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STAND AND DELIVER

The new Maserati GranTurismo really cuts to the chase with its bigger, prettier and easier to live with outlook

Truly what we love about Maserati is its dreamy, classical styling and its hearty performances. Yet of late a few of its appearances have been very dressed down, dark sunglasses moments. The vigour has been there but not the silky sweet overlay of quality. Niggily gears, uninspiring interior and notes that were off-key have left us longing for a renaissance which we’re pleased to say the GrandTurismo incapsulates.

The elegance, flair and assertiveness of the GrandTurismo is strikingly apparent; an evocative mountain setting and Italian opera piercing through the speakers and all the theatre comes flowing back. Despite its heavier mass and longer body it tends to mask this very well due to its cool composure and delicate balance of weight, a ratio of 49:51 in bias of the rear. The way it leans in to corners may at first seem a little ungraceful but as you push for more grip and allow it to discerningly complete its arc you’ll realise its gumption matches its delivery. In sports mode with its optional Skyhook electronic dampening there is a very subtle earlier recovery although it does master tricky surfaces and sticks its wheels in firm where speed and direction threaten to contravene the other.

Designed as a Grand Tourer it makes speeds of well over 150mph seem like the norm and isn’t even hindered by the two free-loading passengers in the rear. In fact as long as you’re in to ‘clothes sharing’ or are heading to a nudist camp, it’s modestly sized boot is entirely practical too. In the backseat you can spread out without getting too familiar and due to its comfort as well as its earthy red upholstery you’ll find yourself embroiled in Pininfarina’s Italian chic. It is this passion for style and innovation that sets it apart from the BMW 6-series and the Mercedes CL-class which still seem a little corporate. With less of them to go around the GranTurismo makes even more of a statement; it doesn’t want to be as famously mainstream, instead it markets itself as an enthusiast’s brand.
Sharing its 4.2-litre V8 engine with the Quattroporte gives it a glowing optimism when it comes to putting out some serious figures. However although its top end performance is pretty scintillating, it is 0.3 seconds slower than its stable mate when taking its Sixteen foot long frame past the initial 62mph barrier. A few of the neural connections could be sharper when going down the automatic route but be a bit more forceful in your kickdowns and the rewards are maximal. The paddleshifts give you an even better grasp of its 405 horses and there’s no impertinent howlings from the engine either just meaningful warbling to accompany the picturesque surroundings.

Now when you’re prepared to blow £78,500 on a car it’s fairly likely you’ll want to exploit all its assets and experience it at its best. Perhaps take that road trip you’ve always been promising yourself, explore some of the extreme landscapes and peaceful sweeping roads across the other side of the globe. Set man’s machinery against the vast creations of the universe and indulge in a little spiritual wonder. While you’re there plant a few extra trees to make up for your carbon footprint and use the Sat Nav to pinpoint some garages along the way as the GranTurismo will only take you 20 miles for every gallon of fuel you put in.
Pick your moments to cruise around city’s like London too because although it can be quite magical late at night, the stress of someone scratching your Maserati in rush hour just isn’t fun. Parking is another nightmare because although most of the theatres have monitored car parks within walking distance, some restaurants and bars are a bit tucked away so if you’ve got a passenger with heels on expect some moaning. As you can imagine though security is top notch and you also feel very safe inside the GranTurismo due to its core structure being 30% more rigid. The stereo matches the GT’s high quality and essentials like air con will always allow you to reach a dinner date without your shirt exhibiting unsightly wet patches.

It’s certainly cool enough to get appreciated in Monaco or Dubai and because of its sporty DNA you’ll also be welcomed to places like Goodwood where it was recently entered in the Super Car Run at the Festival of Speed. So far with all the publicity, scrutiny and hard testing it’s been exposed to, the GranTurismo is fairing very well. Delivery will commence in October so you’ve got plenty of time to plan a trip that will allow you to avoid the drab English winter.

Verdict

FOR: Its masculine sculpture, racy interior, comfort levels for four adults and its finesse through the twisty stuff.
AGAINST: Its mass does numb the acceleration, although just slightly and the brakes aren’t as crisp as you may imagine. The GranTurismo could definitely do with more boot space and its fuel consumption is pretty shocking.
CONCLUSION: This luxury four-seater sports car is built for endurance as well as comfort. It’s stylish enough to excite and intrigue you and its road manners are excellent. Not quite the potent, quick responding machine that some German cars are but entirely capable all the same. The GranTurismo definitely has the edge in terms of its chic appeal and promises to be a pleasure to live with on a daily basis.

Spec

ENGINE: 4244cc V8 quad cam petrol
Co2 (g/km)/tax: 345g/km
POWER: 405bhp at 7100rpm
TORQUE (lb/ft): 339lb ft at 4750rpm
0-62mph (sec): 5.2
TOP SPEED: 177
MPG: /-/-/19.2mpg (urban/extra-urban/combined)
TRANSMISSION: Six speed manual
PRICE: £78,500
RIVALS: BMW 650i, Jaguar XKR, Mercedes CL 500