The Maserati GranTurismo has always been as much about emotion as performance – a grand tourer where sound and style play starring roles. Now returning for 2026 in a new generation, it stays true to that legacy while embracing modern engineering. From its powerful twin-turbo V6 heart to the electrically augmented Folgore variant, and especially through its meticulously tuned sport exhaust system, the GranTurismo aims to engage all the senses. In this feature, we dive into the 2026 GranTurismo’s updates, examine the factory and aftermarket sport exhaust options, and explore how these shape the driving experience and character of this Italian grand tourer.
Overview of the 2026 Maserati GranTurismo
The 2026 Maserati GranTurismo Trofeo blends classic coupe proportions with modern design cues. The new GranTurismo may look familiar – and that’s by design. Maserati intentionally kept an evolutionary aesthetic; at first glance one could mistake it for its 2007-era predecessor . Upon closer inspection, however, the 2026 model features sleeker LED lighting (inspired by the MC20 supercar’s headlights and slim taillights), flush door handles, and refined aerodynamics. Notably, the second-generation GranTurismo is larger than before – about 3.4 inches longer and 4.3 inches wider – roughly the footprint of a Bentley Continental GT . Despite the growth, extensive use of aluminum, magnesium and high-strength steel in a new platform keeps weight near 4,000 lbs, only marginally above the old model . Combined with a slightly shorter wheelbase, this provides a solid foundation for improved handling without sacrificing grand-touring comfort.
Under that long sculpted hood lies Maserati’s Nettuno 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6, offered in two levels of tune. In the base Modena trim it delivers 483 hp, while in the high-performance Trofeo it’s turned up to 542 hp . Both models come with a quick-shifting 8-speed ZF automatic and (for the first time in a GranTurismo) all-wheel drive as standard . The Nettuno engine – derived from Maserati’s MC20 supercar – features innovative twin-combustion (pre-chamber) technology with Formula 1 roots, making it characterful and sonorous despite its compact size . Performance is suitably brisk for a luxury GT: the GranTurismo Trofeo launches from 0–60 mph in around 3.2 seconds , and can reach nearly 199 mph flat out . Even the “entry” Modena clips 0–60 in the mid-3-second range, illustrating how far Maserati has elevated the GranTurismo’s capabilities.
Crucially, Maserati also offers an all-electric version called the GranTurismo Folgore (“Lightning”). The Folgore packs three motors (one front, two rear) for a combined output of up to 818 hp . Visually, the Folgore is almost identical to the V6 models save for some bronze accents and the omission of tailpipes – a hint at its different soul. In lieu of a roaring exhaust, Maserati teamed with Italian sound designer Dardust to craft a synthetic symphony that plays inside and outside the Folgore, giving it a unique futuristic soundtrack . This means the classic Maserati sound now has both an old-school and new-age interpretation – throaty combustion in the V6 versions, and a sci-fi electric hum in the Folgore. As we’ll see, the exhaust system remains central to the character of the combustion models, ensuring that Maserati’s grand tourer still speaks with an Italian accent, even as it enters the electric age.
The Factory Sport Exhaust System
Maserati has made sure the new GranTurismo’s voice is as distinctive as its looks. Every 2026 GranTurismo comes standard with a Sport Exhaust System flanked by quad chrome tailpipes . This factory sport exhaust uses active valves to give the coupe a dual personality – civilized when cruising, but fierce when provoked. In Comfort or default GT mode, the valves stay mostly closed, routing exhaust through mufflers and even gasoline particulate filters (in markets where required) to keep the sound subdued. In these settings the GranTurismo remains a true luxury tourer: the powertrain is quiet and refined, with only a distant, subtle growl emanating from the rear – just enough to hint at performance without disturbing the cabin tranquility . Maserati engineers paid extra attention to sound insulation as well, so that in relaxed driving the car “almost lets you forget you’re in a nearly 200 mph machine” .
