Sunday, February 19, 2012

Gran Turismo 5 Prologue - The Most Accurate Physics Yet Seen In A Racing Simulator

Racing has always been a strong passion of every guy out there, it even appeals to girls. The need for speed is something all car lovers have, the exhilarating emotion of racing against several competitors to the rhythm of your favorite tune can sure take things to a whole new level.
Racing games have undergone quite a few changes in the past decade, the early versions of "Need for Speed" were quite popular because this game introduced quality racing to computer systems and stand alone consoles. Later on more racing games emerged which had a few innovations but failed in several aspects, "Gran Turismo" is one of the games which needs to be mentioned because it was created to be the best car racing simulator ever.
Changes in technology have taken this game from earlier versions to what it is today, Gran Turismo 5. GT5 is a high definition game which is shipped in Blu-Ray format for PS3 consoles, the detail level is amazing, this is really as close as a player can get to the real thing, but besides the visual effects the technology and physics involved in the game is so remarkable it needs to be mentioned, the physics engine allows you to handle your car just like you would in real life, the response and performance of each of the vehicles used in this game is also incredible, however there is little DLC or no car damage. Developers of the game responded to several questions regarding this matter but they said that since the game is still being developed the Prologue version won't have car damage, because designers are very picky when it comes to this game they want to make sure that when "damage" is introduced they will do it as realistic as possible, just like they did with the physics engine which powers the game.

Used Maserati - The Automatic Does All the Hard Work For You

Maserati have realised that sometimes what people want to drive is a stunning behemoth with a mighty engine that does most of the hard work for you. The result of these ponderings has to have been the Maserati GranTurismo S Automatic, a deliciously easy to drive Automatic transmission that still has a sport attitude and healthy enthusiasm.
If you sneer at Automatics generally, you may have to rethink your opinion after taking a beast like this out for a test drive. To continue the animal analogies, the 4.7 litre engine literally snarls beneath the bonnet, meaning that you can get to feel that power whilst the 6-speed automatic gearbox takes care of all the boring bits of driving for you. This isn't a dull car designed for a granny to drive, like many automatics - this truly is a "proper" sports car that makes driving that little bit easier.
As with the whole GranTurismo range, the looks in this slinky car are rather sublime. Maserati really know how to make a car eye catching yet sophisticated, powerful yet elegant. It is that balance of sleek curving lines with huge beefy grill that make this car such an expert style, and which mean that Maseratis are always popular as one of the best sport cars manufacturers in the luxury car market.
So it looks great, and it drive great - but what really sets the GranTurismo S apart from all the similar competitors cars clogging up the market? Well, the drives sportiness is a really motoring turn-on, doing 0-60 in 5 seconds without even breaking a sweat. It is that calmness under pressure that really separates it from the crowd, meaning that however bumpy the road is you will still be sweeping down it in the ultimate comfort.

2012 Maserati Quattroporte S: Technology and Standard Equipment

The Maserati Quattroporte S is a luxury sport sedan offering uncompromising performance, unique style and craftsmanship. The car features a Ferrari 4.7 liter V8 engine which highly contributes to provide this sensational sedan superior handling and balance: such engine in fact ensures fluid and rapid gear change, resulting in superior driving performance, comfort and captivating driving experience. It develops 425 hp at 7,000 rpm, has a peak torque of 361 lb-ft at 4,750 rpm, and delivers a top speed of 174 mph and 0-60 mph acceleration in just 5.3 seconds.
The automatic transmission featured in the Maserati Quattroporte S provides smooth gearshifts without compromising performance or power. The driver can furthermore modifies the transmission response to better suit his own driving style by selecting Sport or Low Grip modes. Low Grip is more indicated for icy or slick road surfaces, where the sport mode makes the transmission more aggressive with fastergear changes at higher revs. The Maserati Quattroporte S can also be driven in Manual mode and optional paddles can be used to control gear-changes, with the manual / sport combination providing the most sport-engaging driving experience.

