then I guess th installation of a mini kit from Noor will address the deficiency of th GT S Auto?

Hopefully, I will be able to pick up my own next Saturday, can't wait! fortunately, the Gran Cabrio does ease the pain a bit.

Thanks for the info! It has been invaluable in my search for a GT S.

Cheers.

 

[conaero]

I beleive.... They are exactly the same system but the S Auto does not fully open until 3k rpm where as it is open all the time on the sport auto...same as the S MC Shift.

It's only software so ask the dealer...as you have been so patient...to apply the later Sport software so the valves are open fully in SPORT mode.

How's the GranCab? Does it scuttle shake badly or is it alright?

 

[bigbob]

I beleive.... They are exactly the same system but the S Auto does not fully open until 3k rpm where as it is open all the time on the sport auto...same as the S MC Shift.

It's only software so ask the dealer...as you have been so patient...to apply the later Sport software so the valves are open fully in SPORT mode.

How's the GranCab? Does it scuttle shake badly or is it alright?

+1.........

 

[slay]

Hi guys,

Just spoke to the dealer about the exhaust system on the GT Sport (Gran Cabrio Sport).

He told me that the exhaust system on the Sport model is physically different, so I can't achieve similar effect with just a software update. If the only difference is having the exhaust valve opened at the press of the Sport button, surely this can be achieved with a software update as suggested.

Anyway, the dealer was not sure and will check with the technical department and get back to me.

Has anyone on this forum actually applied this software update?

Thanks.

 

[slay]

I beleive.... They are exactly the same system but the S Auto does not fully open until 3k rpm where as it is open all the time on the sport auto...same as the S MC Shift.

It's only software so ask the dealer...as you have been so patient...to apply the later Sport software so the valves are open fully in SPORT mode.

How's the GranCab? Does it scuttle shake badly or is it alright?

The Gran Cab is actually better than how I imagined it. While I can not comment on its handling, the body is actually very composed (can't feel any flex or shakes). However, I have not pushed the car to it limit though. I have not driven a GT S extensively yet, so I could only compare it toy old CLS 63, and I can say that it actually handles better than the AMG.

Ok maybe not a fair comparison.

But the noise is definitely better !!

 

[bigbob]

I didn't think that there was a difference physically other than the GT Sport Auto now having the oval back boxes off the GTS F1 shift and the valves always being open in sport.

 

[Fangio63]

scrolling through old threads trying to find some info on the GT Sport / GT S differences.... Sorry if I'm covering old ground here..

From just a couple of days ownership findings are as follows

Pressing the Sport button on the GT Sport does the same as it does on the GT S ... valves open at 3000rpm..

Pressing the Sport Button and pushing the stick across to Manual and it seems to open the valves all the time ... - certainly ALOT louder - even at idle..

Does that happen on the GT S ?

What about the MC shift versions ?

 

[bigbob]

GTS Auto is the same in sport auto and manual in that you need 3000 revs unless you have the sports pack which adds the GTS body kit and the gearbox/sports exhaust settings you have.

 

[Fangio63]

so the physical systems are just the same then... just a software change..wonder how that works with the MC shift version... tbh with once the novelty has worn off... the extra noise on a long trip could get a bit wearing....

 

[bigbob]

Personally I like the way it is set up on my car but you can buy the FD kit to open the valves as you see fit.

 

[hoyin]

Is the gear box not different? The MC Shift has a robotised manual? Whereas the autos have the ZF system?

With the MC if sport mode is on the valves are open all the time. If it is in auto it is very quiet.

If you are in Richmond I am just round the corner. We could meet and compare exhaust notes!

 

[bigbob]

Is the gear box not different? The MC Shift has a robotised manual? Whereas the autos have the ZF system?

With the MC if sport mode is on the valves are open all the time. If it is in auto it is very quiet.

If you are in Richmond I am just round the corner. We could meet and compare exhaust notes!

Maserati has never helped itself with it's descriptions and as caused much confusion in the used market.

On the older cars like mine if you had a 4.7 it was either a GTS (Robotised manual as you say) or a GTS Auto (ZF auto as you say) but you see many mis-described. With the GT Sport like you have it is either an MC Shift or an MC Shift Auto. So in both cases the full auto has exactly the same name as the manual car but with 'Auto' written afterwards. This largely then gets missed off when being advertised.