Switch over to Sport (or the Trofeo-exclusive Corsa mode) and the GranTurismo dramatically clears its throat. The exhaust valves fully open, bypassing more of the muffling, and the true character of the twin-turbo V6 comes to life. The note deepens into a baritone growl, accompanied by aggressive snorts and pops on gearshifts . One reviewer described how a quick flick of the drive mode dial awakens a snarling, blatting exhaust note from the four tailpipes, especially during rapid-fire upshifts . In the hardest Corsa setting, the car’s whole demeanor sharpens – firmer suspension, more urgent throttle – and the exhaust provides an auditory confirmation of this ferocity. Car and Driver observed that in Corsa, the GranTurismo’s tone becomes a deeper baritone boom, announcing the car’s performance intent loud and clear . This dramatic difference means the GranTurismo can transform from discreet GT to vocal sports car at the press of a button, a trait that defines its split personality.
Notably, the tone of the Nettuno V6 is very different from the outgoing model’s V8. The new engine’s soundtrack has been characterized as a raspy, hard-edged bark – reflecting its twin-turbo, high-strung nature. There are audible turbo whooshes and whistles layered beneath the exhaust note , giving the car a modern aggressive sound. Maserati deliberately tuned it to be assertive; in fact some have noted the V6 “sounds very aggressive – almost unnecessarily aggressive – like it wants everyone nearby to know it’s about performance” . That said, the factory exhaust is still somewhat muted compared to the old free-breathing V8, especially at lower revs . The Nettuno’s voice doesn’t rev to a high-pitched wail; instead it delivers a mid-range growl that suits the car’s character. Maserati’s goal was to ensure the GranTurismo still delivers an enriching exhaust note worthy of its heritage, and by most accounts, the stock system succeeds in providing a stirring soundtrack – if not quite as raw as before.
How the Sport Exhaust Shapes the Driving Experience
A grand tourer lives at the intersection of performance and luxury – and the exhaust note plays a surprisingly large role in defining that experience. In the 2026 GranTurismo, the sport exhaust system is the car’s voice, and it significantly impacts the driving character. With the valves closed in normal driving, the GranTurismo is nearly as civilized as a luxury sedan. You can cruise on the highway with minimal drone; the V6 stays in the background, and only a gentle growl accompanies steady throttle. This makes long-distance road trips relaxing, as befits a GT car. Early testers praised the ride and refinement in these modes – the Skyhook air suspension soaks up bumps, and the lack of loud exhaust roar allows the high-end Sonus Faber audio system or simply the wind noise to take center stage . In this persona, the GranTurismo shrinks around the driver as a comfortable companion. The quietness also means you won’t attract unwanted attention rolling through a sleepy village or arriving late at a hotel; it’s a gentleman when it needs to be.
However, toggle into Sport or Corsa and the driving experience transforms. The open exhaust amplifies every flex of your right foot, which in turn encourages you to drive more dynamically. Suddenly the car feels alive and extroverted – each downshift greeted with a crackle, each acceleration accompanied by that rising chorus of exhaust and turbo whistle. Many reviewers noted that switching to Sport not only quickens the steering and firms the suspension, but also gives the GranTurismo a more thrilling character thanks to the sound alone . The emotional feedback from the exhaust is immediate: it turns up the drama and communicates the engine’s eagerness. As you power out of a corner, hearing the V6 clear its throat adds to the sensation of speed, making the car feel faster and more engaging than it already is. The exhaust note in Sport mode has been described as raucous and attention-grabbing, which for many Maserati buyers is exactly the point.
One can also argue the sport exhaust adds confidence to the driving. The audible cues – a blip on downshift, the growing roar as revs rise – help the driver gauge the car’s behavior without constantly looking at the tachometer. It’s a form of feedback. And when you’re driving spiritedly, the soundtrack builds excitement, almost like a partner egging you on. This can make the GranTurismo feel smaller and more agile than its size; as one tester quipped, it “drives a whole lot smaller” partly due to the immediacy of its powertrain and sound . There’s also an undeniable sense of occasion each time you start the car or hit the Sport button – the exhaust valves open with a flourish (often producing a sharp cold-start bark), signaling that something special is about to happen. It’s these little experiential details that turn a competent GT into an emotional event every time you drive it.
