New Maserati GranTurismo S Automatic - Live Photos from Geneva

The debate is still on here at Carscoop whether or not the GranTurismo is hotter than the brunette model that accompanied the show car, but while we try to come to a conclusion let us see the latest Maserati in detail. For the first time, the Italian automaker is offering an automatic transmission (6-speed) on the sportiest variant of the GranTurismo, the S, which comes with a 4.7-liter V8 making 440HP at 7000 rpm and 490Nm of torque at 4750 rpm.

Like the stick-shift GranTurismo S, the Automatic features some discreet stylistic changes which distinguish it from the 4.2-liter V8 model such as the new under-door mini-skirts featuring a prominent shape and new 20-inch wheel rims.

Maserati GranTurismo S Automatic to Debut in Geneva

Keeping its promise to introduce a new model at each international car show, Maserati has just announced that the GranTurismo S Automatic will make its world premiere at next month's Geneva Motor Show. The latest addition in the GranTurismo's range combines a 6-speed automatic transmission with the most powerful version of the firm's V8 engine that produces a hefty 440-horsepower at 7000rpm and 490Nm of torque at 4,750rpm from a capacity of 4.7-liters.

Furthermore, the Maserati GranTurismo S Automatic inherits some 'sporty' elements of the Quattroporte Sport GT S, such as the elimination of the kick-down in Manual mode.

Other than that, the GranTurismo S Automatic features the same stylistic differences as the manual gearbox model like the new under-door mini-skirts featuring a prominent shape and the new 20-inch wheel rims.

Alfa Romeo 8c Competizione Recalled Along with Maseratis in the US

A few dozens of extremely fortunate American owners of one of the world's hottest sports cars, the Alfa Romeo 8c Competizione, will have to return their Italian beauty for a quick fix after it was discovered that certain models were manufactured with incorrectly torqued front and rear suspension upper and lower ball joint nuts. The recall also affects MY 2008 Maserati Gran Turismo and Quattroporte which share the same platform with the Alfa.

Overall, 7,912 Maseratis and Alfa 8c Competiziones will be recalled in the States. While the Italian automaker did not reveal specific numbers, we do know for a fact that only 84 Alfas were allocated in the U.S.

Maserati said that the incorrectly torqued ball joint nuts may loosen with consequent steering wheel vibration, a growing metallic noise and progressive loss of driving precision in the transients. According to the Italian automaker, continued use of the vehicle in these conditions may lead to damage of the suspension lever, which in the long term and depending on vehicle usage, may cause the ball joint/suspension arm to break.

The firm's dealers will inspect the torque of the front/rear upper and lower ball joint nuts and, if necessary, replace the suspension arms and hub carrier. The recall is expected to begin during February 2009. Concerned U.S. owners may contact Maserati for more information at 1-201-816-2600.