 

[Fangio63]

I thought I had finally got my head around the model nomenclature....... that was until you suggested that the "Sport Pack" added things other than the body work changes..

And ... at the end of the day I guess it really doesn't matter whilst we are enjoying what we've got... I'm really now just trying to unpick my recent decision to change... I'm not massively familiar with the GT S... just a few test drives... Which left me feeling that it was clearly a better car than the 4.2... but not (in my opinion) sufficiently better to justify the extra expense... (in addition to a newer car and lower miles)... Whereas as soon as I got into the Sport it was a no brainer... just "felt" like a big step forward from the 4.2...

I don't think I was sucked in just by the extra from the exhaust.. (but you never know)...

 

[Felonious Crud]

It was the exhaust noise that sucked me in. Or, perhaps more accurately, blew me away. Test drive, rounding a narrow corner in a small village in Suffolk when the exhaust pops and bangs bounced off the walls of the houses and filled my head and heart with joy and I knew from that moment forth that I had found a new religion.

And then a lunatic named Benny spaketh unto me and he did say "you need an x-pipe." And lo, he was right. And now it's even better, but still refined with the valves closed.

 

[bigbob]

Nothing wrong with your decision.

Maserati originally did the 'Red Esse' pack for the GTS Auto which basically upgrade the partial bodykit which the GTS Auto has over the 4.2 to the full body kit which the 'regular' GTS has including oval exhausts.

Later on they brought in the 'Sports Pack which offered the above and the MC Auto software and exhaust always open in Sports manual which your car has. In fact the GT Sport is all the above plus the new seats, steering wheel, bigger paddles, front parking sensors, 20PS extra, oh, and the new nose. The latter is the only thing which doesn't fully work for me as I feel the GT, GTS or Stradae noses look better. Personal opinion though. Different standard wheels as well but all the older ones are still available so it makes little difference.

PS The only other thing I found strange about the Sport was that the back seats felt smaller in the round. The GT Sport is meant to have enhanced rear leg room but I felt that the width or something was less. Only an issue for kids in my family so would not stop me buying one.

 

[Fangio63]

I know exactly what you mean about the nose....

and tbh I feel the same about the side skirts and the little duck tail spoiler... they've kind of lost the elegance of the original design with those...

Parked side by side - the changes certainly make the car feel more "up to date" ... but in a way somehow less special...

It's growing on me... but I shan't be losing any sleep over it !

 

[bigbob]

I know exactly what you mean about the nose....

and tbh I feel the same about the side skirts and the little duck tail spoiler... they've kind of lost the elegance of the original design with those...

Parked side by side - the changes certainly make the car feel more "up to date" ... but in a way somehow less special...

It's growing on me... but I shan't be losing any sleep over it !

Agree about the latter and a dark colour hides the Max Power refresh. Would not work in silver or white IMHO.

 

[slay]

Is the gear box not different? The MC Shift has a robotised manual? Whereas the autos have the ZF system?

With the MC if sport mode is on the valves are open all the time. If it is in auto it is very quiet.

If you are in Richmond I am just round the corner. We could meet and compare exhaust notes!

Great, I am in Teddington, I have a GTS with the FD kit installed, I can now have the valve always closed, always opened, or with the default sport mode - opened at 3000rpm.

I had a sport for a couple of months when I bought mine, I think Sport definitely sounded better...

Anyway, will be keen to meet up near Richmond ShiftMe... In fact, we probably have driven pass each other

Let's pick a date and catch up, but make sure it's a dry day - don't like my car getting wet. Wife calls my car whimpy

 

[hoyin]

Ok. Once the weather gets better let me know. Strange how people use their cars! Mine is the bad weather practical car!!!

 

[Fangio63]

Mine a working tool... was mint when I set out for a meeting in Greenwich today...(hideous journey)... filthy now.... quick hose down before a trip to Bristol tomorrow... and Monmouth on Sunday... Back to Bristol Monday morning..

None of it weather dependent.. but if it's dry on sunday.. might see if I can get the traction control busy If theres a nice stretch of road nr Monmouth...