In essence, the GranTurismo’s sport exhaust is integral to the driving experience, offering Jekyll-and-Hyde flexibility. It lets the car be a well-mannered grand tourer when desired, and a snarling sports machine when the mood (or road) calls for it. That dual nature – comfort meets passion – is what grand touring is all about. Maserati clearly understands this, having tuned the stock system to deliver on both fronts. And for those who want to dial the drama up to eleven, the exhaust upgrades available ensure the driving experience can be as visceral and characterful as one could wish, without losing the underlying civility that makes the GranTurismo a car you can truly drive every day.
Enthusiast and Early Tester Reactions
Unsurprisingly, the 2026 GranTurismo’s exhaust note has quickly become a talking point among enthusiasts and journalists alike. Maserati aficionados who cherished the sound of the outgoing model have been keen to see (and hear) how the new one measures up. Early reactions paint an interesting picture: many appreciate the effort Maserati put into the V6’s sound, though some are divided on whether it’s truly better.
Professional reviewers have generally praised the Nettuno V6 for retaining a sense of occasion. Car and Driver, for instance, lauded the engine as “both characterful and sonorous,” remarking that its unique F1-inspired twin-combustion system gives it a lively spirit and that in Sport mode it “belts out a baritone exhaust note” that suits the car . In test drives through Italy’s countryside, the consensus was that the GranTurismo still makes you smile when you hear it. One DuPont Registry writer noted that while quieter than the old model, the new Trofeo’s exhaust has a raspy note with wooshing turbos that is plenty engaging, especially since the chassis and drive experience have improved so much . In other words, the sound is one part of a very balanced GT experience, and it still delivers the emotional hook expected of a Maserati.
Others, however, feel there is room for improvement. A detailed review from Acceleramota listed “needs more l o u d from the exhaust” as one of the few drawbacks of the GranTurismo, suggesting that while the stock system is decent, it could be more outspoken . That author loved the car overall but hinted that an aftermarket exhaust (or a factory sport exhaust option, if offered later) would unlock even more drama. In the same vein, they quipped that “it’s a bit muted… Nothing companies like Akrapovic or Novitec can’t fix” , directly pointing to the aftermarket for the ultimate solution. This encapsulates a common viewpoint in the enthusiast world: the GranTurismo sounds good stock, but could sound truly great with a freer-flowing exhaust. And given how new the model is, many are excited to see videos of modified GranTurismos to judge for themselves. Indeed, clips comparing the old V8 vs new V6 exhaust have already surfaced, with mixed verdicts – some vote for the timeless wail of the old engine, others for the bombastic crackle of the new one . It’s a testament to Maserati that the debate is even happening, considering the inherent advantage a V8 has in charisma.
One area where virtually all agree is that the electric Folgore, while impressive, can’t replace the auditory joy of the petrol versions. The Folgore’s sci-fi soundscape is interesting, even cool in its own right, but as one commenter humorously noted, if you grew up loving the roar of Italian engines, an EV “won’t rattle the bricks of ancient structures” or stir the soul in quite the same way . That puts extra onus on the Modena and Trofeo to carry the flag for Maserati’s aural tradition – a job they largely fulfill.
Conclusion
Overall, early reactions suggest that Maserati struck a reasonable balance. The new GranTurismo’s exhaust note is engaging enough to feel special (and clearly recognizable as a Maserati to those in the know ), yet it leaves some enthusiasts hungry for a bit more – a gap the aftermarket is already stepping in to fill. As one seasoned Maserati owner summarized on a forum: the V6 doesn’t purr like the old V8 – it barks and booms – but it’s louder than the V8 for sure, just a different kind of music . For a brand so tied to emotional grand touring, that different music is still sweet to many ears. And with the GranTurismo platform being as good as it is, the general sentiment is excitement – excitement to hear one on a rally stage, through a tunnel, or fitted with an exotic exhaust, and to witness Maserati continue its symphony of speed into the modern era.
In conclusion, whether it’s the stock bark of the Nettuno V6 or the amplified howl of a tuned system, the 2026 Maserati GranTurismo proves that the soundtrack remains central to the car’s appeal. It may be a new generation – downsized and digitized – but when you bury the throttle and hear that Italian exhaust note flare up, it’s clear the GranTurismo still speaks fluent Maserati, loud and proud. And for enthusiasts, that sound might be worth the price of admission alone.
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