Test drive Jaguar XKR-S against Maserati Gran Turismo S: Nothing for people
The top branches of Jaguar and Maserati interpret the term Gran Turismo in two completely different but equally exciting ways. A comparison that has and does not want to have anything to do with the financial crisis.
Undoubtedly, people for whom the culinary arts culminate in a thick piece of beef steak dripping with blood will not be pleased if they are served with a portion of expertly cooked Pasta all'arrabbiata. Connoisseurs of cars think the same way - the Italian savage with a fierce temper Maserati Gran Turismo is unlikely to be able to break the Anglophile's love for the Jaguar XKR-S. And vice versa… These causal links, however, in no way detract from the question of which of the two marques produces the more attractive sporty-elegant coupe.
Ethnopsychology
Pleased to note that globalization has not prevented these two racing cars from proudly displaying their typical national characteristics. Gran Turismo, for example, showcases pure Italian chic. This breathtaking design comes from Pininfarina and seems to have been inspired by Maserati's rich racing history with some iconic details such as the menacing front grille. The result of their efforts are figures that look like they were sculpted with a magic wand.
Jaguar is a very different beer - it is discreet, like a simple British jacket, and carries the classic features of a brand of modernity. The genes of the legendary E-Type are clearly visible - even in an interior devoid of the warmth of wood appliqués, considered by many to be one of the most prized hallmarks of the British aristocracy in the automotive industry. By the way, let's remember that the E-Type, while irresistibly beautiful, was also noticeably functional, just like its great-grandson.
Maserati showcases its noble Italian touch with the finest leather upholstery and the nostalgic oval-shaped analog clock in the center of the center console, which, like expensive chronographs, is more of a gem than a practical device. However, the model, born in Southern Europe, pleasantly surprises with purely functional advantages - if necessary, up to four people can comfortably accommodate in a stylish cabin. In a Jaguar, it would be better if passengers were left with only two, since riding in the second row of seats is a form of corporal punishment.
S as Superman
The S variant manages to completely transform the Maserati coupe. While the "standard" automatic transmission version is sometimes a bit too comfortable for some buyers, the S takes a step back in the company's sporting tradition. The classic torque converter automatic has given way to a six-speed sequential transmission with paddle shifters. The volume of the V8 engine reached 4,7 liters, the power is 440 hp. with., and behind the 20-inch aluminum discs are Brembo sports brakes. The Maserati trident is back - sharper than ever and ready for new exploits...
The limited edition XKR-S differs significantly less from the production model. The mechanically supercharged eight-cylinder engine is the same as in the XKR, and the S package consists of an even more powerful braking system and some discrete aerodynamic body optimizations. These innovations have not changed the character of the car - although it does not carry clues for big trips, the Jag is a better choice for such purposes than its Italian competitor. The powerful torque of the compressor machine under the hood ensures pleasant driving comfort, which is naturally associated with the smooth-shifting ZF six-speed automatic transmission. Electronic speed limit aside, Jaguar actually offers an excess of lubricity comparable to that of a Maserati, but without showing off. The hiss of the compressor prevails, the sound of the engine as a whole remains in the background, and connoisseurs of high-speed Italian units will surely find it frankly boring.
Furious tiger
Immediately after launch, the Ferrari-designed figure-eight at the front of the Maserati reproduced the growl of a tiger that had just stepped on its tail. The exceptional composition of sounds emanating from the intake and exhaust manifolds is filled with an unusually rich tonality - from a hoarse growl at low revs to a high-pitched scream when the V8 unit is fully accelerated. Let's not forget about the transmission - it's better to forget about its automatic mode at first, since a long interruption of traction when switching very clearly indicates that, in fact, this is a manual gearbox with automatic control. The wild nature of the Maserati is felt incomparably clearer when we resort to shifting through the steering wheel straps. After a short click, the window flashes to a higher or lower level and presents us in all its glory with an engine that "lives" mainly for its speed, and not for torque, as in the Jaguar.
For these reasons, the ideal place to drive the Gran Turismo S is not the German highways, but the first-class Italian roads with their concrete walls and numerous tunnels, where all the described sounds resonate and spread through the area with double strength. However, the tendency of the Gran Turismo S to shake slightly with every gear shift is obvious - anyone familiar with new developments in the field, such as dual-clutch transmissions, will spot a solution to this problem. Maserati as a find from the Stone Age. Although, objectively speaking, a real Italianophile with racing ambitions never complains about such trifles ...
Our clients are dear to us
Maserati's engineers have come up with an impressively good compromise on a chassis setup that doesn't make road conditions a problem for the pilot and his companions. However, Jaguar is better in this regard - although the S-model has firmer damping and spring adjustment, the brand's typical ride refinement is maintained. The XKR literally soaks up the bumps in the road - one of the reasons why the high speed feels so much weaker than the Italian macho, who, due to his nervous steering, is a stubborn racehorse that needs a firm hand.
Jaguar handles more harmoniously and generally seeks to make life easier for the driver, which does not in the least interfere with its excellent dynamic qualities. Due to its calmer behavior in the border mode, the predatory cat even achieves better results in tests of road behavior of automobile and sports traffic and stops with one idea better than 190 km / h, while reaching 100 km / h is approximately identical.
Maserati is slightly behind with less favorable performance in terms of price and fuel consumption, which puts Jaguar in first place. The last two criteria actually seem insignificant for a vehicle of such a high tier, and let's not lose sight of the fact that both Maserati and Jaguar owners take pride in the fact that they can afford these cars, no matter the price.
text: Gogts Layrer
a photo: Hans-Dieter Zeufert
Evaluation
1. Jaguar XKR-S - 452 points
The XKR remains a classic Jaguar even in its sporty S version, which offers great comfort and understated yet ruthless power. In terms of road behavior and handling, the Briton is not inferior to his Italian rival.
2. Maserati Gran Turismo S - 433 points.
The S-modification of the Maserati Gran Turismo is significantly different from the "regular" model. The sporty sleek coupe has evolved into a thoroughbred athlete with comfort in the background, and the sound of the engine and transmission characteristics are reminiscent of sports.
technical details
| 1. Jaguar XKR-S - 452 points | 2. Maserati Gran Turismo S - 433 points. | |
|---|---|---|
| Working volume | - | - |
| Power | 416 k. From. at 6250 rpm | 433 k. From. at 7000 rpm |
| Maximum torque | - | - |
| Acceleration 0-100 km / h | 5,4 with | 5,1 with |
| Braking distances at a speed of 100 km / h | 36 m | 35 m |
| full speed | 280 km / h | 295 km / h |
| Average consumption fuel in the test | 16,4 l | 17,5 l |
| Base Price | 255 000 levov | 358 000 levov |
Home " Articles " Blanks » Jaguar XKR-S vs. Maserati Gran Turismo S: Nothing for People
