Vehicle: 2009 Maserati Gran Turismo S
Price as tested: CDN$136880

Performance: When Gran Turismo first introduced, it was only available with one powertrain. That is an already exceptional 4.2 liter DOHC 32-valve V8 with 405 hp and 339 lb/ft of torque, respectively. Maserati engineers just can’t stop to make a good thing even better. For 2009, GT will come with an optional uplevel powertrain with 500 more cc. What this extra displacement does also add a dose of horses and torque. 433hp and 361 lb/ft to be exact. Although 28 hp and 22 lb/ft more than the “base” GT doesn’t sound like much, in the real life, it makes a big difference. With maximum torque arrives at 4750rpm for the S really makes this a real screamer. Both cars do come with a sexy exhaust note that only Italian can. If you think the 405hp version’s top end as eager, 433hp is just an astonishing beast when pushed through the rev range. All without sacifice the usual engine refinement and quality that one expects from those Italian engineers. GT-S is only available with one gearbox. That is the nifty MC shift, which is sort of similar to those F1 sequential gearbox. In the “normal” mode, the shifts are quick. When you check up to “sport”, its blindingly quick. This gearbox not only provides efficient shifts that matched with these powertrain’s enthuiastic character, it also have as much character as driving a manual gearbox. The result is a gearbox that combines the virtunes of manual without losing the daily comfort of an automatic with ultimate efficiency. That’s why this kind of sequential is the gearbox of the future.

Handling: Although Maserati claims the GT as more of a grand tourer than a true sports car. It actually feels like a sports car that rides like a grand tourer. In order to produce a great coupe, this GT begins with a strong and stout chassis. Then give it a well-caliberated suspension and springs that combined virtually flawless ride and handling compromise. The part that really seal the deal for me is the optional Skyhook system. When put into “sport” mode, it really transforms the GT-S from a grand touring coupe into a true sports coupe. The body rolls are almost non-existence. Thanks to GT-S’s rear-drive 50/50 weight distribution, its overall balance also contributes to why its lack of oversteer when pushed really hard into a corner. There is a slight safe understeer but nothing really shows up thanks to the excellent stability control called Maserati Stability Program. Steering is sharp and precise, with great road feel and weight. It all have done without losing the grand touring comfort Maserati claims it to be. Its truly a Grand Turismo with a touch of Sport flavor adds, especially if you opt for the optional Skyhook system. An option that worths every pennies.

Brakes: GT’s braking performance is nothing to be ashamed when compare to other sports cars in this segment. The stopping distance is short and pedal feel is top-notch. The ABS doesn’t act as any unnecessary intervention when it isn’t needed to step in. Maserati also adds an electronic braking force control to the mix as an added bonus.

Interior: When you are paying $130 grand for a Maserati, you expect the best when slip behind the wheel. The GT is no exception. It all starts with a great set of leather sports seats and an user-friendly dashboard with logical layout. All have done with the Italian flair instead of those sensiblites one associate with German rivals. Everything else from the dashboard to the door panel are stitched in superb leather materials. It looks classy and sporty at the same time.

For a grand touring coupe, GT’s backseat is a bit tight especially its headroom. That’s primarily because of the sleek C-pillars cut into rear passenger’s headroom.

Conclusion: Both the Gran Turismo and Gran Turismo S represent the best of design talent and engineering excellence. When you compare their prices to the competitions, it also represents a lot of value for money in the overall packaging. The bottom end? They offer both Italian passions and romance which truly lack in this segment.

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2009 Maserati Gran Turismo/Gran Turismo S
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Performance: 5/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 5/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 4.5/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 5/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 4/5
Value-for-money: 5/5

Overall rating: 4.75/5