2009 Maserati GranTurismo
2009 Maserati GranTurismo
There is a famous phrase that states, “All roads lead to Rome”. What is generally meant by this is all paths lead to the center of things. This was particularly true in ancient times as every street radiated outwards from the capital city of Rome, Italy.
In a similar way, automotive journalists can be fairly certain at least once a year our path will take us in the direction of Monte Carlo. For luxury car companies, it is the modern day destination of choice.
So it was I found myself once again traveling to the always fashionable Principality of Monaco. What made this trip unique, however, was that I was not starting my journey from North America and traveling by plane. Instead, I would make the trek beginning in Lugano, Switzerland and drive the eye-catching 2009 Maserati GranTurismo S.
The Maserati GranTurismo S is a stunning achievement by the vaulted automaker from Modena, Italy. Purchased in 1993 by Fiat S.p.A., Maserati has taken full advantage of its relationship with former competitor Ferrari and now boasts one of the most powerful and fun-to-drive luxury sport coupes in the market.
Performance comes in the form of a 4.7-litre V8. Maximum horsepower is rated as 433 @ 7,000 rpm. Torque is equally impressive at 361 lb.-ft. All this power underfoot leads to a top speed rating of 295 km/h. Zero to 100 km/h is achieved in just 4.9 seconds.
What differentiates the GranTurismo S from its Italian stablemate is value for dollars spent. This is especially true when you consider the engine is built exclusively for Maserati by Ferrari. Priced at around $155,000 Canadian, by comparison the 2009 Ferrari California is expected to command an additional $80,000 for a similarly equipped, albeit removable hardtop, coupe.
Lugano, Switzerland generally flies under the radar, but those in the know, see it for what it is; one of the wealthiest cities in Europe. Villa Principe Leopoldo Hotel & Spa, a notable member of Relais & Chateaux, overlooks pristine Lake Lugano and the surrounding city in a picturesque setting near the Italian Alps.
Featuring 37 rooms in The Villa, plus an additional 38 large room in The Residence, guests are treated like royalty. Built in the late 19th Century by Kaiser Wilhelm’s brother-in-law, the two-storey main building arches slightly outwards forming two distinct wings. An octagonal fountain takes center stage on the rear garden terrace. To the one side is the prestigious Principe Leopoldo Restaurant. Manicured trees and spectacular floral arrangements surround an outdoor pool on the other.
Accommodations vary in style, but all offer plenty of room to relax and enjoy the expansive view outside. New to the resort, Kiso Spa indulges with a full complement of services ranging from the Afabla Massage (the star of massages) to a diamond dust body scrub. Pampering is an art form this hotel takes very seriously.
It is difficult for many who live on this side of the Atlantic to imagine countries being so close together and easily accessible. Leaving Lugano, it took less than 90 minutes to reach Milan, Italy. But given the rate of speed allowed on many European highways and the power available in the Maserati GranTurismo S, the trip was long enough to put a big smile on my face.
Driving this immensely capable coupe on the open road is sheer bliss. Near perfect weight distribution is one of reasons why the GranTurismo S handles so well. Steering wheel mounted paddle-shifters stir the 6-speed twin-disc clutch to action. Pushing buttons on the dash allows the driver to adjust settings between Auto and Sport.
A brief one night stay at the Carlton Hotel Baglioni, Milan provided the opportunity to stretch our legs where many of the finest shops in Europe hold court. Here, the trends of today are featured at Prada, Armani and Versace to name a few. This stands in sharp contrast to the heritage of Milan so gracefully on display at the Teatro alla Scala and Duomo located within easy walking distance from the hotel.
Featuring fine dining at Restaurant Baretto al Baglioni or casual fare at The Caffè Baglioni, the superlative Carlton Hotel Baglioni, Milan offers an onsite spa, fitness centre and uniquely sized rooms and suites for all tastes. High-style runs throughout the hotel and continues as you step outside to explore the city.
It took much longer than expected to leave Milan as we became completely disoriented in its intricate maze of streets. Back on the highway, the sweet sounds of the V8 engine soon had my full attention. Coupled with the optional Skyhook suspension, an alternative to fixed rate dampers, high-speed highways and corners are no match for a capable driver behind the wheel.
Ferrari provides the muscle for the GranTurismo S but Maserati gives it soul. Even in jaded Monte Carlo later in the day, heads turned as we passed Casino Square where Lamborghini’s, Rolls-Royce’s and Aston Martin’s of every vintage occupy parking spaces.
Arriving at Hotel Metropole Monte-Carlo, valet attendants escorted us through the elegant gate towards a canopied entrance. Lavish rooms and suites decorated by celebrated interior designer Jacques Garcia provide the perfect setting from which to explore the principality. A new ESPA features 8 treatment rooms and 2 suites, a “Heat Experience” area, seawater swimming pool and more. Fine dining is served in the hotel at the revered restaurant Joël Robuchon Monte-Carlo.
A trip from Lugano, Switzerland to Monte Carlo is a wonderful experience no matter how you get there. To have the opportunity to drive a magnificent automobile such as the 2009 Maserati GranTurismo S made it even more extraordinary.
Summary:
Strong Points
Weak Points
- - engine
- - transmission
- - brakes
- - style
- - somewhat harsh ride
- - sports car fuel economy
Editors Rating:
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