Inspired by the Pininfarina dreamcar, the Birdcage 75th, and by "the oval mouth-like grille of vintage sports cars", the GranTurismo was born of a perfect fusion between innovative and traditional elements masterly combined by Pininfarina to define "the exclusive character of this coupé".

According to author Silvia Baruffali, with the GranTurismo, Maserati wanted "to give an image that was both consistent with the values of the marque and innovative in a clearly Italian style". This intention is clearly expressed by the exterior as well as by the interior of the car. A detailed observation of GranTurismo sketches from the Pininfarina Design Centre reveals the Trident styling cues: "more tied to tradition in the front view, with its vertical blade, concave oval grille, the GranTurismo is more innovative in the rear with the new triangular lighting clusters". To testify the styling consistency within the Maserati range, "the typical elbow shape that also characterises the Quattroporte, the wing marked by the three air outlet holes" and "the transmission tunnel which echoes the solution recently adopted for the Quattroporte Automatic", to name but a few.

"Classic in its proportions and in some of its styling cues", the GranTurismo is "a contemporary interpretation of the great Italian sports coupe'".