Maserati GranTurismo 4.2 V8 2dr Car Review - March 2012

The GranTurismo is powered by a 4.2 litre, V8 engine. 0-62 mph takes 5.2 seconds, with a top speed of 177 mph. The V8 engine delivers strong performance with 405bhp at 7100 rpm with a torque figure of 339 lb-ft at 4750 rpm.

The GranTurismo is a large car and, on smaller roads and tight bends, its sheer bulk makes itself apparent. It handles very well, however, with little body lean and strong grip. The steering is sharp and well weighted. A transaxle layout combines a front-mounted engine and rear-wheel drive with the weight distributed 47 per cent over the front axle and 53 per cent over the rear. Vehicle roll has been reduced by 10 per cent as a result of modified springs, bars and dampers. The ride is firm, but not uncomfortably so, and the car is comfortable enough for long journeys - even over poor surfaces.

Although the car is great even on longer journeys, there is some road noise, which will irritate after a while. You can hear the engine toiling away on the motorway as well but the melodious V8 is central to the car’s character, so it may be a sound that drivers will be willing to put up with.

This car makes a big impact. With 20-inch, 7 spoke alloy wheels the GranTurismo looks fantastic. It also sports chrome-trimmed side vents, red-painted Brembo brakes, oval section exhaust pipes, black headlights, new-design side skirts, boot-integrated rear spoiler and the gaping grille with the iconic Maserati badge.

The cabin looks great too, which is very evident the minute you get in using the electric assisted doors. There is a sporty 3 spoke steering wheel and the black fabric roof lining adds to the stylish, luxury feeling. The displays, dominated by a shift indicator, are clear and easy to read and the Trident designs on the headrests look the part, too.

Equipment wise you get front fog lights, cruise control, dual-zone climate control, rear parking sensors, CD/radio with sat-nav, and a 30 GB hard drive. There are a variety of finishes available. The finish is all you would expect from a car in this class with a strong sense of quality inside and out.

This is a two-door coupe with room for passengers in the rear, which is great for a car of this class. The boot is quite small, holding just 260 litres, but this is only to be expected.

The GranTurismo has been around since 2007 and there have been no major horror stories, so expect good reliability.

Safety equipment comes in the form of the Maserati Stability Programme (MSP) which can be turned off for track action if required. Brembo brakes come as standard and there are six airbags.

Emissions of 381 g/km are very high, and therefore this car is in the highest tax bracket (M). On top of that you only get 19.8 mpg so get used to regular trips to the petrol station. There is no beating about the bush, your wallet will feel it if you own this car - especially given the purchase price of £82,190 but if you can afford it, you will not be disappointed.