GranTurismo S to Be the Most Powerful Model Released by Maserati to Date

Maserati Company has offered its new model of GranTurismo S at Geneva Motor Show in 2008. The new S version is equipped with a 4.7 liter V8 engine, which offers up to 440 hp of performance output. This car accelerates up to 62 mph in just 4.9 seconds. The top speed of the vehicle is expected to be 183 mph. Hence, the 2010 S version is well advanced in terms of features and performances in comparison to its predecessor models.
The company had also launched a new model under the label GranTurismo S MC Sport Line at the 2008 Bologna Motor Show. Moreover, while a brand new restyled GranTurismo S Automatic model was launched at the 2009 Geneva Auto Show this year.
The vehicle was offered with a 6-speed automatic transmission system using ZF technology. The measured curb weight of this vehicle was about 4145 pounds. The wheelbase of the vehicle was about 115.8 inches. The length of this vehicle is about 192.2 inches, whereas width and height of the vehicle are about 72.7 and 53.2 inches respectively.
In terms of performance, the vehicle reaches up to 60 mph acceleration in just 4.8 seconds. This car is offered with a price of $130,000.
In the 20th year celebration of car, GranTurismo S was redesigned to make it more aggressively stylish. This super coupe was equipped with a wide body kit, rear wings, and rocker panel extensions. This vehicle emphasizes more on the driving enjoyment and excellent performance.

Grace and Poise With Maserati Gran Turismo

Maserati's third offspring in the Trident series is the Gran Turismo S Automatic. It is a perfect combination of the 433hp, 32-valve, Ferrari V8 engine along with an automated 6-speed ZF gearbox.
It is a modified version of the earlier Gran Turismo, both in its functionality and looks. The wheels with the state-of-the-art flow-formed cast aluminum rims are sure to be noticed on the streets. Adding to its fury is the prominent rocker panels which seem like burning fire while on the go. The interior face-lifts are also varied with a new range of leather colors to choose from. The wood and metal textures in the interior have also been improved than its earlier versions.
Drive away in style with this Y speed rated sports car. Make sure that you have a look at your tachometer, at 7500rpm redline, you are on the roll. Maximum torque is attained at 3000 rpm till 7000 rpm. If you are looking for a valid reason to replace your Ferrari for a GT, then you should sure consider its gusto factor. It's better than a Ferrari due to its wet-sump lubrication, restricted valve timing and 90-degree crankshaft. Go on and compete with Porsche or Ferrari, and Maserati's Gran Turismo will never let you down. Even at the maximum speed, the engine maintains its matured and tuned tone without howling or growling. This has been made possible with its tuned engine pipes, mufflers and the X-shaped pipe connectors.

Maserati Models and Their Features

Maserati Quattroporte
The Maserati Quattroporte is the only luxury sedan that sets the pulse racing with its sports car-like performance. Beautiful to look at and thrilling to drive, it is a car that excels in terms of technology and craftsmanship. The 4.2 liter V8 engine delivers pitch perfect performance that blends luxury with a thrilling driving experience. The engine produces 405 HP and powers the Maserati Quattroporte to a top speed of 168 mph and 0-60 mph acceleration in 5.5 seconds. The navigation and entertainment system on the Maserati Quattroporte has been completely revised, and now features the new Multimedia System by Bose®
The Maserati Quattroporte S features a new Ferrari-designed and -built 4.7 liter V8 engine to further exploit the exceptional handling and balance of this sensational sedan. Its responsive 4.7 liter engine was developed to ensure fluid gear changes and high performance, resulting in a drive that is both comfortable and captivating. Producing 425-horsepower, the V8 engine pushes the Quattroporte S to a top speed of 174 mph and 0-60 mph acceleration time of just 5.3 seconds.
The Quattroporte Sport GT S is the sportier version of the Maserati Quattroporte range. Equipped with the MC-Auto Shift software package for racing-style control of gear changes, it is fitted with the most powerful engine in the Quattroporte line. The Quattroporte Sport GT S is Capable of 433 HP at 7,100 rpm and a maximum torque of 361 lt-fb at 4,750 rpha m, it raises the car's performance to unprecedented levels.

Maserati GranTurismo Convertible: Everyday Enjoyment and Daily Usability

The sporting seats of the Maserati GranTurismo Convertible have a vast array of adjustments to make the driver and passengers feel extremely comfortable. Driver benefits from a 10-way electrically adjustable seat with driver memory function and power lumbar support. Equipped with a standard comfort package, the front seats benefit from pleasant heating whether the electrically adjustable 14.8 in, three-spoke, leather sport steering wheel automatically raises and lowers when the driver's door is opened to provide easy access. The sporty driver seat and cushion are designed to comfortably support the torso and legs as well as providing the necessary safety and security at high speed cornering. The easy entry system located on the driver and passenger sides allows to automatically moving forward the front seats in order to give easy access to the rear seats.
When driving with just one passenger, the sound, performance and fluid handling of the Maserati GranTurismo Convertible can be enjoyed in exceptional comfort thanks to the optional wind-stop specifically developed for this model. The wind tunnel tested wind-stop reduces the air flow inside the passenger compartment when driving with the top down. With the wind-stop installed the air flow coming form the back is reduced by 70% while the air speed inside the compartment is reduced by 50%, resulting in a more comfortable and less windy driving experience.

