Maserati Masterpiece – Granturismo Driven

Every year, the SMMT holds a drive day in Yorkshire. It’s a chance to catch up with industry friends and colleagues, but most importantly there are cars to drive. This year the good folk at Maserati were in attendance and they bought along a brace of beauties for our driving pleasure and no surprise, I made a beeline for them.

Brightening up a gloomy day was the GranTurismo Trofeo, resplendent in ‘Rosso Granturismo Fuoriserie,’ a rather fab and somewhat costly shade of red. It’s a breathtaking design and one which managed to turn heads on my brief stint behind the wheel.

Under that long, sculpted bonnet lies a 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 engine, affectionately dubbed 'Nettuno'. While it may lack the operatic vocals of its V8 predecessor, this powerplant is no slouch. With 550hp on tap, it propels the GranTurismo Trofeo from 0-62mph in a mere 3.5 seconds.

The engine revs eagerly to its 8000rpm redline, delivering a guttural growl that builds to a thrilling crescendo. Using the performance to the full is not something for the public highway, especially with a top speed just a smidgen under 200mph.

Restraint was required on the motorway section of my short test route, though the outside lane seemed to empty before me. Perhaps all were keen to take a look at this rarest of cars.

Soon I was on my twisty section of road and despite tipping the scales at nearly 1.8 tonnes, the GranTurismo Trofeo displayed remarkable agility. With the standard air suspension in comfort mode, it wafts along motorways with the grace of a luxury saloon. Switch to Sport or Corsa, and the car hunkers down, ready to attack corners with surprising vigour.

The steering is light but direct, allowing you to place the car with precision. Up to 90% of the power can be sent to the rear wheels, giving the GranTurismo a playful character when pushed. It's a car that will encourage you to seek out the long way home, just for the sheer joy of driving.

Step inside, and you're greeted by an interior that blends traditional luxury with modern technology. The leather-clad seats are supremely comfortable, perfect for long-distance cruising. The driving position is spot-on, giving you a commanding view over that long bonnet. However, it's not all roses. Some of the switchgear feels a tad cheap for a car in this price bracket, and the gear selector buttons are frustratingly fiddly. The rear seats are best reserved for small children or designer luggage.

The GranTurismo Trofeo comes loaded with gadgets to keep tech-savvy buyers happy. A 12.2-inch digital instrument cluster is complemented by a 12.3-inch infotainment screen. The system is generally intuitive, though it lacks some of the polish found in German rivals. One clever touch is the central clock, which can transform into a compass or g-meter depending on your driving mode. It's a neat blend of old-school charm and modern functionality.

Where the GranTurismo Trofeo will undoubtedly excel is in its ability to devour long distances with effortless ease. The ride quality is excellent, ironing out road imperfections without feeling overly soft. Wind and road noise are kept to a minimum, allowing you to enjoy conversations as I did with my passenger.

Fuel economy, as you might expect, is not this car's strong suit. I managed around 22mpg during my spirited testing, but let's be honest, if you're spending north of £160,000 on a Maserati, you're probably not too concerned about fuel costs.

The Maserati GranTurismo Trofeo is a car that tugs at the heartstrings. It's not perfect – the interior quality could be better, and some rivals offer sharper handling. But there's an emotional appeal here that's hard to quantify. It's a car that will make every journey an event, whether you're popping to the shops or embarking on a cross-continent adventure.

The GranTurismo Trofeo proves that in a world of increasingly clinical performance cars, there's still room for a bit of Italian passion and flair. If you're in the market for a grand tourer that can thrill on demand yet cosset you in luxury, the Maserati GranTurismo Trofeo deserves a place on your shortlist. Just be prepared for some envious glances.

Fast Facts

Maserati GranTurismo Trofeo
List price £159,630
As tested £212,060
2993cc 6-cylinder V6 engine
550hp and 650Nm torque
8-speed automatic transmission
0-62mph in 3.5 seconds
Top speed 199mph
Combined economy 27.9-28.2mpg

Key Options

Rosso paint - £29,160
Astreo Diamond Cut Alloys - £2,880
ADAS base package - £3,480
ADAS package (level 2) - £3,480
Tech assistance pack - £2,400
Sport Design package - £1,130
Sonus sound system - £3,360