Dream Test Drive: 2013 Maserati Gran Turismo Sport

My list of desired cars is constantly growing, but there is one that has been sitting at the top spot for quite some time: A Maserati

Today, I present to you the car that I crave like no other: The 2013 Maserati Gran Turismo Sport.
It seems that professional drivers and experienced motor journalists love to rip on the Maserati for its lack of performance, low numbers, heavy weight, and so on.

But I am not either of them, and today I was thankful for that, as all I wanted to do was to enjoy this vehicle and that's something that Maserati can deliver like no other car.

It starts with the looks.  No matter which angle you look at it from, it just looks stunning, everybody knows it's a Maserati, it's shape just screams exclusivity and boyish fun at the same time.  Not a lot of cars achieve that.

Once inside you simply fall in love with the fine leather seats, soft to touch steering wheel, and general finish of the cabin.  Surprisingly there is plenty of room in the rear, and there is even enough space in the trunk for a pair of golf bags.  One significant let down is the quality of the navigation head unit.  I haven't seen anything that horrible since 90's Mitsubishi.

But you simply forget about that as you turn the key and hear the Ferrari Manufactured 4.7L V8 rev up, burble and gently rumble at idle.

Once you I was off  the orchestra from the 8 cylinders in the front accompanied by the bass from the 4 organ pipes of the exhaust in the rear penetrated my entire body with amazing harmony of acceleration and gear changes. Despite 1880 kg of kerb weight and only about 454 HP, it still can still throw quite a punch.  It blasts off the line while throwing the driver in to the seat, brakes are precise and linear while steering is responsive and predictable. 

The car is very easy to drive, and it lets you have a bit of fun too.  Traction control is configured to allow a hint of a wheel spin at corner exits, but still keeps everything stable and in control, the sport button tightens steering, suspension and engine response, it also opens a valve in the exhaust for that extra acoustics and it is indeed magnificent.

As we entered the ultimate orchestra hall, also  known as a tunnel in central Tokyo, I just had to open the windows and let the car sing, and it did so with high variety of highs and lows making me feel alive.

No other car brand can deliver sound like that, and without a bit of noise how can a car generate any kind of emotion in the driver? Just like a musician becomes part of his music as he feels the instrument with every cell in the body, a Maserati driver gets absorbed in the process of driving, enjoying it more than anything in the world.

I don't care that it is slower than its rivals around Nurgburgring, as a matter of fact, that's a good thing, as the longer it takes the more the driver gets to enjoy it.
 

Cost of ownership
1/5
The 4.7L V8 engine is thirsty and it requires maintenance of a true sport car.  Once beyond warranty repair costs can go through the roof.
  

Practicality
3/5
For a grand tourer it has lots of space in the back and a large trunk. This car is easy to drive and visibility is good.  It does makes sense to own it, if you are in the right tax bracket of course
Appeal
5/5
It's a Maserati, it's got class, it's beautiful, and it sounds amazing, it can change lifestyle.
Fun factor
5/5
While not the fastest car around the track, it doesn't have to be.  It may get overtaken by a GTR, M3, or even a Boxster, and all of these cost a fraction of the Gran Turismo, but Maserati driver will always have the biggest grin.  

A big shout out to Maserati Meguro show room for letting me drive this masterpiece.
Maserati Gran Turismo Sport is on sale starting from 17.5 Million Yen.