Maserati GranTurismo Convertible: Interior Design and Custom Options

In the Maserati GranTurismo convertible the attention to detail is everywhere and revealed in features such as the subtle chrome inlay that elegantly decorates the dashboard and steering wheel's buttons, the hand-crafted Trident logo on the seat headrests, the Alcantara® trim lining the back of the gear shift paddles and the visible stitching in the front and rear armrest.
The GranTurismo Convertible interior is almost exclusively done with Poltrona Frau™ leather, a true expression of Italian craftsmanship thanks to the superior quality of its row material and fabrication process. The leather refined process guarantees durability, strength and a soft material. The leather is available in ten colors to offer compelling combinations for the seats, dashboard, tonneau cover, steering wheel and gear level knob, all of which can be contrasted with the colors of the thread and carpets.
Dashboard and doors panel can also be personalized: the standard dark grey trim can be tailored with darker technical colors for a more sporting feeling, whether an array of standard precious wood create the warm and elegant look of a classic Italian automobile. In the Maserati GranTurismo Convertible, clients can now choose from two additional personalization materials such as Carbalho wood, with its characteristic sectioned patterns, and Moonwood with its linear grains. Carbalho is a very unique wood from Brazil characterized by medium density and high porosity. By contrast, Moonwood is a multi-layer composite wood with a light color and pinkish grain which exceptionally suits the car interior. Even the carpets are customizable and clients can choose from seven different colors.

Maserati GranTurismo Convertible: Body, Suspension and Braking System

The Maserati GranTurismo Convertible body structure is primarily comprised of high-strength steel, with the hood and bumper reinforcements in aluminum. The rear deck lid is produced from a thermostat plastic material which reduces the weight and it is more resistant to minor damage than other materials commonly employed. The new body is the results of many computer simulations and testing. The stiffness of the new body has set a new industry benchmark by boasting a torsional rigidity frequency of 27.2 Hz which is an indication of how resistant the overall structure is to twisting under load. The vehicle strength contributes to its precise handling and it is the basis of the GranTurismo Convertible overall dynamic performance. The Convertible is a mere 221 lbs heavier than the GranTurismo coupe, allowing the vehicle to deliver the very same exceptional driving performance found in the Maserati coupe.
The Maserati GranTurismo Convertible features aluminum gas shock absorbers equipped with the Skyhook Damping System which automatically selects the best damping rate to suit the dynamic conditions, improving the absorption of road irregularities while delivering the highest level of comfort. The Skyhook system utilizes acceleration sensors which measure the movement of each wheel and the car body to then interpreting the driving and road surface conditions in order to adjust immediately the damper setting. The driver is still in control of the car's dynamics, which can be set to their own driving style via normal and sports mode. Normal mode is characterized by softer damping for the greatest comfort, while the Sport mode is more controlled with reduced roll and load transfer.

Behind the Maserati GranTurismo Technology

The Maserati GranTurismo satisfies any driving desires achieving a smooth ride as well as noise control in the interior and it is designed to reduce fuel consumption even at higher speeds. By driving a Maserati GranTurismo, the driver is behind the wheel of a car that meets the most severe anti-pollution laws without compromising performance.
The GranTurismo automatic transmission is located in the front, in line with the engine. The auto-adaptive software fitted in the Maserati GranTurismo transmission allows to automatically adjust gear changing to adapt to the different driving styles and road conditions. There are four operating modes: normal, sport, ICE and manual. When driving normally with steady acceleration, the gear changes occur at relatively low revs to achieve the most comfortable drive possible. The Sport mode is selected via the sport button to enhance gear shifts 40% faster than in the normal modeallowing drivers to fully appreciate the exhilarating performance of the GranTurismo. In the sport mode the way the Maserati Stability Control operates as well as the skyhook suspension are changed. The ICE mode is intended to be used when the tire grip is poor and helps providing traction even in the most slippery conditions. The manual mode allows achieving the maximum of the driving pleasure as well as car performance: the gears are directly selected by the driver sequentially, either via the gear shift lever of the paddles on the steering column.

