Maserati's new beastly beauty

What is it?

Maserati is keen to underline that the GranTurismo S is not a pure sportscar; instead it sees it as a sharper handling, more sporting version of its stunning grand tourer. To achieve that Maserati has gone down the usual route of tuning the suspension, adding more power (via an enlarged 4.7-litre V8 engine) and improving the brakes. A robotised paddle-shift six-speed gearbox also now features in place of the standard car's more conventional six-speed automatic.

The result is a car that has still got the long-distance credentials of its 4.2-litre relative, but one that can really thrill when the mood takes you. With its Sport button pressed the GranTurismo changes character, a bypass system in the exhaust allowing that V8 engine to really be heard, the shift speed of the paddle-shift transmission also speeding up to allow you to exploit it better. If you've got a BMW M6 or Mercedes CL 63 on your shopping list then you really should take a look at this harder-charging, shaper-focussed GranTurismo S.

Is it any good?

The GranTurismo S is arguably the best car Maserati has ever produced. Using the already impressive GranTurismo as a basis is a good start, its nicely balanced chassis easily coping with the 4.7-litre engine's increased power. The increase in grunt might look relatively modest on paper at just 35bhp, but combined with a slight growth in torque it's enough to turn the GranTurismo S into an altogether different proposition over its 4.2-litre relative. Maserati's suspension tuning inevitably has a lot to do with the change in character too, the S riding on lower, firmer suspension and larger 20-inch alloy wheels. The steering is sharper as a result, though sadly it retains the over light edgy feel around dead centre of the standard GranTurismo. Despite the S's increased focus Maserati has managed to achieve an acceptable level of ride comfort, the GranTurismo S also providing excellent grip and fine body control.

Robotised paddle-shifters used to be the stuff of Maserati owners' nightmares, but with the GranTurismo S Maserati has drafted in its Ferrari relatives to help hone the system and software. The result is a transmission that still needs some driver input to be driven completely smoothly, but one that's otherwise unrecognisable from its predecessors. It's best when you use the huge paddle shifters fixed to the steering column and with Sport mode engaged, this allowing access to the MC-Shift programme that selects the next gear in just 100 milliseconds. Do so and you'll revel in the 4.7-litre's fantastic high rev soundtrack. You don't have to be pushing the S to enjoy it though, as it delivers thrills even if you're not trying to match the 4.9 second 0-62mph time, the V8 remarkably tractable in comparison to its 4.2-litre relative. Keep that Sport button pressed and the V8 is conspicuously tuneful at everyday pace, the exhaust crackling, popping and blaring to great effect. You'll never tire of it, but if you don't want to wake up the neighbours turning the Sport button off does a quite remarkable job in silencing the big coupe. On top of all that, there are four useable seats - the fronts situated a bit too high and lacking in support - a decent-sized boot and all the equipment you could ask for.

Should I call the bank manager?

At £89,900 - or £11,500 more than the standard car - you might just have to. And that's before you start dipping into the options list. If you do then don't go for the Skyhook adaptive damping, the standard set up of the S doing the job of blending fine long distance comfort and sporting ability just fine. Actually, the standard kit list for the S is pretty comprehensive, but Maserati cheekily asks for additional money for things like Bluetooth connection and an aux-in socket - both of which should be inclusive, particularly as such equipment regularly features as standard kit on models many tens of thousands of pounds less. You might want to speak to your bank about a dedicated credit card for fuel too, as at just 17mpg on the official combined cycle (and less in reality), it's going to be financially painful to keep the S filled up.

Summary

The GranTurismo S takes everything that's good about the standard car and adds some sporting appeal. The larger, more powerful engine allows the chassis to shine, while the aural treat you get from that V8 has to be heard to be believed. Stunning to look at and relatively practical too, it's the finest Maserati to date. Admittedly, it's not quite as polished a performer as some of the competition, but more soulful and charismatic and desirable than just about anything else on the road for the same sort of money.

Kyle Fortune