Stunning Italian stallion

When the moon hits your eye like a big pizza pie, that’s amore … a tad cliché I’ll admit, but that’s the tune that went through my head when I was handed the key to a gleaming Maserati GranTurismo Sport (GTS) to drive around for the day.

I’m an avid fan of all things Italian, the food, the culture and, oh, yes, the cars!
The Maserati GTS is a sight to behold, a true Italian masterpiece that has been sculpted to perfection. Sleek curves, seductive lines, delicate contours and an aggressive front grille give this mean machine a real presence.

Inside is no exception, the model I drove had a vibrant red leather interior; each part stitched with precision and care to create a stunning cabin. New front and rear seats not only improve and update the model’s look, but also provide better support as well as optimised comfort for the driver and passengers on longer journeys.

It has all the bells and whistles you’d expect from a supercar including Bluetooth hands-free telecommunication, satellite navigation, traffic display MP3 player as well as the standard CD and AM/ FM radio.

It’s almost impossible to describe the joy I felt the second I turned the key and this beast began to roar. An ear-to-ear grin shot across my face almost as fast as this model goes from 0-100kmph, 4.7 seconds.

The F1-inspired gearbox is a fantastic feature that really sets this model apart from its rivals. Everything is done via the paddle shifters behind the wheel and two buttons marked R and 1. Simply pull the shifters towards you once and you’re in neutral, then select 1 to go forward or R to reverse, simple.

If you decide to switch to manual, which is pretty much a given when driving this car, the paddles a swift and responsive.

The Maserati GTS has what can best be described as a Jekyll and Hyde personality. The drivability is undeniable, it’s smooth, controlled and responsive. However, the second I hit the sport mode button, it was a game changer and the monster was unleashed.

The steering became stiffer and the throttle response became sharper which delivered a more aggressive drive, and the noise … oh the beautiful noise.

In the Sport-Manual mode, the exhaust gases are diverted down a shorter route to the exhaust tips, generating a richer and more intense exhaust note. Let’s just say that if pop singers hit notes like that, I might start listening to the radio again.

Under the bonnet, is a 4.7-litre V8 engine, which launches the GTS from 0-100kmph in just 4.7 seconds and reaches a top speed of 300kmph.

Available with both six-speed automatic and electro-actuated transmissions, the GTS also delivers a new generation of the Sport Skyhook active damping system and dual-cast brakes for maximum stopping power.

Make no mistake about it; this is a car that commands two things, respect and attention.
 
When I found a great open stretch on the highway I zoomed along with conviction and anyone in front of me quickly moved lanes to let me pass so they could get a better look at this Italian stallion.

The Maserati GTS delivers such a powerful and visceral drive that it’s heart-breaking to drive anything else afterwards… something I learned the hard way when I returned the car and got back into my trusty old banger. The best way to compare it is flying first class in a private jet, then being downgraded to economy on a budget airline on the way home.

Prices start from BD47,000.

Euro Motors are offering five years service/ 100,000km and five years warranty/ unlimited mileage offer until the end of February.

For details, call 17750750.