Maserati GranTurismo Convertible: Introduction and Tech Specs

The Maserati GranTurismo Convertible is the latest generation of renowned Maserati convertibles and it is the first four-seat cabriolet in the Maserati's history. The car is the purest expression of Maserati open-air driving, with unmistakable design, a spacious interior for four, and superb driving performance and pleasure. Designed by Pininfarina, the GranTurismo Convertible combines the comfort and safety standards of a coupe with the excitement of the Maserati convertible driving pleasure. The car' 433 hp, 4.7 liter V8 engine and the six-speed adaptive automatic transmission with standard paddle shifters deliver thoroughbred performance and the unmistakable Maserati exhaust sound.
The soft top is designed to preserve the coupe's smooth and dynamic roofline and it is customizable in nearly endless color combinations. The three layers top fully retracts in 24 seconds and leaves the trunk capacity unchanged either with the top up or down. The vehicle optimal weight distribution contributes to deliver exceptional performance, improve handling and maintain the car's low center of gravity.
The interior of the Maserati GranTurismo Convertible is unique. The rear seat spaciousness is the best in its class, providing an overall comfort and room for four adults that are currently unachievable in other grand touring convertibles. As per Maserati tradition, the GranTurismo Convertible can be configured in endless combinations of colors and materials to ensure each owner the exclusivity in driving a truly unique car.

2012 Maserati GranTurismo S: Focus on Maserati Performance and Technology

The 2012 Maserati GranTurismo S is one of the sportier Maserati Coupe ever built by the Trident automobile marque and it has been developed for the true driving enthusiasts wishing a distinctive car that is both thrilling to drive and stylish.
The GranTurismo S is powered by a Ferrari 4.7 liter V90 ° eight cylinders engine which generates 433 bhp at 7,600 rpm and gives the car superb performance, responsiveness and personality. Maximum torque is 361 lb-ft at 4,750 rpm. The deep and full sound of the GT S engine can be appreciated thanks to the sport exhaust system, which dynamic controls prevent the engine noise to interfere with the on-board comfort and silence.
The new 6-speed paddle-shifted transmission is integrated into the rear axle whether the GT S gearbox is essential to secure high performances. The exhaust is composed by two steel headers with two pneumatic valves located near the silencers and electronically controlled by the engine's computer. When in "Sport" mode at 7,600 rpm, the V8 engine generates its full potential of 433 bhp.
The Maserati GranTurismo S' electro-actuated gearbox has six speeds, a twin plate clutch with triple cone synchronizers on the first and second gear in additionto double cones on gears. The electro-actuated transmission can be used automatic or manual. When in manual mode the gear changes are fully controlled by the driver, hence it is a driving style best suited for those preferring sportier and more involving driving experience, wishing to exploit the most of the car's performance. The automatic mode provides a smoother and more relaxing drive as it is the system deciding when to change gear and at which revs.

Maserati GranTurismo MC: Sport Line Accessories and Technical Specifications

The new Maserati GranTurismo MC symbolizes power and performance thanks to its top performing V8, 444 hp 4.7 liter engine, bolted to a six-speed automatic transmission with MC shift employing paddle shifters with quicker response and match rev downshifting. The MC version of the Maserati GranTurismo features an increase in downforce by 25 percent in front and 50 percent in rear, an aggressive rear spoiler and diffuser as well as revisions to the rockets.
The new Maserati GranTurismo MC derives from a world of competition, passion and services dedicated to those who love Maserati, its racing heritage and performance. For the more performance driven customers, the Trident Company offers an array of MC Sport line accessories to further enhance the sporty character of the new Maserati GranTurismo MC.
MC Sport Line Accessories
* Aerodynamic package in carbon finer (rear lip spoiler in carbon fiber, side mirrors in carbon fiber, doors handles in carbon finish)
* Interior carbon package (carbon finish on dash and door panels trim strips, upper door trim strip in carbon fiber)
* Interior carbon package - Evolution I (door entry guards in carbon fiber with "MC Stradale" logo, center console cabon fiber)
* Interior carbon package - Evolution II (paddles shift in carbon fiber, instrument surround in carbon fiber)
* Electro-actuated switch controls in carbon fiber
8 Steering wheel in carbon finish and black leather
* MC-Design Aluminum driving pedals (incl. dead pedal)
* 20-inch Glossy Black Neptune Design alloy wheels (8.5 J x 20" front / 10.5 J x 20" rear)
Maintenance
Maserati GranTurismo MC first service is at 12,500 miles or after two years of the vehicle's life and subsequently every 25,000 miles. Refer to owner's manual for full scheduled maintenance.