Once we get past the eye-candy in these images, we're immediately struck by a burning sense of annoyance. It was only last Friday when game creator Kazunori Yamauchi announced GT5 would be yet again delayed, this time all the way until March of 2010, now it would seem they're dropping images to distract from that fact. The whole thing is starting to feel more like a protracted PR hustle than an actual lead up to the release of a flagship game for the PS3. Here's a recommendation for Polyphony: instead of endlessly hyping glossy rendered photos and news of game content, just get down to the business of finishing the damn game. It's getting tiresome. OK, /rant. [GTPlanet]

We knew the day would finally come when Planelopnik and Jalopnik would finally mix, but thanks to our boy Aaron, that day came sooner than we thought. Cha-ching!! Apparently the two Ferrari F430s and this Maserati Gran Turismo are being unloaded in Hong Kong for a local auto show. We say f&@k the economic crisis and it seems that we're not the only ones as evidenced by the image below. Do you think they get double the air miles for something like this?
[via Airliners]

Until this point, the bigger, badder V8 only got an electronically actuated auto or a row-your-own transmission, leaving the auto to the weaker 4.2 liter V8. Now the trident throwers at Maserati are swapping in a ZF 6 speed auto for those too excited by involving transmissions.

In addition to the transmission news, Motor Trend is reporting the drop top version of the Gran Turismo will be popping up at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show so now you can get the drop dead gorgeous GT with a the open air driving of a drop top. We'll be looking forward to seeing that little gem when it hits the stands.

MASERATI GRANTURISMO S AUTOMATIC TO BE UNVEILED AT THE GENEVA AUTO SHOW

Modena, February 23rd, 2009 – True to Maserati's commitment to introduce a new model at each international car show, the GranTurismo S Automatic will première at the next Geneva Auto Show. The new Maserati GranTurismo S Automatic features a 4.7 V8 which develops 440hp (323kW) at 7000rpm. The maximum torque is 490Nm at 4,750rpm.

The major novelty is the combination of the automatic transmission with the most powerful wet sump Maserati V8 on the GranTurismo – until now offered as 4.2 l with automatic transmission and 4.7 l with an electro-actuated gearbox. Thanks to the combination of the 323kW produced by the powerful 4.7l V8 engine and the smoothness of the ZF 6-speed automatic gearbox, the Maserati GranTurismo S Automatic remains consistent with the original granturismo concept while at the same time offering peak performance.

The gearshift strategy applied to the Maserati GranTurismo S Automatic inherits some widely appreciated elements of the Quattroporte Sport GT S, such as the elimination of the kick-down in Manual mode.

The Skyhook suspension system featuring continuously adjustable dampers provides great driving comfort. Passive safety is further enhanced thanks to the introduction on the GranTurismo range of a new generation passenger air-bag with Low Risk Deployment functionality.

Consistent with the unmistakable design of all Maseratis, the Maserati GranTurismo S Automatic features some marked stylistic differences which make it immediately recognisable: the new under-door mini-skirts featuring a prominent shape, which enhances the dynamism of its profile and the new 20" wheel rims with "Trident" design, which recall the strength and elegance of the car.

A further enriched equipment increases the on board pleasure for the driver and the three passengers, thanks to the Bluetooth® Wireless Technology, offered as standard, and the iPod® interface, available upon request, which complete the Maserati Multi Media System.

[Sources: Maserati, MT]