Maserati GranTurismo a trend-setting performer

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By Victor O. Adams AUTOSENSE

When shopping for a high end sports car, you may want to buck a trend common to those with deep pockets, as many of the well heeled are predisposed to buying Italian when they want the ultimate sports machine.

Ferrari, the "Prancing Horse" brand from Maranello, Italy, is usually the Italian marque folks think of for that purchase. But after testing the new Maserati GranTurismo, their thinking could be misguided.

Why? Because pound for pound, Maserati is Italy's heavyweight champion.

Consider this: Where can you buy a sports car that accelerates from 0-62 mph in just 5.1 seconds, has incredible, head snapping styling and retails for about $110,000? I know of just two sources – Audi, who would sell you an R8 two-seater if they had any more left, and Maserati, with the breathtaking GranTurismo 2+ 2 Coupe. "Cheap" Ferraris retail for much more than that.

Before we break down the capabilities of the GranTurismo, let's first look at a very strategic affiliation in the "Trident" marque's history. In 1997, Maserati parent company Fiat sold a 50% stake of Maserati to arch-rival Ferrari. Think of Mercedes-Benz selling 50% of Audi to BMW and you get the picture. In 1999, Ferrari took full control, making Maserati its luxury division.

In 2005, Maserati was separated from Ferrari and brought back under Fiat's full control. Ferrari is widely credited with restoring Maserati's legendary image, and infusing new technology into the brand. The GranTurismo, while a true Maserati, certainly benefits from the association, with its Ferrari derived 4.2-liter V8 engine making 405 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque.

Needless to say, this is a very fast sports car. It stops in equally impressive fashion, as massive brake calipers clamp down on large brake discs.

But the real story with this car is the breathtaking styling. Designed by the noted Italian firm Pinninfarina, the GranTursimo oozes sex appeal. The GranTurismo's styling was inspired by the 1953 Maserati A6GCS Coupe and the Birdcage 75 Show Car. Let's start up front, where a large, oval shaped grille surrounds the Trident Maserati logo. The grille looks exceptionally imposing, like the mouth of a seaborne predator. Slanted headlights highlight the front end's ultra-aggressive stance. Along the sides, real portholes adorn the front quarter panels. The side look is long and sleek, as the short rear overhang really accentuates the long hood lines. A low roof line enhances the styling, but does not compromise the generous headroom inside. Nineteen inch wheels fill up the wheel wells, and finish off the seductive, muscular look. That the tester was finished in black only served to reinforce the power that is the GranTursimo.

The GranTurismo's interior is full luxe, with DVD based navigation, dual zone climate control, fine leathers and premium audio. But the only thing you'll want to do when you enter the cabin is turn off the stereo and drop the windows so you can hear the mellifluous song the V8 engine sings. This car is all about performance. The only drawback to the GranTurismo is the "insurance" back seat. No, it's not fit for humans back there. If you must transport more than one other person, you'll find no appreciable loss of style or performance by selecting the four door Maserati Quattroporte, which also features the 4.2-liter V8.

And if you want more performance, then the 4.7-liter V8 in the GranTursimo S is for you. With 433 horsepower and 360 pound-feet of torque, the "S" amplifies and already great

At about $110,000 base, and about $115,000 when you factor in the gas-guzzler tax, dealer prep and destination charges, the GranTurismo is more than just a trend setter – It's an incredible performance value.